Charlotte Grainger 
The job search is more complex than it appears
You're a talented professional with a valuable skill set and several years of strong experience behind you. So, why is it so hard to find a job? It's not that you're unemployable. For starters, the job-search process is difficult to navigate; it's a complex blend of hiring practices, recruitment standards, and access to vacancies. In this guide, we look at the common reasons behind the job-search struggle and how you can overcome them.
The challenges: why it's so hard to get a job
If you're a job seeker and you're finding it tough, you're not alone. The truth of the matter is that the competition is tough. Here are some of the reasons you may be finding it hard to land interviews and jobs.
1. Job openings may be misleading
If you see a vacancy, whether on a job board, LinkedIn or elsewhere, it's natural to assume that this position is open. And it is, but there could be a catch (or two).
Sometimes companies put up a job advertisement to collate a pool of CVs that they can draw on at a later date when they are ready to “officially” start hiring.
It's a method of future-proofing the recruitment drive so that when they do need another pair of hands on board, they can turn to their little black book of fresh talent.
2. You may be competing with existing employees
That's not all. More often than not, especially for larger businesses, job opportunities are not exclusively for external applicants. Many companies choose to open up the positions to current staff as well as advertising it online.
This puts you at a disadvantage because making an internal hire is more cost-effective for businesses, as the worker will already know the company inside out. Put simply, if you and an internal staff member have the same skill set and expertise, you might lose out.
3. Companies are very selective
Another reason it's becoming hard to find a job is that companies today are incredibly picky, especially if it's the start of a hiring sprint. Many employers are looking for “the perfect candidate” in the early stages of a recruitment drive and are determined to find the candidate of their dreams.
The truth is, all good employers should be looking for candidates who are a good fit, not perfect. This is especially because most job seekers today are not looking for a role that they can slot into like a puzzle piece for the rest of time. Instead, they want an opportunity that they can grow into and make their own. So that “perfect fit” wouldn't last long.
Despite this, companies are highly selective, and to break through that wall, you need to fight to prove your value from the off. This can make the job-seeking process incredibly challenging.
4. CV standards are exceptionally high and precise
It's not enough to submit that one CV that you recently updated with all your achievements. You have to tweak and tailor your CV so that it showcases the types of skills and experiences to fit each job opening. After all, every prospective employer will have different expectations.
And it doesn't stop there. You have to format your CV to the appropriate length and style. You must also quantify your achievements with tangible metrics that demonstrate your competency. And you must use the right language to grab the recruiter's attention.
5. Your CV has to pass the ATS software
It goes on. There's also the applicant tracking system to contend with. Ats is a tool used by more than 95% of Fortune 500 companies and 75% of other businesses. The software sorts through applications, revealing which are the best fit for the job at hand.
To do this, the ATS scans CVs for certain keywords and phrases related to the job opening and sorts the wheat from the chaff. What does this mean for you? If you want to make sure that your CV passes the ATS, you're going to have to optimise it using the right keywords.
6. An interview is only the beginning
Once your CV is over the line and you make it to the screening interview call, by all means, celebrate. But your journey has only just begun. The reality is, on average, 250 candidates apply for each vacancy, and only 25% make it past the ATS. From that, 10 are selected for a screening call and then only four or five meet with the employer for a face-to-face interview.
Two or three may impress and proceed to pass several interview rounds. Then, of course, there can only be one offer. Put simply, it takes a lot of work to narrow down the pool of candidates to one, and the process can spread several weeks or months. And you'll need to impress every step of the way if you want to land the job. Don't lose your motivation here!
7. Companies now hire remote employees
There once was a time when you could only apply for jobs in your region – or relocate for roles. However, times have changed. According to statistics from ONS, 44% of British professionals have started working in some remote capacity in 2023. Since people can apply for jobs from anywhere in the country (or even the world!), that opens up the talent pool on a grand scale.
Rather than simply being up against similar candidates in your area, you're now competing with applicants from all over the place. That means that the competition is tougher than ever.
8. Not all jobs are advertised online
Scouring job boards for upcoming vacancies should, of course, be central to your search. However, keep in mind that not all jobs are advertised online. The truth is that many businesses fill positions by either headhunting, networking, or hiring internally.
