Why Am I Not Getting Interviews? The Real Reason

I’m not gonna sugarcoat this at all… the job market is turning into an employer’s playground for the first time in years.

If you’re thinking, “But there are still job openings out there,” you’re not wrong. But here’s where things get real: we’re facing a skills mismatch. That’s the gap between what employers need and what job seekers can offer, and it’s a serious roadblock.

Why the Skills Mismatch Matters

So, what’s the deal with the skills mismatch?

Picture this: job postings are still up, but unemployment isn’t dropping as it should. Why? Because the people looking for work don’t match the skills that employers are hunting for. And I don’t just mean not just talking about niche tech skills or super-specialized knowledge. It’s across the board - manufacturing, healthcare, tech, you name it. All industries- all levels.

Let’s stick to the facts though shall we?

The Beveridge Curve, a key economic graph, shows the relationship between job vacancies and unemployment. When this curve shifts outward, it signals trouble: high job openings paired with high unemployment.

Right now, this is exactly what’s happening.

The job market is full of people searching for work, but the roles they’re trying to fill need skills they might not have. And that’s bad news for both sides of the hiring process.

The Shift to an Employer’s Market

Now, I’m not just seeing a minor shift. We are moving into an employer’s market, and that’s a big deal. Like really big. Not panic level- but it’s major.

Over the past decade, job seekers had the upper hand. Companies were competing for top talent, salaries were pushed up, and employees could jump from job to job with ease. But as we move into 2025, it’s different.

Layoffs are ramping up. October saw over 100K layoffs. Massive. The month previous it was in the 40K range.

We’re seeing this across tech giants, professional services, and even sectors like finance. And while job openings are still around, they’re shrinking. Private-sector jobs just fell by 28,000—the biggest drop since December 2020—and manufacturing lost 46,000 jobs in October alone. Meanwhile, government jobs are up by 40,000. The balance of power is tipping. The October jobs report showed 12K jobs added. Yeah, that’s it.

What Does This Mean for Job Seekers?

Here’s the truth ya’ll. If you’re job hunting, this is not the time to rely on your resume from three years ago. Seriously- I know I may be biased- but I am also helping you here. Employers are more selective, and they have the luxury of being picky. So, what should you do? Adapt.

This whole skills mismatch concept is shooting most great candidates down immediately. Here is The Amanda Goodall Method for standing out in the job search and avoiding the skills mismatch nightmare.

Tip #1: Don’t Assume—Prove It

Let’s get one thing straight: just because you think your resume shows your skills doesn’t mean it actually does. Hiring managers are skimming hundreds of resumes, looking for clear evidence that you’re the perfect fit. If your resume isn’t practically shouting, “Yes, I’ve got what you need,” then it’s time for a rewrite. Look at the job description, pick out keywords, and make sure your resume reflects them—because employers don’t have time to connect the dots.

Tip #2: Get Specific with Your Achievements

Vague claims won’t cut it. “Led a team” or “Handled client accounts” doesn’t tell them much. Say what you did and how it made a difference. Try something like, “Led a team of 12 to boost project completion rates by 20%.” Numbers matter. Specifics show that you’re not just another candidate—you’re someone who can deliver.

The Skills Employers Are Looking For

So, what are these must-have skills? It depends on the industry, but some themes are emerging. Tech fluency is huge, even outside of tech jobs. Employers want to see that you’re comfortable with digital tools and platforms relevant to your role. Adaptability is another big one. Companies are valuing workers who can pivot quickly as industries evolve.

Tip #3: Keep Learning

Don’t wait for the job market to tell you you’re behind. If your last formal training was a few years ago, it’s time to refresh. Online courses, certifications, workshops—they’re not just for show. They demonstrate that you’re serious about staying relevant. This is especially crucial if your field is changing rapidly, like healthcare, tech, or finance.

The Upside in an Employer’s Market

Okay, so it’s not all doom and gloom. The upside is that employers are still hiring—they’re just being more careful about who they bring on. If you’re the kind of candidate who adapts, learns, and brings a tailored approach, you’re going to stand out. This market rewards people who are strategic.

Tip #4: Be the Solution

Don’t just tell an employer you’re a good fit—show them you’re exactly what they need. Your resume, cover letter, and interview should all work together to highlight how you solve problems and drive results. Employers want candidates who can hit the ground running, and nothing says that more than concrete examples of your past successes.

Oh and can I just say how absolutely critical, important and dare I call it REQUIRED it is to show that you are a good prompt engineer- and understand AI.

Companies are not hiring to train you on the ‘new computer basics.’ Yes, they will train you on software apps, and proprietary AI systems… but know your stuff. Seriously.

And if you are in tech or fintech or anything financial- it is even more important that you would imagine. Need help with that? Msg me. I’m creating a quick training course to get you up to snuff on this stuff.

How This Changes the Job Market

As the job market shifts, expect more competition for roles and slower wage growth. Employers don’t need to offer the same incentives they did when the market was tight. This could lead to longer job searches for candidates and more emphasis on what you bring to the table.

But here’s the good news: there are still opportunities. Companies need skilled, adaptable workers now more than ever. The trick is to show that you’re not just any job seeker - you’re the one who gets it. So stay proactive, keep learning, and make sure your resume speaks louder than your last interview.