I Can’t Find a Job: What to Do When You Can’t Get Hired

Tired of your employed friends and family simply telling you to “try harder’ or “apply for more jobs” every time you vent about your job search? It’s frustrating when you have the skills, experience, maybe even the degree, and still… nothing. No calls or interviews. Just silence.

Let’s clear something up — it’s not necessarily your fault. The current job market can be competitive, unpredictable, and often discouraging. But that doesn’t mean you’re stuck. Sometimes, it’s less about doing more and more about doing things differently.

Here’s what to focus on when you can’t get hired. This guide will cover:

• Why you’re having trouble finding job opportunities. 
• What do when you’re struggling to find a job.
• The best ways to deal with being unemployed.

Why Can’t You Find a Job?

Job hunting right now is tough, but being aware of what’s not working will keep you from repeating the same mistakes. And while some of it’s out of your control (the job market isn’t exactly friendly right now), some common sins might be quietly sabotaging your efforts. 

Let’s break them down and see what you can do differently. 

You haven’t tailored your resume

You’re wasting your time if you’re firing off the same resume to every position. Employers aren’t just looking for someone who can just do the job; they want someone who can help them succeed. Your resume and cover letter need to prove you have something unique to offer.

Too many people just list what they’ve done, rather than what they’ve achieved. I used to serve cocktails in college, but it doesn’t mean I was any good at it (my shortest ever job stint). Hiring managers want to see impact, not just duties.

Here’s what a recruiter said about customizing your resume: 

Check out our free AI Resume Builder to get a personalized and ATS-friendly job application in minutes. 

You set your expectations too high

Sometimes the job market doesn’t line up with what we think we deserve. If you’re asking for top-tier salaries, leadership titles, or flexible perks straight away, but you don’t have the right expertise, hiring managers may pass you over before you get a chance to make your case.

That doesn’t mean you have to settle forever. It just means you may need to recalibrate temporarily while you build up the experience that justifies those asks. 

Also, job hunting isn’t supposed to be quick. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average person is unemployed for just over five months. So, if you’ve only been at it for a month or two, you’re not alone. Every application, every interview, every networking message — it’s all a step in the right direction.

You’re not qualified for the position

I know it’s tempting to apply for everything that even remotely sounds interesting, especially when you’re desperate. But sending all those random applications and hoping for the best rarely works. 

I’ve been there. I applied to a ton of writing jobs straight out of college, despite having no experience. And shocker — I didn’t even get a finger in the door. But I learnt what was required, which helped me slowly build up the skills and experience to land my first content writing role. 

That said, don’t count yourself out just because you don’t meet every requirement. No one checks every single box. You just need to connect what you’ve done and what the company needs. 

Here’s some useful advice when applying for a job without all the qualifications: 

Keen to boost your qualifications? Check out the most in-demand skills for any job: The Best Skills to Put on a Resume

You haven’t done enough research

It’s not uncommon for people to send applications without really understanding the company or role. Sure, when you’re applying to dozens of jobs, deep-diving into each company feels impossible. But recruiters can spot generic applications. And if you get to the interview stage and still don’t know what the company does, it’s game over.

Here’s what you can check before applying:

• Website and social media page
• Company mission and values 
• News articles about the company

Tailor your application to reflect your findings and reference what you learned in your interviews. Not only does it make you more memorable, but it also helps you figure out if this is a place you’d be happy working at.

Need some practice? Try our AI Interview tool to go through common questions tailored to your industry. 

The job market is tough

Here’s the harsh truth: even if you’re doing everything “right,” you’re still up against an insanely competitive market. People with years of experience are accepting jobs below their usual level just to stay employed. You’re essentially competing with professionals who have stacked resumes and are willing to take a pay cut.

Why is this? With inflation, tech layoffs, and companies tightening their budgets, there’s less hiring happening across the board. Even when companies are hiring, they’re dragging their feet. And the stats back this up. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate currently stands at 4.2%, the highest it’s been since late 2021.

