5 Common Challenges Job Seekers Face
Professionals look for a new position all the time. Some just get out of college and would like to find the perfect job to help them begin their career. Others are ready to move on to something new and get better pay or do something new.
No matter what the reason is for a job seeker to start their search, there are a number of different challenges that they may face along the way. They may need to worry about having the right resume, not having a large enough professional network, and not being up to date with their skills.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the challenges that a job seeker may face when it comes to getting that perfect position and some of the steps that they can take to fix these challenges. That way, you’ll be ready when you find employers or recruiters looking for the top talent in your field.
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1 | Confusing Application Process
Each job advertisement will have its own guidelines for filling out the application. Candidates may not adhere to each one and this may make them miss out on a really good job offer.
When filling out a lot of different applications, it is important to tailor your application to the guidelines and the type of job that you want. Many companies do this on purpose. It is one way they can weed out the good candidates from the bad.
Since applicants may walk away when the application is too long, this helps to weed out a few people from the job. Even candidates who do not finish the application or do not follow the guidelines are weeded out, saving the hiring person a lot of time.
If you are serious about getting a job, then you need to go through the lengthy and confusing application process and show that you are one of the best. Do not let all the steps and requirements discourage you, but do not rush through them either.
Set aside a bit of time to do an application, coming back to it a bit later if you need. Go through each step, thinking it through and ensuring that you meet the requirements. Give your all on this and see how much easier it is to get the job.
2 | Staying Up to Date
It is almost a job just to find a new position you want to work in. Employers also want to make sure anyone they hire is up to date. It is common, for example, for an employer to believe that if you are not employed, then you are out of date.
To help with staying up to date, you need to pay attention to the times and the different job market activities. This may include some work on your part. Go and attend networking events and conferences. Brush up on some of your skills. Read the right articles.
The goal is to enhance your skills and make sure you know the latest trends in your industry. This is the best way to help get a leg up on the competition, especially if you can combine it with any good experience.
3 | Having a Limited Professional Network
The earlier you can start working on your professional network, the better. You need to have a network of many different people to find that one job that is going to be the right fit for you. Network while in school and in your professional career.
How can your network help you? It is estimated that up to 80% of jobs are never advertised. This means that they fill them based on people they already know. If you want a chance to get one of those jobs, then you need to know someone who is posting them.
Having a diverse network will help you find out about jobs before others, or even about jobs that are not being posted. Attend conferences, help out in the community, and even volunteer to get a chance to meet more people to add to your network.
4 | Not Having the Right Degree
You should also consider the training that you have. If you have a Bachelor’s Degree in a field that frequently wants those with Master’s Degrees, then it may be time to update your skills and try to get more education.
If you do not have time to go back to school, there are other options. Continuing education with classes that are exactly what you need or with the right experience, you can still get the education the job needs.
5 | No Feedback
While job seeking, it is possible that you will send in a lot of different applications and resumes. It would take forever to apply to just one place and then wait a few weeks before you apply to another one and good opportunities will pass you by.
With all of these applications, it can be discouraging to not hear back. You may even go through a cycle of submitting an application, going to an interview, and then being rejected. You may wonder why no one is choosing you and what is going on.
Without this feedback, it is sometimes hard to know what went wrong and you may not have an idea of how to improve in the future.
A good idea here is to seek some guidance. There are professional career interview coaches. They can take a look at your resume, what you are adding into an application, and even do practice interviews with you. This will help you to learn what you are doing well and what you need to work on so you can land that next job.
Finding the Perfect Job
Job searching is difficult. There is a lot of competition for any of the good positions and you need to have the right skills to get the job. Just the application process can be enough to keep many job-seekers away.
Understanding the different challenges that come with job seeking and finding ways to get around them and make them work for your needs can help you land that dream job.
Author Profile: Gabe Nelson
Gabe Nelson is a content specialist with over 7 years of experience, currently working with Intrinsic Workforce Recruiters. He has a passion and keen understanding when it comes to the HR and recruitment industry. He has written hundreds of content pieces in numerous niches. Currently, he lives in Missouri with his wife and kids.
