So you’re looking for work. You’ve searched for all the right your job search and submitted a huge number of applications. But the invitations to interview just aren’t coming.
Why not? Seeking employment in today’s tight job market often means competing with hundreds of other candidates for just one position. Even if you think you’re the perfect candidate for a particular job, hiring managers may not be seeing your true talents and abilities.
Here are five mistakes that prevent applicants from getting interviews.
1. Failing to target a resume.
Using the right resume keywords is crucial to moving forward in a hiring process. Because so many employers now rely on applicant tracking systems (ATS) to narrow down the number of candidates, your resume might never make it to a human being if it’s not formatted correctly.
The keywords that work are usually concrete nouns and noun phrases, like “Sales Force” or “social media specialist.” The University of Washington’s Foster School of Business recently published a list of resume keywords for various industries; give the list a look and consider including some of its suggestions in your resume.
2. Using generic application materials.
Instead of sending out a generic cover letter and resume for every job description, make sure to tailor your submitted materials.
And the secret to getting a cover letter noticed? Address it to a hiring manager or another appropriate contact within an organization.
Nothing shows a lack of effort more than beginning a cover letter with “To whom it may concern.”
3. Not following directions.
Specific application requirements are often included in job listings, so it’s important to both look for those and then follow them. If you’re asked to provide a 500-word writing sample, don’t send one with 1,000 words.
In this case, more is not better. Sending a longer writing sample to the hiring manager demonstrates a lack of respect for his or her time, and also shows that you can’t follow basic instructions.
Other requirements to watch out for include instructions not to call the company regarding your application, or to use a particular resume format. Ignoring posting requirements is almost guaranteed to result in a rejection.
4. An abrupt career-path change.
Whether you’re applying for more advanced positions compared to your current job or switching fields completely, career movement can put you at a disadvantage in today’s job market.
Even if your skills and experience are easily transferable between fields, keep in mind that employers have the luxury of being picky. Given the number of applicants for each position a hiring manager is likely to receive applications from multiple candidates who meet or exceed the desired experience and skill sets.
Thus it’s easy to understand why an employer might not take a chance on a less experienced applicant.
Without the full skill set an employer is asking for, you will likely have a harder time getting to the interview stage.
5. No networking.
Networking is key to landing job interviews. If you limit your job-search activities to merely submitting applications, you’re competing with hundreds of people operating at the same level of effort.
But networking takes things a step further through personal introductions to hiring managers. To increase your chances of getting noticed, call upon your network for each application you send. Ask yourself, “Do I know anyone at the company? Or know anyone else who does?”
Also, don’t forget the countless ways to expand your network both on- and off-line: volunteer in your community, attend social events or conferences related to your industry, join active LinkedIn groups, and even interact with leaders in your chosen field through social media. (Just be sure to keep any social media activity job-search friendly.)
Take the time to reach out to contacts who are most likely to provide help; asking them to keep you in mind for future job openings or networking opportunities are great ways to show interest without being too pushy.
Final Thoughts
Make a few adjustments in any or all of these areas, and you should see improvement in your job search.