Politics also has a part to play. Find out more: The 2024 US Election Results and Their Impact on the Job Market

Your network needs improving 

How many of your applications came from a personal connection? If the answer is “none” or “not many,” that could be part of the problem. The hidden job market is real. Many roles never make it to public job boards, as they’re filled through referrals, internal recommendations, or a quick “Hey, I know someone” conversation.

Start talking to people. Reach out to former coworkers, friends in the industry, and mentors. You don’t need to outright ask for a job, but show you’re open to advice, insights, or a quick chat. Informational interviews can also open doors, even if it’s not immediate. People remember those who take the time to learn. 

You’ve fallen victim to hiring scams 

Not every job ad is real. Some are scams, looking to steal your personal information or your money. Others are “ghost listings” — roles that were filled months ago or fake job opportunities, that make it seem like more jobs are out there than there actually are.

In fact, a survey involving 1,641 hiring managers found that 30% of companies have active fake listings, and 70% believed posting fake listings is morally acceptable. Why? It makes it look like the company is growing and that they’re open to hiring new talent.

Always do a background check on the company before applying. Look them up on LinkedIn, Glassdoor, or their website. Be wary of job posts that seem too vague, promise too much, or ask for money up front. And if you’ve been stuck in a long, drawn-out interview process that leads nowhere? You may have just been part of a company’s passive talent pipeline. 

What to Do if You Can’t Find a Job

You’ve probably heard the same advice on repeat: “Just keep applying to jobs”. That can get annoying real fast when you’ve already applied to dozens of jobs and heard nothing back. But job-searching isn’t just about applying to five positions a day. And it’s going to take more than luck to get those interviews. 

Here are the steps to take when finding a job feels impossible: 

1. Expand your job search

Be honest: have you put all your energy into the job search? Or have you just been hitting the “Easy Apply” on LinkedIn? The job market is wide; it’s not limited to the most popular job boards. Be strategic and persistent, rather than autopiloting your way through job applications.

What can you do?

• In addition to LinkedIn, try niche sites like FlexJobs (for remote work), Dice (tech-focused), or BuiltIn (for startups). Regularly check the careers pages of companies you admire — you’d be surprised how many roles are only posted there.
• Message a few recruiters in your industry or region on LinkedIn. Introduce yourself, let them know what roles you’re looking for, and ask if they’d be open to keeping you in mind. Even if nothing comes up right away, at least you’ll be on their radar.

2. Work on your online persona 

You’re not the only one guilty of social media stalking. Recruiters may Google you, and you don’t want them seeing that infamous college bar crawl. Avoid raising red flags by aligning your public online presence with how you want employers to view you.

What can you do?

• Make sure you update your LinkedIn profile so it speaks to your strengths. Write a headline that reflects what you’re looking for, not just your last job title. Even sharing or commenting on relevant posts can help increase your visibility.
• If your Twitter or Facebook is public, remove anything that might raise eyebrows (yes, that Trump Halloween costume needs to go). Or even better, make your personal profiles private. Consider starting a professional blog to show your knowledge in your field.

3. Boost your education and qualifications

Being ambitious is great, but you also need to be realistic. If you’re applying to a ton of jobs and not getting anything back, you might want to revisit the drawing board. And no, I’m not telling you to give up. Take this rejection as a sign to level up and invest in yourself.

What can you do?

• Return to the job descriptions you’ve applied to and highlight the qualifications you didn’t meet. Create a checklist based on the skills you don’t have or need to work on. Focus on one at a time, and explore ways to build your expertise.
• Look into free or low-cost courses on platforms such as Coursera, edX, or Udemy. Check out in-demand skills, like Excel, coding, or project management. These small steps show you’re willing to learn and put in the extra effort. 

4. Reach out to your contacts 

Not every job is posted online. Many roles get filled because someone knew someone, not because they submitted a flawless application. Networking isn’t just a trend you hear about from overly enthusiastic career advisors. It’s how a huge percentage of hiring happens. 

What can you do?

• Reconnect with former colleagues, classmates, and mentors with a quick message on LinkedIn or email. You’re not asking for a job — you’re asking if they know of any opportunities, or could introduce you to someone helpful. 
• Join professional communities and attend virtual networking events. Whether it’s a Slack group, an industry Meetup, or a webinar, these places are full of people who might be hiring. Being active in these spaces can lead to unexpected leads and referrals.

