Let’s Face It: Finding a Job Nowadays Isn’t Easy
Finding a job today is not easy, especially for young people. But what are the real reasons behind this struggle? And more importantly, what can you do to ensure your story is different? Here are some reflections.
Firstly, the job market has changed significantly in recent years. Technology has advanced rapidly, and with it, the types of jobs available have also shifted. Companies are increasingly demanding, and today, having a degree no longer guarantees employment. Employers seek skills that are rarely taught in school, such as communication, creativity, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence.
One of the biggest challenges I see among young people is the concept of self-responsibility. It’s much easier to blame someone else for not being able to find a job. Here are some examples of victimization that lead nowhere:
Well, all this happens because, in a competitive job market where many people are looking for employment, criteria must be used for selection. While some complain, others are working on themselves to become more qualified for better opportunities in the future.
As tempting as it may be to blame companies, the economy, the government, or even your neighbor, this won’t help you achieve your goals. In fact, until you take ownership of your destiny, finding a job will remain very difficult. You must take responsibility for your career. If you’re not succeeding, it’s likely because:
Yes, you read that right. You need to improve and continue developing yourself, especially in areas you don’t master but are valued in the market. You need to recognize your skills, identify your weaknesses, and understand what you truly want to do with your life. Then, of course, pay the price through effort and preparation. A lot of preparation.
As mentioned above, the main reason you’re not getting called is that your profile doesn’t meet the company’s true needs. Understand that companies don’t hire out of charity or because the government asks them to. Companies hire people whose profiles meet the demands of their businesses.
So, if you’re sending out CVs to many job openings and no company calls you, it seems the problem, hard as it may be to accept, lies with you.
Take responsibility and ask yourself: How can I improve my profile?
Knowledge doesn’t take up space. Never stop learning. The world is constantly changing, and those who don’t adapt will be left behind. Take online courses, read books—technical books and personal development ones. How many books did you read last year? A few pages daily can make a big difference over a year.
Attend conferences; many are free or offered at symbolic prices. Stay informed about what’s happening around you, be it domestic or international politics. The important thing is to keep growing and increasing your potential.
Certain skills are essential nowadays. Speaking English is practically mandatory in many areas. Don’t speak it yet? Start today, even if it’s just 10 minutes a day. Consistency over time will make a difference.
Knowing how to work with a computer is another "must-have" skill. Mastering tools like Excel, Word, and others specific to your field can make a huge difference. Invest time in learning these things; they will open many doors for you.
Avoid excuses for not doing something; it might be tempting, but it won’t solve your problems. Set goals for yourself and find ways to achieve them. Everything depends on your determination. Those who want to learn will find a way, and those who don’t will find excuses.
Preparation is absolutely critical. Sending your CV to every opening without knowing anything about the company won’t work. Research the company, talk to friends who work there. Learn what they value, how they operate, their products, their clients, and their challenges. Discover who will interview you and look them up on LinkedIn. The more prepared you are, the better the interview will go. Show that you’ve done your homework and genuinely want that role.
Let’s be honest: before you hear the “YES” you’re waiting for, you’re likely to hear several “NOs.” Rejection hurts, but every “no” is an opportunity to reflect and improve. Ask yourself:
If you answer "no" to any of these questions, don’t start criticizing the company or playing the victim. Take responsibility and understand that you need to improve for the next opportunity. Use any feedback you receive (if given) to create an action plan. If you don’t get feedback, work on self-improvement: take courses, attend workshops, and grow your network.
Show your CV to people you know who are already working. They will likely give you immediate feedback on what might be wrong—it could be the design, content, how you present information, or many other things. Ask for help or read this article on improving your CV.
The truth is, finding a job as a young person is a challenge, but it’s not impossible. Take responsibility for your career, avoid victimization, and turn obstacles into opportunities for growth. Prepare yourself thoroughly, research companies, improve your skills, and never stop learning. With determination and resilience, success is just a matter of time.
Your career is in your hands... What will you do?
Written by
Pedro Santos
