A tech expert from Kerala recently provided valuable insights into the reasons many job seekers find it challenging to secure job offers. The tech expert, Abhishek Nair, shared his findings based on a discussion with a recruiter acquaintance.
During a casual chai meeting, a recruiter friend, responsible for hiring at a small travel tech company, discussed the top six reasons most job seekers fail to gain employment. With the job market currently in a defensive state, even highly skilled individuals are facing difficulties in landing jobs, Nair noted on X.
What are the critical missteps causing nearly 90% of job seekers to miss out on offers? One significant issue is the absence of practical experience, especially when creating websites and working on projects has become increasingly accessible.
Abhishek Nair, an experienced observer of recruitment strategies, mentioned that understanding the hiring process is essential for job seekers. His efforts focused on securing his own job while also assisting participants of the Code Samaaj bootcamp in their job searches. In this context, he stated, “You don’t need to develop a platform like Facebook or Twitter, but a simple calculator app will not suffice either. Build meaningful projects that challenge you while showcasing your skills effectively.”
Nair also pointed out the frequent mistake of applying blindly to numerous job postings on LinkedIn out of desperation, stating, “Most recruiters can easily recognise mass applications from afar.” His advice for job seekers is to limit their applications and tailor their resumes and cover letters to reflect genuine interest in both the company and the specific position.
Furthermore, Nair identified a lack of personal branding as a detrimental factor affecting job seekers’ chances. He expressed, “If your online presence consists solely of a private Instagram account and a LinkedIn profile with a meagre 12 connections, you are essentially invisible to recruiters. The easiest way to differentiate yourself is by showcasing your work publicly.”
He encouraged sharing projects, learning experiences, or documenting personal journeys, even as a beginner, to enhance visibility.
Another issue hindering job seekers stems from inadequate networking. Most job opportunities are found through personal connections instead of job boards. Additionally, he noted the common pitfall of cluttering resumes with buzzwords, stating, “Describing oneself as a hardworking, self-motivated team player with a love for technology is generic. Instead of overloading your resume with clichés, highlight the problems you have solved, the tools you employed, and the impact of your contributions.”
At the conclusion of his post, Nair mentioned that another prevalent error among job seekers is waiting for the “perfect job,” reminding them that no one will come to their rescue. He advised, “Begin with what you have, irrespective of its imperfections. The best opportunities are awarded to those who take action rather than wait for readiness.”
