The Honest Truth Why No One Will Hire You (and how to fix it)

[@DannyBoy443]

Why is everyone ragging on this lady giving us great advice? lmao. Obviously, if she worked as someone who hired for a FAANG, she knows what she's talking about. And she mentions things out of our control. Four crying outloud people. Relax.

[@dammar117]

It baffles me how so many mediocre people are employed when the standards are so impossible.

[@theperpendicular326]

This would be decent advice in a tight labor market. In today's market, it's not the job seekers' approach to the job search that's the main problem. It's the companies' need, or lack thereof, to hire new people, that's the number one problem in securing a job. You're telling people to improve their salmon fishing skills, when the real problem is that there aren't any salmons in the water.

[@Farah_Sharghi]

While it's true that the job market has its challenges, the focus of the video is on what job seekers can control. When someone applies to hundreds of jobs and doesn’t receive any responses, it often indicates a problem with their resume, the types of jobs they’re applying to, or even the timing of their applications. The job market may fluctuate, but targeting roles you're qualified for, tailoring your resume to highlight relevant experience, and applying early in the hiring cycle are essential strategies that remain effective. While external factors like company hiring needs are outside of your control, improving your approach can still make a significant difference in getting responses.

[@fabrizio.dipietro]

No one questions the recruitment techniques, the fault only the candidate 🤣

[@OttoAkama]

Did you get the part of reducing risk being the most important aspect of hiring? Or should they change from what’s important to them to what’s important to the candidate? Cos as a candidate I’ll just say what’s important to me is to earn but I don’t want to work.

[@fabrizio.dipietro]

@@OttoAkama From my point of view, I haven't seen anyone mention that the selection process is becoming more and more complicated, even for low position, because the sector requires less people.

[@drgore2126]

@@OttoAkama Definitely be a team player who gets along with everyone and is aligned with the company goals, but also be an out of the box thinker who's willing to call out management's practices. Also show the recruiters how you demonstrated some initiative like how you taught yourself a programming language on your own but also understand that if you do that they'll think your more interested in your side project than the actual job and won't hire you.

[@future62]

Why focus on what you can't control? Ragging on recruiters isn't going to help you find a job. Some of yall are so short sighted and emotional

[@IsabelRodriguez-jt8tg]

i recently watched a channel called updee, they talk about what is wrong about hiring practices

[@joanndombrow4245]

I'm not 🚫 getting hired because of age discrimination and it is real!!😢

[@Farah_Sharghi]

Remove your earlier work experience on your resume & don’t have dates on your degree(s). That’ll help!

[@abdulbasitkhan3480]

​@Farah_Sharghi OK, but if you do too, then often a mid/senior level job becomes your first role (if you've not been working in the same organization for years) and it remains obvious that you're in the age bracket they want to avoid and your just hiding your past experience. Age related discrimination is very real and if don't catch it in the resume they'll see it during interviews and you can't do anything if want avoid hiring you due to Agism.

[@hatchet8209]

What happened to wisdom being the advantage rather than ageism? I think it is ridiculous when your are full of more knowledge than younger people. But if they like hiring younger people that are not full wisdom it shows the quality of employees they are focused on and these companies are shooting themselves on their foot prefering candidates like that

[@joanndombrow4245]

@@hatchet8209 thanks for your reply also they not 🚫 taking into account all of my transferable skills and that I am nationally certified in my profession

[@VelvetCondoms]

The idea that wisdom comes from age has been proven to be false. There are a lot of dumb old people. ​@@hatchet8209

[@blaster915]

I'm 30+ years old with multiple degrees and certifications, the most true thing I've seen across all industries I've worked (hospitality, game development, fashion, video editing) is that it is always more important WHO you know rather than what you know. It really is a closed circle for those who work in an industry and only with friends inside can you hope to crack the door open. If you don't, it's going to be side hustles until you make friends with someone who is inside the industry you want to work.

[@Farah_Sharghi]

I agree, WHO you know get's your foot in the door. WHAT you know and HOW you communicate aka Corporate Communication, gets you the job. I've never met a personality hire in any of my careers (software engineer, financial advisor, recruiter) they just can't survivie corporate structures.

[@blaster915]

@@Farah_Sharghi call me a cynic, but I haven't seen enough of what you know and how you present yourself ever trumping knowing who's hands to shake and be friends with in getting you into an industry. For anyone else who does not have those connections, it really is a case I believe where put your best foot forward for essentially playing the lottery when it comes to your chances.

