Why Am I Not Getting Interviews For Jobs I'm Qualified For?
Is there anything more frustrating in your job search than applying for jobs you’re qualified for or overqualified for and not even getting an interview? Or worse, hearing nothing back at all? Like your application has just vanished into the dark abyss of the internet, nowhere to be seen again?
Job searching is an emotional journey and not getting traction with jobs you think you’re qualified for is confusing, frustrating and can let self-doubt start to creep in. As a career coach who works with a lot of recruiters, here are a few main reasons why you are not getting interviews for jobs you should be- and how to change that!
Reevaluate Your Resume and Application Materials
The number one reason why you’re likely not getting interviews for jobs you are qualified for is because your resume and other application materials are just simply not good. A well-structured resume is the foundation of a strong job application as it presents your qualifications, professionalism and attention to detail. A cluttered or disorganized resume can be a turnoff for hiring managers who often have limited time to review each application.
When reevaluating your application materials, be sure to use a clean and consistent format with appropriate font sizes and styles and headings, bullet points, and spacing are consistent throughout the document. Again, recruiters have very little time to actually sit and read resumes, so arrange your resume sections in a logical order including your work experience, education, skills, and other relevant sections. Lastly, don't overcrowd your resume. Leave enough white space to make it visually appealing and easy to read.
ATS (Applicant Tracking System) Optimization
If you're not optimizing your online job search, you need to be. Start by tailoring your resume to the specific job description. Generic resumes often fail to highlight the exact skills and experiences that the employer is seeking. Customizing your resume with ATS in mind for each application demonstrates your genuine interest in the role and shows that you've done your homework.
3 Tips for Alignment:
Analyze the Job Description: Carefully read the job description and make a list of the key qualifications, skills, and responsibilities mentioned.
Match Keywords: Incorporate relevant keywords and phrases from the job description into your resume. This not only helps your resume pass through automated applicant tracking systems (ATS) but also catches the eye of human reviewers.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Tailor your work experience bullet points to highlight accomplishments that directly relate to the requirements of the job. Focus on how your past achievements demonstrate your ability to excel in the new role.
Networking and Referrals
I talk about this often, but remember, people hire people. So, as many applications as you’re submitting online, you need to be networking with people. Now is the time to tap into your professional and personal network- all networking is good networking at this point! If someone in your network can be an internal employee referral for you- wonderful!- as often, in many organizations, employee referrals carry more weight in the hiring process and can help get your past ATS.
Customizing Your Cover Letter
Just as you are customizing your resume, revisit that cover letter too. The purpose of the cover letter is simple but most job seekers don’t leverage their cover letters effectively or strategically. The cover letter is the space in your application where you get to provide context of who you are and how you are qualified and your enthusiasm for the position and company. Be sure to tailor your cover letter to highlight specific qualifications and your genuine interest in the specific role and company- not just a generic, all-in-one-letter, but unique and optimized for each job you apply for.
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Quantify Your Achievements
Recruiters and hiring managers are most impressed when you are able to quantify your achievements. They showcase your impact and demonstrate how you've contributed value to your previous employers. Whenever possible, quantify your accomplishments with specific numbers, percentages, or metrics. For instance, instead of saying you "increased sales," mention that you "achieved a 25% increase in sales revenue within the first quarter."
When you are creating bullet points for your resume, try starting your accomplishment statements with strong action verbs such as "achieved," "implemented," "managed," "led," etc. These verbs convey your proactive role in your previous positions. Lastly, use language that aligns with the company's industry and values as this is a way to help customize your achievements to resonate with the company culture and mission.
Seek Feedback
Even as a career coach, I am not an expert in every single field or industry out there, but there are people who are, and you should be seeking feedback from them! A mentor or industry partner can be a good resource to understanding hiring trends, tips and tricks specific to your industry or even the exact company you are trying to get hired into. So use them! Ask for application feedback and practice interviews.
Managing Rejections and Persistence
I know it’s hard to hear this- or read it?- but it's important to recognize that rejection is an inherent aspect of the job search journey. Even the most qualified candidates face setbacks at some point. While receiving a rejection can be disheartening, don’t let it define your self-worth or deter you from your goals. Understand that rejection is not a reflection of your abilities, but rather a part of the competitive job market.
Developing resilience is essential- use each rejection as an opportunity to grow and improve. As long as you are learning, it is a worthwhile experience that is helping you to keep moving forward in your job search. Self-doubt is natural, but acknowledging your strengths and achievements can help counteract it and remind yourself that you are indeed, awesome!, and deserved to be hired.
Job searches can be very emotionally draining, so lean on your support system- friends, family, mentors, or a career coach. Sharing your experiences and feelings with them can provide encouragement and different perspectives. And lastly, engage in mindfulness practices, such as meditation or deep breathing, to manage stress and stay centered. Taking care of your mental and emotional well-being is essential during this process.
Whatever happens in your job search, just keep moving forward. Keep applying, keep networking and keep taking care of yourself!
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Meet The Writer!
Hi! My name is Nadia Ibrahim-Taney and I help people design happy and fulfilling careers through authentic career coaching. My expertise includes career exploration guidance, resume writing, interview prep and LinkedIn profile optimization. My pronouns are She/ Her/ Hers and as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I focus on how diverse identities impact and influence folks holistically and professionally. Please connect with me on LinkedIn or at Nadia@beyonddiscoverycoaching.com
