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

202 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
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.
Clover4U
October 18th, 2019 6:56am
First off, understand that not getting a job doesn't mean its the end of the world. Life is long and it's a long journey. Understand that there's different paths that you can take in life and that you don't always have to take the path that everyone else is taking. So just remember that it's okay. Find something that you're passionate about and throw yourself at it. Find something you really want to do and yes, maybe it won't work out at first but remember that failure is just a step you need to take to achieve success. You will find a way in the end.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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 11th, 2020 12:48pm
Keep looking. Go online and do more research about job opportunities. Reach out to people in your network. Maybe someone you know can give you important information. Tailor your resume for different opportunities. Volunteer for events in your area and build connections. If you don't mind moving, seek out opportunities in a different areas. If you are adventurous, move abroad for a better career market. Additionally, don't take a minor setback as a tragedy of life. You will learn precious lessons through trial and error. Life is more about self-growth. Don't stay in your comfort zone. Being too comfortable is not a wise way to live your life.
SimplySereneLove1507
April 16th, 2020 1:39am
Take a critical look at your resume and then have a professional give you feedback for potentially making it more noticeable. Update and tweak it to better reflect the job for which you are applying. Have multiple resumes on hand for different positions. During this "down" time, try to study and accrue new skill sets to further highlight and enhance your abilities. Do not put all of your "eggs in one basket" but apply for as many jobs as you can. The more you actively seek, the higher your odds are of being seen and of finding a job that is a great fit.
SS2328
April 26th, 2020 11:14pm
Sometimes the job market may be a little tough but never give up. There are a lot of places hiring. Surf the web and you’ll be surprised to see how many places are hiring. You can also use to web to see what are the job requirements. Some jobs might require certain education, if you can't find a job you can also consider to go back to school. Do some research, some schools are also liked with jobs so when you finish the program the school will let you get an internship, and that will be your moment to shine. If a job likes you and even if they are not hiring they can always refer you somewhere else. Now a days referrals go a long way.
Anonymous
May 17th, 2020 12:06pm
You must not quit or give up at the idea of trying again. It may feel like you are never gonna get a job but that's not possible if you try again and again without counting as to how many times you tried. Just try and try until you succeed. With a conviction and the desire to achieve a particular thing, we can overcome any hurdles in life. We all feel defeated and failed but what is more important is to bounce back! We all can bounce back we just need to unleash our hidden potential. Everyone is capable of getting up after falling from a height no matter what, but what stops us from getting up varies from person to person. If we do not take heed of whatever is scaring us, we can get up smoothly without anybody's help.
originalkermit
May 19th, 2020 2:54am
There are many options that you can consider. Try to work on improving your resume in the meantime and doing mock interviews with friends or family. Investigate other areas of work you may not have considered working in before. You can do this! No matter what, do not give up. There are always jobs available, they just might not be in your current field. Don't lose hope and don't be afraid to reach out to local career counselors or others that may help you be able to find the right job for you. Asking family members for help can also be one way of learning about new careers or jobs you haven't previously considered. Best of luck to you!
Anonymous
June 24th, 2020 5:47am
keep looking! Just like taking a break from your job search is important, so is having the right mindset. It is hard to be a job seeker, applying for many jobs and possibly not hearing back from employers. Work to focus on the progress you are making with each application—honing your search tactics, getting efficient with your application process, and understanding what keywords to use for an ATS are all important tools to use as you go through your search. Each time you apply for a job, you are improving your process, and that’s great progress to landing a job.
nellama02
July 31st, 2020 11:09pm
if i cant get i job, i would just try over and over again until i have found one. you just gotta keep on trying, even if its hard. just deliver your resume to all the places around you, it dosnt matter if you dont think you will suit the job, you probobly will. you just have to give it some time. so give out your resume to all the stores around you and see if you can get one. if not there is always family memebers who prob could use some help. like cleaing the house, mowing the lawn, ect. just ask around, and you will get a job somewhere eventually
Anonymous
August 13th, 2020 6:13pm
Pick up a side hustle or learn something and then make your own job. Stay positive stuff always improves. Plus there are always free resources around. Plus there are always free resources you have just got to look around. Maybe go to your local town hall or look online, go to your public library they could always help. I could also address to food bank I guess like if it's an extra resources that can help, free schooling either online or otherwise. What would also help you is learning some basic life skills like cooking. Aside from that I'm not sure maybe gardening.
Anonymous
August 15th, 2020 8:12pm
Many young people can find it hard to get work - especially if this will be your first job! Do not give up, keep applying for jobs via websites like Indeed and LinkedIn. Maybe you could also have a look for some free online courses to help enhance your CV? FutureLearn could be a good place for you to start. Also finding some unpaid works-experience or voluntary work could be a positive step in the right direction! This will show employers that you are committed, that you have interests and it could even help you to secure a reference to help you to land that dream job.
racecar117
September 10th, 2020 4:19pm
When I wasn't able to get a job, I instead took the time for personal development, like reading books, meditating, and helping those around me. There's limited time in life when we are actually able to spend time on ourselves, so it's actually a gift when you don't have a job. It's important to use this extra time to find out what our goals are and have a long-term perspective of how we will go about achieving these goals. You don't have to expect that you do something productive during this time, but you have to get quality reflection time.
independentlemon09
October 12th, 2020 11:02am
Research is crucial. Try to find out more about the culture of a potential employer by surfing online, or if close by, just going and watching the employees going in and out. I wouldn't suggest applying through the job sites, if you find a position there, just go to the company's website and apply there instead. Build a strong C.V. / Resume, translate it to several languages (this service should help https://isaccurate.com/arabic-translation-services - I used it once and stayed pleased). Be patient friend and do not stop chasing your dreams. I wish you good luck with landing your dream job!
