If you’ve got the right experience and real impact stories to tell but you’re still not landing the role, it might not be you, per se. But it will be your strategy.

The job market in 2025 is teeming with opportunity. Across Australia, listings are climbing in sectors like tech, healthcare, and remote-ready services. But for many candidates, it may not feel like a boom, it might feel more like a brick wall.

The reality? Most people applying won’t get the job. That’s not a reflection of worth, it’s the nature of modern hiring. Reaching a final round is statistically rare. Simply submitting a Canva templated resume isn’t enough. In a digital-first hiring world where recruiters, more likely AI Agents, scan hundreds of profiles in minutes, standing out is everything. Candidates who fail to do so, either by underselling their value, misreading cultural cues, or fumbling interviews, often get lost in the noise. But these failures are rarely about qualifications. More often, they’re rooted in a business’ hiring strategy.

That’s why we’ve turned to some of the sharpest minds in hiring to help you get hired. Drawing from works like Who by Geoff Smart and Randy Street, Hired by Parul Sharma, and The Art of Being Employed by Jacqueline S. Rowarth, we explore five actionable reasons why you’re not landing the job and what you can start doing today to shift the odds in your favour.

1. You’re Emphasising Skills Over Solutions

In The A Method for Hiring (2008), Geoff Smart and Randy Street highlight that successful hiring ‘focuses on outcomes, not just skills’. They introduce the “Scorecard” method, emphasising the importance of aligning your achievements with the company’s goals. When updating your resume or preparing for interviews, focus on quantifiable results. Instead of listing tasks, showcase how your actions led to measurable improvements or successes.

2. You’re Not Making a Strong First Impression

Tom Hopkins, in The Art of Recruiting (2020), stresses the significance of initial impressions. He notes that the first 30 seconds of an interaction can determine 80 per cent of a recruiter’s interest. Instead approach interviews with confidence and enthusiasm. Prepare a compelling elevator pitch that succinctly conveys your value and aligns with the company’s needs.

3. You’re Overlooking Cultural Fit

Parul Sharma, author of Hired: The Art of Finding and Recruiting Talent (2024), emphasises that cultural fit goes beyond surface-level perks. It’s about aligning with the company’s values and communication styles. Before you even think about applying, research the company’s mission, values, and work environment. Tailor your responses to demonstrate how your personal values and work style align with the organisation’s culture.

4. You’re Not Engaging in a Two-Way Interview

Nigel Cumberland, in Finding & Hiring Talent In A Week (2016), points out that the best candidates are those who show curiosity and engage actively during interviews. Prepare thoughtful questions about the company’s goals, challenges, and team dynamics. This not only demonstrates your interest but also helps you assess if the company is the right fit for you.

5. You’re Not Crafting a Compelling Narrative

Jacqueline S. Rowarth, in The Art of Being Employed (2014), underscores the importance of storytelling in job applications. She asserts that people hire individuals, not just resumes. Develop a cohesive narrative that connects your past experiences, motivations, and future aspirations. This story should highlight your growth, adaptability, and how you can contribute to the prospective employer’s success.

Landing your desired job requires more than just meeting qualifications; it’s about presenting yourself as the solution to a company’s needs. This speaks to emphasising your solutions over your skills. By focusing on outcomes, making strong first impressions, aligning with company culture, engaging actively in interviews, and crafting compelling narratives, you can significantly enhance your job search success.

Recommended books to read on the hiring process:

• The Art of Recruiting by Tom Hopkins (2008)
• Hired: The Art of Finding and Recruiting Talent by Parul Sharma (2020)
• Who: The A Method for Hiring by Geoff Smart and Randy Street (2024)
• Finding & Hiring Talent In A Week by Nigel Cumberland (2016)
• The Art of Being Employed by Jacqueline S. Rowarth (2014)