“Screw this! I can do better!” Some variation of this usually pops in your head the moment you decide to get serious about searching for a new position. Fueled with excitement and optimism, the idea of landing a new job elsewhere seems worth the effort.
But, after more rejection emails than you’re willing to admit, you start to wonder if you’re really cut out for the next step in your career. You question if now is the right time, if you should stay put and if you’re even qualified. Even though you know you have what it takes to excel in the role you want, the lack of job interviews makes you contemplate if you’re in over your head, especially given the current job market.
However, rather than second-guessing your skills, it might be time to reevaluate your job search approach instead. Here are three reasons you’re not getting more job interviews even though you know you’re qualified for the roles you want.
You’re not clear on what you want to do next.
Most people, whenever you ask them what they want, they’ll usually tell you what they don’t want instead. But, it’s not enough to want to leave your current job, you have to know where you’re headed. Especially at a time when the job market isn’t what it used to be, you can’t afford to toss your resume out into the wind and hope for the best. Applying for jobs without crystal clear clarity is a sure way to get denied, even when you know you’re qualified.
When you’re not clear on which type of jobs you should pursue, you risk appearing overqualified for some jobs and unqualified for others. So many high-achievers tell me that they’re frustrated because they keep hearing that they’re amazing but they’re not getting hired. One of the main reasons for that is because, even with great experience, without a clear focus on what you want to do next, it’s much harder to communicate in your resume and application why you’re the best person for the job. Getting crystal clear on the type of roles you want next not only makes your job search more organized and more efficient but also makes you a better candidate, which increases your chance of landing more job interviews when you apply for the right roles.
You’re not clearly showing why you’re ready for the roles you want.
If you’re always hearing from your family and friends that your resume looks good but you never seem to hear back from companies when you apply for jobs, then you’re likely struggling in this area. Even if you’re clear on the roles you want next, if you’re not clearly showing why you’re ready for them, your efforts will be futile.
For instance, if you’re ready to finally secure a senior management position, but your resume only talks about projects and supporting tasks and doesn’t mention one word about your leadership skills and your ability to manage or develop a team, then you’re not clearly showing why you’re ready for the management position. To get more job interviews, you need to show how your experience aligns with the roles you desire next. Don’t just outline your career history in your resume and hope someone is willing to take the time to understand why they should hire you. Eliminate the guesswork and show how your experience has prepared you for the next step in your career.
You’re not clear on how to stand out ahead of the crowd.
If you’re still applying to eight jobs a day, stuffing your resume with keywords, and only relying on application portals to get noticed, then you’re probably not clear on how to stand out ahead of the crowd. Worse, if you’re still waiting for recruiters to reach out to you on LinkedIn, without being proactive, then you’re limiting yourself and your job opportunities. Once you know what you want, and how to show you’re ready for it, you have to be willing to take it a step further to stand out and impress hiring managers.
But, I get it. Maybe you’re still wondering if it’s even possible to stand out in the current job market. If so, the answer is a resounding yes. One of my clients recently landed her first director role at a competitive company in the middle of a pandemic and the recruiter told her that she beat out 4,000 candidates for the position. But it wasn’t because she got lucky. It was because she decided to stand out and be strategic. She mastered how to reach out directly to the right hiring managers. She decided to get out of her comfort zone. She learned how to genuinely connect with new people at companies she loved and she didn’t just wait and hope for the best.
If you’re having trouble getting interviews, instead of doubting your skills, doubt your strategy. It might be time to take a step back. Get crystal clear on what you want, take the time to show you’re ready for it, and master how to stand out ahead of the crowd.
Adunola Adeshola coaches high-achievers on how to take their careers to the next level and secure the positions they’ve been chasing. Grab her free guide.
Originally published at Forbes