What’s Really Holding You Back in Your Career? Let’s Talk About It.

In a recent career poll conducted via whatsapp, we asked a powerful yet simple question: “What do you think has been holding back your career growth or job search the most?” The answers were raw and honest; filled with the quiet battles many professionals face every day. Interestingly, the most common issue wasn’t lack of jobs or stiff competition. It was something much deeper and personal: fear and self-doubt.

This emotional barrier keeps countless professionals stuck in roles they have outgrown or paralyzed in the job search process. Fear whispers things like, “You’re not ready,” or “What if you fail?” while self-doubt chimes in with, “Someone else would do it better.” These inner critics sabotage our confidence, pushing us to shrink our ambitions and question our value. Over time, this leads to inaction and the longer you hesitate, the harder it feels to move forward.

But here’s a truth to anchor yourself in: If you meet even 70% of the job requirements, apply. Growth does not happen in the comfort zone; it happens when you stretch, stumble, and rise stronger. You don’t need to have it all figured out to take the first step. Apply for roles that intimidate you. Pitch yourself for projects you feel are slightly above your current ability. Scare yourself with what’s above you.....that’s how you learn, and that’s how you grow. Confidence is built through action, not just affirmations. Let your courage lead, even when your confidence is still catching up.

The Second Barrier: A CV That Doesn’t Speak for You

A close contender in our poll was the realization that many people’s CVs just aren’t strong enough. And that’s no surprise. Your CV is often the first and sometimes only chance you get to make an impression. Yet, far too many candidates treat it as a formality, listing job duties instead of highlighting impact. In doing so, they undersell their brilliance and overlook the power of their own narrative.

A weak CV is usually vague, generic, and outdated. It might say, “Handled customer service,” when it should say, “Resolved over 500 customer issues monthly, maintaining a 90% satisfaction rating.” Hiring managers aren’t just looking for what you did; they want to know what changed because you were there. Did you improve a system? Save time? Increase revenue? Help a team thrive? These are the stories that breathe life into your CV and make employers take notice. A good CV should feel like a confident handshake in written form.

If you’re not sure whether your CV is selling you well, get a second opinion. Better yet, have it reviewed by someone who understands what recruiters look for. Sometimes, all it takes is reframing your experience and packaging it correctly to make your profile stand out. And remember: every job application begins with this document. Invest in it like your career depends on it...because it does.

Not Actively Applying: Waiting Instead of Working

Another common yet overlooked reason careers stall is simply not applying enough. Some professionals get caught in the trap of waiting...waiting for the perfect job, waiting for motivation, waiting for a sign. The reality is, in the job market, waiting gets you nowhere. Consistency wins. And while it’s okay to be selective, being too passive is a surefire way to miss out.

Think of the job search as a strategy, not a feeling. You won’t always feel like applying, but you can commit to a plan. Set weekly goals...whether it’s five tailored applications, three networking messages, or one informational interview. Keep a tracker to measure your activity, follow up on sent applications, and stay organized. The more consistent your actions, the better your chances regardless of how competitive the market may be.

There’s a saying: Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity. Opportunities are out there, but they won’t come knocking if you don’t make the first move. Stop disqualifying yourself before the process even begins. Apply. Ask. Reach out. Most doors open only after you knock.....sometimes more than once.

Interview Jitters: The Final Barrier

Then comes the interview; the make-or-break moment. And for many, it becomes the most nerve-wracking part of the entire journey. It’s one thing to write about your skills, another to speak about them confidently under pressure. The anxiety shows up in shaky voices, blank minds, and rushed answers that don’t do justice to your abilities. But here’s the truth: nerves don’t mean you’re unqualified; they just mean you care.

The best way to beat interview jitters is to over-prepare, but not by memorizing robotic scripts. Instead, know your story. Understand your key accomplishments. Practice your “Tell me about yourself” until it feels like second nature. Record yourself. Watch it. Refine. When you can articulate your journey clearly, the fear of being “found out” disappears. You own your narrative. And suddenly, the interview feels less like an interrogation and more like a conversation.

Remember also that interviews are two-way. You’re not there just to be assessed; you’re assessing the role, the culture, and the company. Reframe the mindset from “I hope they pick me” to “Let’s see if we’re a good fit.” That shift alone can ease the pressure and put you in a position of confidence and control.

You’re More Ready Than You Think

At the heart of it, most career stagnation isn’t caused by lack of potential; it’s caused by internal blockages and avoidable mistakes. But the good news is: they’re all fixable. Fear can be unlearned. Doubt can be replaced with action. A weak CV can be rewritten. Consistency can be built. And interviews? You can learn to ace those, too.

So if you’re feeling stuck, take heart. Every professional.....yes, even the most successful ones....has faced these hurdles at some point. What separates those who grow is not perfection, but persistence. Show up for yourself. Bet on your abilities. And move, even if your hands shake while doing it.

Your career isn’t waiting on someone else’s decision. It’s waiting on your action. So take it.

Ready to move forward with clarity and confidence?

At Skillfix , we help professionals like you rewrite their CVs, sharpen their interview skills, and build unshakable career confidence. Don’t navigate this journey alone; we’re here to support your next big move.

Email: support@skillfix.org
WhatsApp: +254 700 231 231
Website: www.skillfix.org

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