Possible Reasons Why You’re Not Getting Interviews/Job Offers

Not targeting your resume for the job

This is the most common mistake when it comes to why you’re not getting interviews. Gone are the days when you could use a generic resume and send it to multiple companies. Thanks to automated hiring software, recruiters are looking for very specific skill sets, and having a mismatch between your résumé and the job description can be an automatic cut, even before a human being sets eyes on your résumé. This means that unless you’re using the right keywords in the right contexts, you might not even get a chance to interview.

What to do instead:

Take a few minutes to customize your resume and cover letter before applying. Read the job description carefully, and then make sure you’re listing the skills noted, with the same industry words and titles noted. For instance, if they are looking for a “software engineer,” don’t write “software programmer,” even if you think the jobs are essentially the same. Another issue is not being specific in your accreditations or skills. Here’s one example: When a job description says the company is looking for “JavaScript” programmers and people put “Java” on their résumé. Those are not the same.

Using an AI-written cover letter

Writing is a function of many jobs, and your cover letter shows how well you communicate through the written word. Thanks to Chat GPT and other artificial intelligence (AI) language programs, it’s becoming a popular trend to have a bot write a top-notch cover letter. But this is disingenuous and may backfire. Hiring managers want to see how well you write.

What to do instead:

Write a cover letter specific to that company and that job listing. Of course, you can use spelling or grammar check—and you definitely should—but use your own words and structure. If writing isn’t your strong suit, it’s fine but it is better to show what skills you really have, right from the beginning. Also, do not use another human to write your cover letter either!

Altering your skills or experience

There was a funny example a few years ago of an employer asking for “six years minimum experience” in a software language … that had only been around for three years. Sometimes it seems employers are looking for the perfect employee that doesn’t exist, so it’s understandable why you might want to fudge your experience or competency. Don’t do that. And you should never lie or make up items on your résumé. Whether you’re faking a degree or certification, or you made up a reference, it will likely get caught during the background check, and you’ll be automatically disqualified. Thanks to the internet, it’s easy to catch these kinds of lies. If someone is exaggerating their competency, it becomes apparent quickly in the interview process, especially if the interview involves a tech screening. This is why most companies put the tech screening first—to weed out people without the necessary skill set. Employers value honesty and being able to accurately evaluate your individual skills. Skills can be taught. Honesty, not so much.

What to do instead:

One of the best job interview tips you will ever get is to be honest about what you can and can’t do. It is ok to say, “I don’t know that yet, but I’d love to learn.” Or I have done similar work and explain that work. In the meantime, continue to learn new skills that make you more marketable.

Showing up without a scheduled interview

There’s a popular job-hunting “tip”, telling people it’s better to deliver your résumé in person. With the reason being, this allows the hiring manager to put a face to the name and it shows initiative. This is not a good idea, and chances are you won’t make it past the front desk. Similarly, don’t call the hiring manager directly unless told to. Hiring managers are very busy, and anything you do that goes outside hiring protocols is going to be unhelpful at best—and at worst, it will get your résumé dropped straight in the trash.

What to do instead:

Follow the hiring protocols and processes outlined by the company or the recruiter. It can feel tedious, but showing you can read, understand, and follow the directions makes a good first impression. If you’re working with a talent acquisition company (like a headhunter), then ask them lots of questions. This is what they’re there for, and they should know all the ins and outs of the hiring process for that specific job.

Not editing your resume and cover letter

A few grammar and spelling mistakes aren’t a big deal, but if it comes down to a candidate with a polished résumé and an equally qualified candidate with an error-ridden one, the job will go to the one who took the time to edit. It’s also important to note that good editing goes beyond the basics of spelling. Résumés that are not formatted well, with lots of dense text and little or no spacing, are difficult to read. A well-formatted résumé shows attention to detail and can stand out for a hiring manager. When job candidates are equally qualified, it’s the little things that can make the difference.

What to do instead:

No one can see their own mistakes, so it’s important to ask a friend, family member, mentor, or recruiter (if you’re working with one) to read your résumé and cover letter. At the very minimum, run a spelling and grammar check. The software is everywhere these days, so there’s no excuse not to use it.

