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What should I do if I can't get a job?

201 Answers
Last Updated: 06/11/2022 at 11:02pm
What should I do if I can't get a job?
1 Tip to Feel Better
United States
Moderated by

Stacy Overton, PhD.

Counselor

I am an enthusiastic life-long learner and also a professor of counseling. I have a passion for peoples stories and helping to guide and empower the human spirit.

Top Rated Answers
YouBeYou
July 20th, 2016 3:02am
Try harder, there always are job available. Make yourself stand out, dress sharply. Make a resume that shows how much you have done in the past? Show what your skills are.
RegFromIreland
September 9th, 2018 7:21pm
Best tip I ever got was to pretend that I was playing a game where I had to collect 100 rejection letters. I've heard of some people who have made it to 50, but they all eventually lost! Poor working losers! The idea of 'can't get' suggests that you can predict the future (a type of toxic thinking). If you can actually tell the future, then I am sure you would have no problem getting a job. I am unemployed right now, and rejections are piling up. But I don't know the future, so I cannot say 'I can't get a job'. Optimism is hard, but telling yourself you CAN'T get a job is cutting your own legs from under you. Talk to people, talk to employment offices, talk to groups online about training and education, talk to people here about feeling down.
Vanillamango
February 14th, 2016 2:41am
keep searching don't give up. while you wait, lear a talent, invent something. you're not useless :)
mayodibari9
July 15th, 2016 2:52pm
You can do workshops in anything you find interesting, learn a new language, volunteer for any cause you like and, most importantly, don't give up! You never know when it's going to be your time.
Anonymous
June 16th, 2016 10:58am
Get involved with organizations related to your interests. Try volunteering, mentoring, or perhaps joining professional groups. It can help you make connections with people in your industry and the experience is good on your resume.
Sunisshiningandsoareyou
July 9th, 2021 7:09am
A job gives us a grant for being independent, financial stability and a sense of personal satisfaction and sense of self worth . Understandable how not being in one could make question what to do . Many people have a set goal or something close to what they would like to work as / in , perhaps you have it too ? Or would want to know too ? Do you feel a self assessment, or some professional career counseling is an option here ? When we know what we are aiming for , it helps us to better prepare for it and give our best shot , perhaps an analysis of what's required for your desired job, in terms of skills and qualifications and then working on them for the time being may help reach your goal faster? I feel trying out internships, certificate courses and working on our skills both personal and professional ones is quite useful too and helps build a resume . In all cases, know that you're allowed to take your time through all of it , there's no rush, please feel free to go at your pace , you're seeking support and reaching out, and that's a great first step already. Rooting for you
Fraz
September 14th, 2016 8:18am
Keep looking. The worst thing you can do is give up. There are always jobs around. One just needs to try harder.
GoLobster
May 26th, 2016 12:19pm
Try doing other ways to make money, make a YouTube Channel, or stuff in that area, there are millions of opportunities to get money with something so simple
HouseOfGold21
January 18th, 2018 2:29pm
Volunteering is a great start and it would be something extra to put on your resumé. You could build up your skills by taking free online courses.
Anonymous
February 18th, 2016 7:14am
have you consider how good enough is your skill for that job? after get the answer, you should make a plan for yourself to approach the job you really to join
Anonymous
March 2nd, 2016 1:41am
Keep yourself busy. Based on my experience, volunteering your time is not only rewarding, but it will give the opportunity to increase your network and therefore increase the chances to get a future job.
Anonymous
February 24th, 2016 9:29am
I should try continuing to pursue for the job i am looking for, Enhnace my skills in the mean time and continue to look out for job. If you are completely broke you may try to do some part time job and continue to look out.
Anonymous
February 19th, 2016 12:33am
whatever you do dont stop trying because the minute you do, you lose motivation. Keep your options open, learn a new trade, the experience of education will open new doors, jobs such as mechanics, carpentry and IT support are always hiring.
Anonymous
February 8th, 2018 9:24am
Go apply for educational program that will strengthen your job ability if your government does if they're free or don't cost much. And of course, keep looking for a job besides that educational program.
Anonymous
April 25th, 2018 4:27pm
You should not loose faith in yourself but try to work more hard to find out a new job because your capable to get one be optimistic.
Anonymous
February 18th, 2016 8:50pm
If you don't have definitive career choice, choose one. Once you've decided, or if you already had one in mind, figure out what that career requires. If you don't yet meet the requirements, figure out a plan to reach them. If you can't get a job at all, spend a day figuring out possible reasons for it. Try reading books on how to click with people, or on how to act confident. Being confident, or even faking it, makes for a much more powerful interview than meeting the requirements but being timid or arrogant.
Anonymous
January 12th, 2019 7:45am
Finding a job sometimes take a bit of luck and u may feel like it is entirely your fault and feel like a big failure. However, there are many other opportunities put there and maybe its a good thing you havent found a job yet cos there are other jobs more suited for you! No matter how long it takes, do not give up! just keep improving on yourself in many different aspect like health be it physically or mentally, while waiting for a job to accept u. IVe not gone throught this yet as im still a student but ive been through this worried phase where im not getting something i want! i hope it helps!
GuardianRose12
April 9th, 2020 9:37pm
Firstly don't get yourself down about not having a job, if your able to work for example you got no health reasons that's proventing you getting a job apply for jobs locally to where you live secondly volunteering is great place to gain new skills which hopefully will help you gain employment in the future in something you wish to do :) look at what your skills you already have and what skills you can learn which will help you get the experience you need to get the job you want. Hope that helps answer your question and good luck
Anonymous
April 4th, 2018 8:53am
Take it a day at a time. Did you have someone look over your resume? Have you tried a practice interview with a close friend? Could those benefit you in your situation? Also this may be a great time to brush up on a skill and/or volunteer.
AngelSnake
February 23rd, 2019 8:55pm
