It is indeed no surprise that more people apply for jobs and only a few of them actually get hired, as the process of finding and securing the perfect job can be a difficult one.
In many cases, the competition is high and there are often multiple applicants with very similar backgrounds, which can make it challenging to stand out. In this article we will be showing you some of the reasons why so many people apply for jobs but few get hired.
Why many don’t get hired after job application
1. Ignorance of following instructions
The first thing to do to make sure your application goes through successfully is to follow instructions accordingly. Each and every candidate follows instructions one way or the other but the hard truth is, they ignore certain details about the instructions given and this usually cost them the opportunity at hand. E.g. If the recruiter seeks for an application letter and CV, some candidates only send in their CV instead of the two. As many candidates take job instructions for granted, the few who take advantage of that get a higher chance of getting hired.
2. Lack of Qualifications
When job-seekers don’t meet the qualifications for a certain role, their application can be dismissed. For this reason, employers often list qualifications and desired qualifications as they recruit in order to get the right people in the door.
3. Poor Resume/Cover Letter
A good resume or cover letter is often essential in order to make it to the interview round, yet many applicants do not take the time to create compelling, attention-grabbing documents. Employers tend to favor job-seekers who put in the effort to make a polished and professional impression. You may check for guidelines on What to Include in your CV or Resume.
4. Inadequate Preparation
Doing your research and taking the time to understand the position you’re applying for, as well as the organization and its values and goals, can give you an edge over other applicants. Additionally, job-seekers should prepare for the potential questions that may come up during the interview, so they are confident and can give clear, specific answers.
5. Unrealistic Expectations
Many applicants often hold overly ambitious expectations in terms of the salary, position title, and workload they hope to get when they first apply. Unrealistic expectations can come off as naive to employers, which can leave them unimpressed and unmoved.
6. The quest to apply and work for only big companies or institutions
Most job seekers send their applications for jobs to renown, highly popular and established companies that have the record of high salaries and good working conditions. It is always good to strive for the best but the truth is, since everyone wants to apply to such companies, the recruiters get more applications than expected which makes them eventually pick the few they require and leave the rest. As a candidate or a job seeker, it is best to apply to all types of companies whether big or small so far as you fit in the qualification. This is because there is usually an enormous number of applications directed at bigger companies and that slims the chance of getting employed.
Overall, while finding the right job can take some time, having a good understanding of the recruitment process and setting realistic expectations are key to making yourself a competitive applicant. Ultimately, by doing your research and presenting yourself in the best way possible, you have a better chance of success in the long run.
