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I have some very useful data from my attempts over the last decade to get a job.
I did manage to get a job back in 2018 (technically, I had 3 offers in total, but I didn't take the other two). I know it's not easy because I had been applying for about 2 years to so many different positions. Really, from my experience, this whole system is more about who you know rather than you know, but you can still get jobs the regular way.
Anyway, it was actually through my last job that I reviewed many applications myself for both employees and volunteer moderators. It gave me more insight as to why this process is so off for many of us.
Because I was ultimately unhappy with my last job, I did also occasionally continue submitting applications over the years, so this is something I have quite a lot of experience in.
Before I go any further, just be aware that this is just my experience applying for jobs in the United States and reviewing applications for a UK-based company, so it might be different where you live.
Self-Employment
Look, if you care about getting a job, never mention self-employment.
It was only when I put down that I was an employee of my own company that I started getting any calls back. Anytime I put self-employment back on, it was radio-silence. A decade of this is pretty telling, if you ask me.
It's not just me, either. Many of my friends who are self-employed have mentioned facing similar issues.
Politics or Religion
I'm not kidding, I've seen this before. Personally, it didn't bother me because I'm very accustomed to people of different backgrounds, but there are some people who review applications who will be biased and might even reject your application based on your beliefs.
Multiple Short-Term Jobs
This is one I've seen get questioned when reviewing applications. If you look like a job hopper, you're less likely to be selected for an interview because, unless a company explicitly states that they're looking for a short-term employee, most don't want to take the chance on you.
Employment Gaps
These almost always get questioned as if you're a lazy bum who's not interested in working.
Irrelevant Skills
I possess a lot of skills. For example, did many of you know that I'm a very good mechanic? After all, I did much of the work on my classic Mercedes-Benz for nearly a decade. I've also rebuilt engines and restored a couple of cars (a Geo Storm and an MG Mdiget).
But if I'm applying for a desk job, then what my skills as mechanic have to do with the job? Sure, you can rationalise this and say that it's a good demonstration of your soft skills with working independently or something like that. But look, the people looking at your application are very unlikely to put two-and-two together there. They likely have hundreds of applications to go through and not as much time to think about the nuances of yours.
Irrelevant Jobs
This goes back to the last point. I know it's harder to leave out an irrelevant job, especially if it creates an employment history gap, but it's better to find a way to fill it in with something relevant or changing what you did for the company if it's no longer around.
Conclusion
I hope these tips help some of you out. I know it's tough out there right now with how flooded job market is, but I want to keep sharing my experience to help my fellow office outlaws out.
I did manage to get a job back in 2018 (technically, I had 3 offers in total, but I didn't take the other two). I know it's not easy because I had been applying for about 2 years to so many different positions. Really, from my experience, this whole system is more about who you know rather than you know, but you can still get jobs the regular way.
Anyway, it was actually through my last job that I reviewed many applications myself for both employees and volunteer moderators. It gave me more insight as to why this process is so off for many of us.
Because I was ultimately unhappy with my last job, I did also occasionally continue submitting applications over the years, so this is something I have quite a lot of experience in.
Before I go any further, just be aware that this is just my experience applying for jobs in the United States and reviewing applications for a UK-based company, so it might be different where you live.
Self-Employment
Look, if you care about getting a job, never mention self-employment.
It was only when I put down that I was an employee of my own company that I started getting any calls back. Anytime I put self-employment back on, it was radio-silence. A decade of this is pretty telling, if you ask me.
It's not just me, either. Many of my friends who are self-employed have mentioned facing similar issues.
Politics or Religion
I'm not kidding, I've seen this before. Personally, it didn't bother me because I'm very accustomed to people of different backgrounds, but there are some people who review applications who will be biased and might even reject your application based on your beliefs.
Multiple Short-Term Jobs
This is one I've seen get questioned when reviewing applications. If you look like a job hopper, you're less likely to be selected for an interview because, unless a company explicitly states that they're looking for a short-term employee, most don't want to take the chance on you.
Employment Gaps
These almost always get questioned as if you're a lazy bum who's not interested in working.
Irrelevant Skills
I possess a lot of skills. For example, did many of you know that I'm a very good mechanic? After all, I did much of the work on my classic Mercedes-Benz for nearly a decade. I've also rebuilt engines and restored a couple of cars (a Geo Storm and an MG Mdiget).
But if I'm applying for a desk job, then what my skills as mechanic have to do with the job? Sure, you can rationalise this and say that it's a good demonstration of your soft skills with working independently or something like that. But look, the people looking at your application are very unlikely to put two-and-two together there. They likely have hundreds of applications to go through and not as much time to think about the nuances of yours.
Irrelevant Jobs
This goes back to the last point. I know it's harder to leave out an irrelevant job, especially if it creates an employment history gap, but it's better to find a way to fill it in with something relevant or changing what you did for the company if it's no longer around.
Conclusion
I hope these tips help some of you out. I know it's tough out there right now with how flooded job market is, but I want to keep sharing my experience to help my fellow office outlaws out.
