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Seven Reasons You are not Getting Hired and How to Fix It

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/></figure> <p></p> <p></p> <h2><strong>Job search: For better or for worse</strong></h2> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Job hunting can be challenging, and a poorly aimed shot will make you lose the game. Unfortunately, it is also a game where many things are not under your control. An inevitable aspect of job hunting is that you may not get the job you applied for; you may get something better or worse. But if you think you are aiming correctly and still not getting a shot, then it’s time to step back and retrospect why you aren t getting hired. </p> <p></p> <p><span id=

Sometimes you may feel clueless about why you weren t selected for a job profile when your skills and experience match their requirements. Job searching can take a long time and may worsen over time. Therefore, as an active job seeker, you must pinpoint those things hindering your job search and fix them immediately to avoid any delay. 

Why are you not getting hired, and how can you fix it?

It can be disheartening not to see positive results from your job search. Instead of giving up, it is better to examine those reasons that stop you from moving forward in your job search. You can improve in those areas and become a better—suited candidate for recruiters. Here are some reasons why you are not getting hired:

  1. Your application needs work

/></figure> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Your resume and cover work are the most common reasons recruiters are not approaching you. Your resume is the first document that they see and evaluate. Therefore, the resume should be up—to—date and highlight your capabilities. If your application is just like any other, and lacks uniqueness, it will most likely be passed on to the trash.</p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Enhance your resume and cover letter with an intriguing introduction that is enough to get the recruiter hooked. Then, highlight your skillset, achievements, recognitions, promotions, and other milestones in your career. Finally, use these<a href= application form templates to create beautifully—designed applications that contribute equally to getting the recruiters attention. 

  1. You aren t actively applying

Finding the right job usually takes weeks or months. It is inadequate to apply for a few openings in the entire week and sit idle. If you are sending applications to only a few companies and not following up with them, you are missing out on a significant factor in the job searching process. It is equally important to set aside some time to refine your resume. 

You can start by applying to more weekly job openings to fix this problem. You can also follow up with the HR team or the recruiter of the company and ask them about the status of your application if there has been no response for days. Then, you can strategize your job search and apply to jobs where the criteria meet yours. 

  1. You are overqualified

If you have applied for a post exceeding their requirements, there is a possible chance of not getting callbacks from them. It happens because the recruiters think you are overqualified for the job, and you may quit the company after a brief stint due to dissatisfaction with your role. 

Most recruiters only require some skills for the job. If someone applies for a post and the recruiter sees two or three skills matching, it is enough for them to hire the applicant. Since recruiting is a time—consuming process, they would want someone willing to work for the company for an extended period. If you are passionate about a particular job, ensure that the recruiter knows that you have the needed skills and are willing to do tasks that are less complex than what you have done before. 

  1. You are underqualified for the job

/></figure> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Another side of the coin that most of us ignore! It is one of the most obvious reasons for not getting that call from recruiters. It is also why many applicants do not go for jobs where expectations and needed skills are higher than expected. However, you may be accepted for the position if you know how to approach the recruiter concerning how you will do the desired job. </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>To make yourself capable of a broad spectrum of jobs, take time to undergo skill tests and earn badges to make yourself stand out. You can also take some time to connect with the company’s manager and convince them that you are ideally suited for whatever the job entails. Other things like internships and volunteering could also help you enhance your skills. </p> <p></p> <p></p> <ol start=
  • You are undervaluing your skills and talents

    • It is necessary to be confident while applying for job posts so that it helps you in the interviews. You need to spread out your wings and show recruiters what you are capable of instead of undermining your abilities. Your resume should be actual proof of the skills and talents you possess and which ones make you a fit candidate for the job. 

    When you apply for a job listing, you indirectly sell your skillset. Depending upon the job requirements you are interested in, highlight those skills on your resume so that you stand out from the other interested candidates. Use the same strategy in your cover letter so that recruiters find what they need in the person they are looking for, i.e., you.

