What to do if your job search is going nowhere 

One of the most common complaints we hear from new candidates is that they’ve applied for endless numbers of jobs but are yet to get an interview. It’s stressful, disheartening and in some cases, can put them off altogether. We’ve all been there, but nothing’s as bad as continuing in a job that makes you unhappy, so it’s always important to stay the course. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to turn the situation around. Here’s what to do if your job search is going nowhere: 

1. Stop and take a deep breath 

Step number one: breathe. Job hunting requires huge commitment and often a thick skin, so sit back for a minute and appreciate just how much you’ve been doing – even if it hasn’t yet led to that new role. We all know how crushing it can be when your application is met with stone-cold silence, but there are ways to deal with the pressure of job hunting.  

Set small goals: perhaps apply to a handful of roles per week, and only ones that you can honestly say excite you. Remind yourself about your skills, experience and achievements – you are good at what you do! Treat job hunting like you would an actual job and factor in work/life balance: get away from the screen periodically to clear your head. Search during your most energetic and productive times, establishing a cut-off time to avoid fatigue. Lastly, and most importantly, try not to let the experience get you down. Mulling over a rejection can eat away at your confidence, so try instead to focus your concentration on the next role.  

Top tip: Cut yourself some slack and indulge in some self-care. Job searching isn’t easy, so don’t be so hard on yourself. This is just the beginning!   

2. Review your CV 

This usually elicits a groan, but take a long look at your CV. If you’re not getting much traction after submitting this document – which is effectively a written sales pitch for you – then perhaps there are some improvements which could be made. Is the formatting consistent and tidy? Is all the information up to date? Can you list highlights so that an employer can see at-a-glance how amazing you are? Have you tailored your CV for the specific job, stating experience and emphasising skills which are relevant to the application? How is the spelling and grammar?  

It’s a lot to consider, but don’t worry, we delve into this in more detail in our guide: How to write a stand-out CV: 8 top tips (link)- take a look. Your CV is usually the first opportunity to make a good impression, so it’s crucial that it is the best it can be.  

Top tip: Ask a trusted friend, family member or recruitment consultant to have a look at your CV too. They may spot something you have overlooked.   

3. Improve your LinkedIn profile

LinkedIn remains an important part of the job hunter’s armoury. Employers often check applicants’ profiles for extra information which isn’t on the CV. In some cases, you can apply for a role directly via LinkedIn, using just one click. It’s a good idea, therefore, to keep your profile updated – think of it as an advert for you and your experience.  

Add skills, ask ex-colleagues to endorse you or even write a recommendation. Take some of the LinkedIn courses to gain licences and certifications. List role achievements that highlight your talent, rather than reeling off a job description. If nothing else, ensure your profile is set to ‘open to finding a new job’, so recruiters can find you in their searches. The perfect job could come straight to your mailbox. 

Top tip: Get active on the platform. Share relevant industry news, make connections and comment on posts – it shows you are a serious professional who keeps informed. 

4. Try a recruitment agency 

Of course, we’re bound – if not obliged – to mention this point, but bear with us; it’s actually a genuinely helpful one. A recruitment consultant acts as your personal cheerleader, in a way, doing all they can to help you find a fabulous new job. While we can’t speak for all agencies, most consultants will take time to get to know you, so that when the right job arises, we can submit your CV straight away. Your expert consultant will additionally help you with CV guidance, and interview advice and will act on your behalf when that job offer comes through.  

Not to blow our own trumpet, but Parity’s CV-to-interview and interview-to-placement ratios are 2:1, which is an industry-leading statistic (so if you’d like to send us your CV (LINK), we’d be really happy to help).  

Top tip: find an agency which not only specialises in your profession but partners with the types of companies you would like to work for. Many will proudly display their clients on their website.  

5. Ask for feedback 

Often, the last thing a person wants to do after receiving a job rejection is to hear why it went wrong, but gathering feedback is a constructive and useful way to make improvements. If feedback is offered, accept – and if it’s not, then ask for some, especially if you’ve had an interview or had to submit an example of work. You might want to ask what you could have done differently, which will arm you with exclusive information that can be incorporated into your applications going forward. 

Also, asking for feedback shows that you care about the job and the company, and could pay off in other ways, should you apply for another role in the future.  

Top tip: try not to get defensive and take the feedback personally; view it instead as an opportunity to gain the insight required to make some truly positive changes.  

These are just a handful of actions to consider that could help reinvigorate your job search and get it moving in the right direction. Try one or two – or all – and let us know what happens. If you’d like some assistance from an expert, then please get in touch with our friendly team. You never know, we could have the perfect job already.