5 challenges and how to overcome them

U.S. job openings fell to their lowest level in more than three years in September. Although the unemployment rate has been low, the number of Americans suffering from long-term unemployment has increased. If you are one of the people affected by layoffs and unable to find a job, it can be discouraging. Not only is job searching a time-consuming process, but it can also take a toll on you financially. To stay afloat, many job seekers have even resorted to making withdrawals from their retirement accounts. According to investment management company Vanguard, 3.6% of participants initiated hardship withdrawals in 2023, up from 2.8% in 2022. For people experiencing financial hardship, hardship withdrawals often serve as a much-needed safety net.

While it takes varying amounts of time to find a job, unemployment data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that the median duration of unemployment in October 2024 was 22.9 weeks, or just over 5 months. Depending on the economy, industry and qualification requirements, it may take longer.

Many things affect your ability to find the right job. Let’s look at the reasons behind the challenges and actionable steps to improve your search.

5 reasons why you can’t find a job

Based on a survey of job seekers by workplace solutions provider Aerotek, 35% of respondents believe the chances of finding a quality job are worse compared to last year. If you’re wondering why you can’t find a job despite your best efforts, here are five possible reasons:

1.) Increased competition

According to Workday’s 2024 Global Workforce Report, it is an employer market. Key findings from the data show that job applications are growing four times faster than job offers. Given the flood of resumes, employers are becoming even more selective when hiring. As a result, the environment for job seekers remains difficult given increasing competition.

2.) Ghost jobs

You apply for your dream job and believe you are a strong candidate. Several weeks pass and you hear nothing from the employer. As it turns out, you may have stumbled upon a ghost job. While these “fake jobs” appear online, they are either already filled or do not exist. Many companies post active job postings to motivate existing employees, create the impression of a growing organization, or remain open to new talent. Unfortunately, these vacancies are not legitimate and may prevent you from finding a job.

3.) Recruitment fraud

If you’re looking for a job, this can put you in a precarious position. If the opportunity seems too good to be true, be careful. In the United States, fake job offers are one of the fastest growing schemes. As of September 30, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recorded over 93,000 business and job offer scams in 2024, costing victims approximately $514 million. The simplest scams offer people with little or no skills the opportunity to work from home. Ultimately, the goal is to obtain financial information by asking for bank account numbers or other forms of payment for fake equipment or training.

4.) AI is a double-edged sword

AI tools and other online platforms are making it easier for job seekers to write resumes and submit applications so they can apply for jobs more efficiently. Still, the process can be streamlined so that people end up applying en masse for jobs – even ones they may not be interested in or qualified for. The result is intense competition, especially for employees.

5.) Age discrimination

If you are an older or younger job seeker, you may encounter challenges during the hiring process. ResumeBuilder.com recently surveyed 1,000 human resources managers to understand the prevalence of ageism in the workplace.

Their findings included:

• 42% consider age when evaluating resumes
• 40% have an age bias against Generation Z candidates
• 30% admit an age bias against older applicants

“Age discrimination remains a widespread problem in the workforce, affecting individuals both early in and later in their careers,” says Stacie Haller, Resume Builder’s Chief Career Advisor. “Unfortunately, many hiring managers continue to rely on age as a determining factor in their hiring decisions. This practice represents a significant disadvantage as age should never determine a person’s potential for success in a position, provided they have the necessary skills and experience.”

What to do if you can’t find a job?

If you can’t find a job, there are steps you can take to speed up your search.

Develop your personal brand

Developing your personal brand can play a crucial role in a competitive job market. Start by Googling yourself in an incognito window to see what hiring managers see. Then, check whether your social media accounts support the skills and qualifications listed on your resume. By focusing on what sets you apart, you will stand out from other job seekers.

Ask for help

If you can’t find a job, it may be because you’re trying to do everything on your own. First, make your job search public. Announce it on LinkedIn and other sites to let your friends, former colleagues, and recruiters know that you’re open to a new role. Since 50 to 80% of positions are filled through networking, it is worthwhile to reestablish personal and professional contacts. Finally, consider hiring a career coach or other professional to help you. These individuals are trained to provide an unbiased, outside perspective to help you gain clarity and achieve your goals.

Incorporate self-care activities

The longer the job search takes, the more likely it is to negatively impact your mental health. To avoid job search anxiety, be sure to take breaks and stick to a schedule. Celebrate small successes along the way to stay motivated. As you continue your job search, don’t forget to continue your education in other ways, such as pursuing your favorite hobbies or spending time with friends. It’s also a good idea to create a mantra that you can focus on daily, such as: “I’ll get a job – it’s just a matter of time.”

Focus your search

Candidates who fail to find a job often pursue an unfocused strategy. Your search won’t be targeted if you’re applying to hundreds of jobs. Instead, make a list of potential companies you want to work for and set achievable goals. Don’t limit yourself to online applications either. While it may seem easier, it also puts you at risk of ghost jobs or scams. Additionally, build relationships with people in your network. When you focus on quality rather than quantity, you’ll find it easier to focus your efforts and stay motivated.

If you can’t find a job, you’re not alone. Whether you’re trying to recover from a layoff or escape a toxic work environment, there are things you can do to become an attractive candidate. The most important thing is to be patient and practice self-care. When you put your best foot forward, you are more likely to embrace the process and pave the path to a more fulfilling career.