Why you feel stuck (and how to fix it)

Navigating the job market can feel like solving a puzzle.

Maybe you have applied to 100+ jobs, never heard back or gotten ghosted after the interview. No one tells you what you are doing wrong, so you are left guessing.

If you are struggling with your job search, the first thing to do is to understand the root cause. Once you diagnose the root cause, it's going to be a lot easier to fix.

On another note, I want to say a big thank you to everyone who filled out my survey form.

Here is a summary of what you told me you need the most help with:

• Write a Stand-Out Resume (21%)

• Networking (19%)

• Prepare For Interviews (19%)

• Gain Experience (16%)

• Optimize LinkedIn Profile (11%)

• Identify Transferable Skills (8%)

• Get Training and Certifications (6%)

If you would like to weigh in, then I invite you to fill out this short survey. Your responses will influence the type of content I create and share, so it’s very important to get your voice heard.

Building on that point, let’s dive in to the potential reasons why you might not be making progress with your job search and how to fix it.

Whether you DIY, use free services or get professional help, a good strategy requires self reflection and a thorough understanding of the problem.

1️⃣ Resume Not Getting Interviews

Potential Reasons:

• Blending into the pile with a generic resume.

• Missing keywords for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

• Vague instead of quantifiable achievements.

• Not clearly showcasing career progression.

• Not connecting past roles to the job description.

• Applying late to the job.

Strategic Solutions:

• Tailor each resume, mirroring the job ad’s language and requirements.

• Add industry keywords to ensure your resume gets noticed.

• Quantify your achievements: numbers speak louder than words.

• Highlight relevant skills and experiences

• Build your network and get referrals.

2️⃣ Interviewing But Not Getting Offers

Possible Reasons:

• Nervousness due to lack of confidence.

• Lack of preparation leading to fumbling questions.

• Struggling to sell your personal brand effectively.

• Not asking engaging questions.

• Not establishing a connection with the interviewer.

Strategic Solutions:

• Conduct mock interviews to build confidence and refine answers.

• Prepare specific examples that illustrate your skills and impact.

• Develop a clear pitch that sells your unique value proposition.

• Create a question bank to ask at interviews to show interest.

• Establish rapport with your interviewer; people hire candidates they like.

3️⃣ Bridging the Experience Gap

Possible Reasons:

• Job listings requiring experience you don’t yet have.

• Uncertainty about how to gain relevant experience.

• Underutilized volunteering or internship opportunities.

• Skills mismatch for desired positions.

• Lack of practical exposure to your chosen field.

Strategic Solutions:

• Seek internships or volunteer work in your field to build experience.

• Target roles or projects, even unpaid, that align with your career goals.

• Pursue further education or certifications to fill skills gaps.

• Network within your desired industry to uncover hidden opportunities.

• Showcase any project or role, no matter how small, that relates to your target job.

4️⃣ LinkedIn Profile Not Getting Views

Possible Reasons:

• About section not optimized for target role.

• Absence of a professional photo

• Lack of a compelling headline.

• No endorsements or recommendations.

• Lack of engagement with your network.

• Unrelated skills on your profile.

Strategic Solutions:

• Ensure every section of your LinkedIn profile is complete and current.

• Use a professional headshot and craft a headline that captures your expertise.

• Seek endorsements for key skills and ask for recommendations from colleagues.

• Engage with and comment on relevant industry content.

• Align your profile with the keywords of your desired field.

5️⃣ Not Highlighting Transferable Skills

Possible Reasons:

• Difficulty understanding which skills apply to new roles.

• Challenges in aligning past experiences with new job requirements.

• Undervaluing soft skills and their impact.

• Not framing skills within the context of tangible achievements.

• Not gaining new skills to adapt to market needs.

Strategic Solutions:

• Conduct a thorough skills audit against job listings you’re interested in.

• Articulate how your skills address potential employer’s pain points.

• Elevate soft skills like leadership, communication, and problem-solving in your narrative.

• Use concrete examples to show how you’ve applied these skills effectively.

• Highlight ongoing learning and adaptability to stay ahead in your field.

Every rejection is another data point telling you what is wrong. Don’t keep doing the same thing and expect different results. It is time to get strategic and move one step closer to landing your dream job.

Refining your job search is more than fixing one aspect of your process - it requires taking a holistic look at your overall approach and then developing a plan to address them.

P.S: If you need help with your job search, then book a 1:1 strategy session with me. We’ll talk strategy and define a clear roadmap to help you get more interviews and land your dream job.

Until next time,

_Zainab

_{Remember, you are just one step away…}