Want to know why you aren’t getting hired?

It’s not the state of the job market. It’s you

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Many job seekers blame the labour market for not landing a job, but people are getting hired every day.

Canada’s unemployment rate was 6.9 per cent in October, meaning most people who want work are employed. Statistics Canada also reports that hundreds of thousands of people change jobs each month.

The idea that hiring has stalled simply does not line up with the data. Even when the economy softens, people continue to move between roles as companies reorganize, promote employees or adjust their staffing plans.

The job market responds to business needs, and job seekers need to adjust to those needs rather than assume the system is working against them. People often focus on negative signals when their own search feels stalled, but that does not mean the overall market has stopped moving.

Automation is a common example. Automation and artificial intelligence reduce labour costs, but employers continue to hire. These technologies usually change the way work is done rather than eliminate the work itself. Many job seekers interpret automation as a sign that companies are replacing workers entirely, when in reality, most organizations are blending technology with human roles.

Companies hire when they believe a candidate will help them make or save money. If you cannot show that you understand how employers think about hiring, it becomes harder for them to see your value. This gap often shows up in how candidates talk about the job market.

Online complaints about the job market attract attention but rarely lead to interviews. Venting on social media may generate likes and supportive comments, but it discourages employers who are assessing a candidate’s judgment and professionalism. If you spend your energy criticizing the market, you shift your focus away from the actions that move you forward.

You will make more progress by paying attention to what successful candidates do and comparing it to your own approach. People who get hired often invest time in building relationships and improving their applications instead of expressing frustration online.

Following instructions is also a major advantage. Quality applications stand out, and meeting at least 90 per cent of the requirements while following the employer’s directions improves your chances. Surveys show many applicants are screened out for ignoring basic instructions. Something as simple as submitting the wrong file format, omitting required information or failing to include a job ID in the subject line can eliminate an otherwise qualified candidate from consideration.

To avoid this, read the posting carefully. Use the requested format. Answer the questions. Include the subject line they ask for. These details signal reliability, and hiring managers notice. Submitting two or three strong applications a day, and following up shortly after, works better than sending a large volume of weak submissions.

Strong applications help you get noticed, and networking helps you move forward. Networking uncovers opportunities that are never posted publicly. Many employers fill roles internally or through referrals before advertising them.

In-person conversations still leave stronger impressions than digital interactions. Hiring managers consistently report that candidates who show initiative, make eye contact and hold a steady conversation are more memorable and more likely to be considered when openings arise.

You improve your chances when you show up at events, introduce yourself, listen and ask direct questions. Focusing on the person in front of you, rather than what you hope to get out of the interaction, makes you more credible and more memorable. Clear communication and genuine interest make others more willing to consider you for openings.

Networking is not about collecting business cards or engaging in small talk online. It is about forming real connections that help uncover information, opportunities and introductions that never appear on job boards.

Mindset matters as well. People who see themselves as victims tend to stay unemployed longer, while those who improve their situation focus on what they can control. You cannot control the economy or other people’s decisions, but you can control your actions. You may not have chosen to be in the market, but you can choose how you respond.

The job market is not the barrier you assume it is. The real challenge is how you approach it.

Nick Kossovan, a well-seasoned veteran of the corporate landscape, offers advice on searching for a job.