6 Reasons Your Resume Got No Response

In the best of times responding to a job listing can feel like sending your resume out to sea in a bottle. But at least you received a call or an email acknowledgement. Now, with the volume of applicants higher than ever, you're more likely to hear nothing.

If there is a resounding silence from your queries, keep looking and networking. But you can also do some sleuthing to give you a better chance of standing out next time. Recruiters and career experts agree that, if you didn't get an interview or phone call -- or even a thank-you email -- it may be due to at least one of six reasons.

1. They're just not that into you.

You're good, but someone else more closely met the qualifications. In a tight job market employers can usually get exactly the type of candidate they want. A polite "thanks, but no thanks" letter or email would be nice. But don't expect it these days.

2. They may be into you, as soon as they get to you.

Companies receive so many submissions these days that they don't even have time to send out letters or confirmation emails. I know a major software company that's taking more than three weeks just to send out acknowledgement notes, and some companies are spending months sifting through resumes for just one opening.

3. They would have been into you if you had followed directions.

If you're answering a job listing, be sure you respond in exactly the way the company wants. And be aware that if you're not applying for a specific job but rather sending out dozens or hundreds of form letters, your resume is likely to end up in companies' spam folders.

 

 

4. They might be into you if you apply for a more appropriate job.

Many job seekers are overqualified, under-qualified, or otherwise just wrong. If recruiters need to fill a specific job, and you're not right for it, don't assume that they're going to find the right fit for you. A lot of times people send resumes, but before that remember, 'Did you even read the job description?'"

5. Your presentation could use some work.

A lot of mistakes I see are a lack of cover letter, and an objective statement on the resume that is all wrong for the job opening. Even worse are obviously mass emails where the candidates had no clue what they were applying for.

6. There isn't any job.

Sometimes, due to last minute budget cuts, a position is eliminated before it's even filled. Other times, companies reel in resumes even when they know there isn't any opening. Some companies want a big applicant pool because they think they may be hiring in the future.

8 Steps to Acing Your Phone Interview

Most first job interviews are via telephone. A hiring manager sees your resume, thinks you may be a good fit, and calls you. It is very important to be ready for that first call because it is your one chance to move forward in the hiring process. Flub it and you won’t get a second opportunity. Make the sales presentation of your experience count.

Control Contact

Do not list every possible telephone number at which you can be reached. A home number and cell number are typically all an employer needs. If your cell is a company phone, list only your home number or obtain a personal cell phone. A company phone should not be used for job search. Do you spend a great deal of time during the day in situations where it would be difficult to talk spontaneously to a prospective employer such as meetings or in a shared office? Make sure you have a very professional voice mail message and check your messages regularly. Return all calls as soon as possible and if you end up in a “phone tag” situation, be persistent and proactive.

Focus

If you receive that first call while driving or any time you cannot devote 100% of your attention to the conversation, ask the caller if you can return the call. Distracted conversations make for poor interviews. When an employer or recruiter calls, they understand the time might not be good and are generally open to scheduling a call for a later time. Try to schedule the conversation as soon as possible and don’t forget to get a name and number for a contact.

Practice Tough Answers

Many people have some sort of obstacle in their current career search or a past problem that may come up in an interview. Be especially prepared to discuss such issues, not because they are more important but because they cause the most anxiety. Knowing what you are going to say to tough questions makes them much less scary.

 

Google Yourself

Be aware of information about you in the public realm. Make sure you conduct an Internet search on yourself. Employers will be doing this so you need to be on the same page. Be aware that your social media activities will also be reviewed by many employers or recruiters. If you have a Facebook page or Twitter account, it might be examined by employers. Be careful what you put there and don’t be surprised if a related question arises in the interview.

Use Your Resume

The resume’s usefulness does not stop with gaining the interview. It is your guideline for steering your interview. Carry your own copy with additional notes added. It is impossible (and unnecessary) to include all information in a resume so having additional facts and figures that support information in the resume can be a great aide in the interview. Think of it as a sort of “cheat sheet” for helping you to remember facts during the interview.

Be Informed

If you apply to a company, know something about that company! Knowledge is power. If a hiring manager calls ten people and only two of them can speak informatively about the company, its mission, and its products/service, those two will be the ones to move forward in the process! Ask informed questions that make sense and are company-focused.

Give Scenarios

Employers want to know not only what you’ve done but they want to know in what context. Be prepared to back up your claims to skills and expertise with specific scenarios and details about your performance. For example, if you have experience in project management, be ready to talk about a couple of projects you handled successfully. Select “stories” that will demonstrate your expertise. Bring in details and make sure to emphasize successful results of your efforts.

Curb the Chatter

Are you enthusiastic about your potential? That’s great but don’t let it get control of your tongue. An interview is a dialogue – it isn’t a monologue opportunity for you. Let the interviewer get a word in! Answer the question presented and keep your answers on topic. It is very easy to rabbit-trail off and chatter away but it is not helpful. It’s frustrating to the interviewer who probably has a limited amount of time and the information you chatter about may not even be relative. If you have trouble knowing when to stop talking, practice with a stopwatch. Limit your answers to two minutes if possible.

 

When the employer or recruiter calls you, you are “on”. Think ahead about what you will say, how you will handle specific questions, and have “stories” prepared that will demonstrate the skills and experience you offer. Use your resume as a guide and don’t prattle on about topics. Let the employer ask questions and ask some of your own. An interview is a conversation! Relax and make a great impression!