Why Applying for “Any Job” Doesn’t Work – And What to Do Instead

When you’ve been out of work for a while, it’s tempting to say: “I’ll do anything.” You just want to get back into employment, earn money, and move forward.

So you start applying for admin roles, retail jobs, hospitality work, cleaning, care work – basically anything that looks available. These are often entry-level roles, requiring basic skills but no degree. On the surface, casting your net wide seems like a sensible strategy.

But: applying for everything rarely works. In fact, it can leave you frustrated, exhausted, and no closer to getting an offer.

Here’s why this broad-brush approach fails – and what to do instead.

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Why applying for “any job” doesn’t get results

1. Your CV isn’t tailored enough

When you send the same CV for admin, retail, and hospitality, it’s too generic. Employers scan applications for specific keywords and phrases linked to the role.

Generic words like “hardworking,” “committed,” and “team player” are fine, but they don’t match the targeted skills employers are searching for. If your CV doesn’t contain the right language, it simply won’t make it through the shortlisting process.

2. Employers can sense lack of passion

Even if you tailor your CV slightly, employers can often tell when a role isn’t truly your focus.

For example, if you apply for hospitality but your heart isn’t in it, you’ll naturally come across as less enthusiastic than someone who sees hospitality as their career path. Employers usually prefer the candidate who shows long-term interest, not the one who views it as a stopgap.

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The problem with tailoring for every job

Of course, the solution isn’t to keep sending generic CVs. Ideally, you’d tailor your CV for each application. But if you’re applying across five different sectors, that’s an overwhelming workload.

You’d effectively be rewriting your CV every time – and the return on investment just isn’t worth it.

So what’s the alternative?

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The power of focus: one sector at a time

Instead of spreading yourself thin, pick one sector to focus on for a set period. This is far more effective because it allows you to:

• Optimise your CV and LinkedIn profile with keywords specific to that sector.
• Learn the market – what employers are looking for, how competitive it is, and where the opportunities are.
• Network strategically with people in that field, online and in person.
• Target opportunities directly, such as new store openings, retail fairs, or sector-specific recruitment drives.

This focused approach massively increases your chances of being shortlisted – because you look like someone serious about that field, not someone applying at random.

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How to choose your focus area

If you’re not sure which direction to take, ask yourself:

• What kind of work would I enjoy most?
• Which sector feels like the best long-term fit, even if I only do an entry-level role to start with?
• What does my gut tell me?

If you’re torn between multiple sectors, just pick one to begin with. You’re not locking yourself in forever – you’re simply giving yourself the best shot at progress in the short term.

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A practical 3-month strategy

Here’s how to put this into practice:

Step 1: Pick one sector

For example, retail.

Step 2: Optimise everything

Update your CV and LinkedIn profile with retail-specific keywords and phrases. Review job adverts to identify the skills and qualities that keep coming up.

Step 3: Network in that sector

• Connect with people on LinkedIn who work in retail.
• Join professional groups and forums.
• Attend job fairs, networking events, or open days.
• Research new retail parks, shopping centres, or store openings.

Step 4: Go all in for 1 – 3 months

Apply only for roles in your chosen sector. Put all your energy into building contacts, targeting employers, and learning the market.

Step 5: Review and reflect

After up to three months, evaluate:

• Have you had interviews?
• Have you been offered a role?
• Do you feel this is the right sector for you?

If yes – brilliant. If not, you’ve still gained valuable insight, skills, and connections. At that point, you can decide to extend your focus in that sector or pivot to another.

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Why this works better than a broad-brush approach

• You look more serious. Employers prefer candidates who appear committed to the sector.
• You build momentum. Networking is easier when all your efforts are concentrated in one field.
• You learn faster. Instead of shallow knowledge across five sectors, you quickly gain deep insight into one.
• You waste less time. Instead of rewriting multiple CVs every week, you fine-tune one targeted version.

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A clear and focused strategy beats “apply for anything”

It might feel safer to apply for everything. But in practice, being open to “any job” makes you less competitive in all of them.

A focused, targeted job search not only improves your chances of getting shortlisted, but also helps you feel more in control and less burnt out.

So if you’re struggling with the broad-brush approach, pick one area, focus fully for 1 – 3 months, and give yourself the best chance to land a role that moves your career forward.

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Quick checklist: moving from broad to focused job search

• I’ve identified one sector to focus on for the next 1 – 3 months.
• I’ve updated my CV and LinkedIn profile with sector-specific keywords.
• I’m networking with people in that industry.
• I’m applying only for roles in that sector.
• I’ll review progress and pivot if needed after 3 months.

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