Finding any kind of job is a hard enough process, landing a job that you love is a far greater ordeal. Especially for all the grad students who have invested four to six years of their lives in specializing in a field, not landing their dream job can be a huge setback for their careers.

Most of the time it is easier to blame the recession, lack of jobs and other such variables. But no one understands the very reasons, which you as a professional lack and need help in. If you have been blaming the world for not getting a response after sending your resume, it is time to review your professional capabilities thoroughly.

1) Does your approach lack pro-activeness?

First, make a checklist of all the skills that your dream job requires. Then assess if you have all of those. Second, you need to establish strong connections with people in the industry that you want to work in. Join internet forums or groups that are based on the field of your choice and get to know the people.

These gatherings of professionals are an excellent place to find a relevant job opportunity. Networking with the right people is crucial.

Got a degree in business and looking for a career option? You might want to check out our article on Career Options for MBAs in Pakistan.

2) Is your resume a mess?

The importance of a resume cannot be stressed upon enough. Your resume is your first impression. From the content to the layout, every element is something that you can be judged on. Most of the times people write things on their CVs that they cannot support. Don’t oversell yourself on the resume.

Your resume needs to be a precise and an accurate reflection of your skills. However don’t be afraid to mention your extra-curricular achievements.

3) Did You Set the Right Impression in the First Interview

After from your CV, the very first interview has a huge impact on how employers view you. From your apparel to your expressions, everything is being judged.

As someone who has conducted interviews on several occasions, I can safely say that people who seem determinant, serious and reliable always leave a lasting impression. Have a positive attitude, and always keep a polite smile on your face.

4) Do you have any idea about the company or the job description?

Not knowing about the company you have applied for or the very job that you hope to seek leaves a very distasteful impression on your employers. It is always great for the employers to know their potential employees take an interest in their company.

The job description is another thing that you must have a good idea about, this can help you in framing your answers during your interview.

5) Do you have a list of demands?

Probably a professional with a 10-year experience can make a set of demands before his potential employers. But, if you don’t have enough work experience, going into an interview especially for your first or second job with a list of demands is not right.

It is natural for you to inform them of an expected salary, but it is unlikely that asking for other compensations like insurances and vacation times will help your job search.

6) Is your qualification accurate?

I have seen many people lose rights to a job either because they are over qualified or under. If the job requires you to have a Masters Degree, make sure you have one.

At times you are met with a completely opposite predicament; you are over-qualified for a position. In that case, try to apply for a better position that suits your experience.

7) Are you likable enough?

This is very different from coming off as reliable, you might seem like a responsible person, but all of that becomes moot if the interviewer believes that you are not likable enough. You need to come across as humble, arrogance will eliminate any chances that you might have of securing your preferred job.

It is considered rude to be on the offensive when you are answering the interview questions, leave your cheeky attitude outside the interview room. Apart from knowing how to do your job, your to be employers need to assess whether you will be a good fit in the company.

Always remember that where skills are an important factor in getting a job, but attitude is just as important. 

8) Do you send any mixed signals?

During an interview when people are asked to sign bonds, they linger and try to look for loopholes to get around them. This sends very wrong signals to the interviewers. It tells them that you want the job but not enough to fully commit to it.

Having said that, I do not mean to imply that you should rush your answer when it comes to signing a contract. But you should go in mentally prepared with the thought that you might have to sign a bond and ask them confidently to give you the full terms of the contract. If you like the job description and the money, then do not hesitate to say yes.

9) Did you reveal something you should not have?

During the last batch of interviews that I conducted, I found out that some of the people revealed information that they should not have. Like reasons for hating their current job, any arguments that they have had with their seniors and in general all other things that demonstrate that they have had altercations.

These topics can be classified as excellent fodder for gossip sessions but they should not be mentioned during your interviews.

10) How did you sound over the phone?

Any contact between you and the company should be given much thought. Even the phone calls from their front desk officer need to be conducted in a proper manner. Don’t sound sleepy or disinterested over the phone. You need to secure your position in every manner possible.

So here you go, answer the above questions and figure out where you might have gone wrong during your job hunts and hopefully you will be able to secure yourself your dream job soon.