The Reason You Apply to Jobs and Don’t Get Interviews

Have you ever applied to a job you know is a fit but have yet to hear back from the company to set an interview?  Job seekers are left in the dark and begin thinking they don't measure up. The reasons this happens are numerous; some you can control and others you have no chance.   However, if you understand what is really happening in the job application process, you may be able to increase your odds of getting the interview. Remember, resumes and applications don't get jobs, they get interviews! 

Here are the reasons you are not getting the interview: 

1. Your resume needs to be optimized.  In 2024, most jobs are skill-based, requiring five or six must-have skills to get the job. If you have those desired skills, they must be front and center on your resume.   Resumes are not a history lesson anymore.  Employers don't want to read about all your skills and career stops.  They care about one thing only.  Do you have the skills needed for the job description to be considered? Your resume must be a highlight reel of the skills needed to get each job you want. You most likely have many skills and will be tempted to list them all on your resume. To get noticed, knock this down to just the skills you need and make them stand out. 

2. It's a numbers game. If 200 people apply for the same job, it's challenging to determine who the employer (or robot) invites to the interview. Many times, the employer sets five or six interviews and only sets more if those don't result in a hire. 

3. One of the reasons you might not be getting interviews is that you need to do more research.  Employers complain that 90% of the applications they receive are not qualified.  This is true. If you quickly apply to jobs with the same resume as jobs you think you could do, you are wasting your time.  It's scary to believe that there are now artificial intelligence (AI) tools out there that can apply to 500 jobs while you are sleeping. Instead, take a targeted approach and apply to the job for which you have the best chance of getting an interview, and make sure your resume is optimized.  

4. You are applying for multiple roles at the same company. In the applicant tracking system, employers can see all your applications.  Apply for the job, you have the best chance of getting an interview, and ensure your resume is optimized. 

5. Another reason you might not get interviews is because you need to follow up after applying.  Once you apply for a job, you will get an automated receipt acknowledging your application. Sometimes, this will have a contact email or number to call for some follow-up. You can also use a site like LinkedIn to connect with the talent acquisition manager (easy to find) at the company and let them know you have applied and are interested in the position. This follow-up can demonstrate your interest and initiative in potential employers. 

6. Don’t forget the cover letter.  Do not skip this step if the application process allows you to do a cover letter.  The excellent cover is also keyword-optimized with the exact title of the position you are applying to and a rapid list of the skills you need to get this job.  Do not rewrite your resume in the cover letter—three to four sentences.  

I wish it were easy to get the interview, but so many factors come into play. If there is one thing you must do to increase your odds, it is to customize and optimize your resume and cover letter for each job you apply to. If your main "keywords" don't align with those required in the job description, find jobs that do.