Guest post: Seven reasons why you’re not getting your dream job

In this guest post Jane McGuire, Digital Content Editor at Hotcourses, shares some of the reasons you might not have got your dream job yet.

The secret to job hunting? Accept that you’re not going to enjoy it now. Long applications before, sweaty palms during and the post ‘did I get it’ panic. It’s not a walk in the park. Yet did you know, there could be a few simple reasons why you might not be getting that dream job? In fact, over here at Hotcourses, we believe there are seven. Have a read – you might be surprised.

Your CV/cover letter is out of date

You only need to watch one episode of The Apprentice to know lying on your CV never ends well, but when was the last time you updated it? As much as you loved those years working in an old fashioned sweet shop, if you are applying for an editorial position, it’s not relevant. If you are stuck with what should stay and what must go, it might be worth taking a short course in CV writing. As simple as it might sound, this could be a major hurdle holding you back.

You’re not prepared in the interview room

Nothing will ruin an interview like not being prepared. It may sound simple, but swotting up before you set off is a must. Dressing to impress is also vital – even if the rest of the company work in converse, this is not the time to join them. So, do your homework, plan your outfit and calm those pre-interview nerves (nobody likes a sweaty handshake). Remember this is your chance to sell yourself!

You’ve got no questions

The interview is nearly over, you’ve calmed your nerves and sold yourself well; here it comes, the ‘have you got any questions?’ question. Say no and run to the nearest exit, you will leave the interviewer with alarm bells ringing and the impression that you have no interest in the position. Try and prepare a minimum of five things to ask before you get to the interview room. Need some help brushing up your interview technique, we can help you find a course in that too!

You need to do some more training

Sometimes that extra training can make all the difference. If you find your current skills outdated, why not improve your prospects with some extra training. Remember it’s not all about the nine till five. Whether it’s picking up a second language, learning to drive, or learning more about Photoshop, having some additional skills at the end of your CV might help you seem like a more well-rounded employee.

You’re looking in the wrong places

If you are struggling to find your dream job, let alone apply, it could be that you are hunting in the wrong places. With a lot of companies choosing to list their current vacancies on their own websites, job hunting is just that – a hunt. Our top tips are to brush up on your networking skills, as depending on your industry, a lot of job vacancies are exchanged through word of mouth. Also, why not try targeting companies you are passionate about – who knows, you might find what you are looking for!

You need to do an internship or some more work experience

Sometimes you can have all the qualifications under the sun, but without experience in the workplace, that dream job may remain a dream. As hard as it may be working for free, the experience it will give you is invaluable in the long run.

You’ve not applied for it yet!

At at Hotcourses, we speak to hundreds of adult learners who wrongly allow their age to stop them applying for evening courses, or changing their career. It’s never too late to start again! With plenty of part time and online classes available, you can fit your training around your life and take those first steps to a dream career and a happier you. What are you waiting for?

Find a course to help improve your job prospects.