Why You’re Not Hearing Back After Applying for a Job
One of the most frustrating aspects of any tech job search is dead air. You spend hours perfecting your resume, scouring opportunities and researching companies. Most people know they won’t hear back from every company they apply to, but if you’re regularly sending out resumes, you should get responses from at least some organizations. If you’re not hearing anything at all, you should take a hard look at your approach to identify and correct potential missteps.
Your Skills Are Mismatched
Missing one or two listed skills shouldn’t deter you from applying, but if you are consistently going after jobs that are above your skill level, you won’t get calls for interviews. And you may be considering a step backward, perhaps to get your foot in the door, but if you’re grossly overqualified, hiring managers may also pass you over.
Be realistic about your alignment for a role before applying. If you’re not qualified, move on to another job. If you are overqualified but making a strategic move, address it directly in your cover letter so hiring managers don’t write you off.
Your Resume is Not Optimized for ATS
Most organizations use applicant tracking software (ATS) to save them time in the screening process. These computer programs score resumes based on specific keyword matches. If you are not tailoring every resume to the specific posting, your documents are much more likely to be kicked out of the system.
Even if a company uses humans to screen resumes, their process is remarkably similar. Hiring teams don’t have the time to give every resume a close read, so they skim for specific terms. Resumes that don’t match up won’t be given a second look.
You’re Not Writing Cover Letters
Many candidates today make the mistake of failing to write a cover letter. It might not seem necessary, especially if the employer has a lengthy online application process, but you should always take the time to write a custom letter. Your cover letter gives you the chance to point out your most notable skills and achievements and explain things like a gap in employment, a missing skill, etc. You need every advantage you can get when applying for tech jobs, and a cover letter can often persuade a hiring manager to give you a shot at an interview.
You Are Conducting a Solo Search
Tech job searches can be frustrating endeavors and if you aren’t getting called for interviews, it only makes the process even more demoralizing. Working with a tech recruiter can alleviate a lot of the frustration associated with a job search and increase the chances you’ll find a great job that excites you.
If you are a skilled IT professional looking for tech jobs in Chicago, and your search has stalled, the recruiters at CultureFit are ready to help. Our team can match you with great opportunities at top organizations in the region. Contact us to accelerate your search.
