Can’t find a job? Here’s what to do next

It’s easy to get disheartened if you’re desperately trying to find a new job and NOTHING is working.

But, just because you haven’t found the right job yet, it doesn’t mean that it will never happen. Even something as simple as making a few small changes to your application could greatly increase your chances – you just need to know where to start.

To giving you a helping step up, here are our top tips on what to do if you can’t find a job that works for you:

Look at your CV with fresh eyes

How many CVs are you sending and hearing nothing back? Perhaps it’s time to look at your CV format.

One of the hardest things to do is to look at your CV from another person’s perspective. Is your resume going to catch the eye of a potential hiring manager? You could be including the same clichés and mistakes over and over again – just because you’ve read your CV so many times that you haven’t realised that they are actually there.

Take some time to go back through your CV, check each line, reassess the format, and ask a friend or family member to give their opinion. Just a few simple tweaks could make a huge difference.

You could also look at our CV tips for some helpful advice.

Tailor your applications

If you’re sending the same application to every opportunity, unfortunately you are doing it wrong.

If you take the time to tailor every application to every opportunity, you’ll really start to stand out. One of the best ideas we’ve found is to take the job description for the job your applying for and specifically write your CV around it. Rearrange your key skills, achievements and personal statement around the requirements of the job.

Likewise, use your CV to inform your cover letter. Write about why you want the role and include valid reasons why you are the best person for the job. Don’t just say why you want this opportunity, explain why you are the perfect candidate for the role.

Are your ambitions realistic?

If you’re still not getting many responses, you may have set your sights too high (or too low).

This isn’t just a waste of your time, it’s also REALLY bad for your morale. So, instead of applying for positions which demand a lot of experience, or qualifications you might not yet have, think about whether you’re really right for the job.

Alternatively, you might want to try expanding your search parameters. Instead of focusing all of your efforts on your dream job, think about other potential avenues of employment that would utilise the skills and abilities you’ve accrued to date. Widening the net might actually end up being the best thing for your career.

Try temping

If you can’t find the perfect permanent job, why not try temping?

A lot of people are reticent about not having a full-time position, due to the lack of full security that it provides. Whilst we are never going to argue that temping is right for everyone, just by looking for temp work you are immediately surrounding yourself with less competition.

With less people applying for these opportunities, the more likely you are to be successful.

Plus, just getting back on the horse can do wonders for your motivation, not to mention your bank balance. Temping can also boost your employment prospects, helping to fill any unexplained periods of unemployment with practical experience.

You could also try volunteering, taking on an internship or looking for work experience, which will help get your name in front of the right people – not to mention provide some instant added value for your CV.

As a result, you’ll show off your dedicated work ethic and a willingness to turn your hand to anything, even if it’s not your ideal role. And that’s something all employers will find attractive.

Get creative

Recruitment isn’t just about applying to online adverts. In essence; it’s about the right people finding the right people. We are all human after all!

Face-to-face meetings can sometimes be more valuable than any online interaction, so cultivate your network of contacts in your chosen field by reaching out to them for an opportunity to discuss work.

Even if they can’t point you in the direction of a vacancy, there’s every chance they know someone who can.

Don’t give up hope

Finally, never lose sight of the light at the end of the tunnel.

No matter what industry you’re in, job-seeking isn’t always an easy process. But approaching your search with a good level of self-awareness and a positive mindset can make a big difference when it comes to finding the right role.