Why Everyone Seems to Be Hiring, But No One is Getting Hired

We keep hearing the response to the struggling and unemployed: “Everyone’s hiring, you are just lazy / want more than you are worth.” But are they?

In today’s job market, a strange paradox has emerged: companies are seemingly desperate to hire, yet many qualified individuals, especially recent graduates, are struggling to secure jobs. Take, for example, my colleague’s son, who recently graduated with a degree in Information Technology (I.T.). You’d think that an I.T. degree would open doors to a wealth of opportunities, given the demand for tech skills in our increasingly digital world. However, despite his qualifications, he’s found it nearly impossible to land a job in his field. Now, he’s applying for entry-level positions outside his specialty just to get his foot in the door. Many stories are breaking headlines of college graduates speaking multiple languages with very relevant degrees who can not secure minimum wage jobs. The joke about being “overqualified” has become a reality. So, what’s going on? If there are so many job openings, why is it so difficult to get hired?

One of the main reasons for this hiring paradox is the sheer volume of applicants for each job opening. Whether it’s due to layoffs, career shifts, or the desire for better working conditions, more people are actively seeking new opportunities than ever before. This includes unemployed individuals desperately looking for work, those trying to switch fields, people seeking second jobs to supplement their income, or those who are curious about new opportunities but not necessarily committed to leaving their current positions.

With such a diverse and vast pool of applicants, the competition for each job is fierce. In many cases, recruiters sift through hundreds of resumes, selecting only a handful — perhaps 5 to 10 — for managers to review. It’s a numbers game, and unless you have a personal connection or a standout resume, your chances of getting noticed are slim.

The COVID-19 pandemic has also shifted the power dynamics in the job market. During the early days of the pandemic, employees had more leverage as companies scrambled to adapt to remote work and maintain operations. However, as the economy has stabilized, the power has swung back to employers.

Now, companies can afford to be more selective in their hiring. They often require candidates to have very specific experience and skills, and they are more cautious about extending offers. Some companies are also offering lower salaries than they did pre-pandemic, knowing that many job seekers are willing to accept less to secure employment.

This has led to a situation where even well-qualified candidates, like recent I.T. graduates, find themselves competing against individuals with more experience who are willing to work for less pay. The result is a highly competitive job market where employers hold all the cards.

Another frustrating aspect of the current job market is the prevalence of “phantom” job postings. According to a study, 50% of hiring managers admit to creating job listings with no intention of filling the position immediately. Instead, they use these postings to build a “warm talent pool” — a list of potential candidates they can tap into when they are ready to hire.

For job seekers, this means navigating a minefield of job boards filled with listings that may not even represent real opportunities. It can be incredibly disheartening to apply for dozens of jobs, only to find out that many of them were never going to be filled in the first place.

So, What Can You Do?

If you’re struggling to find a job, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone, and it’s not necessarily something you’re doing wrong. The current job market is challenging for everyone, and success often requires persistence, creativity, and a bit of luck.

While it’s important to keep applying for jobs in your field, don’t be afraid to look outside your specialty. Temporary or part-time work in unrelated fields can provide income while you continue your search.

If traditional employment isn’t coming through, think about taking on side jobs such as yard work, dog walking, or freelance gigs. These can help you make ends meet while also building new skills and experiences.

Network, Network, Network: Personal connections can be the key to getting your resume noticed. Attend industry events, connect with professionals on LinkedIn, and don’t hesitate to reach out to friends and family for referrals.

The job search can be a long and frustrating process, but staying positive and persistent is crucial. Keep refining your resume, preparing for interviews, and applying for positions.

The hiring paradox is a complex issue with no easy solutions. However, understanding the dynamics at play can help you navigate this challenging job market more effectively. Remember, it’s not about what you’re doing wrong; it’s about finding the right opportunity at the right time. Keep pushing forward, and with the right strategy and mindset, you’ll eventually land the job that’s right for you.