This past June, a technology company claimed they receive 12,000 applications for on single open role.
450 out of the initial applicants made it to the interview stage.
Despite the extreme number of applicants, they couldn’t find an ideal candidate.
Let’s be honest: job hunting is tough.
It’s not always about bad luck or a bad economy. Sometimes, it’s about bad strategy.
If you’ve been wondering why your job search isn’t going anywhere, these 6 signs might explain why and give you clarity on what to fix.
✅ 1. Your CV is Not Optimized
Most jobseekers treat their CV like a static document (a standard résumé they send to every employer).
In the current job market, a generic CV hardly get jobs because most companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter application
These systems scan for specific keywords and formats.
📊 According to Jobscan, over 98% of Fortune 500 companies use ATS.
Your CV must be tailored/optimized for each role, using keywords from the job description whiles keeping the layout clean and machine-readable.
Even when a human recruiter is reading your CV, they’ll only spend an average of 6-7 seconds scanning it. If your keywords don’t jump out, they’ll move on.
✅ 2. You Don’t Have a Network
People who consistently land great roles often have solid networks consisting of professional groups, mentors, volunteering gigs, or even casual LinkedIn connections that recommend them for opportunities.
“It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” Well, in the job market, it’s both.
If you’re job hunting in isolation, you’re doing it the hard way. A strategic connection could open a door that a hundred online applications couldn’t.
✅ 3. You’re Chasing Irrelevant Degrees
Some applicants panic during the job hunt process by thinking they need more education . The logic is, “Maybe I need a second (or third) degree.”
But here’s the trap: more education doesn’t always equal more employability.
In fact, it can delay your career progress and pile on debt. If the degree doesn’t align with a clear market demand, you’re simply using education as a distraction not a solution.
Instead of chasing more certificates, chase market-relevant skills or short-term certifications tied directly to the roles you’re targeting.
✅ 4. You’re Stuck in an Old-School Employment Mindset
Many people believe a job only counts if it’s full-time with benefits. But in today’s economy, that’s limiting.
The modern workforce includes freelancers, consultants, remote contractors, side hustlers, and more.
If you’re ignoring these alternatives, you’re cutting off huge parts of the job market.
A contract job could be the stepping stone to your dream full-time role.
✅ 5. You Think Job Search = Just Applications
Job searching is not just about uploading CVs and hoping for callbacks. It’s about getting visible.
That could mean:
- Interning
- Attending job fairs
- Volunteering
- Blogging on LinkedIn
- Reaching out directly to hiring managers
Applications are just one part of the funnel. Visibility is another. Applicants who are going all out win.
✅ 6. You’re Not Applying Enough
Let’s keep it real: one job application a day isn’t enough.
If your job search is urgent or you’re unemployed, you should treat it like a full-time job.
Successful jobseekers often apply to 10–20 roles a week, if not more — but with quality and intention, not just random clicks.
Use tracking tools like Trello or Excel to stay organized and follow up on your applications.
🎯 Final Thoughts
If any of these six signs describe you, don’t panic but don’t stay stuck either. A job search isn’t just a waiting game. It’s a strategic campaign.
Because the truth is, there are jobs out there but you’ve got to show up in the right way to get them.
