Applying for Jobs: Common Problems and Solutions

Applying for Jobs: Common Problems and Solutions

Searching for the right job is hard. Finding and applying for the perfect job online can be even harder. Today, many employers use the internet to advertise openings and invite candidates to apply for jobs. Job hunters are also spending time online, with a whopping 90 percent of applicants using the Internet to search for openings. This certainly has the benefit of convenience for both employers and job-seekers. However, there are a few problems you’ll likely run into when applying for jobs online.

Problem: Too many places to look

The first problem job hunters have is that there are literally hundreds of job search sites to choose from. To maximize your chances of being discovered (and hopefully, hired), you might find yourself posting your resume on a dozen sites. Many sites will also require you to manually input information about yourself, such as your education and job history. Entering personal information and creating accounts on every job site available is time-consuming.

Solution: Pick only the best sites

Instead of trying to upload your resume on every job search site out there, stick to a few that are more likely to get you results. Craigslist is a popular spot to look for jobs, though it’s best used to search for entry-level positions. Big sites like Monster or Indeed are also good options if you want to cast a wide net, as these sites feature job openings around the world.

Your best bet, however, may be to stick to sites that have a more local focus, such as New York Jobs, allowing you to easily search for jobs in your area.

Problem: Too many applicants

Once you’ve found potential jobs and sent in your resume, you may face another problem—too many other applicants have applied for the same position. Because it’s so easy for job seekers to apply online, employers receive dozens of applications for every position. Most applicants won’t be suited for the job, but the sheer volume can make finding the right person more difficult.

Solution: Make sure you stand out

When applying for any job, you want to stand out from the competition. This is especially true online, where employers don’t get to see you face-to-face. Make an impression by crafting the perfect cover letter and resume. You can also add a little personality to your application by listing unique or interesting hobbies or skills, or by using a friendlier tone in your cover letter. Be careful not to get too personal, however. You still want to come off as a professional.

It’s also important to note that 77 percent of job recruiters are required to look up prospective employees online during the hiring process. You may want to do this yourself. Try to remove or clean up anything negative and bolster search results that are positive.

Problem: You get no response

One of the most frustrating parts of applying for a job is sending out resumes and getting no response. When you apply for jobs online, you’re even less likely to get a response from a real human being. Many employers screen applications automatically by searching for specific keywords in your resume. If you don’t use those keywords, nobody will ever lay eyes on your application. Two more reasons employers don’t respond? They receive too many applications, and they have no personal connection with you.

Solution: Include keywords and use social media

First, carefully review each job posting before sending in your application. Look for keywords or buzzwords in the posting that give you clues about what the employer wants. Then use those same words in your resume and cover letter. This can help you get through any automated pre-screening of applications.

The next step is to make a personal connection with the employer. Otherwise, you’re just another faceless online job hunter. Connect with the hiring manager on LinkedIn, or find a friend who’s worked with the company and can recommend you. These types of connections help you stand out from the crowd and make it more likely that you’ll get a response—even if it’s a “no.”

Connect with the hiring manager on LinkedIn to stand out from the competition.

Problem: Filling out applications takes time

Maybe the biggest problem with looking for jobs online is that it takes a long time. For every opening you find, there’s usually a lengthy application that requires you to re-enter information you already have on your resume. Doing this over and over for every job you’re interested in is not only time-consuming, but also frustrating and mentally exhausting.

Solution: Simplify your responses

While it’s important to take your time on every application, don’t spend hours retyping the same responses. This is especially true when employers ask questions that they would never ask right away in person—like your salary. If possible, skip questions like these and state that you’re willing to talk about it in person. Employers who want to hire you won’t mind asking the tough questions in a formal interview.

Guest Author Bio:

Susan Ranford is an expert on job market trends, hiring, and business management. She is the Community Outreach Coordinator for New York Jobs. In her blogging and writing, she seeks to shed light on issues related to employment, business, and finance to help others understand different industries and find the right job fit for them.

