Didn't Get Invited in for an Interview?

Eight Reasons Why Job Seekers Are Not Called about Their Resume

Aug 11, 2007 Deborah S. Hildebrand

Wondering why the phone doesn't ring with dozens of invitations to interview? Here are some reasons -- and tips -- to consider.

Often time job seekers see a job posting that they feel is the perfect match for their background and experience, they submit their resume with every expectation that they will get an immediate response and then nothing happens.

So what went wrong?

Here are eight possible reasons why candidates who feel they are a perfect match for an available position does not even get a call for an interview.

Too Much Competition

When an employer runs an ad or places a job posting, not everyone who applies is going to be invited in for a face-to-face interview because there are just too many applicants for one job and those that appear to have the best qualifications will be the ones who get the call. It’s simple supply and demand.

Wrong Background

Many times job applicants swear to themselves (and others) that they have exactly what a position calls for when it comes to experience and skill sets. However, too many times they really don’t. It’s the difference between someone feeling like they can do the job (with a little training) versus actually having the specifically requested work experience and skills. The important thing is for candidates to be honest with themselves when comparing their work experience with the requirements listed in the job posting.

Right Background, Wrong Resume

Too often candidates develop an “all-purpose” resume and then set out to identify a job that fits. Whereas a better method would be for them to find the job posting of the position they want and then to create the right resume by including key words and elements from the posting into it.

Poorly Designed Resume

Nothing is more disappointing than to receive an unprofessional looking resume that has been poorly formatted, is filled with typos or has weakly constructed sentences. It is worth the extra time and effort to get assistance from a well-respected friend in the know or to check out the many free and for fee resume services online.

Poorly Designed Resume, Part II

While it is important to include specific experience and skills in a resume, recruiters want to see much more than just a list of responsibilities. Consider including tangible, number-oriented career accomplishments which communicate more than just day-to-day tasks.

The Position Gets Filled

There are a lot of “experts” out there who advise applicants not to apply for a job posting too quickly. Instead they suggest to hold back and wait until the initial crowd of candidates dies down and then apply, ensuring that their resume will arrive solo and stand out from the others. However, waiting too long can be a problem, if the company wants to hire immediately. It is important to ensure that the timing is right otherwise an applicant may find the position is already filled.

The Position Gets Filled, Part II

Sometimes due to unforeseen circumstances something happens internally and the position gets filled unexpectedly either by a previously unidentified internal transfer or an internal referral. An alternative scenario might be that the position was cut due to changes within the organization.

Hiring Red Flags

Job hopping and gaps in employment history can all go a long way in causing recruiters to second guess whether or not to invite an otherwise well-qualified candidate in for an interview. Whenever possible explain the reason for these hiring red flags in the cover letter. It won’t guarantee an interview; however, if everything else is a fit, it will offer a better chance.

The copyright of the article Didn't Get Invited in for an Interview? in Career Advice is owned by Deborah S. Hildebrand. Permission to republish Didn't Get Invited in for an Interview? in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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