If you’ve ever applied to dozens of jobs and heard nothing back, you’ve probably asked yourself:
“Is the job market rigged?”
Here’s the harsh truth: Yes, it is.
But here’s the good news: You can still beat it.
In this article, we’re breaking down exactly why the job market feels broken—and what you can do right now to start winning interviews anyway.
🎯 Why the Job Market Feels Rigged (Because It Kind of Is)
The modern job market is set up in a way that benefits a small group of insiders—people with elite degrees, strong networks, or polished LinkedIn profiles handed to them at birth.
If you’re:4
- Living outside the U.S. or Europe
- Don’t have a degree from a “top school”
- New to the job market with zero experience
- Returning to work after a break
…then you’re automatically at a disadvantage. Not because you aren’t capable—but because the system wasn’t built for you.
🤖 Step One: Realize the System Is Automated (and Unfairly So)
Here’s what most people don’t know: Over 75% of resumes are filtered out by Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) before a human even sees them.
That means you could be the perfect fit for the job—but if your resume isn’t formatted properly or doesn’t include the “right” keywords, you’ll be rejected without ever getting a chance.
The game is rigged. The bots decide who gets seen.
ShortcutCV helps you build resumes that are ATS-optimized and human-readable—no guesswork.
📉 Why You Keep Getting Rejected (Even When You’re Qualified)
The job posts say “entry-level,” but still ask for 2–3 years of experience.
You apply for 20+ jobs a week. You write custom cover letters. Still nothing.
Here’s what’s really happening:
- Your resume is too generic or poorly formatted and gets filtered out
- You’re competing with 300+ applicants per listing, and the process is mostly automated
- Internal hires or referrals are filling roles before outsiders get a fair shot
- Geographic bias affects your chances even if the job is “remote”
None of this is your fault. But knowing how the system works is how you start winning.
🧠 What You Can Actually Control (And Why It Matters)
The system isn’t fair—but it’s not unbeatable. There are parts of this process you can take control of.
- You can control how your resume looks—format, structure, and keywords
- You can control how you present your skills—even if you lack formal experience
- You can control your strategy—where and how you apply
ShortcutCV gives you templates and AI tools that help you rewrite your resume the right way—fast.
🛠️ 5 Fixes That Level the Playing Field
If the job market is rigged, you need a resume that’s built for battle.
Here’s how to fight back:
1. Ditch Fancy Designs
2. Match the Job Description
3. Focus on Results
4. Build with Strategy
5. Check Your Work
Use our free resume checker to test your formatting, clarity, and keyword alignment.
🌍 What If You’re Applying From Outside the West?
ShortcutCV was built for you. We know the struggle of applying internationally—where your resume needs to be even stronger to cut through bias and location filters.
We help you:
- Format your resume for Western hiring systems
- Translate your experience into global language
- Write bullet points that feel confident and competitive
Learn more about how ShortcutCV supports international job seekers here
🚀 You Deserve a Chance—Even If the System Doesn’t Offer One
The job market wasn’t built to be fair—but with the right tools, you can play smarter.
It’s time to stop guessing, stop blending in, and start building resumes that actually get seen.
👉 Build your ShortcutCV now and start applying with confidence.
You’re not crazy. The system is broken. But you’re not powerless—and you’re definitely not alone.
