After applying for a job, more often than not it seems like it just went into a black hole and you never hear back from the employer. Although it could just be that they received so many resumes that they don’t have the manpower to respond to each resume individually, it could also be something about your resume that made them not give it more than a quick glance before discarding it. Here are 13 common reasons why your resume might have been rejected.
You’re not qualified
If you’re not qualified for a job, don’t apply for it. Too many candidates blast out their resumes to all kinds of jobs they’re not qualified for, hoping something will stick. Employers aren’t going to expect you to meet every single qualification they’re looking for, but if you’re currently working an entry-level job and apply for the Sr Project Management role; your application will swiftly land in the ‘no’ pile. Focus your time on creating the best possible version of your resume that you can, and seek out job opportunities you qualify for, and explain to the employer why your background and experience makes you a good fit for their organization.
Resume & cover letter not targeted to the employer
Companies are looking to hire people that will not only have the right qualifications but also fit into their corporate culture. Show the employer that you want to work there and why. These are a few things an employer will look for when they receive your resume and cover letter. If you send the exact same version to each employer, it will come across as generic, non-personal and that you aren’t specifically interested in working for them. It will take more time, but customizing your application to each job you apply for will pay off. Explain why specifically you want to work for that company and how your background and qualifications will be a great match.
Keywords
Unfortunately, many employers still sort through resumes by using keywords before an actual person ever even lays an eye on them. This makes it even more important, as stated above, to tailor your resume to the specific job or company your targeting. Research the company, read through the application carefully and use words found in the job description when you customize your resume. Although it’s impossible to guess which keywords will be used by the recruiter or hiring manager, this will increase the chance that your resume will be found.
“I like to learn and am a hard worker”
When asked why you’d be a good candidate for a job, stay clear of these kinds of cliché phrases. Although showing a willingness to learn, being a hard worker, and so on are noble attributes in general, it can backfire when it’s used on a resume to assure the employer that you can gain the skills you’re currently lacking. An employer will read into these kinds of statements that you don’t have the necessary skills to perform the job and that they’re going to have to spend time, money and resources to train you. Instead, highlight your education, professional certifications you have achieved, and specific examples of success in previous job roles that came from specific training you completed. For example: “As a result of IT security training I completed, I was able to reduce hacking attempts to our server by 30%”. This will tell the employer that you like to learn new skills when needed and that you have the ability to bring results.
You submitted your resume the wrong way
Although many employers try to simplify their application process, some applicants still submit their applications the wrong way. For example, if you emailed the employer when they asked for all documents to be submitted through their application system, they may not consider or even look at your resume.
Your resume is poorly formatted
When a hiring manager reviews your resume, you have on average 6 seconds to make a good impression. If the formatting makes it difficult to read with different fonts, multiple colors or even just disorganized in general, your resume will quickly land in the ‘no pile’. Make sure your resume is formatted in a way that’s easy to read and digest. There are many great templates online but ask someone for a second opinion before you use it.
Spelling & grammar errors
Before submitting your resume, make sure to proofread it and also have someone else proofread it for you. One of the things that will quickly turn off a hiring manager is a resume with spelling and grammatical errors.
Your salary requirements are too high
If you’re required to put down what you’re currently making, and not able to proceed with the application process without including that information, make sure you indicate in your application that you’re willing to accept a lower salary if you’re currently making significantly more. Ideally, avoid discussing your salary requirements until later on in the interview process.
Social images
Review all the profile images you use across your social media pages. Potential employers will go look you up and if they don’t like the way you present yourself on social media, it can put a quick end to your application.
Less is more
If you have an extensive work history, or work history that’s not relevant to the position you’re applying for, you’ll want to remove or minimize that content. You have limited space on your resume so make sure to make the information you include work for you and not against you. Including useless information will do more harm than good.
You didn’t follow directions
If the job description calls for certain documents or information to be included or not included, be sure to pay attention to that. Follow all directions and instructions carefully. Sometimes employers will specifically add an instruction to the process to determine if you’re able to follow directions and ignoring them will lead to the automatic rejection of your resume.
There’s false information on your application
It can be tempting to embellish or include incorrect information on your resume to help get your foot in the door. According to Forbes, a third of applicants do just that. If an employer discovers that you have included false information such as where you went to school, previous employers and job titles, false skills, and so on, your resume will immediately go in the ‘no pile’. If you’re found out to have falsified information on your application after starting a job it can lead to even more serious consequences. Keep your application as truthful as you can to the best of your knowledge.
Resume vs LinkedIn
In addition to reviewing your resume, if an employer likes it, they’ll likely also go check out your LinkedIn profile. Double-check to make sure what you have on LinkedIn matches what’s on your resume as it relates to companies you’ve worked for, employment dates, and titles. Even if you inadvertently described your work history with different terminology or got dates confused, it can still come across as you being dishonest or trying to hide something. Be thorough with your LinkedIn profile and make sure it’s complete and that there are no discrepancies compared to your resume.
No response doesn’t mean your resume was rejected
Just because you haven’t heard back doesn’t mean the employer isn’t interested in you. The hiring manager may still be reviewing resumes before scheduling interviews, the job opening is on hold, or other reasons not related to your resume specifically. If you feel like you’re a great fit for the position but haven’t heard back, be sure to follow back up to check on the status of the position and your resume. If you’re working with a recruiter, they’ll be able to give you more immediate feedback.
Work with iMPact
Find out about our currently available opportunities in Information Technology, Accounting/Finance, Engineering and Business Administration/Process. Visit our job board. Or, submit your resume here for general consideration to connect with one of our experienced recruiters in either our Grand Rapids, MI or Tampa, FL location.