For that reason, you might find that your dream job is nowhere to be seen. But that doesn't mean that it's not available. You should use networking to your advantage and take the time to dig deeper when it comes to looking for new roles.
9. There's an employment skills gap
You already know that you need a diverse skill set to land a job. But did you know that there is a skills gap here in the UK? The latest statistics show that 5.7% of workers have a gap in their skills. Additionally, more than a third of all vacancies in 2022 were “skills shortage” jobs.
To put that in layperson terms, it means that hiring managers are looking for talent that many employees don't possess. As the world advances technologically, this is likely to become a more prominent issue. Additionally, if you're someone with no experience, it may be hard to convince employers that you have the skills they need. Staying ahead and upskilling is a smart way to boost your employability.
The solutions: what to do when struggling to find a job
If you can't find a job and are feeling depressed about it, don't lose hope! Now that you understand why the job hunt is getting harder and harder these days, you'll be more ready to tackle the potential issues that could be affecting your application. Yes, securing your next role can be a challenging experience, but there are things you can do to improve your chances of job-search success:
1. Apply for the right jobs
First things first, you need to make sure that you're applying for the right jobs. It can be tempting to apply for any job that looks vaguely relevant to your aspirations and experience, but you should spend your time more wisely. Choose the jobs that match your skill set, experience, and goals.
When wondering why it's so hard to find a job, remember that quality is more important than quantity when it comes to job applications. Reading through a job description thoroughly, extracting keywords, and customising your CV is time-intensive. So, this level of personalisation will stand a stronger chance of impressing recruiters than a generalised CV that cuts corners. Put the effort into fewer applications that are more likely to get results.
2. Optimise your professional CV
Your CV is your ticket to passing the ATS gateway and getting your name in front of a recruiter's eyes. You could be the most talented professional and a great fit for the job, but if your CV isn't ATS-friendly or doesn't highlight the right parts of your experience and abilities, your application is likely to fall into the abyss known as the CV black hole.
If you're struggling, it's okay to ask for CV help. Expert CV writers are there on standby to support your job search. At TopCV, we know all the tricks of the trade to help you write a CV that's spot on. From carefully listing achievements and awards in CV to correct formatting, our advice is there to support you through every stage of your application.
3. Network with like-minded professionals
It's true what they say: It's about who you know, not what you know.
If a company is looking to hire from within, you're limited in what you can do. But if you can get your foot in the door through networking, at least you won't be a complete stranger. Networking can also help you access what's known as the “hidden jobs market.”
It's important to stay active with your networking. While these connections could help you with your job search eventually, you don't want to make these people feel like you're just using them. So ensure you keep the conversations regular, genuine, and meaningful until the right opportunity presents itself.
4. Look beyond the job boards
Your job search does not have to end with boards. When looking for roles online, you should also tap into your social networks – primarily LinkedIn and Twitter (or X).
Use LinkedIn to interact with others in your field, or turn to X during the job search to tweet your way into your next role. Additionally, you can use these platforms to make the right impression on hiring managers. Post regularly and engage with other people's comments and thoughts. Don't be afraid to reach out and make new connections, either.
5. Follow up with hiring managers
Spoiler: your application may well get lost in the sea of other candidates. If you want to bring your CV back to the top of the pile, it's important to follow up. Wait around one or two weeks before you send the recruiter a polite follow-up email.
First of all, make sure that you're reaching out to the right person. Once you've done that, draft a short message reaffirming your interest in the position. You can also remind the person about when you applied for the job and the process that you followed. This will allow them to find your application, should they need to do so. While it can feel scary to follow up on job applications, it may increase your chances of landing an interview and ultimately getting that job.
The struggle is real – but there's hope!
So, why is it so hard to find a job? The reasons vary. It surely is tough to get a job, and believe us when we say there's a lot you're up against. But this job hunt experience doesn't need to be an excruciating one. By thinking smartly, keeping your finger on the pulse, and using the tools and resources around you, you'll secure your dream job sooner than you think. Keep moving forward and follow our advice and the whole experience will be less painful along the way.
One way to make your job search easier is to work with a professional CV writer. Learn more here.
This article was originally written by Laura Slingo and has been updated by Charlotte Grainger.