If you’re sending applications left and right, conducting strategic outreach, and doing everything you can to get hired and yet nothing still seems to be working, you’re probably asking yourself: why is it so hard to get hired right now?!
Apparently, it’s a worldwide phenomenon, and as a Christian career coach, I’ve met so many insanely talented, hardworking, and lovely people who still don’t have a job. People who are doing everything right (or at least, everything they know to do) and still hearing crickets!
So I decided to take this question straight to the source. I sat in a room full of Christian executives and business leaders – the kind of people who do the actual hiring for big companies and I asked them directly:
“Is it really that hard to hire good people right now? And if so, why?”
Their answers straight up BLEW. MY. MIND! And I’m not even kidding!
I wanted to flip tables because some of their perspectives were so shocking. But here’s the thing: this is not about blaming them or saying that they’re nitpicky! These are leaders with decades of hiring experience and they are not sitting around trying to make it harder for job seekers. They’re dealing with challenges in today’s market too.
They just gave game-changing insights that some were really hard to hear, and so let’s break it down: why is it so hard to get hired right now? And more importantly, what can you do to finally stand out?
1. “The Good Talent is Already Hired”
This was the first thing an executive answered, and I wanted to scream. I know so many good, hardworking, and qualified people who are job hunting right now and yet they can’t get a job yet. But as they explained, this wasn’t meant as an insult – it was a reflection of the job market.
Here’s the reality: many of these leaders don’t even need to post openings publicly. They have networks of trusted professionals they can call on when roles open up. These are people with strong reputations who get invited into opportunities, sometimes without ever submitting an application.
It’s not luck. It’s years of being visible, consistent, and known as a positive presence in their industries.
Here’s what you can do about it:
- Build your reputation. Every interaction you have – at work, online, in your community – shapes how people talk about you when you’re not in the room.
- Update LinkedIn regularly, even with small wins or team highlights. When you cheer on others publicly, it subconsciously positions you as someone worth watching.
- Avoid complaining about your boss, coworkers, or job on social media (or even in interviews). Leaders notice how you talk about others, and it directly impacts their trust in you.
Audrey said it best: “The way you show up to others is what builds your reputation, not what happens to you.”
2. Emotional Intelligence is a Game-Changer
When these executives described the qualities of their ideal candidates, they weren’t talking about degrees, certifications, or even technical skills. They kept coming back to three words:
- Humble – able to admit mistakes, learn, and work well with others.
- Hungry – motivated to contribute, to grow, and to take initiative.
- Smart – not IQ smart, but emotionally intelligent: self-aware, empathetic, and able to navigate relationships with ease.
This comes from Patrick Lencioni’s book The Ideal Team Player, which several leaders referenced. They emphasized that these traits are rare, and they’re the first thing they’re looking for when deciding who to hire.
If you’re humble, hungry, and smart, you’re already ahead of most candidates! But if not, this is an opportunity to grow in those areas.
3. Your Interview Questions Matter (A LOT!)
This one surprised me. Nearly every leader in the room agreed: the questions you ask during an interview say more about you than your answers do. If you don’t have thoughtful, specific questions prepared, it signals you’re not really invested. As one exec put it, “That shows me you want a job – not this job.”
But good news, we have a full list of interview questions that will help you stand out here!
4. Don’t Wait for Job Openings – Create Them!
One story in particular stuck with me: A man was also asking why is it so hard to get hired right now BUT eventually he discovered his dream company and reached out directly to the founder. Instead of sending a generic resume, he offered to solve a specific problem and even created a sample solution. He followed up with a Loom video to walk them through his idea.
At first, the founder told him there weren’t any openings. But three months later? They created a role just for him. This is the kind of boldness that makes hiring managers take notice.
Here’s what you can do:
- Research your dream companies.
- Reach out with value, not just passion.
- Be persistent without being pushy.
Our clients do this all the time and always find success! It all begins with clarity and intention, and people notice.
5. Read the Instructions (Yes, Really!)
This one made me laugh, and then cry. An executive shared that out of 100 applicants for an entry-level assistant role, not ONE followed the application instructions correctly. Think about that! Just by carefully reading and following directions, you could instantly stand out from 90% of applicants.
Action steps:
- Slow down. Read every detail in the job posting.
- Submit all requested documents.
- Follow formatting instructions.
It sounds simple, but in a world of rushed applications, it’s a powerful differentiator.
6. The World Owes You Nothing (But That’s Not Bad News)
Here’s the final truth the leaders shared: “The world owes you nothing.”
And I wholeheartedly agree with them! This truth is meant to free you. Once you stop believing that you’re entitled to responses or offers, you can focus on what you can actually control: showing up consistently, delivering value, and trusting God with the rest.
Even experienced professionals can fall into the trap of expecting easy wins. But the truth is, breakthroughs often come after faith-filled persistence.
So… Why Is It So Hard to Get Hired Right Now?
It’s not because you’re unqualified. It’s definitely NOT because God forgot about you.
It’s because the hiring landscape has shifted, and most people are still playing by the old rules. But you? You now have the insider perspective to navigate this season wisely.
You’ve got this!
If you’re tired of ghosted applications, endless tweaks to your resume, and wondering if you’re even on the right path, we can help. Book your free call today!
