Why Your Job Hunt Isn’t Working… And How to Fix It

Whether you’ve been applying for roles every day or just keeping an eye out for something better, the job hunt can be frustrating.

No callbacks. Countless rejections. Ghosting.

If it feels like you’re stuck in a kind of job hunting limbo you’re not alone.

You’re not doing anything wrong, but the good news?

There are ways to stop this becoming a cycle.

At Amicus, we speak to hundreds of job hunters and tech candidates every month. Whether it’s your first time job hunting in years or you're navigating a tricky market, here are the most common reasons we see job searches come to a standstill… and how to fix them.

1. You’re applying too broadly

One of the biggest mistakes jobseekers make is applying for everything and hoping something sticks. In tech especially, this rarely works. Hiring managers can tell when a CV is generic, and often it’s those extra few minutes spent tailoring an application that makes the difference.

Fix: Quality always beats quantity. Instead of applying to 30 roles a week, focus on 5 to 10 that genuinely fit your skills and interests. Tailor your CV, write a short note that references the company or product, and be clear about what you’re looking for.

2. Your CV or profile isn’t actually telling your story and experience

We see lots of CVs with endless bullet points that don’t really say much. A great CV isn’t just a list of tools, it’s a narrative. What did you build? What problems did you solve? How did your work impact the business or product?

Fix: Think like a storyteller. Add context to your roles. Include outcomes, not just tasks. If you can, link to code samples, GitHub projects, or portfolios. Employers want to see how you think, not just what you’ve done.

3. You’re not showcasing all the work you can

Open-source contributions, side projects, and clean personal repos are becoming increasingly valuable to employers. Even a well-structured home project can speak volumes about your approach and passion for the job.

Fix: Be proactive. Share something you've built. It doesn’t need to be perfect or ground breaking… it just needs to reflect your skill and interest. Highlight it clearly on your CV and LinkedIn profile.

4. Sometimes it’s not what you know, it’s who you know.

Some of the best roles in tech never make it to job boards. They're filled through networks, referrals, or trusted recruiters who know the space inside out.