Is This the Key to Hearing Back to Employers?

Gina Deveney
Posted by in Career Advice


In our interactions with job seekers, we’ve found that their biggest frustration by far is not hearing back from employers after they’ve submitted their resume. In a perfect world, every applicant for every job would receive a notification about whether they were being considered for the position. But until that day, there is one surefire way to hear back from a prospective employer – make them want you.

You’re probably thinking, “Well, sure… But how do I get their attention? What’s the secret?

At this stage in the job search game, your resume is the key. This one simple document is an employer’s first – and maybe only – source of information about you. A well-written, powerful resume gives you the best possible chance of making a great impression and getting called in for an interview. And, you’re 40% more likely to get noticed with a professionally written resume. Which is why, whether you have a tried-and-true resume or you’re still in the process of creating one, you may want to consider enlisting the help of a professional.


Get a Professional Resume You Can’t Wait to Send Out with the Help of a Beyond Resume Expert >>


Not sure it’s the right choice for you? There are a many reasons to go the professional route, but here are 4 of the most common ones:

You’re busy. If you’re currently employed, you already have limited time to devote to your job search. Even if you’re not working at the moment, there are a lot of other valuable job search activities to focus on. Perhaps your time could be better spent networking or building your online presence. If you find that you’re simply not finding the time to dust off that resume and make the necessary improvements, it’s probably worth outsourcing the job to a professional.

You have trouble writing about yourself objectively. In world outside of job search, we’re trained to avoid boasting about our accomplishments. Yet effective resume writing is all about calling attention to your strengths. If you feel awkward about this, or you struggle to identify your top skills and talents, a resume expert will provide valuable perspective and help you strike the right balance of confidence and class.

You’re looking to change careers or work in a very specific niche. If you’re not intimately familiar with your desired field, or you’re seeking a position that’s extremely specialized, seek out a professional writer who specializes in that niche. They can make sure your resume has the right focus and keywords to speak to hiring managers in the field you’re targeting.

Your DIY resume isn’t getting the job done. There’s a reason we call a plumber when the faucet is leaking and head to the mechanic when that clanging sound under the hood won’t go away. Sure, it’s cheaper to fix these things yourself – but not if the bathroom floods and your car breaks down on the side of the road. Calling in a professional can save you time and money in the long run, and that goes for your resume, too.

If you’re not ready to commit to a full resume re-write, try starting with a simple resume critique to get an idea of how much work your resume really needs. You may find that you can improve it yourself. Or, you may realize that a professional resume may be just the thing to get your phone ringing.

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  • CYNTHIA GORDON
    CYNTHIA GORDON

    John S is correct EDD=Employment Development Department

  • Bobby F.
    Bobby F.

    I have a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice and it's hard for me to find a job in my field. All I keep hearing is I need at least 2 years of experience, but if I don't get ever get the chance but how will I get ever any experience?

  • John S.
    John S.

    I think EDD=Employment Development Department

  • Jeanine P.
    Jeanine P.

    well, I might take $10 if I could get it. I can't even get the interview! so those of you who are interviewing; keep hanging on. Cynthia, what is EDD. If it has anything to do with local job service- we don't have one worth visiting unless you speak a foreign language. When I went to the local unemployment office, the gal (with a job) behind the glass tossed me a piece of paper and said I had to apply on line for unemployment. I know a ton of folks around me that have been on unemployment for over 2 years in addition to getting food stamps, and other assistance, all while working and getting paid under the table. I applied for unemployment, got it for 3 months and was told that made me too "wealthy" for any other type of aid....and it was well below the poverty level. I am open to advice, but so far, I have tried everything that everyone has suggested to me and nothing has gotten further than borrowing money to survive. not long before I am living on the street. With on-line applications "no" is the only answer you can get; there is 99.9% of the time a way to go past that.

  • CYNTHIA GORDON
    CYNTHIA GORDON

    One FREE valuable resource is at your local EDD One Stop center.
    You will need to go in person and register, for Free, and then you can go to sign up for a Free
    In person Resume Critique. I had been a Volunteer there for about 8 months, and I had some valuable tips which I passed along to hundreds of people.

    While at the EDD One Stop office, make sure to view their job bulletin boards which may have contact leads you had not noticed on line, and job descriptions.
    These leads are generally changing every few weeks. You cannot give up no matter what!
    At times it does look bleak, but you have many more skills than you may realize, but these days are not like any other time before in Unemployment that I have experienced. What it does take more than anything else is NOT taking “no” for an answer.

