Economists say the job market is strong, but some people are still having trouble getting callbacks and landing interviews. | Adobe Stock
Economists say the job market is strong, but some people are still having trouble getting callbacks and landing interviews. | Adobe Stock
If you’re looking for a new job — whether you are seeking more money or just a change of pace — and you’ve put in dozens of applications with no luck, you’re not alone.
Karen Misenheimer, a certified nurse’s aide, said she has submitted more than 100 job applications without getting a job, and often not getting a response at all. She is looking for a position in clerical, secretarial or customer service.
"I sent out a lot (of resumes),” she told WCNC Charlotte. “Indeed, LinkedIn, Monster. Some of them, I would just look. And each time, my heart just sank more and more and more.”
Finally, she went to Goodwill's free career center and learned that sometimes it's not just your resume but more importantly how you communicate on an application. If you want to enhance your chances, knowing the company and understanding how it works is a plus.
The medical field was Misenheimer’s background. But since she wanted a different career, she needed to highlight other aspects of her past. That encompassed dealing with patients and families, as well as a background in customer service.
She learned that when filling out applications, using keywords is a benefit.
When it comes to the interview, Misenheimer learned to make sure to include information pertaining only to the job, because too many unwanted details could be a strike against a job applicant.
"When you're asked that lovely question, we want to stay in line with what's related to the work or the job that you're going into, versus telling about our life for the past six to 12 months," Malikua Middleton, a staffing manager for TalentBridge, told WCNC Charlotte.
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