Not Getting Responses from Job Applications? Use These Three Tips

 

Getting ghosted by a hiring manager for a position you believed you were the perfect candidate for is never a great feeling. You may feel you have a top-notch resume and excellent cover letter that’s received praise from previous employers, but for some reason, you’re not getting many callbacks. So, what are some of the reasons why hiring managers are ghosting you?

In Monster’s Emerging Workforce Survey, 34% of employers who ghost candidates revealed the following reasons for why they never respond:

  • 44% thought the candidate was not qualified

  • 43% believed that the candidate lost interest in the position

  • 36% said that the job opening closed before it was filled

  • 30% had high-priority roles to fill

  • 27% became busy and forgot

  • 21% didn’t receive a follow-up email from the candidate

Use the following tips to increase your chances of hearing from an employer. 

Double-check the job’s requirements

While it’s always important to apply to jobs that stretch your comfort zone, do make sure that you are meeting at least 40% of the requirements listed (Forbes). It’s not necessary to meet every requirement in a job opening, however it’s essential to make a strong case to an employer that the skills you do have would allow you to be successful in the role.

Personalize your resume and cover letter for the position

This is huge. Using a generic resume can get your application skipped over for job opportunities. You should tailor your resume to fit the role you’re applying for. Ensure that your resume is Applicant Tracking System (ATS) friendly by using the appropriate keywords from the job description. Of course, never buff up your resume with skills and experience that you don’t have to receive a callback. Lying on your job application can only hurt you later on.

Complete the entire application

It’s easy to skip the optional components of a lengthy job application. However, employers notice this and may assume you’re not someone who puts in the extra effort to accomplish tasks. With this in mind, take the time to completely fill out a job application by submitting a tailored resume and cover letter, completing surveys, and answering any additional questions.

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Career Advice, End Resume FailsTaneia Surlesjob application, cover letter, resume tips