Anonymous
November 12th, 2020 9:50am
Wait for your time. It will come. Keep putting yourself out there. Don't give up. In the meantime, don't just wait around. Get more education, volunteer somewhere, do something to make yourself a better candidate than everyone else. Be you, and only you can change yourself. No one else can do that for you. Having something good takes work. It's never easy. If you keep working hard, people will notice. Even the smallest thing can help you. Learn another language to put on your resume. If you have time while waiting for a job, this can help you become more attractive to an employer. Pick up skills, like office or admin work, anything. Anything will help. Don't sit around. Get out there. Good luck!
Anonymous
November 15th, 2020 10:09pm
Never give up! Finding a job is not easy for anyone, you're not alone! Even if you start off with a few hours a week, its something to put on your CV to get something bigger in the future. These things happen for a reason. Getting through this period of difficulties finding a job will make you so much more thankful when you do get one. Always look for advice on how to make a successful cv and cover letter with the right things to say and ask people will real experiences of getting jobs, like family or friends. A lot of people you know may have also experienced the same situation.
awesomeForest247
November 21st, 2020 7:01pm
If you can not get a job then that is nothing to worry about, take your time, keep calm and keep looking that’s the best you can do in times like this. Ensure you are happy and not stressed as this can put more pressure on yourself. The only thing to do when you’re unable to find a job is to keep on looking, start of small such as cafe or somewhere close to home and then work your way up. Also try to look on different websites to see if anyone is hiring. Another thing in which you could do is get someone to read over your CV to see if there are any changes in which could be made.
competentRainfall28
November 26th, 2020 3:24pm
Take the time to reflect on the positive aspects of your life. This is important because not having a job is very demoralising and its been proven that you ar much more likely to suffer from depression if you are unemployed because biologically humans need some type of structure and commitment in their life. Try to put your worries aside and don't let it determine your self-worth. If you are still feeling up to it, take the time to practice interview techniques, research on how to write a great resume. Most importantly still enjoy some aspects of your life and don't let it slip away every day with worry about finding a job.
Mousie1995
December 18th, 2020 6:41pm
Keep applying until you find one. I know I tried to get a job for two years and I finally got one. It takes time and you might need to revamp your resume. Also you can look at all kinds of jobs or see jobs that you might be qualified to do. Have you ever thought about going to school and getting a degree? It really all depends on what kind of background you have and what type of skills you bring to the job. I wish you the best and I hope you find a good job that you like.
CalmCourage
January 31st, 2021 2:06am
Great question, I would say from my experience that creating your own work would be a great way to make some money. What I mean by that is freelancing. There are so many places you can start - upwork, fiverr, freelancer. Think of a skill you have (or would like to have) and create a gig around it. Learn as much as you can about this skill you have (or don't have yet). It can prove very rewarding not only financially but emotionally too. To do something that you enjoy / challenges you. Let me know what you think to this idea. All the best you can do it!
Nice2talk2
February 13th, 2021 5:14pm
What are some of your transferable skills? Transferable skills are items such as Teamwork, Project Management, Compassion, Research and Implementation. These items can be listed on your resume after a brief description of the work you've done and experiences you've had. For instance, if you've built something with your hands you might write, "Building Project -- self-starter Research best practices, tools, and materials. Optimize limited resources and tight budget. Use numeracy, problem solving and decision making. Willingness to fail and learn." Once you get started, you can see how any project, craft, or volunteer experience can help to paint yourself as the confident and capable individual you are. If this still seems daunting, I have a trick to lower the stakes. Try writing this resume to yourself or your best friend for a fantastic mystery job. Take some of the pressure out of the first stages of resume writing by allowing yourself to write about your crafts, interests, hobbies, knitting groups and garage bands. If this feels like a waste of time, that is valid. If you don't have the mental, emotional, or other resources to try this activity, then skip it. I only share this method because it helped me see how I apply myself in many different arenas. This boosted my self-confidence and allowed me to re-frame my thinking around the job search. This may also open doors of thought around what kind of work you'd like to find, ways you'd like to boost your resume and/or your confidence. Thanks for reading!
Anonymous
February 21st, 2021 1:01pm
There are several reasons why employment can be tough. The pandemic situation does make it more of a challenge. However; do you have any experience? a resume? do you have volunteer opportunities in your area? Lots of choices and reasons as far as the why you're not able to find a job. I would suggest also looking at your local temp employment agencies or department of labor/ work center, etc about what they can do to help you figure out your job situation. It could be that you need a refreshed resume/CV, or it could be that you need guidance on where to find jobs.
Anonymous
March 11th, 2021 4:33pm
If you are unable to get a job try to take some time off to revevaluate you resume. Reasssure that you are qualified. And if not be open to more training. There are several oppurtunities and openings for the progressions and advancements that are taking place everywhere. Check all your sources such as: people, newsletters, social media, walk-ins etc. Motivate yourself to reaching your full potential will also encourage you if the next job interview isn't quite fitting because you are sure that you have given it your all. And also understand that even if they turn you down once, that doesn't mean that you can't reapply for that position.
the11thcup
March 17th, 2021 8:37pm
I want to start by saying this statement is just not true. You can and you will. Good things take time. Have you ever heard the saying nothing good comes easy? This sentence perfectly applies. Just pick your head up and keep on trying. If what you has been doing while jobseeking hasn’t been working try to tweak your resources. Think outside the box. And most importantly you must stay confident and believe in yourself. Having confidence in yourself makes others believe in you too. It would be terrible for you to get an interview and meet qualifications of a job but give off the wrong impression because you are down or don’t believe in yourself.