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Tough Job Search Problems & Their Solutions

The key to achieving your career goals rests first in knowing that you are a valuable person with a unique combination of skills and talents to offer the world, and then implementing a job search plan of action to identify and capitalize on that talent.

The following stories are based on real-life, job search problems and their solutions.

Each person overcame their roadblocks and made themselves more hirable by using their talent, perseverance and a plan to reach their dreams – and so can you.

Challenge1: I’m Too Old.

Raju  had been searching for a manufacturing management position for more than 8 months and mailed his chronological resume in response to numerous newspaper ads. He was quite surprised that his resume had not generated a single call for an interview.

However, one glance at his resume clearly indicated the problem.

His resume outlined 30+ years of employment in a series of brief job description statements.

Solution:
Sadly, some employers may be reluctant to hire older adults for any number of reasons.

While there are many employers who value the maturity and skills of seasoned managers and executives, it is wise to play down age and focus on accomplishments. Keep in mind that resumes are not your memoirs, and it is not necessary to list your entire career history. Instead, concentrate on your most recent 15 or so years of relevant experience, emphasize your results and leave off dates in the education section.

Remember that the purpose of a resume is to generate interviews. Once you have the opportunity for an interview, you can convey flexibility, a team attitude, enthusiasm, and energy that will impress your interviewer.

Challenge 2: I’m Too Young and Don’t Have Any Experience.

Nagesh recently graduated from college and was eager to begin a career in marketing. His resume had produced only a couple of interviews and no job offers appeared on the horizon. Nageshwas convinced that age and lack of experience were to blame.

However, his sketchy chronological resume didn’t indicate any skills and training relevant to his career goal.

Solution:
It’s a Catch-22. You are enthusiastic about starting your new career, but you cannot land a job because you do not have the experience.

Right?

Think again.

You may be underestimating your skills and knowledge.

First, take inventory of all your skills, training, courses, and experiences (both paid and unpaid).

Second, use a functional resume format that will emphasize your skills and accomplishments related to your career objective.

Third, treat any relevant unpaid experience as work experience. Show how you have progressed since your first job, indicating any advancement or additional responsibilities gained through your diligence and results.

Fourth, you also will benefit by joining professional associations in your field. Attend association meetings and get acquainted with other professionals and volunteer to serve on special projects or committees to show what you can do.

You will not only build new skills but new contacts for employment opportunities as well.

Challenge 3: Too Many Jobs and Work History Gaps.

Shivani’s husband was transferred by his company to a new state every two or three years. Initially, Shivani didn’t have any problem landing a position in her new community. After a few moves and three short-term jobs, Shivani found the responses to her resume in short supply.

Her resume format clearly drew attention to her erratic employment history.

Solution:
If you have had a series of positions, it can be detrimental to list all employment on your resume.

For example, you can easily eliminate jobs that were less than a year or even close to two years without noticeable gaps. To achieve the greatest impact, structure your resume in a functional format that focuses on accomplishments followed by a work history section.

The same principles will apply if you have been unemployed for several years because you were raising a family, caring for an ailing family member, recuperating from an illness, or attending college.

However, be sure to address such employment gaps on your resume (for example, full-time student, etc.).

Challenge 4: I Don’t Have a Degree.

David was employed in the finance department of a major company. Although his performance reviews were always top rated, he was continually passed over for promotion.

David concluded that his lack of a degree was holding him back.

Solution:
If your company’s criteria for promotion includes a degree, you may have to consider working towards a degree or finding a company where it is not necessary. Recognize that, in many cases, a college degree is not a prerequisite for career success.

While it may not be an easy path, determine the possibility of reaching your career goal without earning a degree.

Here’s how to bridge the gap and build some credentials:

Network with other professionals in your chosen field to determine what types of alternative experience might be helpful steps in reaching your goal.

Read and teach yourself as much as you can through various resources including trade publications, the Internet, and professional associations.

Find opportunities to gain skills and knowledge through internships and volunteer work (paid or unpaid).