Know you aren't alone for a start. Don't have your sights set on something unobtainable. Life will march on, sad though that is, and it really is better to do something, anything if it means you worked, showed up, made some friends...because in years to come you will need the emotional support as well as just money or accolades. Obviously we all dream of doing something more than just waiting tables but there's no shame in it. Focus on your relationships more than how you look, it will pay in the long run rather than the short run. If you are young use your opportunities as much as you can. Free passes and grants run out and leave you in the cold. Don't assume 30 is really that far away!! Time speeds up and you slow down. If there's an apprenticeship or scheme like that go for it. It's low pay for a year or two but then you are free to progress and honestly looking back 2 or 3 years working in a shop and progressing through management positions would have been far FAR superior to mucking around at University. It's a complete waste of time where I live now in the UK anyway, and you will have a car, home, be a grown up while others are still walking round scratching their head about why nothing is working out and they are snowed under with debt.
Anonymous
May 26th, 2019 10:12am
Don't give up I would find one if not today tommorrow if not tommorrow the day after that. But not giving up is important and always be optimistic. If you think negatively about it you would probably not find one. So keep your head up straight live your life and do not stress about it the job will be found sooner or later and post your CV online that may help too. Go job hunting! Be open minded you could always work as a waiter or a hairdresser.. Ever thought of babysitting? That could do it.. If you are willing why not?
Jenn20
February 16th, 2020 4:52am
Hmm that sounds like a difficult situation! Well ask yourself, "Why can't I get a job?" If it is something against your control such as all the jobs that are hiring are far away from where I live than, that isn't all your fault But if it is something mentally that is going on with you, such as anxiety of finding a job and keeping it, than it is something to do with yourself. I'm not saying it's your fault, I'm saying it is something you can somehow control or change. Don't you agree? But I think if you truly want to have a job but you can't get it, maybe you could ask around your friends and family for one or volunteering is something useful as well
hailey03
January 3rd, 2020 6:38am
Try to get an internship or volunteer at different places to help show how much you want or need a job. People will then recognize that you are serious about your work and then someone might help you find a job. You can get offered jobs as an intern if you are doing a great job and working hard. You can also volunteer and make friends volunteering so they can help with finding jobs for you. There are also job websites that you can put your information into and what skills you have to help you find the right job profession for you.
Anaiviv01
January 23rd, 2020 1:41pm
Ask yourself why can't you get a job. Sometimes we conceal real reasons because they're hard to admit, or they could unveil some truths that make you feel uncomfortable. Write a list of why's — for example: whay can't I get a job? Because nobody is hiring me. Why is nobody hiring me? Because I'm too old. Why am I too old? Because society thinks so. Why does society think so? Because many old people are not productive... and so on. When you hit the root of the issue, work on that and create a set of tools that make you the best option for that job.
Smilingfuture
December 22nd, 2019 10:05am
There are two ways to look at it, if you dont get a Job. One is , try for jobs that are not in your radar, are of not your choice, till you find one that is of your choice. These could be jobs that are irrelevant to your qualifications, may not be well paid(as per your expectations etc) . The 2nd option is (if you can manage your needs )to seek new skill training's/courses that will give a edge to seek and compete for jobs that you stand a chance to get them. This way, your time is well utilised and you can be better equipped to nail that elusive job.
bellarina74
January 31st, 2020 8:58pm
If you are having trouble getting a job, first have a look at your resume and see if you are highlighting the skills and experience that are relevant to what you are applying for. You can’t always use the same resume for every job. Some jobs want to hear that you are genuinely interested in obtaining employment. They also want to ensure that they are choosing the right person for their job so they will skill match your resume with their position specification and then see if you are a good fit personally for their organisation. Approach employment agencies that specialise in the area of your expertise.
RainnyKParadise
March 27th, 2020 10:25pm
When you choose a job. You don't choose anywhere. It will be best that you choose the place that aligns with your personality and your interest. I believe that you always can make improvement in area that you are still weak; be it the resume, the self-presentation and confidence during interview, the job knowledge. You can work on it. If you cannot get a job now. It does not mean you cannot get a job in the future. You work to improve yourself, you become the person your dream company look for and your dream job will be yours.
positivethoughts22
July 3rd, 2019 8:52pm
Can't get a job? or can't find a job you want? It's important to distinguish between the two. Are you comfortable with working something temporary until you find a job you love and want to stay in the long term? On the other hand, if you've applied for at least five jobs with no callbacks, it's always recommended to follow-up with the employer or interview staff to see why it is you were not selected for the position. It could be something as simple as you need more experience, a professional course upgrade or that they were limited to the number of people whom they could hire.
Chlorophyll123
September 27th, 2019 6:35pm
Theres online courses that you can take to qualify yourself better and up your skills or sharpen already existing skillset. LinkedIn is great for networking. Going for talks, seminars and workshops also helps meet new people and you never know where your next job opportunity may come from. Keep your ear to the ground, you'll find something.
SilverisSarah
June 13th, 2019 5:25pm
There are a lot of options when you can't get a job. First of all, you can try to check if there is something you can improve on your resume and application letter - those are quite important. Then, try to make some networking - there are free events where you can even network with companies and some HR people, too. Upload your resume on Linkedin, and other social networks alike. Take some courses (there may be some free or even courses they pay you to attend to - in my country, we have a lot of those; some online courses can add up stuff to your resume, too). Focus on what you want to become, and do, so you can achieve it. Make a plan of what you need to go to that career and position. If you have to take a course, try to do it. In case you need experience, try to volunteer or be an intern.