People Can’t Find Jobs Right Now… And It’s Getting Scary Here’s What You Need to Do Differently.

The job market is shifting in ways many people didn’t expect  and unfortunately, the impact has been harsh. Every single day, job seekers tell us they are applying for hundreds of roles yet hearing absolutely nothing back. Some haven’t had an interview in months, while others feel stuck in temporary or unstable work, desperate for something more secure.

If you are experiencing this, you are not alone. Across the UK, thousands of people are struggling, and the situation is becoming genuinely frightening. But the truth is this: it’s not that people are unemployable it’s that the job market has changed, and most job seekers haven’t been taught how to adapt.

As a recruitment and HR advisory firm working closely with employers, Heart to Heart HR Consulting has a clear view of what’s really going on behind the scenes. We see how businesses are hiring, what they expect, and why so many applicants are getting rejected. This blog aims to help job seekers understand the new reality and more importantly, what they can start doing today to improve their chances.

The Competition Is Higher Than Ever Before

Job applications have reached record highs. Entry-level roles that once received 50 applications now attract 300–800. Positions that used to be easy to secure now require real strategy and strong communication. It’s not that job seekers aren’t qualified  it’s that too many people are applying for too few roles.

This oversaturation means employers can be extremely selective. They can choose candidates with more experience, cleaner CVs, better presentation skills, or stronger references. To stand out today, you must go beyond the basics. Sending the same CV everywhere and hoping to be “selected” doesn’t work anymore. Employers now want clarity, professionalism, and evidence that you’re the right match.

ATS Software Is Rejecting CVs Before Humans Even See Them

One of the biggest reasons job seekers feel invisible is because their CV isn’t getting read by a person at all. Most businesses now use ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems), which scan your CV before it reaches a recruiter.

If the system doesn’t detect relevant keywords or if your formatting is too complicated  it automatically rejects your application.

This is why many people feel like employers are ignoring them, when in reality, their CV never made it past the software. Tailoring your CV to each job, using clear formatting, and including the right terms is no longer optional  it’s necessary.

Relying on Job Boards Alone Is No Longer Enough

Many job seekers still rely solely on Indeed, Reed, or TotalJobs. But the truth is that up to 70% of jobs are never advertised publicly. Employers prefer referrals, internal promotion, or recruiting through agencies because it’s faster and more reliable.

So when people spend all their time on job boards, they are fighting for the same limited pool of roles as everyone else. To increase your chances, you need to tap into what’s known as the “hidden job market.”

This includes reaching out to agencies, networking, attending job fairs, connecting with hiring managers on LinkedIn, and applying directly on company websites. The more visible you are, the more opportunities you unlock.

Employers Are Prioritising Soft Skills Over Experience

Another major shift in the job market is what employers value. While experience still matters, it is no longer the deciding factor. Instead, employers are paying closer attention to qualities like reliability, communication, teamwork, and customer service skills.

They want people who can speak confidently, show good attitude, and adapt quickly. Many job seekers who struggle in interviews don’t actually lack ability  they simply fail to communicate their strengths effectively. Improving your speaking skills, preparing clear examples, and practising interview responses can dramatically change your results.

Applying for “Any Job” Makes You Look Unfocused

When people are desperate, they apply for everything. But employers notice when a candidate has no clear direction. Applying for a wide range of unrelated jobs often makes you look unprepared and less committed.

A stronger approach is to choose three to four job titles you want to focus on  for example, Customer Service Assistant, Retail Assistant, Admin Support, and Receptionist. Once you specialise your CV around these roles, your applications become more targeted and more convincing.

Personal Branding Is Now Essential

In 2025, a CV is only one part of your professional profile. Employers also look at your email communication, your LinkedIn activity, and how you present yourself online.

A professional email address, a clean LinkedIn profile, a clear personal summary, and a friendly tone can be the difference between being shortlisted and being overlooked. Showing reliability, professionalism, and a positive attitude makes you far more attractive to employers.

You Can Still Get a Job  But You Need a New Strategy

The job market is tough, but not hopeless. People are getting hired every day across retail, logistics, healthcare, hospitality, supermarkets, and office roles. Companies are still recruiting  they’re just more selective now.

You don’t need to apply for 500 jobs. You simply need the right strategy, a strong CV, better communication, and access to opportunities many job seekers don’t know about.

How Heart to Heart HR Consulting Can Help You

We support job seekers in ways job boards simply cannot. Our services include:

• CV writing and tailoring

• Interview training

• Meaningful job-matching

• Access to hidden roles not advertised online

• Direct referrals to employers

• Employability guidance and coaching

You don’t have to navigate this tough job market alone. With the right strategy and support, you will stand out and employers will notice you.