It’s okay, you’re in a safe place! You can admit that you are just completely OVER applying for 791 jobs and not getting interviews!

Submitting a resume and getting a call back is an art, so I can completely understand why you feel that way. There are so many reasons why you are not getting interviews, but there are a few that I notice the most as a recruiter.

If you want to get called for an interview, make sure you avoid these 5 things!

1. You aren’t Following up on your Application:

Candidates who follow up with recruiters and hiring managers get the most attention. One reason is that they seem like a proactive, go-getter, a trait that most hiring managers are looking for in high potential employees. Another reason is that, with so many applications, sometimes candidates just fall through the cracks. If you want to increase your chances of getting invited to an interview, follow up on your application with the company.

It is acceptable to call, email or even physically show up at the office location – just make sure you are reaching out to the employers after you apply.

Not Getting Interviews can easily be overcome by making a connection and selling your professional brand

2. You didn’t Sell your Professional Brand

An employer is always buying you and what you bring to the table. That is why it is critical to always define what you are selling to an employer. In other words, what is your professional brand? Are you a seasoned professional with expertise in Database administration or are you a entry-level marketing professional who brings a fresh take on digital marketing?

If an employer cannot get a complete story about you and why they’d want to hire you from your resume, then you are not getting interviews! Luckily, I’ve written another blog with a few ways you can show off your personal brand.

3. Your Resume is Irrelevant (or untailored)

When there are hundreds of other resumes to consider, a tailored resume will always stand out from the crowd. If you’ve done your research you can tailor your resume in a few ways.

1. Add relevant keywords
2. Answer the hiring manager’s questions
3. Provide a solution to the company’s problems
4. Appeal directly to decision-makers

If you can do these four things in your resume (and cover letter) then you will never have the problem of not getting interviews. Actually the recruiter might be showing up at your front door.

4. You Didn’t Submit a Cover Letter

Its is very difficult to sell yourself without a cover letter, especially if you don’t have the perfect professional experience. The unique power of a cover letter is that connects the pieces for the decision-makers.

For example, why are you an Information System’s professional suddenly applying for a sales position? Or why you be the best fit for the position, even though you only have two years of experience? Why are you looking for this type of position and why are you passionate about the medical field? Or my favorite, what unique experiences and skills do you have that make you the perfect candidate?

These are all questions that a carefully composed and tailored resume can answer but a resume will always fall short. If you aren’t attaching a cover letter to every application you are dramatically decreasing your chances of getting called for an interview.

5. You are Missing Information

I know this seems silly, but I can tell you, a huge percentage of people are missing crucial information from their resumes or applications when they apply.

In the eyes of a recruiter, if you can’t get these two pieces of paperwork right, then its unlikely that you have the skills to do the job. Here are a few things you make sure you have on your resume:

• Contact information
• Education
• Employment History and Dates
• Skills
• Also, make sure that you answer every single question on an application with a thoughtful answer.

Changing the Game (from not getting interviews to getting the job offer)

I believe you can completely change your job search game by making small improvements every day. Work through this list and change how you view your job search.

A job search is not 791 darts out there and hoping that somehow you get a bull’s eye. It’s about perfecting your aim over time and hitting the bull’s eye every time.

Lets get to the interview

Make a Move

If you need help creating a job search strategy and using these tips to get you more interviews, you might be a good fit for career coaching with me.

Together we can create a plan to get you your dream job. Schedule a career coaching consultation. 

Schedule a Career Coaching Info Session with Me