Why You Never Hear Back After Applying For A Job

If you're like me and probably many of us out there, you have felt 'rejected' or disappointed perhaps whenever you applied for a job you really want, but never got an answer back.

The good news is: You are not alone!

Why does it happen? Is it you, is it them, or is it just something every candidate must prepare for in the hiring process?

Muovo has found the following article, courtesy of Meghan M. Biro from BusinessInsider, a most interesting read and one which offers sound advice regarding this situation.

M. Biro begins by stating an oft-cited recruiter’s complaint is that 50 percent of people applying for a given job simply are not qualified. Adding to the challenge, most large companies – and many smaller ones – use talent-management software to screen resumes, weeding out up to 50 percent of applicants before a human even looks at a resume or cover letter. This makes  it rather difficult for the job seeker who does not have all the necessary qualifications. So how do you break through?

M. Biro lists these top 5 reasons why you’re not hearing back after applying for a job, with five suggestions for ways to avoid the Resume Black Hole.

Why You Never Hear Back:
1. You really aren’t qualified. If a job description specifies a software developer with 3-5 years of experience and you’re a recent graduate with one internship, it’s unlikely you’ll get a call. Avoid disappointment – don’t apply for jobs for which you lack qualifications. Most job descriptions are written with very specific requirements.Yes, the company is trying to find the most qualified candidate.
And yes, they are trying to weed people out. It’s not personal, it’s business.

2. You haven’t keyword-optimized your resume or application. Job descriptions are salted with keywords specific to the skills or attributes the company seeks in applicants. A close read of the job description is a necessity, as is keyword-optimizing your resume and cover letter, if you’re using one, or email. If the job description lists words in a certain order, e.g. a list of programming languages required, use the same order in your resume.

3. Your resume isn’t formatted properly. You might think distinctive formatting will set your resume apart, but automated programs don’t care if a document is pretty. Help a machine out. Be consistent in formatting and consider using separate lines for former employer, job title, and years worked.

4. Your resume is substantially different from your online profile. LinkedIn, Dice and other online profile sites can be useful tools, so it's important to make sure they match what’s on your resume.

5. Do your research. Know which companies you want to work for, organizations where you sense culture fit. Every morning scour the job postings and jump on anything for which you’re qualified (and in which you’re interested). Being early with your resume or application does matter. Check back often in the first few days to make sure the listing hasn’t changed. Often a company will post a job and halfway through the process change the description.

But How I Can Get Noticed?
You are surely right to ask this question.

Here are some tips:
1. Research interesting companies on social media. Find out who the recruiters are and follow them. Many will tweet new postings, so watch their streams and jump on anything for which you are qualified. And if they tweet news saying the company’s had a great quarter, retweet the news with a positive comment.

2. Consider starting a blog in your area of interest or expertise. It’s a social world; time to build a trail of breadcrumbs leading to you. Include the blog, and links to any especially relevant posts, in your emails to recruiters with whom you’re working.

3. Get professional help with your resume. Either a resume writer or an SEO expert can help you increase your odds of getting through the talent management software. If you can’t afford this step, read the top career blogs for advice.

4. Network. Old advice, but still true (just take a look at our Muovo blog!). Be visible, be upbeat, be informed about industry trends and news in your area of expertise.

Although finding a job, and even more so, finding the right job for YOU can be tough, remember that impossible is nothing. Don't give up!

Related Articles from this Blog:
Networking - A Key To Developing Yourself Professionally
4 Candidates That Employers Don't Want To Hire
Improve Your CV With These 5 Quick Tips
Flaunt Your Achievements in Your CV

Nikita Pisani at Muovo

Posted in: