4 Reasons Why You Are Not Getting A Job

By Susan Gitonga

Getting a job in Kenya is just as difficult as it is in any other part of the world. The main reason is that there are so many job seekers interested in the same positions.

Even though this may be the main reason why many remain unemployed, we cannot forget that  there are still those who end up getting job offers, with every application they make.

In this article, I will share with you 4 top reasons why you are not getting a job.

1. You are not as qualified for the position as you think

The one common issue among most job seekers is why they can’t seem to get interviews or jobs, yet they are well qualified for the position.

If you fall into this category of job seekers, I would like you to ask yourself this one question; why do you really think you are qualified for the position?

You could say you have the experience needed, but have you worked in a similar industry like the job posting requires? You could say that you have the skills, years of experience and have worked in a similar industry, but do your duties and responsibilities align with what the position seeks?

You could also say that you have every qualification needed, but why do the job titles on your CV tell a whole other story?

The reality of the matter; you are only as qualified as the recruiter handling your application thinks. Most of you do not spend enough time analyzing the details of a job description and that is where you go wrong.

By taking your time to understand what the job needs, you learn how to tailor your CV for the role and tune the recruiter’s mind into picking you for the interview. Applying without editing your CV to match the position in question is a fail you cannot come back from.

Read Also >>> 20 terms Your Boss Expects You To Understand

2. You are searching for ANY open jobs

As a job seeker, the one thing you want is a job. Most times you will not care for which opportunity as long as it’s a job you can do and get paid.

There is nothing wrong with this, except the fact that you are probably not going to be considered for a job demanding 2 years experience when you have none or less than that. You are also not going to get that data clerk job without experience, even when you know very well, that you can do the job.

For you to find jobs, search for the ones you are qualified to do instead of just any open opportunities. Be specific; recruiters don’t know what you can do, they look at your papers.

3. You are not networking enough as you should

You are living like a ghost. How many people would you say this week are aware that you are looking for a job and know exactly what kind of a job you are looking for? How many people have you added to your list of networks this past month?

How many people have you approached and requested to recommend you to someone? You don’t have a job because you want to do this alone and in as much as you want this to work, the current job market is unforgiving and appreciates people who can network.

4. Most of your time is spent applying for jobs online

I was talking to a friend of mine the other day and we got to discussing. She is yet to find a job and what I asked her was how she is applying for jobs.

“I have applied for over 200 jobs online and have gotten two interviews out of this,” was her answer. You cannot rely on online job search alone. Go out there; find places you can volunteer or intern. The online job market only limits you and puts you at a lesser advantage with thousands of people applying online like you. Do something different.

Network effectively and get to know about job openings before they are even online. You are more likely to get a job that way than relying on being picked from an ocean of job seekers online.

In a nutshell, you must stay ahead of your competition in order to be the best. Do not play safe when it comes to looking for a job. Have a professionally done CV that leaves a mark, network like crazy, apply for job you qualify for, and ensure that your CV addresses the needs of the employer, in order to make you the perfect fit.

Click here for Professional CV Writing Services. 

 Read Also >>> The 3 R’s in a Successful Job Search

Susan is a Communications Officer at Career Point Kenya. Email: susan@www.careerpointkenya.co.ke

 

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