Why Does My Resume Keep Getting Rejected?
At ResumeSpice, we’ve seen a lot of resumes and counseled a lot of job seekers. One of the biggest issues our clients face is that they’re submitting resumes, but they’re just not getting any calls. Here are a few common reasons why that happens:
1. You’re Not Following Directions
This has less to do with your resume and more to do with your reading comprehension. Make sure you read through the entire job description. Sometimes, employers put instructions on how to apply at the very bottom of the description. They do that so they can automatically eliminate anyone who doesn’t follow directions.
If the employer asks for you to submit a resume in .pdf format along with a list of references and writing samples to a certain email address with a specific subject line, they’re testing you. Make sure you pass the test by following the directions exactly.
2. Your Resume Has Typos and Improper Grammar
We know that mistakes happen. But when the only information an employer has about you is your resume, you want to make sure it’s working for you, not against you.
Read your resume aloud, have a trusted friend who is excellent with grammar and spelling proof it, or hire a professional resume writing service to create it for you.
No matter which avenue you take to ensure your resume is telling the right story, don’t pass proofreading over. An extra ten minutes to reread your resume could be the difference between getting a call and not.
3. You’re Overusing ‘Quick Apply’ Features
Quick apply can be a breath of fresh air if you’re used to submitting applications that take 45 minutes to complete. However, you might not be getting a call because you’re jumping the gun.
Make sure you truly match the job requirements before hitting “apply.” If you only read one or two bullet points before applying, you might be overlooking a crucial requirement further down.
4. You’re Overqualified
This has become a clichéd excuse that job seekers have grown tired of hearing, but it is a legitimate reason why you might get passed over.
If you’ve been in a higher position or have a lot more experience than the job requires, a great way to explain why you’re seeking this specific opportunity is to include a cover letter. Maybe you’re at a place in your career where you want to change pace, or maybe you want to learn a different skill set altogether. Address it in a cover letter so that you won’t be automatically dismissed as “too experienced.”
Savannah Ober is a resume expert at ResumeSpice.