  • Patricia Bebout
    Patricia Bebout

    I don't know what i am doing wrong my background is design and the jobs are in retail and customer service maybe i am looking for a job or a career change!

  • Nancy Anderson
    Nancy Anderson

    @Annette, on the positive side, you are getting interviews. Even if the waiting room was jammed with other applicants, you are still getting interviews. Most of our job seekers complain that they never get an interview. Being told that you are lovely and that no one had ever asked those questions before are two positives you can carry on to your next interview. I wish all the best on your next interview.

  • Nancy Anderson
    Nancy Anderson

    @Samar, you are not going to get referrals from the hiring company. Networking is something you have to do on your own. The company is looking to hire, not to offer referrals or networking opportunities. @Goldie, congrats! That is truly awesome and what a wonderful company to value you and pay you what you are worth! Looking forward to other companies getting on that bandwagon!

  • GOLDIE G.
    GOLDIE G.

    i have found that employers do not want to pay the person what their skills are worth, they are looking out for their bottom line, i inherited my present position because a person was retiring and the company did not want to outside hire, so i was offered the position and still kept the position i had, basically two jobs and fortunately doubled my pay, most i've made in my lifetime

  • Samar Misra
    Samar Misra

    One issue I have encountered is still not being provided referrals or leads with networking even after I thank the organization or company after considering me for interviews for a job and requesting them to keep me in mind for future vacancies with their company or partner ones.

  • ANNETTE HELLINGRATH
    ANNETTE HELLINGRATH

    Well I had two more interviews for office work. The problem now is that 500 or more resumes are received for the jobs I interview for. I get there and the waiting room is full of women. I had a job interview for a receptionist position the day of a severe snow storm and the waiting room was still full. It is scary out there - lots of unemployed people. I was told how impressed they were with me. After reading an article in Workopolis I had some excellent questions for my interviewers when it was my turn. They both told me that nobody had ever asked them these questions and told me I was 'lovely' and interesting. Of course I was not hired. I have read that you should google the company before your interview, well, that has always backfired on me as well. I feel like I can write a book about looking for work now. I have written a book called 'Bully Boss - A Case Study' so this would be a good follow up. I have an interview next week Tuesday and of course hope is always there. Onwards and upwards!

  • Nancy Anderson
    Nancy Anderson

    I understand @Jeanine. I realize that $10/hr is not a lot of money but it is better than the alternative. Sometimes a job is a job is a job. Regardless of the economy and the ways of the world today, we still have to live. We still have to try to keep a roof over our heads and our bellies filled. It is tough when you spend day after day looking for that one elusive position. But sometimes the position that doesn't seem quite so appealing turns out to be heaven sent. So look at more than salary. Maybe there is a position that would allow for rapid growth or even mediocre growth so that you knew that you could earn more as time went on. Or that you could even use it as a stepping stone. As for the former co-worker - guessing that it was fear on his part. Maybe he was afraid that you would come in and do a better job and pass him up - or that he would be the next one on the outside looking in. Just don't give up hope. Jobs are there. Maybe they are not exactly in your wheel-house but they are enough to sustain you. Just don't give up hope!

  • Jeanine P.
    Jeanine P.

    Scott, I agree with you 100%. I am in the same boat, and I am sorry Nancy but some folks just can't work for $10 an hour. I was offered one at $8 and part time to work for a gal that was 20 without a degree. I have a degree, could run the entire store with my experience and they wanted me to work for nothing under a person who knew nothing! I have been at this for 2 years, 100's of resumes, dozens of critiques and rewrites, professional additions, and only a couple interviews. I was just turned down by a former coworker, who moved to a different company, and he won't give me a second look because we had both been laid off from the same employer that downsized. I am beginning to agree with Jean G. not much hope left!

  • Nancy Anderson
    Nancy Anderson

    Thanks @Scott, @David and @Thomas for your comments. David is right - don't ever give up. Keep trying. But don't inundate the market with resumes, either. Find jobs that you are willing to work at - not that you are using just until something better comes along. Employers want to hire those who are willing to stay for the duration. @Thomas is right - it is a cycle in companies. They hire the cheapest employees they can find and figure that they can train them. But when things start breaking and accidents occur, the tides will turn once again and older job seekers will be in demand. I know that doesn't help right now - sorry. You should give it a go as @David mentioned. Have your resume critiqued by Beyond. Could be that your resume is turning employers away. As a rule of thumb we should only cover the last 10 yrs of employment on our resume. Jobs held that are older than 10 yrs could be listed, if they are applicable, or you could mention "other skills" that you have garnered when writing your cover letter. As always I wish you all the best.