Work for a company that offers jobs in your field of interest – even if you join the company in another position.

If you do not want to pursue a degree, check into possible certification programs that will provide credentials in your chosen field without having to make a four-year investment.

Challenge 5: I Want To Make a Career Change.

After 19 years in the insurance industry as an account executive, Sharon’s position was eliminated in a merger.

Once the initial shock wore off, Sharon viewed it as an opportunity to do what she really loved. However, she was convinced no one would ever hire her because she had never been employed as a special events coordinator. Yet, for many years, Sharon had organized major events, conferences, and programs for her professional association and local arts organizations.

Sharon had actually gathered some impressive experience coordinating various organizational events, which was ideal for your intended career change. She had assumed leadership roles, managed groups of volunteers and coordinated publicity.

Solution:
Start planning your career change by recognizing the marketable skills and accomplishments you have acquired through various experiences, even if unpaid. Use a functional format to focus your resume on the relevant skills, strengths, and results that demonstrate your potential value.

The functional format will minimize unrelated work history and draw the employer’s attention to the experience that you want to emphasize.

Problems are not stop signs, they are guidelines.
- Robert H. Schuller

It can be very easy to get discouraged in your job search...problems are aplenty. However, don't let those problems stop you from doing what you need to do. Learn what you can from it and come away better and stronger than before. It's a job search motivator everyone needs

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Having trouble finding jobs?

If you can't find enough jobs that fit your skill sets, it doesn't mean they're not available. That's not a stop sign for you. More than half (maybe as much as 70%) of all jobs are 'hidden' or unadvertised at any given time. So that means you have to go looking for them.

Some jobs just aren't advertised YET...which means you'll be first in line for them and they may not even bother to interview anyone else.

Some jobs don't exist yet because the company hasn't got it all figured out...see this post: My New Job Didn't Exist When I Contacted the Hiring Manager.

Some companies don't like to advertise...Andy found that out when he contacted a hiring manager for an interview (which he got) and they said they liked his 'outside the box' thinking.

Not being able to find enough jobs is such a common thing that we created a system for you called the Hidden Jobs Finder. Check it out.

Having trouble getting interviews?

If you can't get interviews, it's all too easy to assume that companies aren't interested in you. But that's probably not the issue at all. What can you learn from that and move forward on?

It could be that you are applying online. If you're applying online and not getting interviews, you need to stop applying online and do something else. What would you do? Contact hiring managers directly. I worked with a gentleman who had a specialized certification that made him pretty unique...and still, he didn't get an interview when he applied online. When he contacted the hiring manager, he got hired. The best part (or the worst part)? The hiring manager had never seen his application.

It could be that you aren't contacting enough employers. If you contact 10 employers, you might not find one who needs you at this time. If you contact 100 employers, you're almost certain to.

It could be that your resume isn't selling you. In my experience, 98% of job seekers don't have a resume that really does them justice. One of the improvements that makes the most positive impact is quantification--describing your accomplishments in terms of numbers, dollars, and percentages. This one thing could help you get more interviews immediately.

Not getting job offers when you interview?

If you interview for jobs and you don't see job offers, it doesn't mean you're not qualified not worthy of being hired. It means that you aren't interviewing well--and interviewing is a skill that anyone can improve. How?

- Practice Your Answers to Interview Questions

Learn how to give ideal, personalized interview answers in my blog series, How to Answer Interview Questions. Or work with an interview coach to really step up your game.

- Bring a 30-60-90-Day Plan to Your Interview

A 30/60/90-Day Plan is a written outline of what you would do in your first 3 months on the job. You create it before your interview and then use it as a conversational tool with the hiring manager. This gives you a much deeper, more significant, more productive conversation than you've ever had before--and it leads you to job offers.

Learn to create a 30-60-90-day plan.

If you let a job search problem be a stop sign, it will keep you searching for months, or even years.

If you use problems as guidelines to learn from and adjust your actions accordingly, you will find the path to success

Best of luck!