5. Upgrade and customize your job application 

Generic resumes don’t work, especially when your first “interviewer” is often a machine (hey, ATS). Recruiters and hiring managers aren’t just looking for someone qualified (everyone has a degree nowadays). They want someone who can contribute to the company’s success. 

What can you do?

• You should tailor your resume with similar language and phrases from the job description. If the role asks for “project management experience,” use those exact words (just don’t lie). Match their language, so the ATS and the recruiter see you as a strong fit.
• Add quantifiable achievements instead of vague responsibilities for more impact. Instead of writing “Managed a team of sales reps,” try “Led a team of 8 sales reps, increasing regional sales by 20% in 6 months.” It’s all about showing what you can bring to the company, not just what you were tasked with doing.

Find out more: How to Write a Resume Guaranteed to Win a Job Interview

6. Reach out for support and feedback

Getting rejected over and over without knowing why is demoralizing. But why overthink when you could just ask for feedback? Yes, it can be hard to hear, but knowing where you’re missing the mark can help you fix it. And often, you’re just one shift away from a very different outcome.

What can you do?

• Ask for feedback post-interview (even if it’s uncomfortable). Send a brief, polite message thanking them for their time and asking if they have any suggestions for improving in future interviews. Some won’t reply — but the ones who do may offer insights that could make all the difference.
• Reach out to someone you trust, like a former colleague, mentor, or even a career coach, and ask them to review your resume, cover letter, or even do a mock interview. You might be overlooking something small but crucial.

7. Stay flexible and open-minded 

Sometimes the biggest block in a job search is our tunnel vision. Have you been laser-focused on one specific role or industry and getting nowhere? Time to shift gears. Flexibility doesn’t mean giving up on your dream job, but it helps to find a way in while staying open to the unexpected.

What can you do?

• Consider industries or roles similar to your target job. For example, if you’ve been trying to land a role in tech with no luck, look at nonprofits, startups, or small agencies that could still use your skills. Nothing is forever, but experience is a long-term investment. 
• Don’t rule out contract roles, freelance gigs, or part-time work. These roles can help you build new skills, pay the bills, and sometimes even lead to full-time opportunities, especially if you prove yourself on the job.

How to Find a Job When You Don’t Know What to Do

Remember when people used to ask, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” — like you were supposed to just know? Many of us carry that pressure well into adulthood, quietly panicking when we don’t have it all figured out. But honestly, most people don’t. And that’s fine.

We evolve, circumstances shift, and our interests change, so it makes sense that your career path might feel unclear. Instead of beating yourself up, give yourself some breathing room. You might not know what to do now, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have options. 

Start by doing some serious reflection and ask yourself these questions: 

• What kind of work do you naturally gravitate toward? 
• What environments energize you? 
• Do you prefer structure or flexibility?
• Do you enjoy working with people or alone?
• Are you into problem-solving or creating?

Understanding your interests, values, and personality can help you figure out what kind of work is the right fit. Tools like personality or career assessments can be a useful starting point, but even taking notes or talking with people who know you well can help you connect the dots.

Don’t know where to start? Research different industries, watch YouTube videos, or read job descriptions to see what gets your attention. You can even reach out to people on LinkedIn for quick chats — most are happy to share what they do and how they got there.

Just don’t fall into the procrastination trap without taking action. That might mean starting with an entry-level job that exposes you to different tasks and helps you find out what you enjoy (and what you don’t). Even if it’s not your “forever” job, every experience teaches you something.

Need some inspiration? Take a look: MBTI at Work: How Personality Type Influences You

How to Deal With Not Getting a Job

We focus so much on landing a job that we often neglect the “in-between”. That stretch of uncertainty, sending applications, and hearing nothing back can feel endless. But while it’s stressful, this phase is also a rare window of time. You might not get this kind of freedom again for a while, so why not use it to reset, refocus, and figure out what you want?

Here’s how to make the most of this time while job searching:

• Reflect on your values and goals. Consider what kind of work energizes you and what kind of life you’re building, not just what job pays the bills. From there, create a list of employers or industries that align with your values and set daily goals.

