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You’ve spent your week applying for jobs and getting no
responses. Believe me; I know the time invested looking for a new career
opportunity. You’ve taken your time to fill out applications and assessments,
but no job is biting. Why is no one calling you back? Don’t pull out your hair.
Let’s just review a few things.
1.
Are you
qualified for the position? Read the job description and qualifications
again. I know sometimes you see that job that you don’t necessarily meet all
the qualifications and you want to take that leap of faith. But the truth is
recruiters are looking for people who meet the qualifications. All other
applications are declined. Take the time to read the job description and make
sure you meet the qualifications and the job meets your qualifications.
2.
Is your
resume easy to follow? I have seen resumes that have small print and 5
pages. No one wants to read a 5 page resume. Keep it to one, maximum 2, pages.
I’ve also seen where the resume isn’t in chronological order. My other pet
peeve is resumes with no phone number. How do you expect a recruiter to know
how to call you?
3.
Are you
applying for several positions in one company? Employers can see if you
applied for more than one job in their company. This is especially true now
that applicant tracking systems are popular. This can be perceived as just
wanting any job and not taking the job search seriously.
4.
Does your
application and resume have some discrepancies? I know it’s hard to
remember the dates of your past employments. Take your time to think about it
and make sure that the days match on your application and resume.
5.
Is your
email address unprofessional? I know this goes without saying, but I feel
like I have to say something anyway. We have all had that really cool email
address back in High School. I think my email had “cutie” in it. No recruiter
wants to see emails like hollaatyagirl@nobody.com
or Imsocute@nobody.com. It’s time to
put childish things away. An email using your first and last name should
suffice.
6.
Does your
objective have anything to do with the job you are applying for? While I
don’t think it’s necessary to even use an objective; It may depend on the job for
which you are applying. Objectives are used to get a recruiters attention. If
you are applying for a job, make sure that you tailor your objective to that
job.
Now that we have reviewed a few things, let’s tailor those
resumes and start looking for jobs that are a best fit.
Written by Daja Pope; daja.pope@mattressfirm.com
