5 Reasons Your Resume Isn’t Leading To Interviews

August 17, 2015

iStock_000008874687XSmallIt can be frustrating when you’re applying for jobs you feel you’re qualified for and not getting much feedback. Is your resume getting lost in the abyss? Is it simply a slow process and the company is still filtering through applicants? While some factors may be out of your control, one thing you can control is making sure that your resume is a strong reflection of you and your strengths, abilities, and accomplishments. If you’re applying and not landing any interviews, here are some reasons your resume may be to blame:



  1. You’re lacking a strong opening. Hiring managers spend just a few seconds getting a first impression of your resume. If you’re still using an objective, you’re already putting yourself at a disadvantage. The first few sentences of your resume – your summary of qualifications – should grab the hiring manager’s attention and highlight what you bring to the table. It should include a branding statement (such as Marketing Director or Business Analyst) that is supported by other evidence relevant to the role.
  2. There are no measurable results. Figures make an impression. Percentages, dollar amounts, and ranking all show proof of a job well done. Numbers pop on your resume and draw the reader’s eye. Make these metrics work for you and show that not only can you get the job done, you do it well and produce results. If it’s hard to obtain specific numbers, at least emphasize your achievements with words such as reduced, decreased, increased, improved, grew, or generated.
  3. It’s too cluttered. Paragraphs of text that cram in details can be overwhelming. You want to use clear, concise sentences and incorporate bullet points to set apart accomplishments. Hiring managers should be able to easily scan through your resume and see how you’ve progressed in your career, major accomplishments in each role, and other key details. Make sure you are using a format and font that are easy to read.
  4. You have irrelevant information. Hiring managers don’t want to spend time picking through details to find what is more important. Leave off personal information such as hobbies, and cut responsibilities that aren’t aligned with the role or the level at which you are working. In today’s world, practically everyone knows how to use Microsoft Office.
  5. You’re missing keywords. With many companies using Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to do a preliminary scan of resumes, key words are even more essential. The system is programmed to search for certain words or phrases related to the position. If your resume isn’t hitting them, it runs the risk of being passed over. Use the same words or phrases that the job opening does.

There is also the possibility that you’re just not the right fit for that position. If you’re not getting calls for jobs you feel you qualify for, it may be time to revamp your resume.

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