You’ve applied for countless jobs, done many assessments and had a number of interviews but you still haven’t been successful – so, why are you not getting a job?
The job market is extremely competitive. Often we see hundreds of applications for a role in accounting or finance. There are a few reasons why you might not be successful in your job search.
- You’re applying for jobs without the required qualifications
Each job description lists the company’s desired qualifications for the position. Some of these are very specific, like 5+ years of experience, or CPA required. Others may be more general, like experience managing people, strong personal skills, or good understanding of IFRS.
If you are not being called for interviews, it is possible you are applying for jobs you are not qualified for. If the job description notes specific requirements that you do not meet, you may still apply but there is a higher likelihood you will not be invited to an interview. For example, if you are a fresh graduate with no experience, but the position asks for 3 years’ experience, you will not be contacted for an interview. In a competitive job market, there will be many individuals who applied that have the required experience or designation, so do not waste your time applying for roles you are not qualified for.
Take a look at our suggestions on job searching tips.
- You are not prepared for the technical assessment
Often the step after the application is completing a technical assessment. The technical assessment allows the employer to test your technical knowledge, before you come in for an interview. Do not take this lightly! Employers will often have minimum scores that you need to achieve to be considered for an interview. Make sure you are fully prepared for the assessment and have enough time to complete it, in a quiet, secure environment.
Take a look at our tips to prepare for a technical assessment.
- You’re not standing out in the interview
The interview is your time to show the employer how great you are! Employers will typically only interview a few candidates for the position, so if you’ve made it to the interview stage, you have a good chance at the position. If you’ve made it this far, you are likely qualified and have the required skills, so it’s a matter of impressing your interviewer. Take every opportunity to prepare for the interview and to show your interviewer why you stand out compared to other candidates. Be humble, but do not be afraid to talk about your accomplishments and what makes you a great fit for the role. Take a look at how we suggest you prepare for an interview.
The job search process can be long and frustrating, especially given how competitive the job market is right now.
Don’t get down on yourself when you aren’t successful, but make sure you’re not making the three mistakes above. In next week’s blog we’ll talk about steps you can take after you have been rejected, to improve your chances for your next application.