Why You're Not Getting Hired—And How to Fix It

Started this one as a simple Linkedin post but as I wrote it, I really thought it should be more.

It's become a familiar chorus online: “No one’s hiring.” “Companies don’t care.” “I deserve better.” And while it’s true that today’s job market isn’t the friendliest place—it’s also true that many job seekers in the 25 to 30 age bracket are walking into the arena unprepared, unrealistic, and frankly, unqualified.

Let’s get brutally honest: many applicants bring little to no real experience, expect too much too soon, and carry themselves in a way that raises every red flag imaginable to hiring managers. They demand quick promotions, flexible hours, social justice initiatives, and six-figure salaries—without ever having proven they can create value. Worse, many walk into interviews acting like they know more than the people hiring them.

It’s not the market. It’s you.

Here’s the hard truth: the workplace doesn't revolve around your feelings, your TikTok algorithm, or what you think your degree entitles you to. It revolves around value creation. Companies exist to solve problems, serve customers, and drive profit. If you're not helping with one of those three things, you’re expendable. And the truth is, most of what you think makes you special—your opinions, your potential, your "passion"—isn't all that compelling if it’s not backed by actual execution.

So instead of complaining about the system, let’s talk about how to fix your approach and actually get ahead.

1. Stop Acting Entitled. Start Acting Useful.

No one owes you a job, mentorship, or a voice in the boardroom on day one. What you are owed is an opportunity to prove yourself—if you show up ready to do real work, listen more than you speak, and carry more weight than you’re asked to.

Think of it this way: early in your career, your goal is to absorb, execute, and adapt. You’re not there to “change the culture” or “redefine success”—you’re there to learn how value is created and then find ways to contribute to that process. Do that well, and you’ll earn influence. But skip this step, and you’ll remain on the sidelines indefinitely.

2. Be Coachable. Not a Know-It-All.

Nobody likes hiring someone who already “has all the answers”—especially when they’ve never been in the game. Humility is underrated. It shows self-awareness. It signals that you’ll fit into a team without drama. And most importantly, it means you’ll grow faster.

If every piece of feedback sounds like a personal attack to you, you’re going to stall. Fast.

3. Solve Problems. Don’t Create Them.

Want to stand out in any organization? Be the person who simplifies things, takes things off your manager’s plate, and actually delivers. If you’re constantly wrapped up in drama, debates, or “vibes,” you’re a liability—not an asset.

Employers are scanning for one thing in interviews: Will this person make my job easier or harder? Come across as high-maintenance, overly sensitive, or obsessed with politics, and you’ll get passed over every time.

4. Get Skills. Then Stack Them.

Degrees are fine, but skills pay the bills. Want to be taken seriously? Learn how to write clearly, analyze data, close a deal, speak publicly, manage a project, or lead a team. And then stack those skills until you're indispensable.

The most successful 30-somethings didn’t stumble into good jobs—they earned them by becoming relentlessly good at hard things. You should too.

5. Position Yourself as a Value Add—Not a Risk

When you walk into an interview, don’t talk about what you want—talk about what the company needs and how you can deliver it. Employers want people who can plug into their mission and accelerate it. If you can make a company more efficient, more profitable, or more innovative, you will always be in demand.

But if you come across as someone who’s more concerned with personal pronouns than performance reviews, don’t be surprised when you get ghosted.

Final Thought: Reality Is the Best Mentor

This market is tough—but it’s not impossible. The truth is, the gap between job seekers and job holders is wider than ever, and much of it comes down to mindset and preparation.

Stop chasing validation. Start chasing competence. Build skills. Build discipline. And most importantly—build value.

Because once you become undeniably valuable, everything changes.

About Oak Stone Advisory At Oak Stone, we don’t sugarcoat reality—we help you prepare for it. Whether you’re building wealth, launching ventures, or navigating market uncertainty, our mission is to help ambitious individuals and families thrive in a world that rewards resilience, clarity, and execution. If you haven't already, take look at what we're doing at Oak Stone Capital: http://www.oakstonefund.com