This person went from being a physio to being a Kitchen staff

Finding a job can be quite depressing. I just heard today of a physiotherapist who works in a kitchen in the UK because they gave up after 2 years of job application and not getting any luck. The battle of searching for a job especially in healthcare, where competition is fierce, and opportunities sometimes seem out of reach can be very depressing. But the truth is, many people make job hunting harder than it needs to be. I’ve seen this firsthand.

Recently, I put out an advert for a virtual assistant, and the number of applications I received was overwhelming. But what shocked me was the way people applied. The mistakes were glaring, and it got me thinking: if this is how people apply for jobs, then it’s no surprise why so many struggle to get hired.

The first problem I noticed was with CVs. A CV is supposed to be your ticket in, the thing that gets you noticed, but so many of them looked rushed, lazy, and unimpressive. Formatting was all over the place, important details were missing, and some people even sent in four-page-long documents filled with unnecessary information. No employer wants to sift through all that. A CV should be clear, straight to the point, and no longer than two pages. More importantly, it should highlight what makes you valuable. It’s not enough to just list your job responsibilities—anyone can do that. Employers want to see results. If you’ve worked as a physiotherapist, don’t just say, “I conducted patient assessments.” Say something that shows the impact of your work, like, “I conducted over 500 patient assessments, improving diagnostic accuracy and treatment outcomes.” That’s the kind of thing that gets noticed.

Then there’s the issue of cover letters. Most people write them all wrong. Too many cover letters are just long lists of personal achievements—what degrees someone has, what training they’ve done, how many years they’ve worked. But here’s the thing: employers already know all that from your CV. Your cover letter shouldn’t be about you; (like imagine a cover letter where all you see is, I am this, I am that, I did this, I have this). it should be about what you can do for them. If you’re applying for a job, the employer wants to know what value you bring to the table. How will you help their business? How will you solve their problems? How do your skills fit into what they need? That’s what a strong cover letter should answer.

Another thing holding people back is the way they approach job hunting. Most people follow the same tired process—waiting for a job advert, submitting an application, and then hoping for the best. But that’s exactly what everyone else is doing. If you want to get ahead, you need to take a different approach. Instead of waiting for a job to be advertised, reach out first. Cold email companies you want to work for, introduce yourself, and let them know what you have to offer. If you can, call them directly. You’d be surprised at how many places are open to hiring when the right person comes along, even if they aren’t actively advertising a vacancy.

This is something my wife did when she was looking for a job. After applying to countless job listings with no success, she decided to start calling employers directly. Some told her they weren’t recruiting now, some told her to send in her CV, and then one told her about an open day event they had coming up that wasn’t advertised online. She went, got interviewed, and got the job. If she had waited for a job advert, she would have missed that opportunity.

Now, let’s talk about Networking. Too many job seekers just sit at home applying online when they should be out meeting people. Join professional organizations, attend industry events, and make sure people in your field know who you are. When an employer asks their network, “Do you know anyone for this role?”your name should be one of the first that comes up. LinkedIn is a goldmine for this. If you’re not active there, you’re doing yourself a massive disservice. Connect with decision-makers, engage with their posts, and even send direct messages introducing yourself. That’s how I got one of my previous jobs—I messaged the company’s owner directly, told him what I could do for the company, and he referred me to HR. That one message led to a job offer.

Another thing people don’t take seriously is volunteering. If you keep getting rejected because you don’t have experience, create your own experience. Too many job postings ask for one or two years of experience, and instead of finding a way to gain it, people just give up. Volunteering is the easiest way to build that experience while also making valuable connections. If you don’t have to volunteer full-time just a few hours a week at a clinic or hospital can make all the difference. And once you’re in the door, you’ll be the first to know about any new job openings. Employers would rather hire someone they already know and trust who knows all the local policies and guidelines than go through the hassle of posting a job ad and sifting through hundreds of applications.

Beyond all of this, personal branding is something a lot of people overlook. In today’s world, if people don’t know you exist, you’re already at a disadvantage. When people think of physiotherapy, nursing, or whatever field you’re in, does your name come to mind? If not, you need to change that. Be visible. Share your knowledge, engage with professionals in your field, and let people see what you bring to the table. That way, when someone hears about a job opening, you’re the person they recommend and besides this, having a personal brand can be something you boast about on that your CV.

Finding a job isn’t just about luck. of cause there is the God factor, but it’s also about strategy (heaven helps those who help themselves). If you’re struggling to get hired, take a step back and ask yourself: Am I doing everything I can to stand out? Is my CV strong? Is my cover letter convincing? Am I reaching out to employers instead of waiting for them to find me? Am I networking? Am I volunteering to gain experience? Am I building a strong personal brand?

The job market is tough, but the people who take initiative will always have the advantage. If you’ve been waiting for the perfect job to come to you, stop waiting and start making things happen.

Remember this “as an entrepreneur, you search for solutions to problems but as a graduate, you search for who need your skills”

· Check out my eBooks on solar on:

1. How to Write the Perfect CV and Cover Letter – My exact method for landing jobs in private and tech spaces without relying on traditional pathways: https://selar.com/247773

2. The Ultimate Supporting Information Guide – A practical toolkit for writing powerful NHS personal statements that get noticed:https://selar.com/236m77