Youโve probably sent your resume with a compelling cover letter to different companies for 2 weeks. But as you open your email every now and then, you havenโt received any response from them. If you are currently employed, you might be itching for a new job and are ready to make a career move. On the other hand, if you are jobless right now and monthly bills scare you, you might be anxious as to when youโll ever be able to get an interview invitation.
Try to refresh your inbox. One more time. Unfortunately, thereโs still none. You know youโre not the only candidate for the positions youโve applied for. Here are the reasons why youโre not hearing back and what to do with each factor to get your application noticed.
1. You are sending a generic resume and cover letter
A generic resume or cover letter can make you look unqualified for the role. Have you carefully read the job requirements? If the hiring manager doesnโt see the core competencies theyโre looking for on your resume, theyโll proceed to the next profile. But this is not for you to lie on your resume. You just have to relate your current skills to what the job entails.
Solution: Strategically state your qualifications that match their requirements. Use relevant keywords. Include your past accomplishments and transferable skills that are pertinent to its duties and responsibilities. Thatโs how you can tailor your resume to the position you are applying for.
2. You really arenโt qualified for the position
Itโs a straightforward answer. Itโs either you are underqualified or overqualified. Companies are trying to weed people out by stating specific requirements on their job postings. Thatโs their way of attracting the right candidates for a particular role. They donโt want to waste their time reading any resume that doesnโt meet the conditions.
Solution: Be thoughtful about where to apply. You might see even one requirement that is nonnegotiable on their part. One way to boost your qualifications is to take a short course and accept a freelance project even for a low fee at first to gain work experience.
3. You donโt follow instructions
There are job listings that state what their candidates should submit aside from their resume. That could be a cover letter, writing samples, or a subject line that you should put in the email. Sometimes, they require applicants to send resumes in PDF format. So, if you send it in Word document, you will create a bad impression that you canโt follow even simple instructions.
Solution: Have an eye for detail. You have to carefully read the entire job posting. If they say they require 3 examples from your portfolio, then give them exactly what they need. Youโll be on top of other applications that didnโt follow all their prerequisites.
Itโs time for you to move on from that silent rejection. Revamp your resume and tailor it to every role youโre applying for by matching your qualifications with their job requirements. Consider all their instructions before you hit send. Because fixing these 3 issues can significantly improve your job search results.
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