[@vancesnyder2426]

This is so true. Im almost 60 and I feel it. The only interview I got for a job in W.C. is because my wife's manager respects her abilities. My past job was due to a high ranking individual in the industry passing on an excellent recommendation. The only way I got in the cruise industry was a referral from a friend already working on a cruise ship.

[@blaster915]

@@vancesnyder2426 yup!! It's who you know above all!!

[@felixluk3167]

Who you know is called personal networks. It can get you in the door or even get a job, but won't let you keep the job if you don't have the skills.

[@jeffrosati2570]

In other words, have to not disclose things and make things up.

[@rodriro3]

Farah - thank you for your advise - I am so grateful to have found you on KZbin. Because you rock!

[@justinh5076]

My advice is to start your own business and work for yourself

[@Farah_Sharghi]

Cool, but what happens when you're succcessful and you need to hire people to help your business grow?

[@heroldjaras9909]

You can do that yourself.

[@charliedallachie3539]

I hear this all the time. It’s easier said than done, and very risky. 9/10 startups fail. You’d need a solid business idea and some kind of funding if you’re not rich. However you could just go 1099 and be an independent contractor or something. Very common in the trades.

[@AirIntakeR]

Great motivation and clear, thanks!

[@cwinn414]

Thanks so much Farah, I appreciate your video…

[@sergei8337]

From my experience searching job in US is total joke

[@d3yuen]

Hi Farah, I'm a SRE & Sr Architect with 10+ yrs experience and have been job hunting for 8 months. I'm thankful for your videos--especially resume tips. However I'm finding this video to lack your usual clarity and would appreciate your thoughts: - At what point and how do we convey "low risk"? - Resume overhaul: I've *only* been applying to (and tracking) "open" roles in my field as I tailor my resume. Out of 360 (direct) apps: I received exactly 57 auto replies. ~300 tailored resumes disappeared into the ether. Leveraging my contacts I've confirmed ~30% of the posts are fake or "pre-allocated" which is demoralizing beyond words. In the absence of feedback/data, how do I begin "overhaul" my resume? - Job Search Strategy: How do I measure what's working and what to change when I don't have any feedback? (Yes, I've tried to get feedback ...) Thanks so much

[@feelgoodspace]

I can't believe you as someone experienced is facing this

[@Farah_Sharghi]

Hey! This is a lot to cover and without actually looking at your resume I can't give you an answer because you're asking for an answer when I have limited data. If you'd like a 1:1 feel free to book a session using this link and we can dive deeper to diagnose the problem to get you to move forward: stan.store/farahsharghi

[@nosam1998]

The job market is atrocious, and I have quite a few friends and past colleagues in the exact same spot as you. I am also facing this same issue. The problem is not you, it’s the market, plain and simple. This has to be said, and I genuinely wish this wasn’t true. It’s much easier to blame myself and realize it’s something I’m doing, because that has a fix. You’re not alone, and just know that we’re all being gaslighted. The tech job market in the last 12 months is completely different than the previous 12 months. It’s truly mind boggling how much the tech job market has changed in the past few years alone. This means that advice from someone who was job seeking in 2022 is irrelevant, and only the high level basics (which you likely already know) are valid.

[@tcastru]

Experience doesn't really matter given that companies will always go with inexperienced candidates since it is much cheaper train and they won't want to pay you what you are worth and still train you. It is what it is.s​@@feelgoodspace

[@charliedallachie3539]

@@nosam1998well said… I just hope it eventually blows over next year otherwise we’re in for a pretty dystopian future 😔

[@wadekapcsos7798]

I love the key analogy. The one thing I observed is most companies and recruiters put multiple padlocks on their door. They don’t even know how to make up their own mind so you don’t know which key they really care for especially in technology.

[@future62]

This is all great advice...... I feel like people dont want advice and just want an outlet for their frustration with the current job market

[@VelvetCondoms]

For biggest weakness, I usually say "I'm allergic to penicillin. But there are backups available and I know to check prescriptions, so I have my workarounds.".

[@ad6417]

I understand this job market is very very difficult. I was laid off by a major health care company in January and April 1st I started a new job making 40% more money. So there are still some surprises that can happen.

[@flaminggasolineinthedarkne4]

Thank you mam for sharing with us.

[@Farah_Sharghi]

Your welcome!

[@nettewilson5926]

To get any corporate job you absolutely MUST know the right people.

[@Nishinga.]

Hi! Thank you for the quality information and the advice, I appreciate it. Do you happen to offer one on one help sessions with resumes/general interview questions?

