How to Get a Job When You Really Need One (But Don’t Know Where to Start)
We’ve seen it happen more times than we can count. Someone fills out a job application or sends in their info because they really need a job. But instead of helping their chances, the way they apply actually hurts them and sometimes shuts the door completely.
We know it’s overwhelming. Maybe you’ve been out of the workforce for a while. Maybe you’ve never had to write a resume. Maybe your energy is low and life feels hard. That’s real. But here’s the truth no one likes to say out loud: employers are judging you based on what you give them.
If your application looks rushed or careless, they assume your work will be too.
If your email address looks wild or unprofessional, they wonder if you’ll fit in with their team.
If you don’t give enough information, they’ll pass you over for someone who did.
So let’s break it down. Here are the top 5 things that make a hiring manager hit delete and how to fix them so you actually get considered:
1. “I don’t have a resume.”
That’s okay. But if you don’t have one, you need to give us something. A list of jobs you’ve done, where you worked, the years you were there, and what you did on the job. “I’ve done fast food, warehouse, and home care” isn’t enough. We need details. If you don’t know how to make a resume, check out our blog post on basic resume tips or come into one of our offices. We’ll help you get started.
2. One-liner applications.
If you only write one sentence like “Something chill. I don’t want to be stressed out,” we can’t send that to a hiring manager. It doesn’t show your experience, your attitude, or your reliability. We get it. Sometimes you’re overwhelmed and just want something that feels easy. But the more information you give, the better chance we have to actually match you with a job that fits.
3. Crazy email addresses.
Your personal email is your business. But your job search email needs to be professional. If your email starts with words like “crazy,” “hotstuff,” or anything else off the wall, get a free Gmail address that’s just your name. It shows you’re serious.
4. Not checking for basic grammar.
We don’t expect perfect punctuation or a polished resume. But things like forgetting to capitalize names or places can give the impression that you didn’t put much thought into your application. It might seem small, but when an employer is skimming through a stack of candidates, little things like that can make a big difference. Keep it clean, readable, and respectful even if it’s short and simple.
5. No follow-through.
If we ask you to send more information, we really mean it. Not to make your life harder, but because without it, we can’t help. You’d be shocked how many people never reply again. Show up. Be thorough. It makes a difference.
Why This Matters
At Synergy HR, we want to help you land a job you feel good about. But we can’t work magic with vague information or incomplete applications. Hiring managers trust us to send people who are ready to work and present themselves well. If we don’t think they’ll take you seriously, we won’t send you.
And that’s not to be mean. It’s to protect your reputation and help you succeed when the right job comes along.
If you need help filling out the application or aren’t sure where to start, we’re here to support you. You can apply online anytime at synergy-hr.org, or give us a call so we can point you in the right direction.
And if you’re looking for more tips, check out our YouTube channel where we talk about all the little things that make a big difference in your job search.