WHY YOUR APPLICATIONS KEEP GETTING TURNED DOWN (AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT)

Sending applications, as a student, can sometimes feel like shouting into the air. All you get in return is an echo of your own voice. And in some cases, they don’t ignore you, but the rejection slaps so hard that you start to wish they ignored you, in the first place.

Here are some of the reasons why your applications keep getting turned down, and what you can do to fix it:

1.      Your CV still looks like a Secondary school yearbook:

If your CV has “Hobbies: Eating, Sleeping, and Playing FIFA”, then you’re going to keep getting ignored, because you’re not ready. Employers want to see skills, achievements, and impact, not your weekend activities. Tailor your CV to fit the role, not just on vibes.

2.      Generic Cover letters:

Your cover letter is more or less your application letter. Writing “Dear Sir/Ma, I am writing to apply…” with no specifics is a quick way to the recycle bin. Do you know how many of that the HR has been reading since he/she opened the organizations email? You have to stand out. Show that you researched the company, highlight why you’re a good fit, and avoid copy-and-paste vibes.

HR's reaction to the 100th application letter that morning

3.      Wrong fit:

Sometimes you’re applying for roles you’re not qualified for (like a 200 Level student applying to be a “Senior Analyst”). Except if you actually have workings to show, please save your face for future applications in the organization, because they can mark your face (I’m just kidding). Nobody is saying that you shouldn’t be ambitious, just make sure you’re at least a little qualified for the role.

4.      Wrong timing:

Sometimes, some of you really think that application deadlines are for decoration, because tell me why you’ll submit after the deadline, and now be hoping HR has mercy. Believe me, they don’t. Apply smartly and on time. Matter of fact, it’s best to apply at least a week before the deadline, because so many people apply early enough that they would already have more than enough applications to handle, so they just stop considering later entries, though it is within the time frame.

5.      Your Online Presence Doesn’t Match:

If recruiters run a background check on you (which, believe me, they do), and all they see is your Twitter rant about how Tinubu has been ‘a bad boy’ or your TikTok dance challenges, then you can be rest assured that you’ll have to keep applying. Clean up your online presence and divert to LinkedIn.

6.       You don’t follow up:

You send applications and go silent? Who do you think you are? The only reason you shouldn’t follow- up your application is if nepotism would do that for you. If not, you better wise-up! Sometimes a polite follow-up email after a week shows seriousness. Especially in Nigeria, trust me when I say, closed mouths don’t get fed, even in career matters.

You, when you apply and refuse to follow up

The Truth?

Rejection doesn’t always mean you’re not good enough; sometimes it just means you need to refine your approach. Applications are not a game of luck, they’re about strategy, presentation, and persistence! You don’t even necessarily have to be a 100% qualified for the job. You just take the above into consideration, and see how it would work for you.