Using the computer microphone in virtual interviews

Virtual interviewing is a wonderful convenience for both parties, but it does open up a whole new set of challenges that can ruin your interview. That might be forgetting you have a ridiculous filter turned on or the setup isn’t working correctly, and the interviewer can’t see or hear you well. Zoom and other virtual platforms pick up background noises and amplify them. Another common mistake: people setting themselves up in front of a window, which essentially blacks out their face and makes it difficult to see their facial expressions. All these are incredibly distracting to the interview process, and trying to resolve them during the interview takes up precious time. Plus, if the job relies heavily on online communication, it can lead to doubt in your ability to use it competently. Always check your background before starting the interview!

What to do instead:

Always use a separate headset. And before the interview, do a test run with a friend to check your setup, and make sure the lighting, noise, and angles are all OK. This is one of the newer interviewing tips, and you shouldn’t ignore it.

Not talking to your references before listing them

People sometimes think that having references—generally one or two professional contacts, a previous boss, or a friend—is just a formality. However, having good references is important, they provide information about your personality, work ethic, values, and history. Hiring managers call them as part of the pre-hiring background check. But if your reference is contacted and they don’t have anything nice to say about you, they don’t remember or know you, or—worse—they mention some of your shortcomings, this could be a reason you’re not getting hired.

What to do instead:

Talk to your references first, and check that they feel good about recommending you. Is this someone who is going to speak highly of you and brag about you? Do you know them well and know how they feel about you? If so, list them, and if not, find someone else. And one more important point: Make sure all their contact information is accurate.

Not preparing for the interview

You should never show up for an interview without doing some research first. This means researching everything from the company to the specific position to the location of the interview. The ideal candidate will show up 10 minutes early and be prepared with basic knowledge about what the company is, what they do, a memory of the job description, and some questions for the hiring manager. Not doing this makes you look green at best and lazy at worst.

What to do instead:

Take the time to read up on the company and reread the job description. Scope out where the building is located so you don’t get lost on the day of the interview. Figure out where you need to park, if you need to park and walk a few blocks, etc. Get your interview clothes pressed and laid out the day before. Practice answering interview questions and create a list of three to five questions to ask. Answer every question you are asked but be succinct and positive. Do not waste time complaining about your previous employer or other life circumstances. If you do find yourself rambling, don’t stress about it, but do take a breath, think about exactly what you want to convey, and then answer the question. The bottom line? Preparation is the difference between a great interview and feeling flustered and frustrated.

Not responding within one business day

Hiring managers know that it takes time to set up interviews, submit paperwork, and complete screenings, and you might not be able to respond to email or voicemail immediately, especially if you’re currently employed. But taking too much time to answer makes it look like you’re not interested in the job.

What to do instead:

Try to respond within 24 hours to any communication. Even if it is just to say “Thank you for your message! I’ll be back in touch by a specific date.”

Thinking that a rejection is the end

This door may be closed, but that doesn’t mean every door will be closed there forever. Maintaining good relations with a company’s talent-acquisition team can keep you on the shortlist for future opportunities, both with this company and others that the hiring manager or talent-acquisition team may work for.

Employers pay attention to how you handle the rejection. It’s OK to be disappointed and to express that, but venting your frustrations to the interviewer won’t make them rethink their decision to not hire you and will likely reinforce it.

What to do instead:

Say, “I’m disappointed I didn’t get the job, but I appreciate the opportunity. Thank you for your time. Please keep me in mind if another position opens in the future.” No swearing, name-calling, door-slamming, or threats. Even better: Follow up that statement with a nice thank-you note after the interview. Stay hopeful and positive and keep an eye out for other potential openings. If you’ve written a nice thank-you note/email, the hiring manager may even stay in contact with you.

Source: I’ve Been a Hiring Manager for 12 Years—Here’s Why You’re Not Getting Hired. Story by Dave Johnson as told to Charlotte Hilton Andersen