You have the required degree, skills, and experience to get a job. Even though you carefully drafted your CV and did your research, still, your job applications are getting turned down. What have you been doing wrong?
Due to the high unemployment rate in Nigeria, there are hundreds of applicants for a single job position. This makes jobs more competitive.
Hiring managers become more careful in their selection to reduce applicants to a considerable number.
In this article, we discuss possible factors and reasons your job application is rejected, and tips for succeeding, in your quest for a job position.
Below are some of the factors probably causing the spiteful delay in your job acceptance. You need to pay careful attention and avoid the factors below:
Some of the Reasons Your Job Application is rejected
1. Your CV/Resume didn’t make it past the ATS
Your job application, cover letter, and CV/résumé are frequently not seen at first by a human, but by machines. Many companies weigh their alternatives and filter job applicants using an Application Tracking System (ATS), especially those companies that get a lot of applications.
This application/program scans your application, especially your CV, using sophisticated algorithms to determine how well it complies with the job specifications. The hiring manager, most times, never sees the applicants who don’t fit in nicely.
The good news is that there is a way to beat the ATS program. The ATS system can be defeated, your application can pass the system. You can get major points with the robots if you use keywords from the job description and industry buzzwords, maintain a clear format, and use sans serif font. Therefore, do some research on appropriate ATS layouts or formatting before writing your resume.
2. You didn’t proofread your application
Misspelled words or grammatical errors are parts of the reasons your job application is rejected. Even the smallest mistakes in medical transcriptions can have serious repercussions.
Always double-check your work, and ask family members or trusted friends to check it for mistakes you might have missed. Spending an extra ten minutes reviewing your CV/résumé will pay off in the long run because a job could last ten years or even your entire life.
3. Your application was too long
Yes, it is also a thing in the business world to say “too long; didn’t read.” While highlighting a few achievements isn’t a bad idea, avoid stuffing your CV with too many. We found that all candidates have a propensity to provide way too much information and depth in their cover letters and introductory emails. Then, we advise that you try using a single intriguing line to sum up your main contribution to the position. This is another typical CV error.
To succeed, think like the hiring manager who must sort through dozens or even hundreds of applications. Consider what matters to the hiring manager, including their priorities, rather than what you want to say. When you follow up on an application, have this in mind as well.
4. Your experience level didn’t match the job
This is one of the most frequent causes of application rejection, according to many recruiting specialists. Usually, under-qualification is the issue, but it’s also possible if your experience is in a somewhat different position or industry. Even worse, being overqualified can cause you to be rejected. Anyone who wishes to advance to a better job or change careers may find this to be irritating.
For instance, a master’s degree and ten years of experience in the technology industry may be required by the job description for a software development manager position. A five-year experience requirement may be noted by the company if you have an associate degree but lack the prerequisites. Read the job description carefully to grasp the preferred professional background.
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5. You’ve been out of work for a while
In a short period of time, jobs and entire industries can undergo significant change, particularly in light of the rapidly evolving technologies and growing globalization.
A hiring manager will select the candidate they believe is already up to speed if given the choice between someone already employed in the profession and someone unemployed for more than a year.
It’s neither simple nor always advisable to explain on a job application how a tightening labor market or earning the highest salary possible has limited your opportunities. A better course of action would be to look for methods to add something pertinent to the gaps on your resume.
Attempt to secure some internship opportunities. Create content for trade publications. At a conference in your industry, offer to speak or lead a workshop. enroll in or earn a related certification.
These actions demonstrate how committed you are to your line of work and that you haven’t been avoiding duty for months.
6. You lied on your application
Unfortunately, job searchers frequently make this error, and it is one of the reasons your job application is rejected. Exaggerated qualifications are frequently obvious to astute HR professionals, and you could also be quickly exposed by your web presence.
Even if you choose not to provide references for prior employers, they might still call them and learn that you were merely an intern there for a year and not a supervisor for five years.
Bigger companies may also engage outside contractors who do background checks on candidates to validate their qualifications. Your application will be rejected if it contains any misleading information.
Word can spread to other businesses if you operate in a specialist field that requires a lot of networking, which could result in additional job rejections.
The best course of action is to apply for jobs honestly. There are legitimate ways to emphasize your qualities and minimize your flaws without having to tell a lie that might come back to bite you.
Tips for successfully landing your dream job
1. Personalize your CV/resume for every job posting
By tailoring your CV to the employer, you may show that you’d be a good fit for the position. When you locate a position that appeals to you, consider how you may modify your CV to grab the hiring manager’s attention.
Make sure to emphasize professional experience and skills that are pertinent to the position and sector.
For instance, if you’re applying for a store manager position, it might be beneficial to highlight your communication and customer service experience on your resume.
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2. Incorporate keywords from job descriptions
Using keywords from the job description in your application can help you get past the employer’s initial screening. To find individuals that fulfill their requirements, the recruiter may program the applicant tracking system (ATS) to emphasize specific words.
Make proper adjustments to your resume using the job description. Add the precise name in your aim statement and skills section.
For instance, if the firm likes a candidate who is proficient in spreadsheet software. You can express your skills in the same way that the employer does.
Use a straightforward resume format and relate the credentials to abide by the tracking system.
3. Ask the employer for feedback
Ask the hiring manager why they rejected the application for the position by getting in touch with them. You may enhance your job search methods by identifying them with the help of feedback.
For instance, you might learn that it’s best to fill out the application entirely, even though certain sections are optional.
Browse the company’s website to find the recruiter’s contact details under the job description. Remember to introduce yourself, make a note of the position that interests you, and state your motivation for applying when you first make contact.
4. Request help from your professional network
You can also overcome being rejected by utilizing your professional network, which consists of mentors, previous coworkers, and supervisors.
Inform the people you know about your intended career and the skills you may provide to an organization. They might be willing to speak on your behalf to the hiring managers because they have firsthand knowledge of companies that are currently recruiting.
If you don’t have a professional network, go on Linkedin and start connecting to employers in your field of interest.
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5. Don’t give up on your job search
When is the best time to give up job search? The answer is – never. There are countless opportunities out there, so even though it is difficult, never consider jobs search helpless.
Companies rejecting you are not trying to tell you you’re not good enough. A fresh start is just what you need to approach your job hunt with new energy and motivation.
As you continue to send in applications for job vacancies that fit you, practice tenacity in your job search.
It is all too easy to make these frequent job search mistakes, so don’t be too hard on yourself if you do.
The most important thing to remember is that looking for work is a journey, and it can take a long time. There will undoubtedly be setbacks along the way, but if you alter your path early, your journey to a new employment will be shorter and more productive.
Are you feeling overwhelmed in your job search? Like you need someone to guide you? Explore some of our related career support contents to assist in guiding you in your career. We wish you good luck in your job hunt. Do not forget to visit Our Website for Legit Jobs only!
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