I Have Applied For So Many Jobs Without Getting A Single Interview, What Am I Doing Wrong?

Job hunting sucks!
It’s difficult, tedious and most of all it’s frustrating especially when all you do is apply for jobs and NEVER get shortlisted for any interview!
You keep asking yourself, what am I doing wrong?
I don’t think there’s anyone who enjoys job searching especially if you are jobless or looking to change jobs.
The job market in Kenya today has also not made things easy.
There are way too many graduates walking around with degrees and no jobs.
Quickly See This >>> Jobs that can make you money without a degree in Kenya
Are you also in this bracket? If so, today I want us to look at these 4 common mistakes you might be making in your job search and how to correct them.
1. You do not match your skills and qualifications with the job
This is one of the biggest mistake a lot of job seekers make. Thinking that they can just send out a generic CV and miraculously get shortlisted for an interview.
I can promise you if you do not match your skills to what is the job description you will end up searching for a job for a very long time.
You want to get shortlisted for an interview? Today, now, match your skills to the responsibilities in the job description.
2. Your CV has too much unnecessary information
Why crowd your CV with unnecessary details that will just bore an employer?
Maybe you end up including irrelevant things like hobbies (swimming and travelling) how exactly will these activities help you land a Sales and Marketing Executive job? They wont.
Other irrelevant things like marital status, your photo, driving license etc. are just consuming valuable space on your CV and reducing your chances of being shortlisted.
Instead, only put information that the employer wants to see.
3. You fail to write a Cover letter or include unnecessary information on it
Please note that employers don’t always ask for cover letters but if they do, makes sure you write on.
Again, tailor it to the job description. More importantly, let it be a summary of your CV that has been highly customized to meet the requirements in the job description.
You Must See This >>> Sample Cover Letter In Kenya
Also, use the right format to write your cover letter in terms of salutations, paragraphing and sign offs.
4. Where are your referees and are they relevant?
Here’s something you didn’t know about referees, they can be called!
Imagine the surprise when an employer calls someone you indicated as a referee only to have them say, “I don’t really know that person very well” or “wrong number” or worse still, they end giving the employer a bad review of your character.
Always put down referees who are credible and who you know PROFESSIONALLY.
And, make sure you have three of them with their two names, position held, institution or company, email address and telephone number.
5. You always send your CV late or a day before the deadline
In the shortlisting process, there are tens to hundreds of CV’s that the HR managers go through.
I can tell you for sure, in a day, the HR person has already shortlisted 15-20 people depending on the nature of the job.
Now imagine you have sent your CV on the very last day or after the deadline has passed, do you think your CV will be looked at no matter how good it is? Probably not.
So, subscribe to job alters with a credible job site. Number two, always apply as soon as you can. Preferably by the second day.
Now you know…
Therefore, start making wise decisions that will enable you to progress in your career by avoiding these five mistakes.
Ms. Esther works for Corporate Staffing Services as a Training Specialist in matters passing job interviews Effective Communications Skills and Personal Branding. To get in touch with her please email her at esther@corporatestaffing.co.ke.