  • David C.
    David C.

    Thank you to all that commented on age discrimination in hiring. This site does have a free critique of your resume, try it. [I do not work for this site].Don't give up! As we get older , find something to work at, you enjoy.Find other young or older to start a busineess. No funds$ try small business loans. Sounds tough,yes. Especially seniors need to bond together networking, not competing.Groups of seniors may have to rent or buy homes together to keep from living in-substandard housing.Different area's are more acceptable to hiring seniors ,might have to move. At 64 ,I am still one of the top whitewater guides on the Ocoee river[class 4] it is physically demanding, more than any of the jobs I am applying for. To every one listening,Don't give up! Nancy thanks for yor advice .

  • THOMAS S.
    THOMAS S.

    Scott, you are correct! Interviewed with management who felt uneasy about experience & credentials. However, having been there done that. I would hire the individual that fits our team...minus the age. Ask yourself, can they get get the job done! Companies re-cycle themselves on average every 5 years, based on what the management recommends in personnel reports, consultants, saturation of territory, etc. They want a good track record for the personnel they hire. Root of the problem is the process. Instead, of going out and hiring someone who you feel wants the job and fits the team culture. They try to mentor them...Cloning? Go hire someone who fits your culture and would like your job someday! That is a successful manager...In my book!

  • scott foster
    scott foster

    I agree that that age discrimination does come into play when an older worker such as myself is looking for employment. We're stuck in a group that have years of experience, but companies are looking for the younger and the least expensive way of doing business. I can't work for $10/hr. My experience and expertise proves that. But employers are looking at nothing but an electronically generated resume, not a real person. That, my friends, is a sad state of reality. I have sent out over 100 resumes in the last month, with very few one on one meetings. Gone are the days when you could prove your self worth in person. Now it's all done via email. Everyone can look good on paper. What happened to the personal touch? I've had my resume done professionally. When a future prospective employer sees that your experience date back 30+ years, and are still many years from retirement, you don't get a second look. You become a liability. Age does make a difference.

  • jean  g.
    jean g.

    No hope

  • Nancy Anderson
    Nancy Anderson

    @David C it is unfortunate but $10/hr seems to be the average. Young kids just starting out in the workforce will take that salary while the older workers normally will not. Why are you not even getting a customer service position? Because hiring managers know that with your age and experience that you will only stay until something better comes along. That's why they hire the younger workers. We all need to find a way to let the interviewer know that we are workers and are willing to stick it out. Maybe having your resume professionally done is the answer. Try having your resume critiqued and see if the issue might be with your resume. As we get older we think that we need to include every job that we have ever had - trying to impress employers I think. But it's not necessary. The standard rule of thumb is to only include the last 10 years. It's worth a shot to have someone else view your resume and offer you pointers. Good luck everyone.

  • Maria S.
    Maria S.

    It is obvious that no matter how professional your resume is, age IS the factor between being hired or not.

  • Manmohan R.
    Manmohan R.

    It is a wonderful feeling as an older person to know that the younger ones are trying to evaluate you, where in fact you could give them a tip or two. Just think of the interviewers as your children seeking advice, but remember children of today are smarter than you.

  • JESSE R.
    JESSE R.

    SO FAR I HAVE HAD, MAYBE 3-4 INTERVIEWS, HOPFULLY, DODGER STADIUM WORKS OUT, I AM PRAYING ON IT. I WILL FIND OUT NEXT WEEK, RESPECTFULLLY THINGS WILL TURN OUT THE LORDS WAY, IT IS THE ONLY WAY.

  • Pamela F.
    Pamela F.

    I am a 61 year old retail manager, and I am only getting part time job offers. Trust me, AGE IS a factor! PS It does NOT matter where you live, this is all over.

  • GOLDIE G.
    GOLDIE G.

    annette, if u stick with what u think an employer wants to see as opposed to when the employment office tells u u need to change your resume, thats your feedback right there, dont ignore it.

  • David C.
    David C.

    I am getting interviews off job applications done on-line. They are under $10 an hour jobs. I am 64,have a in-active real estate liscense, class B commercial drivers liscnse, Wilderness first responder certified, and great physically. Either my age or wide spread work experiences are hindering getting hired even for customer service jobs . I live in N.E. Alabama . I might have to move to get hired in an area more suited to my skill sets,such as Outdoor Adventure Industry.

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