It is no secret that job searching is extremely time consuming. Most people admit that looking for a new job is more work than actually working. Creating and updating your resume, searching and applying to jobs, completing applications, interviewing, thank-you follow ups….it is a lot! As a job seeker, you want to hear a response from the employer – especially after putting time and effort into applying. So why are you not hearing from any employers after applying to jobs online? There are quite a few reasons why this could happen, but here are some of the most common.
- Your resume needs help. Your resume must be free of grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, and poor formatting. Make sure your resume lists the companies you have worked for, the dates you worked there, and a few bullet points about what you did at each job on the day-to-day level. Also note any special achievements or recognition you received. Now is the time to gloat about your accomplishments! The formatting should be easy to follow and not too cluttered. Your jobs should be listed in chronological order starting with the most recent job that you’ve had. Make sure to add your computer/software skills or any other skills (or certifications) you have that are relevant to the job you are applying for.
- Your contact information is out of date or misspelled. You would be surprised how common this is. Confirm that your e-mail address and telephone number are spelled correctly. Confirm that your voicemail box is not full, because if it is, recruiters are unable to leave you a message (and this happens ALL the time!).
- You are under or overqualified for the position. This is a tough one. It is always appropriate to “reach” for a higher-level job, but there must be some qualifications met. On the alternative, a company won’t understand how your CEO experience will translate into being a forklift driver. It is not uncommon for someone to want to take a step back in their career in search of less stress and better work/life balance. It is imperative to clearly express your intentions on your resume so a recruiter knows that you are genuinely interested in the position. A great place to explain yourself is in the “Objective” section at the top of your resume.
- The company is inundated with applications or simply understaffed. It is no surprise that many companies are understaffed, and many workers are overworked. If this is the case, it may take longer than normal to hear from a recruiter or company representative. They have to pre-screen and review each and every resume and application for multiple jobs. This is very time consuming but very important – you want the recruiter to fully review your experience before making that initial phone call! Patience is a virtue, right?!
- The position was put on hold. Sometimes a position is put on hold because of budget cuts, headcount issues, or the company’s needs have changed. Regardless, you should not be totally disappointed. There are many times that a position will re-open a few months later. It won’t be a viable option if you are looking to make a move immediately but if you are taking your time looking for jobs, you may still be in luck.
Searching for a new job is tough. Don’t become discouraged if you aren’t receiving call backs immediately. We are still living in unprecedented times. Nearly every company right now needs employees. You are needed. In time, the right company will see your value and the hiring process should move quickly. It may not happen overnight, but it will happen!
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