[@Farah_Sharghi]

You’re welcome and I do! Check out my current offerings: stan.store/farahsharghi

[@bla7091]

The business model for Big Tech just can't cope with high interest rates, that's likely the reason. Ever since the industry was booming, interest rates were 0-2%. Now it's 5-7% and they suddenly need to squeeze the timeline to push out products. Surely that makes you much more hesitant about hiring loads of people!

[@Farah_Sharghi]

You are absolutely right and this also impacts startups because they don't get that juicy free capital anymore. No more free lunches! Literally, if they can't turn a profit fast they fail

[@andrewrice9383]

That makes sense, corporate life is inherently a bit mainstream unless you’re in a special scenario like maybe a startup.

[@RedSpark_]

Do you have any advice for going through the hiring process as someone with an invisible disability? I am definitely a higher risk candidate and my health has impacted my employment history, not to mention I'm building side projects/a startup as a way to show my skills in order to land my first role. If I do mention it I open myself up to what is feel is significant potential for discrimination, but if I don't mention it a company can't make an informed decision.

[@Farah_Sharghi]

good question, I'd say try to work for larger companies that have the accommodations already in place. I've worked with candidates and clients who've had all types of disabilities. Work with your recruiter if you require accommodation through the hiring process

[@RedSpark_]

@@Farah_Sharghi Thanks for the reply Farah! I'll keep that in mind!

[@LUN-bo2fb]

I think star method should really be adjust during the conversation. What I usually find is people tends to apply star method forcefully, and you can sense the delivary framework clearly. Sometimes, the conversation goes into only candidate keeps saying the story that I fails to interrupt and ask the question that I am more interested in. As a candidate, I also found there's pitfall of using STAR method. I was ask "tell me the time you feel frustrated". I gave him an answer, and ask for the definition of "frustrate". and he said it is the time you can do nothing. what story we usually prepared is mostly how we crack the problem with good result. in this case, keep telling I crack xxx problem may cause the conversation to be weird :-P

[@DoctorSpicy]

Very helpful

[@ZachDift-kc4nk]

3:35 What if perfectionism honestly, genuinely IS your biggest weakness? For example - my perfectionistic tendencies can cause me to get bogged down by inconsequential details and suffer from paralysis analysis as I get overwhelmed by focusing so much on the trees that I lose sight of the forest and also my issues with perfectionism causes me to have issues with procrastination (bc my subconscious mind always thinks: “if i can’t do it perfectly then what even is the point of doing it at all?”). It was a huge struggle for me thru my teens until my mid-20s to the point it led me to dealing with over a decade of depression and a crippling fear of failure (aka not being “perfect” or doing everything “perfectly”). Obviously there’s a number of coping mechanisms I had to find to overcome my issue with perfectionism so it’s not like I’m saying that my only weakness is that im so perfect at the job but will it immediately turn off interviewers and make them roll their eyes even though my perfectionism genuinely has been one of the greatest struggles and weaknesses I had to overcome in my life thus far?

[@Farah_Sharghi]

Then you say that! You say “I know it sounds like a cliche, but my biggest weakness is perfectionism…” then you share your story

[@TheBlackManMythLegend]

With all those layoffs do people still want to work at FANG? Govtech or something like that seems more stable.

[@matthewtedesco5271]

So would you suggest taking my freelance /part time stuff off my resume? (And probably LinkedIn too)

[@Farah_Sharghi]

Yes, that could be holding you back from opportunities

[@matthewtedesco5271]

@@Farah_Sharghi​​​​⁠Good to know. I’ve kept it on because it was ads management that none of my other roles had and I’ve been doing it for a decade. But I get it.

[@andrewbruhelius2694]

I leave it off my resume. But many people are trying to encourage me to put it back on, because interests coupled with revenue streams just make you stand out more. This is a huge debate I think…

[@WeAreTheMakers0709]

ya , well said and nice title mam , u ctach the point and i lived it , Thank u soo much for this

[@Farah_Sharghi]

My pleasure 😊

[@anilphilip546]

@fararsharghi Nowadays nobody gives feedback following a rejection. How to know the real reason you were rejected so that you can be aware of it for the next time and possibly mitigate it?

[@SpringBroadcast]

These are decent bits of advice. BUT... today's market is very different from the one before the pandemic. UX jobs (for example) are 71% down since 2022. Without FAANG names and/or internal referrals your chances are slim to none to land a job (in tech at least).

