How To Get A Job After A Series of Unsuccessful Applications

By Selipha Kihagi

Job applications have already been confirmed tedious and welcome to a number of rejections, a situation that fresh graduates are now learning to get used to and unfortunately using it as an excuse to failed applications.

Question remains, why are other people getting the jobs and not you? The jobs might be few, yes, or at least the good ones you are looking to find are, but what is keeping you from getting a job over and over again? Missing out on a job a few times is alright, but going on months or even years should not be acceptable.

Why are you not getting jobs?

The answer to this could vary across a number of areas, the common ones being that your CV is not meeting the standards the employer is looking for or that your Cover Letter did not really communicate why you want the job. Then there is the issue of applying to jobs you are not well qualified for.

According to a recent survey done by a leading recruitment firm in Kenya, 65% of HR Managers across the country cited their biggest challenge as receiving applications where the candidates are not fully qualified.

Why? “One of the reasons is that candidates don’t know themselves. It’s not enough to know that you have a certain qualification. You have to audit your skills, expertise, motivation and culture fit and asses them against an employer,” says Perminus Wainaina, a Recruitment Manager at Corporate Staffing Services.

ALSO READ >>> 6 Things You Must Do Before Sending Out Your Application

So, how do you rise from unsuccessful applications?

You need to have a strategy and a plan. Know who to talk to, what steps to follow and which jobs to apply for. To do this, you can utilize the following tips;

1. Ensure your CV/Cover Letter is not the problem
You do this by talking to a professional, it could be a HR person in a particular organization or recruitment firm, it could be a professional CV writer or interview coach or a professional in your area of expertise.

Try and find out what your current CV or Cover Letter is communicating to these professionals. Would they hire you if they had an opening? What position would they recommend you for?

2. Carefully analyze the job requirements and description to see if you fit well to the job
Not all jobs will suit your qualifications perfectly. It is not just about matching the years of experience or meeting the degree or diploma the job is looking for, consider the skills. Do you possess them or not? Analyzing your skills and those of the job will let you know if you are the best fit or it’s time to find another.

3.Utilize various Social media platforms (LinkedIn)
Not enough stress can be put under this one, and if you are one of those thinking that LinkedIn is not helping then you are talking to the wrong people or visiting the wrong pages. Follow recruitment firms that are active on social media, query them about jobs or even talk to hiring managers directly. You will be surprised.

4. Don’t believe that you deserve the position
You need to know that there are other candidates qualified as well as you or even better qualified than you are, so don’t settle. Challenge yourself to stand out among the rest by preparing well, doing thorough research and understanding what works and what doesn’t in the application process.

Applying for a job can be nerve wrecking and frustrating when it doesn’t get you anywhere, but with a plan and doing it right, you will be among the successful.

Selipha is a Communication Officer at Corporate Staffing Services, a leading Recruitment firm that offers free CV Placement & Career Advice. If you have any career queries, contact selipha@corporatestaffing.co.ke

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