The Real Reason You’re Not Landing a Great Job (And How to Fix It)

READING TIME - 5 MINUTES

Looking for a job?

We all know it’s tough.

You’ve got to juggle so many things—perfecting your resume, acing your interviews, applying to endless positions, and keeping your LinkedIn polished.

The list seems endless.

And let's be real, everyone is already talking about how to land that next gig in this competitive world.

But today, I’m not going to focus on those challenges.

Instead, I’m going to talk about something a little deeper, something you might not be considering when you’re on the job hunt.

These are the reasons no one’s talking about.

The ones that could actually be keeping you from landing that perfect job.

1. You Don’t Know What You Really Want

If you’re bouncing from one job to another, hoping things will be better, then it’s time for a reality check.

You haven’t taken the time to understand what you truly want from your career.

You’re just checking the boxes and hoping the right job will fall into your lap.

But how will you ever find the right fit if you don’t know what you’re looking for?

What to do: Sit down. Reflect on your skills, interests, and values.

Think about what excites you and where you can make an impact.

If you don’t know what you want, how can you expect a job to fit you perfectly?

Stop jumping and take the time to find your direction.

2. You Care Too Much—And It’s Working Against You

Ever felt like you were so obsessed with the outcome of an interview that you came across as desperate?

It happens more often than you think.

When you care too much about landing the job, you start focusing on the wrong things.

That energy—whether it’s nervousness, desperation, or overcompensation—can work against you.

What to do: Relax.

The best thing you can do is care less about the outcome and focus more on whether the job is the right fit for you.

Think of interviews as a conversation, not an audition.

When you’re comfortable and confident, people will take you more seriously.

3. You’re Looking for a Job When You Don’t Have One—And That’s a Mistake

If you’re in the position of looking for a job because you need it, it’s already too late.

The best time to look for a job is when you don’t need it.

When you’re comfortable in your current role, you’re in a much better position to interview, negotiate, and come across as confident—not desperate.

What to do:  Start looking for your next opportunity while you’re still employed.

This keeps you in a position of power, allowing you to choose the best opportunity, rather than settling for the first offer that comes your way.

4. You Wait Until You’re on the Line to Look for One

Here’s a scenario I’ve seen play out too many times:

you haven’t updated your resume in years, you haven’t practiced interviewing, and you don’t know what your story or value proposition is.

Then, out of nowhere, you’re fired or laid off, and suddenly, you need a job right now.

The pressure is on, and you don’t have the time to prepare.

This can seriously hurt your chances.

What to do: Don’t wait until you’re on the line to start preparing.

Regularly update your resume, keep your LinkedIn fresh, and practice your interview skills, even when you’re not actively looking.

Staying prepared ensures that you’re ready when opportunity knocks.

5. You’ve Never Really Learned How to Interview

After 24 years in corporate, I can tell you that the most successful people are those who constantly practice their interviewing skills.

Every year, I apply for 6-10 jobs and interview 5-7 times.

Why?

Because it helps me stay sharp, understand my worth, and keep up with the latest trends in the job market.

Interviews are a skill, and like any skill, they improve with practice.

What to do:

Treat interviews like a muscle you need to work out.

Take opportunities to practice, whether it’s through mock interviews or by applying for roles that might not be a perfect fit but give you valuable interview experience.

And to help you get started, I’ve put together two free guides for you: Guide to Prep for Interviews and How to Answer the Top 10 Asked Questions.

These guides will help you prepare and boost your confidence during your job search.

Final words...

If you’re frustrated with your job search, it’s time to take a step back and look at the bigger picture.

It’s not just about having a perfect resume or acing the interview—it’s about knowing what you want, being prepared, and, most importantly, staying grounded.

If you focus on the process rather than obsessing over the outcome, you’ll start seeing better results.

So, take a breath.

Know what you want. Practice, stay prepared, and you’ll be in a much stronger position to land your dream job.