Florence90 writes...

I apply for over 20 jobs and fortnight and half the time, I do not even get a response back for applying.

It sounds normal unfortunately, a lot of people don't get back to you. I remember when I was hunting for a job, almost anything, I'd even chase them, leave messages asking them to csll me back and lots didn't. Plenty of peole just think responding to you is a waste of their time (you have nothing to offer them) or they are very disorganised or they are rude or a combination.

Or some are soslow you get a response very late – I have got responses from people over a year after I applied saying sorry you did not get this job.

From what you have said I'd look at:

1. The jobs you are applying for. Are they really suitable and match your skills? Make sure you are not going for something that is too high up or too much outside your skill set, try to mainly go for the ones that you can really nail.

2. Checking your resume. Go over it with others. Make sure it sells you to the best of your abilities and it is very well-presented. Make sure your applications always fit the exact criteria of whatever is asked for in the job ad – not matching that is an easy way to get binned from the start.

3. Working on your confidence. If you aren't getting many interviews now this mightn't be your biggest issue but it may come through later – and it may already be affecting you in your choice of words when you write, if you happen to talk to any of the employers and recruiters on the phone, etc. You need to project to them that you can do the job, and if you don't have confidence you can and show it, why should they?

4. Asking others. If there is anyone you know personally whi might be able to help you with a job or job info, ask. Maybe talk to friends and say something casual hey do you know if there's any jobs going at your work if so could you let me know? Or if there is someone who is doing the kind of work you aspire to you might ask them, that is so interesting, could you tell me how you got into that area? I am interested myself. It might open up some little doors of opportunity and knowledge for you.

For instance once I got a volunteer job because I heard a guy was doing an interesting one and I told him it sounded interesting and how did you get volunteer work like that? He said he was actually planning to move on but if I wanted he would call his supervisor and suggest I be his replacement and I got the job (it was much easier for his supervisor than having to recruit someone, to go on the recommendation of someone she trusted).