Here’s Why Your Resume Isn’t Helping You to Get Hired

Posted by in Career Advice


A resume is a critical element in your job search. In fact, it is the key to helping you to get hired for a position. It’s important to emphasize “help” because the resume typically doesn’t get you hired—but it does help you to score an interview where you can then impress employers enough so that they want to offer you the job.

 

So, if you’re not getting called in for interviews, what is it about your resume that isn’t doing the trick? Let’s take a look at some of the reasons why your resume may not be helping you to get hired.

 

It Never Makes It Past the Scanning Technology

 

As a persistent job seeker, you may be aware that many companies utilize scanning technology that helps them to eliminate resumes that don’t fit the criteria of the position. With so many applicants submitting resumes, it can be challenging and time consuming to sift through dozens that won’t make the cut.

 

The scanning technology helps to eliminate this problem by filtering out resumes that don’t list specific words or phrases that align with the position. For instance, in the nursing field, you might work in a health care facility, participate in transplant procedures, or work with people with mental illnesses. If this is true, these phrases should be listed in your resume to identify you as a qualified candidate.

 

As you write your resume, be sure to review the job posting thoroughly for these keywords, and list them strategically throughout your resume. This way, you won’t be bypassed in the very first step of the hiring process.

 

Your Resume Isn’t Targeted

 

If you’ve written a resume that incorporates the correct keywords, it may just make it past the scanning technology. In that case, great job! But your work is not finished. Another reason why your resume may not be getting you any interview calls is that it isn’t targeted.

 

A targeted resume is one that was written specifically for the company you’re applying with. If you search online, you’ll find a multitude of resume samples and templates to help you get the process started. But they aren’t authentic—it’s up to you to create your own resume that speaks directly to a company.

 

So if you want to use a template for inspiration, there’s nothing wrong with it; however, you need to create your own original resume in the end. Doing so proves that your skills and accomplishments directly align with the qualifications each company is looking for.

 

Your Experience Isn’t Convincing Enough

 

Another issue that could prevent the interview callback is a lack of convincing experience. You may be accustomed to listing skills but haven’t shown that you were a leader who initiated projects or worked above and beyond the call of duty in your previous positions. So take time to list specific accomplishments that show you made a difference.

 

Once you target your resume, add keywords, and list top-notch experience, you’re on the right track. Taking these steps is a tremendous aid in getting you the interview callback.

Comment

Become a member to take advantage of more features, like commenting and voting.

  • Ferd D
    Ferd D
    Well, okay... this article hits the tip of the iceberg.  But there still isn’t enough meat here to place you into the “interview” pile.  In today’s economy companies are only hiring home run fits – meaning that only “perfect” candidates have any chance.  Those perfect candidates have qualities that are not stated in the job advertisement.  So merely parroting back phrases from the ad and appealing to its apparent agenda will not be good enough.  Use job ads to find out who is testing the talent availability waters.  Then research the company to try to determine why this job might be available, what the corporate culture is, and any other plans or expectations that the company might have for the person who would fill this position.  You’ll probably need to develop a contact on the inside to get all of that.  THEN write your customized resume that includes the ideas presented in the article PLUS the results of your homework.  And then if possible bypass HR by submitting your resume to the actual hiring manager / decision maker (to avoid irrational elimination by bunheads).  The article has valid points, but if all you do is follow its advice you probably still won’t get hired.
  • Michelle B
    Michelle B
    I have done what the article states and cover letters made specifically for the companies in which I have  applied. I also dress appropriatly. Currently I have over 150 resumes out and have only had 2 interviews but haven't been hired. I understand that the economy is slow, but I see others with little or now experience and dressed not appropriate at all getting hired.
  • mark o
    mark o
    very nice article indeed, you could send me more update on how to write attractive resume
  •  Robert M
    Robert M
    I agree about summaries of skills and personal skills for example excellent communication,writing skills, especially "writing  Technical reports" shows proficiency, grasp of technical terms & a solid grasp of using proper English.
  • Rhonda R
    Rhonda R
    Just what i needed to refresh my resume. Thanks
  • Eric S
    Eric S
    Excellent
  • Terry H
    Terry H
    This seems like the right things to think about
  • Jamacia T
    Jamacia T
    This article has been very helpful to me. I have actually been thinking the same things that the author wrote about. The only thing is you end up with tons of resumes depending on how many jobs you're applying to. But what matters is if you know you're worth it. If you're worth it you do the work to show others. I'm getting on it and making a change to my resumes again. I'm worth it and someone is going to see that real soon!
  • Antonio L
    Antonio L
    Great tips. Thanks.
  • Dauren M
    Dauren M
    I value the information that has /will be on the website because sometimes "tunnel vision" clouds your judgement and ideas, as a version of only one way of thinking.
  • Thomas H
    Thomas H
    I hope this works. The news says that I'm too old or out of work too long. I can't pay a mortgage on $10 an hour.
  • James S
    James S
    Some good information.
  • zandra r
    zandra r
    Very Helpful
  • Kathleen J
    Kathleen J
    Very helpful
  • Daisy H
    Daisy H
    Informative.
  • CYPRAIN E
    CYPRAIN E
    This information is very helful and will be considered a useful resource for the development of my subsequent resume.
  • Victoria L
    Victoria L
    Sound Advice. I will change my resume. Now need some advice on how to get employers not to look at my age like its a bad thing. Maybe just too many of us out there from 50 and up looking for a job, or maybe not. We should be wanted for our experience.
  • Petra K
    Petra K
    Job hunting is a job in itself. I have amended my Resume so many times, and this article is going to make me do it yet again! Hopefully with more positive results.
  • Dennis A
    Dennis A
    I do the keyword thing, I do the TARGETING when ever I have a specific job description available.  I think I am hampered by too much  (35+ years) great experience & a MBA; one hiring manager admitted that during a phone interview.  Wish I had told her I could dumb down if she wanted..!  
  • daniel r
    daniel r
    Thanks for the information figures why i may not get the call
  • Theron K
    Theron K
    Nice to realize that there are gateways out there formed by employers to facilitate information quantites. IMO there are several formats for prospective employees that will help them obtain employment. At the targeted-resume section, prospective employees should avoid writing "generic" cover letters and resumes to employers. Job seekings can "push" their job prospects but this might be dulled by the washiness and repetition of written mediocrity.
  • Ruth G
    Ruth G
    Great advice, but it's really hard getting an interview when you're over 50. I have over 25 years of customer service and administrative experience. Don't tell me there is no age discrimination...we also need jobs in order to survive. EOE is a farce.
  • Janette C
    Janette C
    good insight.  Too long.
  • Jennifer B
    Jennifer B
    As logical as this article is...I was still missing the mark!  Sooooo tired of receiving "Eligible - not referred".  Kinda implies I barely made it through the scanning process and failed the targeting and convincing parts?
  • Demetria L
    Demetria L
    These are all helpful hints that I already knew about, because I am a second year college student who is seeking employment in my field of Business Administration.

Jobs to Watch