4 Reasons You're Not Getting Interviews… And Bonus Solutions!

Find out why you aren’t getting interviews, plus get solutions to fix it.

“I’m not getting interviews, and I don’t know why.” It’s a common phrase I hear from clients. You are frustrated and that’s completely understandable. You’ve put in the time and effort to apply to a position that you know you are qualified for, but still, crickets. 

You may be questioning your skills, your background, or even yourself as a result. 

Let me reassure you, there is nothing wrong with you. You are amazing. Also, applying to jobs isn’t personal, it’s business. If you aren’t getting interviews, it has nothing to do with your value as a person!

So, let’s talk about why you are applying to jobs but may not be hearing back. Plus, I’ve included some bonus solutions to implement!

• You’re not tailoring your resume to the position or your resume is too bland

It can be easy to see a position that you’re perfect for but forget to customize your resume to show off your perfect skills. Now, I know you might be saying that you don’t have time to customize your resume. Yes, it can take some time, but is your current method of applying to lots of jobs with no results really worth your time either? So, it can’t hurt to optimize your job search skills by customizing your resume.

It’s important to have a target position type (see #2), which allows you to make minimal changes and customization to your resume each time you send it out.

Today’s job market is oversaturated with applicants, so your resume needs to not only show that you are qualified but it needs to stand out. Your resume should showcase how amazing you are and that translates to this position.

Solution: Use all of your application documents (Resume, Cover Letter, and LinkedIn profile) to tell the story of what sets you apart. Use examples and results to paint the picture. 

Solution: When you find a position you’d like to apply for, set aside 10-15 minutes to adjust and customize your resume, focusing on the keywords that you find in the job announcement before you submit your resume.

• Your resume need to be more focused 

It’s easy to get lost in the desire to showcase all of your skills, and yes, you have lots of skills that are worth highlighting. However, the “spray and pray” method typically is not the best strategy when you want to hear back for interviews.

It’s important to know what kind of positions you are targeting and what skills and experiences those positions want to see on your resume. Focusing on that will get you better results.

Solution: Be as clear as you can in your target job and look for companies and positions that align with your experiences, requirements, and preferences. Then customize, customize, customize! 

• You forgot to utilize your network

Networking is key in any job search and LinkedIn makes that do-able, even when you don’t know anyone that works for the company you are targeting. You are missing a huge opportunity if you don’t reach out to people who work for your target company after you send your resume.
I recommend beginning with LinkedIn because networking can feel overwhelming and stressful, even for extroverts. Create messaging that you are comfortable with and sit in the comfort of your own space to reach out and make connections.

Solution: Every time you send a resume or application out, reach out to 5 people on LinkedIn who work for that company and have a virtual coffee meet-up or request to do an informational interview so you can get to know the company, culture, roles, and interview processes.

• You’re not asking for help

Asking for help can be one of the hardest things to do. Trust me, I get it. But sometimes, you need some extra support from someone outside your circle when you are going through the job search process. Don’t feel bad asking for help if you are stuck or unsure how to move forward. It can be invaluable to have someone review your resume, LinkedIn profile, job search strategy, or connect you with their network or just be there to be a listening ear or shoulder, if you need one.

Solution: Reach out to a mentor or trusted friend to get some advice or feedback. You may even consider speaking with a career counselor or coach to get some other perspective as to why you aren’t hearing back for interviews.

Final Note: Don’t take it personally, it isn’t you. Your job as a job seeker is to understand why you aren’t getting interviews and take steps to address the problem. You are amazing- never forget that!

I hope you’ve found this helpful and I wish you the best of luck in your writing process. If you are looking for more information, please visit my website- Higher & Hire. If I can be of assistance to you, please reach out to me here.

Many Thanks!