Why Isn’t My Resume Getting Responses?
So, you’ve got a great resume and a solid job search strategy. You’ve networked with everyone you know. You’re still not getting much response or those great opportunities you were hoping for still elude you. What’s happening?
There are some good reasons that a great resume may not get a response:
- The posting was an effort to gather resumes early and test the market. No real position exits now.
- There is an inside candidate and the company must post the job per policy.
- The funding for the position is under review or has been revoked.
- Re-organization or downsizing eliminated the position.
- Competition revealed many qualified candidates with the exact skill set required. It’s a matter of numbers.
- The hiring manager is so swamped, he feels he cannot stop long enough to hire anyone.
These reasons are all beyond your control and have nothing to do with you.
However, there are two reasons that are completely in your control.
- You are qualified, but your resume doesn’t show it.
- You are not qualified for the position.
You may need a reality check and an objective review of your resume. Despite your best efforts, if you are not getting responses from employers for positions you are fully qualified for, the most likely reason is your resume does not demonstrate your qualifications and value. If you suspect this is the case, have your resume reviewed by a professional resume writer.
The last reason for no response that is in your control is you are simply not qualified for the position. Be realistic when you apply for a job. You know if you’re qualified or not. Don’t let yourself fall into the desperation trap of applying for anything hoping something will come through. You are only doing yourself a disservice and damaging your credibility with employers.