Why You Aren’t Hearing Back From Your Job Applications – 5 Great Tips

Looking for a job is a job. Despite the plethora of job board websites and seemingly endless opportunities splattered online, standing out to potential employers is harder than ever. In fact, the labor force rate is still significantly lower than it was before the pandemic. So, while you’re applying to multiple jobs a day, nothing is coming to fruition. Why you are not hearing back from your job applications could be a multitude of reasons.

Look, it’s nearly impossible to say exactly why you’re not getting hired. Sometimes there’s more than one reason. It is unquantifiable. But, here are five reasons that you might not be getting that callback, and how to fix them.

1. You’re Not Hearing Back From Your Job Applications Because You’re Not Qualified

Firstly, take a deep breath. You’re not going to want to hear this, but you have to. Didn’t expect some tough love today, huh?

It’s entirely possible that you are not qualified for the jobs you are applying to. It’s as simple as that.

Ultimately, seeing a dream job come across your Indeed is a wonderful thing. Applying and wandering off into a fantasy land of making excess money and running a company is a fun exercise, but try to stay down here, down on earth. Having goals and aspirations is crucial, don’t forget that. You need to have an end goal to succeed, but try to be realistic about the steps ahead. Baby steps, baby.

Remember that you’re not the only one applying for a job. What makes you stand out? Do you have enough experience in the field to get a job as a senior engineer? Be honest with yourself. This doesn’t mean you should only apply to jobs you’re overqualified for; feel free to take your chances, but remember that you have to climb the ladder. You have to start small. Those dreams will come if you keep pushing.

Solution:

Job descriptions are usually detailed. Therefore, keep a keen eye on the requirements. As previously stated, feel free to take your chances with higher jobs, but keep your expectations tempered. It’s not a knock on you to start small; we all have to. If a job requires three to five years of experience and you have one, don’t get your hopes up.

2. You Are Not Hearing Back From Your Job Applications, Yet

First of all, relax. Second of all, relax.

You may not be hearing back from your job application because the hiring manager has yet to get to it. This has nothing to do with your strength as a candidate or the proficiency of your resume. Sometimes it just takes time.

Furthermore, not all jobs have a hiring manager. Maybe the application process goes through someone that is busy. Maybe hiring for the job isn’t a top priority right now. Also, sometimes applications have to go through multiple screenings or opinions before a decision is made. It can take time. Not every job is hiring urgently.

Employers are allowed to take their time to find the right candidate. Nothing is worse than hiring a toxic employee out of necessity.

Whether a direct-hire company or a temp agency, be patient.

Solution:

Overall, give the employer or recruiter some time. You should not fret yet. If you haven’t heard from them within a week of applying, feel free to send an email letting them know that you are excited about the opportunity. It’s okay to ask where they are in the hiring process.

Don’t get hung up if you don’t hear back from your follow-up email. Keep applying. You may hear from them much later, but don’t hang your hat on it. What do they say about eggs in a basket?

3. Your Resume and Cover Letter Are Not Targeted

You are probably sending out hundreds of applications a day if searching for a job. Sometimes you may forget to change the company name in the cover letter or forget keywords in your resume. It is a mistake that will cost you. Imagine getting a cover letter as an employer that’s addressed to the wrong business. It is not a good look. Not being specific enough may be why you are not hearing back from your job applications.

Regardless if it is a lie, you want to make your cover letter and resume look like you’re only applying for that particular job. Companies want to feel like you’re invested and interested in their open position. Therefore, be specific in your cover letter (if you write one). State specifics about the job and why you are a good fit for their company.

Also, remember that companies receive countless applications. Including keywords in your resume can help bolster your application and garner attention. Look at the wording in the job description and try to match those skills on your resume. For example, if an application asks for experience in software A, B and C, include that you’re skilled in that software in the same order listed.

Solution:

Tailor your resume and cover letter to fit the exact job. Sure, it’s time consuming, but you won’t regret the work when you get the call for an interview. Show a company you’ve got the work ethic by making your application specific to them, especially if you truly desire the position.

4. Your Resume is Too Long

I know this may sound like a broken record; if a job posting is enticing, the company will receive hundreds of applications. Now, this leads to a bit of a vicious cycle. If there are more applicants, then you need to stand out. If you need to stand out, then you’re liable to drag your qualifications out in your application. This thought process makes sense, but it is counterintuitive.

All in all, an employer or hiring agency does not want to read a manuscript about you. Sure, you put in the effort by writing a three-page cover letter and resume, but ironically it’s hurting your chances. Doing too much can be detrimental to your application.

Solution:

Keep your resume and cover letter precise. Yes, try to incorporate keywords and specifics about the job, but be efficient. Ultimately, your resume and cover letter should be a page each. If they have to go beyond that, sure, but remember that being swift is key. Stand out in the least amount of words possible. The employer will be thankful that they do not have to read another book.

I mean, do you really need to have your pet sitting skills on your resume?

5. You Aren’t Hearing Back from Your Job Applications Because Your Social Media is Concerning

It is 2022, everyone has social media. Companies understand this concept as well. It is not hard to find a person online. Remember that an employer may search you out online to see what your social media accounts include.

If your Twitter is full of inappropriate takes and party pictures, you might not hear back from that application.

Now, this isn’t to say that every job or temp agency does this, but remember that it is possible. Companies do not want someone to represent them badly, especially if the job has online implementations. If you’re applying for a role as a social media manager, your Twitter should be squeaky clean.

Hey, live your life how you want to. We are not your parents. But, remember that your social media presence reflects you. It may reflect you to employers, too.

Also, your profile on LinkedIn is important. A lot of professionals use the site, including hiring managers and staffing recruiters. While it’s not crucial, you should have your LinkedIn up-to-date and professional. It’s more likely companies scan your LinkedIn instead of your Facebook, so make sure it is nice and clean.

Solution:

Be mindful of how you represent yourself online. It’s as simple as that. If you’re going for a job in which you represent a company, remember that they’re liable to check your online presence.

Use your best judgment. Those funny-but-mildly-offensive posts might be the breaking point between you and a great job. Is making your friends laugh that important? Maybe, but at least weigh it out. It may be why you aren’t hearing back from your job applications.

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