Why am I not getting interviews?
I often speak with job seekers who feel like the process is going nowhere. They are bewildered and anxious. Their question: Why am I not getting interviews in response to my applications? I don’t hear anything!
If this is happening to you, I have a question and some suggestions:
Question: Are you submitting your resume to strictly to announced positions?
If so, you may not be getting interviews for any of the following reasons:
- Your resume does not show a direct match to the position
- Your resume does not show a level of success in your field
- You lack a Social Media presence
- You have not researched the organization
- You send generic cover letters
When you meet all of the position requirements and have directly related experience, you increase the odds in your favor. (You will be competing with those who do.)
When you have a resume that demonstrates your value to your previous employer (achievements) and your ability to do the work needed, you have increased the odds in your favor.
When your cover letter demonstrates your knowledge of the organization and your interest in playing a part in the success of that company, you increase the odds in your favor.
When you have a professional profile on LinkedIn that demonstrates your value by illustrating what you do and how you do it, you increase your odds. (Latest survey: 79% of employers look at a candidate’s social media presence before scheduling an interview.)
When responding to position announcements, you need to address all of the items listed above AND, to lock it in, seek a referral from someone respected by decision makers in that company.
The Job Search is not a science but you can increase the odds in your favor by applying the most effective methods. The competition is intense, but you have control over much more than you may realize. Review your practices using the point made above. Don’t let your failure to apply the best job search methods be the reason for your lack of success.
In my next blog posts: One successful Job Seeker's story- After that: the most frequent oversight of experienced job seekers. It’s keeping them out of the market and extending their search…tune in.
In support of your success…Rita
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