    1. You need to up your interviewing skills

    /></figure> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>After your application is accepted, you will most likely be called for an interview. Your first interview lets recruiters know if you have the needed communication and thinking skills, in addition, to complete professionalism. If you fail to perform well in the first round, the job offer might be another lost opportunity. </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Some ways in which you can establish yourself as a thorough professional in the first interview round are:</p> <p></p> <p></p> <ul> <li><strong>Be early</strong>: It is always better to reach the venue before your scheduled time. It conveys that you are a professional who respects others time.</li> <li><strong>Dress appropriately</strong>: Your attire must be in sync with the office culture. Although your clothing may change depending upon the nature of the job, it should always be polished and well—maintained. </li> <li><strong>Keep your phone on silent mode or switch it off</strong>: Your attention should not linger during your interview, so keep all distractions at bay. Instead, make eye contact, listen properly and concentrate on your interviewer s questions. If your phone starts ringing in between, it can be perceived as a mockery of the decorum of the room. </li> <li><strong>Keep your answers concise</strong>: Respecting your interviewers’ time is essential. When they ask you a question, be as brief as possible unless they ask for additional examples. Straight—forward answers can leave quite an impression on them. </li> <li><strong>Be neutral or positive while explaining your past working environments</strong>: Always speak positively or neutrally while sharing your experiences in the past with companies and people. This will show maturity and conflict—resolution skills. Keep it professional and respectful in the professional world. </li> </ul> <p></p> <p></p> <ol start=
  • You don t have references

    • References are an integral part of your resume. They help managers to choose the candidate quickly as they attest to the skills and experiences mentioned in the application. Conversely, if you do not have any references, there is a slight chance of you being eligible for the job. 

    To fix this problem, you should reach out to other well—performing individuals who can be a testament to your skills and would recommend you for the job. These references can be acquired from former bosses, colleagues, professors, and others you have worked with. However, make sure that your connections are genuine and know the jobs you are applying for. 

    Rectify your job application process

    Landing your dream job may take a while, but remember, the best comes to those who wait. Meanwhile, you must brush up on your skills and experiences and think only of those factors in your control. Look for opportunities where your skillset is valued, and don t forget to take breaks when the job search process becomes cumbersome. 

    By B Naomi Grace

    The post Seven Reasons You are not Getting Hired and How to Fix It appeared first on Jobacle.com.

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    10 Things To Know About A Retail Management Career
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    10 Things To Know About A Retail Management Career

    If you are already on the path to becoming a retail manager or are simply considering it, here are some important and interesting things to consider before embarking upon a retail management career.

    1. You Must Have The Right Personality

    Retail manager talks with a retail worker on the job

    Compare your traits to those commonly found in successful retail managers.

    • Results-oriented
    • Ability to motivate, train, and develop others
    • Strong customer service skills
    • Natural leader
    • Patient
    • Cheerful
    • Good communicator
    • Professional
    • Good listener
    • Strong negotiator

    2. Retail Management Is More Than Just Sales

    Two retail managers working at a clothing store

    Retail managers oversee everything that makes a store work, from behind the scenes functions (such as buying, inventory, and merchandising) to the sales floor (such as sales and customer service). Some common tasks you can expect to perform during your retail management career include:

    • Hiring, managing, and motivating a team to increase sales
    • Overseeing vendors and the buying process
    • Managing inventory
    • Creating and maintaining store displays
    • Developing and executing sales and promotions
    • Analyzing market trends and researching competitors
    • Monitoring sales figures and forecasting future sales volumes, and meeting sales quotas
    • Dealing with questions, complaints, and comments from customers
    • Monitoring budgets, controlling expenses, and maximizing profits

    3. Experience Drives Growth

    Woman working an entry-level retail job

    One of the most important factors in getting a job in retail is experience. So, prepare to start in an entry-level job and take the time to learn every aspect of retail while you work your way up to your desired position.

    4. You Don’t Need To Have A College Degree

    Retail manager of a grocery store

    Many retail managers worked their way up to the position from the sales floor, but it’s easier to land the job if you do have a degree. Most have a bachelor’s in business administration and some even have an MBA.

    For those without a degree, internal training and development programs will help to propel you forward.

    5. There Are Many Specialties In Retail Management

    Man working in retail management hands a woman her bag

    As you move up in your career, you may have the opportunity to specialize in an area that interests you, including:

    • Buying
    • Pricing
    • Merchandising
    • Marketing
    • Personnel
    • Customer service
    • Training
    • Operations

    6. Moving Up Often Requires A Physical Move

    Retail manager holds an item from his grocery store

    As you grow in your career, you are typically promoted by moving to larger stores in larger markets, or to area or regional management. Due to the nature of retail, these positions are rarely in the same city.