[@tinabird1045]

On the outside this seems so easy, but it really isn't. I have been job searching for close to a year. Applying for different roles, some i feel that i would be perfect for since i possess two college degrees, however i do not have any physical experience. How can you demonstrate that on a resume when it does not exist? For example, office roles. If employers would actually train someone then i could thrive in this role. How do you craft a resume with said experience when you do not have any? Do you conjure something up?

[@PJ-om2wq]

So what do you do if you *do* have a side hustle?

[@jenniferl9784]

In all honesty I feel that people who have to change their answers to questions to fit a mold, are probably going to be disappointed. It doesn’t say much about a company who can’t sit down and have a fruitful conversation with a candidate about their experiences and goals. Instead candidates are read questions and it’s absolutely insulting. I amwho I am like it or leave it……I won’t lie

[@apexherbert]

I am currently learning computer vision as an undergrad and i am totally lost. Most companies want people offering phd's and postgrad programs. And i am still uncertain as to whether i should quit or not because of this. I wanted to ask if i should continue this career path because i wouldn't know which company is actually doing computer vision. I apply for software engineering roles for fullstack since i have knowledge in full stack development. In my project section, I added a computer vision project as well as a mobile app project i did collaboratively with other fellow developers. Does it make my resume invalid ?

[@Farah_Sharghi]

My dad's PhD is in digital imaging & signal processing, specifically computer vision and ability to read text within images and video and I helped him with his work back in the day. Many research positions require a Masters or PhD in this field. However, there are options for those with bachelor's degrees: Some companies have entry-level positions involving computer vision. Your full-stack skills are useful. Developers who can implement CV algorithms are needed. Your resume is valid. CV and mobile app projects show diverse skills. Look into industries using CV: automotive, security, e-commerce. Continue building projects to gain practical experience. Apply for internships or junior roles at CV-related companies. Consider a Masters degree while working if you want to specialize further. The field is changing. While advanced degrees are common, your current studies and projects have value. Keep improving your skills and applying for relevant positions.

[@apexherbert]

@@Farah_Sharghi Thank you very much for these insights and clarification.

[@Farah_Sharghi]

@@apexherbert Sure thing! If you need more 1:1 help here's the link to view my Stan Store: stan.store/farahsharghi

[@apexherbert]

@@Farah_Sharghi Noted

[@taylorjohnsonct]

Man, it's wild to hear my side projects, which I'll monetize if I can, are a potential limiting factor in getting hired... How else are you suppose to learn new technologies and best practices if you don't practice them, and if you don't have a job, why wouldn't you be trying to make money from another source?

[@donotaskmemyname3902]

The music in annoying

[@Farah_Sharghi]

Think of it as a tax for free insights 😉

[@RicO-xg4ju]

What if your side hustle is one of the main skills and benefits for hiring you?

[@TheRealStevenGlen]

Ty!

[@vancesnyder2426]

Honestly, the market goes up and down, and it is tough to get a decent paying job. In California, you can work at McD's and get $20 an hour. Oooops, I forgot. Because this policy makes no economic sense, we have seen massive layoffs in the industry.

[@natalieeuley1734]

What to do if you look like a risk through no fault of your own? I haven't had a job that lasted a long time since 2021 due to a series of bad luck with layoffs

[@Farah_Sharghi]

Good question. You mention it in your resume. Not to peddle my wares but if you’d like help I offer 1:1 meetings if you check out the link in the notes you’ll find my offerings. I’d be happy to learn more about your situation and how best to position your resume

[@ka-md8ue]

Just stretch the timing in places where you worked, so there are no gaps

[@charliedallachie3539]

@@ka-md8uethis could come up in a background check though. Past employers can verify dates of employment.

[@yoohoo952]

how does anybody get a job with these requests

[@ViceCoin]

Date a Recruiter;)

[@davidjennicson5614]

Hey Farah, I have a question. I am an engineering student from India. During my four-year course, I didn't do any internships, but I did manage to complete a couple of freelancing projects. Every company expects candidates to have some kind of experience, so should I include my freelancing experience on my resume, or should I leave it out?

[@Farah_Sharghi]

I don't know the job market within India so I can't comment but I have hired engineers based in India who worked for US companies and none of them were entry level. you should consult local recruiters who understand your market

[@istvanpraha]

I hate the thank you letter tradition. It made sense when it was physical so required effort. Now it's just going-through-the-motions so feels meaningless.

[@Farah_Sharghi]

Depends on the profession. If you’re in a client facing role, like hospitality, thank you notes are expected

[@idibradley9702]

Nothing new that i hadn't heard before 😅

[@lesliep1229]

I need help!

