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If you have been in unemployment for a while, you need to ask yourself why. It may be that you have simply been unlucky when applying for jobs, but on the other hand, you may be sabotaging your employment chances yourself. Consider the following as possible reasons why.

1. You may be applying for jobs that you are underskilled or under-qualified to take on. If so, you need to do one of two things. Firstly, speak to a careers advisor for guidance on what jobs suit you and ask their advice on the skills and qualifications you need for jobs you are interested in. Going back to school to get the qualifications you need, such as an MR license or a specific certificate of study, will add to your employability. Secondly, find voluntary work in the areas you are passionate about, as you will learn useful skills that will help improve your chances at job interviews.

2. You struggle at job interviews. We understand that job interviews are difficult, but you can improve your chances. Role-play interviews with family and friends, research the company you are applying to, and arrive early to give you time to go over your notes and gain confidence before facing the interviewer. Again, a careers advisor will also give you some useful tips on how to interview well.

3. You are unmotivated. After being out of work for a while, depression and despondency can set in. You may have the ‘woe is me’ attitude, with the assumption that you are unemployable, and that you will never get the job you want. But here’s the thing. Other people will sense that attitude within you, including any employer you interview with. It’s a vicious circle, we know, especially when you continually face rejection, but use some of these tips to help you stay motivated when you’re feeling low.

4. You aren’t doing enough to find work. You need to do all you can to get a job, so explore as many avenues as possible. Look at all the job sites online, network with employers at job fairs, and visit the places you are interested in working, and hand in your cv in person. And don’t forget to tap into the power of social media, as you can improve your chances using the information presented in this useful guide. The more you can do to find work the better, so get out of bed in the morning, make a plan, and put it into action.

5. You are too fussy. It’s only fair that you apply for the jobs you want, but you can’t be overly-fussy. Sometimes, any job is better than no job, as you will at least have references and something on your cv to prove your employability at interviews. So, even if you don’t get the salary you want, and even if you have to do work that you consider beneath you, know that you will never get anywhere if you’re always on the lookout for that ‘dream job.’ You may find it eventually, but you can continue searching while you are in employment doing something rather than nothing.

Thanks for reading, and good luck in your job search!