One of the most frustrating things during a job search is when you send out resume after resume but never hear from any employer. There are many reasons why you might not have heard back, including the fact that employers simply do not have the time to respond to each and every applicant. However, that is not the only reason. If you have not heard from any employer, there could be a bigger problem. Below are some likely reasons:
1. You Resume Is Not Customized
Just about all employers use ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) to help them filter through the hundreds of resumes they receive. ATS combs through each resume and checks for keywords matching the job description and if your resume does not have them, it will automatically be thrown out. ATS also checks for spelling and grammatical errors so make sure you have carefully revised your resume. To ensure your resume actually reaches the hiring manager, remember to customize your resume for each job you are applying for.
2. Your Resume is Not Formatted Correctly
Not only does the ATS check for keywords, but it also checks for formatting errors. Make sure your resume has a clean, consistent look. Use the same font throughout and ensure the font size is the same throughout. Also, remember not to have a resume that is too long. An average resume should not be longer than 1-2 pages, if it is longer, that could negatively affect your chances of passing the ATS.
3. You Do Not Have the Right Credentials
You may just not be the right fit for the position. If your credentials don’t match what the employer is looking for, it is possible they will just not contact you at all. If you believe you are qualified, it is possible that the employer may not be able to find your qualifications easily in your resume. Remember to format your resume correctly and make sure to list required qualifications in a place it is easy to see for your hiring manager.
4. They Have a Long Hiring Process
If you have not heard back, it may not be all bad news. Sometimes companies wait until they have a large pool of resumes before they start evaluating. It helps to check the application deadline to see when they are no longer accepting resumes so you can gauge how long they will take.
Still not sure what’s wrong? Call us today for a free resume review! One of our professionally qualified resume writers would be more than happy to assist you.
