Have you been submitting resume after resume but not getting called in for an interview? Or, were you called for an interview but not offered the job? It is
common to feel rejection in either of these situations but Revision Resume suggests you shouldn't. The fact is, there are lots of reasons for your resume to be passed over, or for you to not receive the job offer even after a fabulous interview.
First, let's consider some reasons you have no control over:
Job openings sometimes are not filled. Just because it was posted, doesn't mean someone else was hired. It is possible the business found out they didn't need to fill that role or that the budget didn't end up being approved so they couldn't afford to fill it.
You might have been the best candidate but instead they hired the boss's relative. Just because you weren't picked doesn't mean you weren't the right one for the job.
They might have decided to hire someone from within the company. Often companies prefer to promote internally but may still post the job opening publicly. It is possible that you never really had a chance because they were planning on a company employee all along.
In all of the above cases, you didn't get an offer, but that doesn't mean you weren't the best candidate for the opening. Don't let the rejection decrease your value!
Now, let's look at some common mistakes many job seekers make that inadvertently result in them being passed over:
1. Social Media Red Flags.
You could have a flawless resume and cover letter, but in 2021 hiring managers may look beyond those items for more information. Make sure your Facebook and Twitter accounts do not include questionable material. Verify your LinkedIn account provides the same information your resume does.
2. Applicant Tracking System.
Some companies use an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to pre-sort resumes. If the ATS doesn't think you are a good match for the job, your resume may be cast aside before it is seen by a human. Make sure you create a resume specific to each job posting you are applying for. Include keywords from the job posting within your resume and cover letter. Here is a blog with additional information about the ATS that is helpful when creating your resume.
3. Resume Errors.
Hiring managers have told Revision Resume that they may automatically reject resumes with the following errors:
Missing employment dates.
Typos indicating that the resume was not properly proofread.
Formatting errors including outdated resume styles (such as including an objective statement).
Resumes that are longer than 3 pages.
Resumes that include a long list of skills but don't include the accomplishments the candidate had in previous roles.
Revision Resume has published numerous blogs that provide free tips on how to update your resume and avoid errors. If you are unsure if your resume is holding you back, contact Revision Resume for a resume critique.
4. Interviewing Issues.
Maybe the interview didn't go as well as you thought!
Did you research the company prior to the interview and come prepared with questions of your own?
Were you able to express why you would be the best candidate for the position?
Did you write a thank-you note (or even better a value proposition letter) and send it after the interview?
Were you ready for the classic interview questions that are often difficult to answer?
Did you dress appropriately and arrive on time?
If you answered no to any of the above, your interview may have not been as successful as you thought. Consider brushing up on your interview skills in preparation for any future opportunities.
Final Thoughts
Perhaps this rejection is really an opportunity to re-evaluate and move forward. Don't despair, but instead keep trying. And don't forget, Revision Resume is here to help! We offer resume writing and resume critiques. We also provide cover letters and value proposition letters.
Not sure what you need? Contact us and we can help you figure out the best service for your specific situation. We look forward to helping you get over the hurdle that has you discouraged!
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