    7. It’s A Numbers Game

    Two retail managers worried about paying the bills

    Success in retail is measured purely by sales and profit. Your job will be to improve commercial performance by meeting customer demand, increasing product turnover, and maximizing profitability. Although there are other considerations, compensation is highly dependent on these types of measures.

    8. Customer Service Is Paramount

    Retail manager uses her customer service skills at work

    As the saying goes, “the customer is always right.” Knowing that sentiment, retail managers are often presented with the most challenging situations and must exercise the utmost care when dealing with customers.

    In today’s “social media” driven society, mistreating a customer is the fastest way to destroy what was once a good reputation.

    9. It’s Not A 9-to-5 Job

    Man pursuing a career in retail management

    Stores are meant to serve the public, a public that often works from nine to five and thus have to shop in the evenings or weekends. Therefore, retail managers are often required to work non-traditional hours to maximize their effectiveness.

    10. Don’t Burn Bridges

    Woman pursuing a career in retail management

    Especially when in the same local or regional market, retail is a small world. Everyone knows each other and the bridge you burned yesterday at one company may be the one you have to cross before you can get your next job.

    Is Retail Management A Good Career?

    Retail management isn’t for everyone. But for the right person, it can be a great career path with lots of opportunities to achieve success.

    Need more help with your career?

    We’d love it if you signed up for Work It Daily’s Event Subscription! Get your career questions answered in our next live event!

    This article was originally published at an earlier date.



    Don’t Be A Wallflower! A Beginner’s Guide To Building Rapport
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    Don’t Be A Wallflower! A Beginner’s Guide To Building Rapport

    Building rapport is the art of establishing an emotionally comfortable relationship with a person during a conversation.

    When I first started as a call centre trainer, I listened to a sales team leader’s briefing. Like many naturally talented salespeople, he couldn’t explain how he was so good.

    He told his team to build rapport with their customers. One recent recruit asked: “How do we build rapport?” He replied: “Be yourself!”

    I thought to myself: “What does that mean? There must be a way to train for this.”

    I did some research on the internet and found various techniques. These are the top four which I included in the first training session of our agents’ onboarding course.

    Key Principles

    Coworkers laugh during a work meeting

    1. Use the other person’s name

    Dale Carnegie said people like nothing more than the sound of their own name. Using a person’s name can get and hold their attention very effectively. Like all games, this one has rules.

    Make sure you know how to pronounce it. I work with people from all over the world. I often first see their names in written form. So I will ask them, “How do I pronounce your name?” No one wants to hear someone mispronounce their name, and they will appreciate that you have taken the trouble to say it correctly.

    Don’t overuse it. The classic stereotype of the “slimy sales guy” uses a customer’s name at the end of every sentence. Use the person’s name at the start of the conversation, and then at points where you want her to pay special attention. That should not be more than once or twice.

    Names can be a sensitive topic. In the English-speaking world, using first names with complete strangers is considered normal. In the Czech Republic, it’s still common to use “Mr.”/“Mrs.” and a surname. Be careful to fit in with what’s normal for their culture, or you could be seen as disrespectful.

    2. Question, answer, comment (QAC)

    When two people talk for the first time, they often ask each other questions.

    At a conference, you might ask: “What do you think of the event?”

    When your partner replies, respond with a comment before asking the next question. Here’s an example:

    “What do you think of the event?”

    “It’s not what I expected. I was hoping there would be more presentations.”

    “Really? What aspect of XYZ are you interested in?”

    The comment, “Really?” shows you are interested in her answer.

    Two points to note: your comment needs to be appropriate to the answer, and you should not use the same comment for every answer, otherwise, you will sound like a bored telemarketer.

    3. Something in common

    Finding something in common with the other person is a good rapport-building technique. If you are talking to someone, you are in the same physical or virtual environment.

    You could ask a question or comment about the event you are both attending.

    You could comment about the signal quality of the video conference call you are on.

    If you meet face to face, you could do the classic British thing and talk about the weather!

    You could also volunteer some personal information, such as mentioning your children or pets. People love to respond with a similar comment of their own. Suddenly, you find that you both have teenage sons or Jack Russell terriers. You have something in common to talk about!

    4. Humour

    This is the most effective, but the riskiest way to build rapport. Humour is usually culturally specific. What makes one person laugh could leave another person cold, or even get you a fist in the face.

