top of page
  • Writer's pictureMatthew Coppola

8 SECRET REASONS Why You’re Not Getting a Job Interview

Common reasons for not getting job interviews include not “tailoring” your resume correctly, having a resume that’s longer than it should be for your experience and many other reasons.

There are eight common reasons why you are not getting calls for interviews, so we’ll look at all of them in this article.

1. You’re relying too much on job boards and job websites

Many job seekers rely entirely on large job sites like Seek, Indeed and LinkedIn, or niche job boards. Ever wondered what makes a great Linkedin profile? One that stands out, makes an impression and enables you to apply for jobs on LinkedIn using just your profile alone.

However, while this is an excellent way to supplement the rest of your job search methods, it should not be 100% of your job searching.

There are just too many people on job websites, and companies get flooded with applications.

It’s challenging to stand out, and although you can apply for a ton of jobs, it’s not very beneficial if nobody’s calling you back to interview.

Another job hunting method that you should be doing is networking to get interviews and apply directly to companies that interest you.

2. Your resume has responsibilities but not accomplishments

The following reason you might not be getting job interviews is related to your resume, specifically your employment history section.

Most job seekers make a big mistake by only listing responsibilities.

This will not impress a hiring manager or a recruiter because it’s just telling them what work your boss assigned you to do, not what you accomplished.

Because of this reason, it makes sense to utilise a professional resume writing service in Australia to give you the best chance to get ahead and make an impression.

3. You’re trying to send applications quickly and not “tailoring” your resume

Sending out more applications is not always better – the point is to get interviews, right?

What is better… sending out 20 applications and getting one interview… or sending out 10 applications and getting three interviews?

This is what tailoring your resume for each job will do for you.

It usually takes less time than you think once you spend 30 minutes learning how to do it. Most people don’t want to put in the time to understand it, so they apply for a ton of jobs but get very few interviews.

In short – you want to make sure to include some keywords from the job description on your resume.

4. You’re applying for positions that aren’t the right fit for your background

While you don’t need 100% of the job’s requirements to apply, you should have around 70-75% minimum. If you’re applying for jobs that you’re not at all qualified for, it could be part of the reason you’re not getting calls for interviews.

5. Your resume is too long and is getting skimmed over rather than read closely

The modern resume should be short and easy to read. While it doesn’t NEED to be one page, it should certainly only contain the current 8-10 years of your career.

Your resume is a highlight reel and a sales pitch to the company showing how you can help them for their specific job. It’s not a list of everything you’ve ever done.

Your paragraphs should be only a few sentences each, too. Avoid big, bulky paragraphs if you want to get your resume read. Also, utilise white space between paragraphs/sections. Make sure it’s all well-spaced and inviting to read.

If you’re looking for the best resume writing service, get in touch with the team at Client Centric Executive Employment Solutions.

6. You have a large, recent gap in employment

If you have a significant gap in employment at or near the top of your resume, you need to address it.

You can list your employment in years instead of months in your employment history if that helps.

Or you can write a cover letter to explain the circumstances of why you left your previous job and how the issue has resolved itself (for example, if you had an illness but have now recovered).

7. You’re using a resume “Objective” section instead of a Career Summary

Nothing wastes spaces on a resume and shows a hiring manager you’re outdated than putting an Objective. They already know your objective is to obtain the position.

Instead, write an excellent Career Summary that highlights some of your most significant accomplishments and qualifications that prove you’ll succeed in this next job!

8. You’re using a functional resume format instead of chronological

A functional resume separates your work history into functions or categories of work instead of by job/date.

Now here’s the problem… recruiters and hiring managers want to see WHERE and WHEN you did each task that you’re listing in your employment history section. They aren’t going to value it as highly if they can’t see when you did it. That could be costing you interviews. It could be the sole reason you’re not getting called to interview.

If you’re not having success with a functional resume, then change to a chronological employment history section where you list each job and employer.

Why wait to have a specially written and tailored CV and cover letter? Get started today!

bottom of page