I’m assuming there’s been little to no progress in your applications – which is probably why you asked this question.
From my experience, if you’ve sent out tons of applications, and received zero responses, chances are it’s a resume issue. Here are some common problems I often see:
• Outdated format. You don’t have to use those fancy Canva templates, but your resume needs to look clean, modern, and not just a copy-paste of your job description. Some of your resumes, look lazy like they’ve just been updated along the way since the early 2000s – never refreshed in terms of look and feel.
• Missing or uninviting photo. Either you didn’t include a friendly-looking picture, or the one you sued isn’t exactly “come-hire-me” energy.
• No clear specialisation. This is the most important one. Especially if you have years of experience in various roles. Go back to the job ad, study what they’re asking for, and tailor your resume accordingly. It’s common to have multiple customised versions alongside your master copy now. Personalisation is the trend. Employers are looking for subject matter experts, not jack-of-all-trades.
Anyway, from my experience, the most effective way to get hired (or to hire) is through referrals. That’s where your network comes in.
Start on LinkedIn – spend 30 minutes a day just reading posts, analyse the comment sections, and observe how people are interacting meaningfully. Or better still, go to events. Show up in person. Shake hands. Exchange contacts. Build connections.
Because job hunting is a full-time job in itself. It takes strategy and effort. The days of click-click-clicking on job boards are no longer enough to make the cut.
Gitu.
xoxoxo, AuntyHR
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