    I wait for the other person to make the first joke, to gauge what works for her.

    If you’re going to make a joke, don’t make a joke at the expense of anyone you are talking to.

    I know someone who was talking to the managing director of another company. He made a humorous comment about salespeople. The managing director had spent the first 20 years of his career in sales.

    You may think that self-deprecatory humour is a safe option, but in some cultures, making jokes about yourself is seen as a sign of insecurity and weakness.

    How Can I Improve My Game?

    Two professionals shake hands and smile at each other

    Start by watching other people and how they build rapport.

    Watch what other people do in meetings or conversations. Watch TV or films where people have conversations. Police dramas are great since police officers usually try to build rapport with witnesses and suspects who they interview.

    Start actively practicing by trying one technique at a time in conversations. Watch how your conversational partners react, and take that as feedback.

    I used a practice activity where every new trainee had to ask the other trainees five questions to get to know each other. They had to use rapport-building techniques. Fifteen minutes after the exercise kicked off, the classroom sounded like a party!

    If you go to a networking event, prepare four or five simple questions and go around the room and try to talk to everyone, using the rapport-building techniques. See how they react.

    Follow Up

    I love hearing how people get on when they use these techniques, what works for them and what doesn’t. Send me a message and let me know how you got on!

    5 Parts Of A Cover Letter (AKA How To Write A Good One!)
    Published

    5 Parts Of A Cover Letter (AKA How To Write A Good One!)

    Every resume should be accompanied by the five parts of a cover letter. In this article, I am going to demonstrate the mechanics of a well written cover letter. I hope this provides some knowledge about the parts of a cover letter, and enables you to generate interest from a hiring manager.

    How do you structure a cover letter?

    A great cover letter has five parts: the salutation, the opening, the hook, the paragraph of knowledge, and the close.

    1. The Salutation (The Hello)

    Before writing your cover letter, you should research the company you’re applying to. This includes finding the name of the hiring manager who will be reading your resume and cover letter. Get a name, any name. By hook or by crook try to get a name. Sometimes you can’t—then try Dear hiring manager.

    2. The Opening (The Grab)

    Man writes a cover letter on his laptop

    The opening paragraph of your cover letter is your introduction and presents the reader with some immediate and focused information about your connection to the company. Don’t just reiterate what you say in your resume. Explain what you admire about the company you’re applying to. Essentially, you need to tell a story about why you want to work for them. It should “grab” the hiring manager and disrupt them in some way (hence a disruptive cover letter).

    3. The Second Paragraph (The Hook)

    Woman reads her cover letter on her laptop

    This paragraph should define some examples of the work performed and the results achieved. It should be connected to your resume. This does not mean you should copy verbatim what is in the resume. Rather, cover some key competencies that you feel define your success. Provide the hiring manager with some added context about your unique background, blending those facts with language from the job description. Set the stage for how you are qualified for the role you are applying to. But, don’t overdo it.

    In the event you are highlighting some information not contained in the resume (if you are switching careers, or have a unique value proposition), this is the perfect place to cover that information.

    4. The Third Paragraph (Paragraph Of Knowledge)

    Job seeker writes his cover letter on his laptop

    Next, demonstrate something you know about the company (its goals, recent achievements, etc.) that prompted you to write. Then, select a couple of examples from your resume that you believe will impress recruiters and hiring managers. Reword these achievements and frame them in a way that shows the employers what you can do for them. This shows the reader that you did some preliminary homework and understand the company’s drivers and goals.

    Try to include quantifiable examples wherever possible since numbers usually resonate more than words.

    5. The Fourth Paragraph (The Close)

    Woman on laptop writing her cover letter for a job posting

    In the closing paragraph, quickly summarize what you offer, ask for the interview, and close by thanking the hiring manager for taking the time to read your cover letter.

    It’s important to help the reader connect the dots to show them why you are a great job candidate, a business-of-one who can provide a service they need with a personal connection to the company that is invaluable.

    That’s it!

    What should not be included in a cover letter?

    Your cover letter should not include:

    • A boring opening line
    • Long paragraphs
    • A recap of your resume
    • Irrelevant information
    • A boring closing statement
    The above template provides what I believe to be the most important parts of any cover letter.​ I hope these tips help you feel confident when writing your next cover letter!

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    This article was originally published at an earlier date.