"I was headhunted for all my previous jobs, and now I can't even get an interview. Why is that?"

It's a common question during my jobseeker calls, and there are broadly five points that explain why:

1/ The market

Whatever your situation, the state of the market must inform your strategy.

Since 2020 we've had pandemic cycles and their consequences, and now a market whack-a-moled by war, inflation, strikes and everything else.

When I hear that line at the top, it's often (not always) a high performing exec who's experienced redundancy for the first time in their career, in a down market.

If there are few jobs to be had, and many strong candidates in competition, it's unlikely a job search will be straightforward.

Find out what's going on in your area of the market, so you can deal with it and set an appropriate strategy.

2/ The system

It may feel that the steps to a job are always the same (express interest, apply, interview, offer/rejection), but the system is very different when being headhunted to applying for jobs.

When you are headhunted, you are likely one of few candidates in consideration, perhaps even the only one. You'll be a Name and likely be qualified in, as they confirm how your candidacy might apply.

Recruitment by selection.

When you apply for a job, you are likely one of many, and the anonymous 67th CV. Readers may look for reasons to qualify you out, unless you show how your skills apply.

Recruitment by elimination.

3/ Detachment

It's sales psychology.

If you are headhunted, you don't need a job and are free to walk away, with detachment from the outcome.

If you apply for a job, you do so from a need, and to an extent are hung on the outcome.

That can lead to the assumption that headhuntees are typically more compelling or 'better' candidates than applicants (which is BS).

Find a way to focus on the process, and detach yourself from the outcome - you'll be a stronger candidate.

4/ Where you are in your career

In general, the more senior you are, the more expensive, the fewer the roles.

Roles that can effect transformation are commonly the last to catch up in a recovering market.

5/ Age

Age discrimination is rife and simple to hide. It's the one area of discrimination we will all eventually face, if we are so fortunate.

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Stockdale paradox is helpful in a tough search:

Find out exactly what's going on, and accept the reality of it to set the right approach.

Never lose optimism that your situation can change in a couple days - I see it time and time again that someone who had no interviews lined up gets a job offer over the course of a few days.

Keep going.