• Learn from your mistakes. Stop treating every “no” as a personal failure and instead use it as feedback. If you’re sending out the same resume to every job, never tweaking your strategy, or hoping something sticks, that might be the issue. 

• Explore alternative paths. If you’re only applying for remote jobs, targeting a single industry, or dismissing roles that aren’t “perfect,” you could be losing real opportunities. Consider jobs adjacent to your past experiences or ones that offer valuable transferable skills. They may not be permanent, but they can serve as valuable stepping stones.

• Consider a side-hustle. Finding a side hustle can ease financial stress, while revealing strengths, interests, or potential career paths you haven’t considered. Freelancing, temp work, gig jobs, or starting your own small business can add to your experience and keep your resume active. 

• Change your perspective. This is a mental game as much as a practical one. Rejection doesn’t mean you’re not good enough; it just means it wasn’t the right fit. Let yourself feel disappointed, but don’t let it define you. Every rejection is a learning moment, and every small win (a good interview, positive feedback, a new connection) is progress. 

This post on Reddit sums it up nicely:

Have you lost your job? Find out more: How to Survive a Layoff

Summary 

• Don’t rely solely on LinkedIn. Explore niche job boards, check company websites directly, and connect with recruiters to tap into hidden opportunities.

• Ensure your professional accounts and portfolios are complete, active, and reflect the job you want. Hide or clean your personal social media if it could hurt your chances.
• Learn new skills, go back to school, or get certified. Use downtime to boost your qualifications. Online courses can help fill skill gaps and make you more competitive in today’s job market.

• Start networking and let people in your life know you’re job hunting. Reach out to former colleagues, attend events, or join online groups — most jobs come through connections.

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to each role. Use keywords from the job description and highlight results, not just tasks.

• If you’re getting ghosted or rejected, ask for feedback. Insights from interviews or peers can reveal what to improve or tweak.

• Stay flexible and open-minded. Consider temp work, contract roles, or jobs in adjacent fields. It might not be your dream job now, but it could lead you there.

FAQ

How to find a job you don’t hate?

Liking your job isn’t just about luck, you have to align your values and strengths with the role. Consider the elements of past jobs you enjoyed, and explore opportunities that involve more of those duties. It also helps to look at the parts you didn’t enjoy to rule out career paths that don’t align with your strengths. 

Be open-minded to what’s out there, stay flexible, and get out of your comfort zone if it means trying new things. You don’t need your next job to be forever, but it should at least move you in the right direction. 

What to do when you can’t find a job in your field?

Look for roles in similar industries where your skills still apply. Emphasize transferable skills like communication, analysis, leadership, or project management, which are valuable in almost any field. 

You should also consider short-term certifications or freelance work to strengthen your skills and boost your resume. And keep building experience and connections while staying open to unexpected opportunities that might lead you back into your field. 

How to find a part-time job?

Start by defining your “why.” Are you looking for extra income, flexibility, or a way to gain experience in a new field? Then search with purpose. Use filters on job sites like Indeed, LinkedIn, or local classifieds to focus only on part-time roles. 

Sectors in retail, food service, or customer support often have plenty of part-time opportunities. Part-time jobs can also pop up through word of mouth, so let people in your network know you’re looking.

What do you do when you can’t find a job and need money?

When you’re in survival mode, the goal shifts from “ideal job” to “stable income.” Look for immediate options like gig work (DoorDash, Instacart, freelancing), short-term temp jobs, or even local help-wanted ads. 

These jobs might not be glamorous, but they’ll help you stay afloat. Also, check if you qualify for government assistance, food support, or community aid — there’s no shame in using safety nets while you get back on your feet. Just make sure to carve out time, even in small chunks, to keep job searching or upskilling. 

What is the hardest month for finding a job?

December is often the slowest month for job hunting. Many hiring managers are out on vacation, budgets are frozen, and companies tend to pause recruitment until the new year. That doesn’t mean opportunities disappear completely, but responses might be slower. 

Take this time to clean up your resume, set SMART goals, build your network, and be ready to hit the ground running in January, which is one of the busiest hiring months of the year.

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