Why Hiring Managers Are Just Not That Into You
Job hunting today is brutal. It’s like dating—but worse. At least on a date, you might get a meal. In the job hunt? You're left ghosted with no clue what went wrong. The process feels cold and unrelenting, and you find yourself thinking, “What’s the point?” Well, let me tell you something: The point is, you’ve got it wrong.
Hiring managers aren’t necessarily uninterested because you’re not a good candidate. They’re uninterested because you’re not speaking their language, and you’re playing by rules that no longer work. The game has changed, and you’ve got to adapt. So, why are hiring managers just not that into you? Let’s get real about what’s going on, and more importantly—how you can fix it.
1. You’re Too Generic
Here’s the truth: Most of you are submitting resumes that look like everybody else’s. You’re using the same buzzwords, the same templates, and hoping you’ll stand out. It’s not happening. The hiring manager looks at hundreds of resumes daily, and if you’re not showing them something unique about what YOU bring to the table, why should they care?
What You Can Do About It: Stop blending in. Get specific. What’s your story? What have you done that no one else has? What’s the unique value you bring to this role? Write your resume like you’re pitching your personal brand. Use numbers, real results, and clear outcomes that show you’ve made an impact before—and will do it again.
2. You’re Forgetting That Relationships Still Matter
This isn’t 2005 where you just upload your resume to some job board and get a response. Hiring today is all about relationships. Managers aren’t just looking for skills; they want to hire people they trust, who’ve been recommended, or who they’ve seen out there hustling.
What You Can Do About It: Network. This is where you need to stop hiding behind the screen and start shaking hands—digitally or in person. Get on LinkedIn, interact with hiring managers, join industry conversations, share your thoughts, or even DM people in the companies you want to work for. Be a real human, not just another name on a resume. Build relationships BEFORE you even apply for the job.
3. You’re Too Focused on Yourself
Look, I get it. You’re trying to sell yourself, but here’s where people mess up. Too many of you are walking into interviews talking about what you need, what you want, what’s going to be best for your career. Newsflash: The hiring manager is focused on one thing—what’s in it for them. They’re hiring because they need a problem solved, not because they care about your personal dreams and aspirations.
What You Can Do About It: Shift the focus. Stop talking about what the job can do for you and start talking about how you can solve their problems. Look at the job description, research the company, and figure out their pain points. Then, when you apply or interview, make it clear that you’re the solution they’ve been waiting for. Show them how you’re going to make their lives easier, more efficient, or more profitable. That’s what gets people hired.
Hiring managers aren’t intentionally ignoring you
...they’re overwhelmed, overworked, and tired of hearing the same thing over and over again. But you can stand out if you start thinking like them. Make it personal, build relationships, and solve their problems.
This job market is tough, but you’re tougher. Stop playing the same game everyone else is playing, and flip the script. Show up, stand out, and make it impossible for them to ignore you.
Leadership Levels to Watch For
LEVEL 1 "I'm desperate." When you don't feel like you can influence change or you are overwhelmed with the hiring process, they will smell blood in the water. Reconnect with your confidence and be clear on your value proposition.
LEVEL 2 "I'm angry." If your last or current employer has left a bad enough taste in your mouth, it's understandable that your departure may be the best revenge. However, examine how much that hurt or frustration may discolor your actions.
LEVEL 3 "I will compromise my values/boundaries...even temporarily." Don't let the tedium of job hunting cause you to miss organizational red flags or settle for a work culture that does not align with your values and career goals.
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