Six Reasons You're Not Getting Interviews

I work with clients all the time who, after a couple of months on the job search, come to me with the same questions:  “Why am I not getting any interviews?!?”  They have been faithfully sending out resumes and cover letters, networking every chance they get.  They have a stylish interview outfit, manicure and professional hair stylist.  Of course, their first thought is the resume, and it is often the problem.  But there are other things to check if the only calls you are getting on the job front is your mother checking up every day to see if you’ve finally got a job.  Here’s a list of six things to check that may be standing between you and your next job.

• .       Your resume is boring.  If it’s full of responsibilities but no accomplishments, you’re going to put a hiring manager to sleep.  A resume shouldn’t read like a job description.  Oh, you have to list your most important responsibilities that match the job you are applying for, but only as a short, one or two sentence summary.  Bullet points are for accomplishments…something you did over and above to save the company money or time; something distinctive that made an impact.  This is not elementary school where every kid gets a prize just for showing up.  Show you have initiative and add value wherever you are.

• .      You’re not qualified.  I can’t tell you how many hundreds of resumes and job applications I discarded because the person was obviously not qualified.  It’s a waste of your time and a hiring manager.  Plus, you look like a) you can’t read and understand the English language, or b) you are just applying to anything hoping to make a hit somewhere.  Pay attention to the job requirements.  If it says “Bachelor’s degree required,” don’t expect to get a call if you just finished high school.

• .      No keywords.  Many companies now use digital screening for online applications.  They look for keywords from the job posting.  Be sure to customize your resume and cover letter to the job for every application.

• .      Your phone’s mailbox is full.   This just says so many negative things about a person’s attention to detail, sense of urgency or just common sense.  When I was an HR Director, I never called back if an applicant was too lazy or clueless to clear her voicemail.  I figured she really didn’t want to get in touch after all. 

• .      Your voicemail message is scary.  Or cutesy.  Or offensive.  Please don’t make a prospective employer listen to 10 minutes of your favorite music before getting an answer.  Record a professional voicemail message at least for the duration of your job search.   

• .      Your contact information is incorrect.  People change cell phones like socks these days.  If you change your phone number or email address after sending out resumes, a prospective employer may not be able to find you.  Follow up with an up-to-date resume and a brief note about the changes. 

These are simple things and are easily corrected.  Don’t sabotage your search by overlooking things that can be changed.  Help an employer find their best candidate for the job…YOU!