Why Is It So Hard to Get a Job and How Can I Overcome It?

If you've been struggling to find jobs lately, know that you are not alone. Remote work has been the staple concept this year and shows no signs of stopping in 2021. Considering the current situation and how hard it is to find a job, you may be wondering if you should continue sending in your resumes or assume that hiring has come to a stop.

The truth is, you should not stop applying and networking. If you are looking for a job during these difficult times, there are several strategies you need to have to stand out from the crowd.

Why is it so hard to get a job?

There's no denying that the Covid-19 crisis and its economic fallout has made the job market bleak for nearly a year now. Well, finding a job is hard these days but not impossible. Here are several factors that come into play in the difficulty of finding a job.

• Your essential documents aren't up to par

  The first thing you need to check if you are not hearing back after applying for jobs is your resume and cover letters. Resume mistakes can give a bad first impression or even cost you the job – so be sure to carefully proofread it.

  Many employers now use applicant tracking system software to process applications so it's better to learn how to use keywords in your resume and cover letter to fit the job. This ensures your documents pass the screening software and end up in the hands of the hiring managers.

• You do not network online

  Today, you'll need to find a new networking strategy. Reaching out to other people for opportunities is one of the most critical steps to take. Since everyone is stuck at home, there are many opportunities to connect with people in your niche. Even if hiring isn't available now, you are planting a seed for your future.

• You are not branching out to other industries

  If you've been finding jobs for quite some time but to no avail, it might be a sign to look for jobs in other industries. If you know your industry will take a long time to recover, it makes sense to look for other alternatives. For example, the airline industry sees the highest retrenchment rate, and we see those affected are looking for jobs unrelated to their previous jobs.

• Your skills do not match the jobs you are applying for

  You need to know where your skills are in demand. If you don't have a particular skill, learn and work on bolstering your qualifications. If you lack more than half the skills the position requires, you will have difficulty finding a job.

• You face a great challenge competing with others for one position

  Do you know for each position; employers will receive hundreds of resumes? And among the hundreds, more than half will be rejected by the applicant tracking systems. Only a few top candidates will be selected for interviews, and one person will make it to the end. So, if you don't stand out from the crowd, you're not going to make it to the end.

• Companies are recruiting less, and interviews are at a halt due to the pandemic

  Companies may not be actively hiring today because they are considering the virtual transition of their business. But they will be, sooner than you think. Those who have already started networking with recruiters or companies will have the upper hand when hiring begins again. When you are fully prepared, it makes finding a job a bit easier.

• You are not prepared for a virtual interview

  Now that interviews are conducted online, you need to be comfortable with getting interviewed virtually. You also need to be familiar with the technology used for online interviews, such as Zoom or Google Meet. Make sure to have it downloaded and test it beforehand. Attend the interview just like you would face-to-face.

• You have a stubborn mindset

  Practically everything has changed ever since the pandemic started. From the way we socialize to the way we work. If your mindset is the same as before, you will have a hard time finding a job. Stay positive and work towards improving your job hunt every step of the way. Each time you progress, you're one step closer to landing a job!

• You are short of experience

  First, you need to accept that specific jobs require a certain amount of experience to obtain. But if you do not have relevant or prior experience, you are going to say, “Why is it so hard to find a job?” Most companies today don't have the time and resources to train new staff from the ground up. If that's the case, you can start with an entry-level position then re-apply again when you have gained enough experience.

• Companies may resort to hiring internally

  Since the layoff rate is pretty high these days, many opportunities are given to people who are still available in the company. This is most likely done to save cost so that no external hiring is needed. The company may already have in mind who they want to hire for a specific role; hence they may not open for external candidates.

These are just several reasons why is it so hard to get a job. It may be a difficult time but don't ever give up.

During an economic slowdown, it's essential to focus on yourself and your job search process. Believe in yourself and put your best foot forward when you are ready to apply. By not repeating the mistakes you've seen above, you won't have as much difficulty finding a job.

Remember, it's not hard to find a job, but it takes hard work to land one.

Good luck!