Does this sound like you? You’ve been putting in job applications for many jobs. You have lots of skills, the right education and a great track record of employment.

It’s been awhile since you had to look for a job and you can’t quite figure out why companies are not calling you in for interviews. Can’t they see how good you are?

Well, perhaps they can’t see how great you are and where’s why.

istock_000006916716xsmallYour Resume or Job Application is Buried

They are receiving hundreds of resumes from potential candidates for the position. Unless you were lucky to hit the top 25% of the deck, your resume or application is in the dead zone.

Once a company or recruiter has gotten their top 3-4 candidates they stop looking – even though you may be better qualified. Only those people will go on to the interview stage. The company doesn’t always select the best qualified of all resumes and job applications they receive, they select the best qualified on their short list of candidates. That is a big difference.

You Are Not Playing the Technology Game Well

Because of the mounds of resumes being received on a daily basis, recruiters and companies use technology to manage the process. That means you fill out your application online and sometime can attach a cover letter or resume (if you can – always do this!).

When someone goes into the database to search candidates for a position, they use key words to sort through all the applications. If your application does not contain the key words that are important for the job you are applying to, then your resume will not be found.

Your Networking Stinks

It doesn’t matter if you are an extrovert or introvert – find a way to get over your fear or dislike of meeting people. The more people you meet and share your story of what you are looking for in a job, the more people you have working on your behalf to send possible open positions your way.

Networking is something you have to work at every day. Focus on developing relationships where you can help one another. People respond much better to a two-way street relationship. If you want tips on how to develop your networking, go here.

Another reason to network – you may meet a hiring manager or someone who knows the hiring manager on the spot. Having a direct connection to the hiring manager will dramatically increase your chances for an interview.

You Don’t Follow Up

No one likes to be a pest. However, let’s define what a pest is and what it is not.

A pest is someone who calls incessantly – three or four times a day or every day for three weeks straight.

If you are following up in this way – you are not pest:

  • Checking in by email or phone the following day to make sure your resume or application is on file.
  • Following up once a week after submitting your resume or job application to check status and to express your continued interest.

People get called into interviews because they were in the right place at the right time. Sometimes a phone call reminds someone who you are and what job you want to be considered for and they have that job right in front of them to be filled. It’s all about timing.

Create a schedule for each position that you apply to and keep to it even though it may not seem to be working. When you are top of mind. it shows them you  are serious about working for them.

Perhaps it’s time to reassess how well you are doing on these four stumbles to getting that coveted interview. You will increase your odds significantly by making changes on how you go about connecting and communicating with potential employers.