Applying for jobs and not getting calls back is frustrating. Investing significant time and not seeing results impacts your ability to secure a role.
Understanding what you might be doing wrong and making improvements increases the likelihood of being contacted for interviews. The following tips can help.
You Rely Too Much on Job Boards
Complete reliance on large job sites such as LinkedIn, Indeed, and Monster impacts your ability to stand out. The substantial number of applications increases the difficulty of being noticed and called for interviews. Instead, consider using job boards for 20% of your search efforts and focusing the other 80% on networking to secure interviews and applying on company websites.
Your Resume Is Not Tailored to the Role
Sending the same resume to multiple companies is less effective than submitting fewer resumes customized to the role. Clarifying how your education, skills, and experience fit the job description and including relevant keywords from the job posting shows how you can add organizational value. These factors encourage hiring managers to call you for interviews.
Your Resume Includes an Objective
Including an objective in your resume does not follow current standards and expectations. The hiring manager knows your objective is securing an interview and the role. They want to see your Career Summary highlighting the relevant qualifications and accomplishments that make you the best candidate.
Your Resume Lists Responsibilities, Not Accomplishments
Hiring managers are not impressed by your previous job duties and responsibilities. They want to know your achievements and how they impacted the company.
Use bullet points and active verbs to list your accomplishments:
- Led a team of six to maintain quality control for a manufacturing firm
- Grew a distribution company’s social media following from 800,000 to 3.2 million in 10 months
You Have a Significant Employment Gap
A large employment gap suggests you might not have the skills and experience required for a role. Because additional training requirements increase hiring costs, managers might pass you over for interviews.
You can address a significant gap by listing your employment in years rather than months. Or, write a cover letter explaining why you left your previous job and what you did while away from the workforce.
For instance, you might have raised a family, cared for an aging parent, or worked temporary jobs. Show how these activities can benefit your next employer.
Work With a Manufacturing Recruiter Near You
Connectology gives you a competitive advantage with interview coaching and resume support. Visit our job board to apply for a role today.
