Why Am I Struggling to Get Job Interviews?

Why am I struggling to get job interviews? Landing a job interview is never easy, especially with so many people out of work. But on average, you should hear back on one of every ten resumes you send out. If you’re nowhere near this number, here are some common problems along with tips for fixing them.

You’re Relying on Job Boards 

Big job boards should be one component of your job search, but not your only method for finding positions. The reason is that they’re just too large. Companies are flooded with applications, and it can be tough to stand out. Instead, focus most of your efforts on networking and applying directly to companies you truly see yourself working.

You’re in a Hurry 

Nobody likes to be out of work, but sending the same cookie-cutter resume to tons of companies means you likely won’t make it past the first screener. Take the time to read and digest the job description, and make sure you’re a good fit. Then tailor your resume to highlight the value you can bring to that specific company. Sprinkle in a few keywords, but don’t go overboard.

Your Resume Is too Long
You have just a few seconds to catch the eye of a hiring professional, so make those seconds count. Cut your resume to just two pages max, or one page if you’re fairly new to the workforce. Leave off any jobs that were more than 10 to 15 years ago, as they are irrelevant and could put you at risk for age discrimination. Use bullet points rather than paragraphs, lead with verbs as much as possible, and show your accomplishments rather than your job duties.

You Have a Recent Employment Gap
If you have recently been out of work for a long period of time, you’ll need to find a way to cover that gap. Did you do any freelance or volunteer work? List it. Did you take a class? Mention it. Or use your cover letter to explain gaps that you can’t cover in your resumes, such as time off for illness or family concerns.

Landing an interview can be tough even under the best of circumstances. With so many people competing for positions, you’ll need to do everything you can to raise your chances for success. Following the tips above will put you in a strong position to start getting interviews.

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