Do you feel like you are struggling to find the job you want?

Sitting in dozens of job interviews and writing cover letters many times over can be exhausting when you are not seeing any positive results.

You may start to feel anxious about your value in the job market, and you may worry that your skills are not being seen for what they are worth.

If you feel you’re in this situation, here are some common barriers you may be hitting, and how to overcome them.

Your resume is not tailored to the role you are applying for

Are you tailoring your resume to the specific job description of the role you are applying for, or are you sending the exact same, standard stock resume to every employer? Companies can receive dozens, if not hundred of job applications for a role that is advertised. Hiring managers are looking for resume applications that not only stand out, but also reflect the skills, qualifications and experience that their job advertisement is looking for. Take the time to tailor your resume to increase your chances of being noticed by a potential employer.

Your not prepared enough for your job interview

Job interviews are often a make or break when it comes to securing a job. How you present yourself, answer the interview questions, and how you build rapport with the interviewees are crucial factors to get right the first time. Before any upcoming job interview, ensure that you are well prepared, thoroughly researching the company, and preparing your own responses and questions for the interviewers. The job interview can be a common barrier for many candidates trying to find a job and is a step that depends highly on preparation.

You’re not confident

Confidence plays a key role when it comes to establishing that you are the right fit for the job. Whether it’s during a face-to-face job interview or phone calls with the hiring manager, are you presenting yourself in a confident manner? Can you speak assertively about your skills and qualifications and how it aligns with the job on offer? It’s not uncommon for a candidate’s confidence to sometimes drop after many rounds of unsuccessful job applications, so it’s crucial to ensure that you are in the right state of mind before applying for your next job opportunity.

You’re not adaptable

Digitisation is playing a larger role in many jobs today, and some jobs are transforming as a result of technology. A common barrier that candidates may encounter when looking for a job is not demonstrating their ability to be adaptable to change. Companies will become more dependent on candidates who can evolve within their job function and be open to continuously learn new skills. Demonstrating that you are adaptable whether through past job experience or your passion for upskilling is important to communicate to a potential employer that you are ready to work in a changing workplace environment.

While there can be common barriers to finding a job, most of these barriers can be overcome through preparation and and the confidence to pursue finding a job that is right for you.