15 Tips: Why Can’t I Find a Job I Like
As is revealed over at runrex.com, most Americans, a staggering 75%, would prefer to be in other jobs and not the ones they are currently on. If you have been making application after application and can’t seem to find a job that you like, or aren’t getting offers from your desired companies, then this article will look to articulate why by listing 15 tips why you can’t find a job that you like.
You don’t know what you want
The reason why you can’t seem to find a job that you like is probably that you haven’t defined what it is you want. According to the gurus over at guttulus.com, if you are to find a job that you will enjoy and love, you have to first sit down and create a list of some of the things you are looking for in a job. If you want a job that provides you with travel opportunities, or one that is high-paying, among other factors, you should have this listed down, and by identifying what it is you want, you will be able to find a job that matches these preferences.
You may have set unrealistic expectations
Another reason why most people can’t find a job that they love is that they have set unrealistic expectations of the job they want as compared to their qualifications. As is discussed over at runrex.com, you must be targeting jobs that you qualify for based on your skills and knowledge, otherwise, you will end up being disappointed. You should also know exactly what to expect, and not have any unrealistic expectations which get shattered once you land the job and start working.
You may have restricted your search
You may have restricted your search in that you are only looking for work in one specific industry, which is why you can’t find a job that you like. As per the folks over at guttulus.com, it is important to widen your horizons and try to expand your search far and wide, looking into industries you would not normally associate your skills with. You just might end up landing a job that you will discover is exactly what you had been looking for.
You are too focused on online applications
Many people also tend to only search for jobs online, finding a specific job board or job site, and spending your time refreshing to see if you have an offer. However, if you are to find a job that you like, you should move beyond the online comfort zone and reach out to and expand your network. Most jobs are filled through referrals which means that they will be filled before they get to the online job boards and sites. You, therefore, need to reach out beyond your screen to find a job that you like.
You are failing to use the right keywords
As is uncovered in discussions over at runrex.com, many companies nowadays use software to collect and sort applications, and these applications, known as Application Tracking System (ATS), look for keywords that are related to the company’s position, which you have applied for. The system will only select the applications with the right keywords, so maybe one of the reasons why you can’t find a job you like is because you are not using the right keywords. Do your research and make sure you incorporate the right keywords into your resume.
The likeability factor
Companies are also now looking to hire people that they feel are a fit for their culture, as is explained over at guttulus.com. They are, therefore, looking for candidates who will make great employees and colleagues, which means that part of the reason why you can’t find a job that you like is that you are not showing personality in your interviews. You don’t come out as likable enough, and you end up missing out.
You are not customizing your resume
As the folks over at runrex.com will tell you, if you are to get a job nowadays, then you need to make sure that your resume and cover letter is tailored to the specific needs of said job before you apply. Generic resumes and cover letters are usually just blanked, and out find that your desired companies are not reaching out to you.
You are not intentional about your job search
If you are to get the job that you like, after identifying it, you should be intentional about things and even reach out to and connect with the people already working there. They may give you advice on how to get in, and even give you a heads up on when a job opening comes up. Reaching out to the company shows initiative and will increase your chances of landing the job you like.
You are not asking for informational interviews
As per the gurus over at guttulus.com, informational interviews are a great tool in helping one lading a job that they will like. This is because, through these interviews, you will get information on your field of interest which will help you discover if you would enjoy working in said field, and you will be able to land a networking connection among other benefits. Try and arrange as many informational interviews as possible, which will help you know which jobs you would like, and how to land them.
Poor networking
Poor networking goes hand in hand with a lack of informational interviews, as covered over at runrex.com. Networking is how you will be able to find jobs that others may not know about yet, and is a key tool in one’s job search toolbox. You should improve your networking efforts if you are to finally land a job you like, otherwise, you will have to make do with the same offers that don’t excite you.
Poor interview skills
You may be doing excellently until you have to face an interviewing committee, and you go to pieces. As is discussed over at guttulus.com, you must spruce up your interviewing skills, practicing regularly to ensure that your interview doesn’t let you down, preventing you from receiving an offer from a desirable company.
You don’t have the requisite experience
Maybe the reason why you are not receiving offers from your desired companies is that they feel like you lack the experience required. In this case, you should try and earn some experience in your field, through internships, even unpaid ones, to gain the experience required.
You are focusing on the wrong things
You may also be focusing on things like earnings and job title, which is why you are ending up with jobs that you eventually feel like are not the right fit for you. As per the gurus over at runrex.com, if you are to find a job that you like, make sure that you focus on finding one that is a good fit for you based on your skills, your values, and career goals.
Your skills are either not up-to-date or good enough
You may have the knowledge and industry-specific skills, but your other accompanying skills are the ones preventing you from getting the job that you like. As revealed over at guttulus.com, something like a lack of computer skills will stop you from getting job offers in the technological world we live in. Try and learn more skills, or update existing ones to give yourself a better chance of finally getting an offer from your desired company.
A lack of strong references
Maybe you are getting to the final stages only to be let down by references. As per the folks over at runrex.com, it is important to make sure that your references are strong and that you get the contact details right, which also means updating old details. Make sure that the people you add to your references list have a positive story to say about you.
The above discussion is only the tip of a large iceberg, and you can uncover more on this and other related topics by checking out the excellent runrex.com and guttulus.com.