If you're struggling to secure a job, it's important to remember that there are plenty of jobs out there. But the key is applying for jobs you have the right skillset or previous experience in. The problem many people face is they apply for jobs they don't have any experience in and then spend hours waiting by their phone wondering why they haven't heard back from anyone.

The reason you've never heard back is simple. You've applied for a job that you are not qualified for, have any relevant experience in, or skills relating to the job. So of course, they're not going to get back to you. But here's how you can make sure they do.

Applying for The Right Jobs

It sounds so obvious saying this, but you'd be surprised at how many jobseekers apply for jobs they're not qualified for or have any experience in. We cannot stress this enough. If you want to hear back from jobs you have applied for, make sure you apply for jobs you are qualified to do, otherwise, you are wasting your time and will never hear back, if anything you will be red-listed by hiring managers and recruiters who will not look at your applications again.

For your own good, apply for suitable jobs.

Starting from Level-1

Start by doing some research. This means getting online and searching for jobs that match your skill set or previous experience. If you don't have any past work experience or formal education in the area, then look at some entry-level positions instead of a higher-up position that would require more schooling. For example, if you were interested in an HR job but had no prior experience, then look for an entry-level HR position rather than a managerial position.

Keeping the Same Level

Even professionals with years of experience may need to look at a lower position than their previous roles because they are switching professions entirely, but that doesn't always have to be the case. Some sectors complement each other and instead of taking a lower-level position, you can settle for the same level as your skillset and experience can be applied in this new position.

No Experience, New Career

Well, that's that for applying for jobs you have experience in, but what about when you're looking for a career change? What about when you want a job you don't have experience in?

New Businesses and High Turnover Jobs

You need to get creative. It may sound difficult, but it's not as hard as you think. For example, if you're a veterinarian and want to be a chef, look for jobs in restaurants with high turnover rates or are just starting because they will be more open to hiring someone who has the skillset and is willing to learn new techniques on the job - that's what training is for!

A word of caution: don't forget about your experience in other fields when applying for any job, if you have done your research correctly then you would be able to see the many transferrable skills you have and how you can apply them at your new role. This makes for great and easier career progression.

Apprenticeships

There are other options such as apprenticeships for those starting, not great pay but they are easier to get and provide an amazing experience, but a word of advice. Not every company taking on an apprentice know what they're doing, after all, they're not a school, they will treat you like any employee, which is respectable, that is why you will have to take charge of yourself, if you don't understand something then ask till you do. If you need more work to do then ask for more. If you want to be given more responsibility, then show them that you deserve it.

Courses

Courses are a great way to increase your knowledge and skills in any subject. There are many courses online that will be your step into a new career or step up your current one. There are great online platforms that can help you achieve this such as edx.org coursera.org and many others.

Looking for a job is never easy, but we hope that we made it easier with this blog. Please feel free to ask any questions and we will answer them all!

Best of luck

Mana from Apply4U A-Team

Photo by Ono Kosuki from Pexels

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