[@vancesnyder2426]

I guess I will never get an interview with Google! Ha Ha. I used to work s a career coach with EDD and a non-profit partnering with Alameda County Workforce Development Board. If you think it is tough, try being 59 and pivoting into a new career.

[@alirezaamedeo]

Hi Farah; if at the time of applying I am unemployed, does it prevent my resume being picked up by the recruiters?

[@Farah_Sharghi]

I’m sorry I don’t understand your question. Picked up from where?

[@alirezaamedeo]

@@Farah_Sharghi oh I am sorry, let me rephrase my question: If I am unemployed at the time of applying, will recruiters still take my resume seriously and consider me for an interview?

[@Farah_Sharghi]

@@alirezaamedeo I don't know your current situation but recruiters want to find candidates who meet the minimum and preferred requirements for the position. Layoffs are so prevalent that the old adage that hiring managers only want to hire people who are hired isn't valid anymore. If you want to have a 1:1 to review your current situation feel free to take a look at my Stan Store for more: stan.store/farahsharghi

[@alirezaamedeo]

@@Farah_Sharghi Thank you very much for your reply.

[@giridhar131]

I have a question i have applied for multiple roles within a company and if recruiter asks have you applied for multiple roles what should i say

[@Farah_Sharghi]

you say yes, they can tell

[@RealSamsonKing]

Bottom line….start a business. You can’t pass on your job to your kids. A job is like renting. Buy a house.

[@Farah_Sharghi]

Most ppl don’t want to start their own businesses but it can be lucrative

[@joeme]

Thank those that have done nothing to stop the flow of our replacements across the southern border. You know them, the ones you voted for the last five elections when you pulled the party lever.

[@Farah_Sharghi]

Huh?

[@joeme]

@@Farah_Sharghi They don't want to hire you because they can get a better price from an illegal invader. The people being let into OUR country illegally are your replacements.

[@结实反流]

"not a cultural fit"== too old for the Job

[@Farah_Sharghi]

Not necessarily true, though you’re not wrong. If they’re going to discriminate I’d document it in email & grab a lawyer 😄

[@sneakyninja5802]

Too unattractive for the job.

[@mohammadalam9936]

​@@Farah_Sharghi Lol they are not going to tell you.

[@Farah_Sharghi]

@@mohammadalam9936 that's why you get it in writing

[@bayou__]

keren nih

[@kautsar7806]

Lagi cari kerja bang?

[@Robert-fq5wx]

My white privilege broke 😢, I'm too old, I have a criminal record that isn't supposed to be considered because it was deferred. I interview too well, you name it. 😂

[@user-gw9yx2wx5g]

AI will takeover more HR and IT jobs.

[@Farah_Sharghi]

Hiring managers don’t understand the market and they have unrealistic expectations. I’ve never worked with one that 100% knew what they wanted or needed. AI cannot take over. Plus, there are too many philosophical questions that AI cannot answer now and for a long, long time. Like the trolly problem. So no, they can’t take over

[@fidgetykoala]

Lol the absurdity of someone who knows nothing about engineering interviewing people who hold highly technical knowledge. You will be replaced by AI in no time due to the assessment skill based approach recently emerging.

[@Farah_Sharghi]

I have a bachelors degree in Computer Science from The University of North Texas where I specialized in graphics programming (OpenGL) and when I worked as an engineer I specialized in writing algorithms for machine readable search strings for text within images and videos. Also, I worked with OCR and ICR technologies and that knowledge helps me debunk the myths about ATS systems parsing data since the majority of ATSs use Adobe's OCR except for Googles which uses their own proprietary OCR. So tell me about why I know nothing about engineering and interviewing people?

[@Farah_Sharghi]

I'm just going to copy and paste what I wrote to the original commentator since you said Amen to their comment: "I have a bachelors degree in Computer Science from The University of North Texas where I specialized in graphics programming (OpenGL) and when I worked as an engineer I specialized in writing algorithms for machine readable search strings for text within images and videos. Also, I worked with OCR and ICR technologies and that knowledge helps me debunk the myths about ATS systems parsing data since the majority of ATSs use Adobe's OCR except for Googles which uses their own proprietary OCR. "

[@fidgetykoala]

​@@Farah_Sharghifirst of all people who show off their credentials usually are insecure. Secondly this as many other fields is vast with plenty of specialisms. TA is a huge inefficiency in the system, again the job will be replaced by AI. Employees are stakeholders at the end of the day and basically no one is happy with HR, especially TA.Nobody.