Job Search Struggles? Here's Why Your Search Has Stalled!
- bustarla
- 22 minutes ago
- 3 min read
In today’s job market, many industries are unfortunately experiencing slower hiring cycles. We are hearing from strong candidates that the timeline between applications and responses is long. While frustrating, try to keep pursuing promising opportunities. It may also be helpful to take a close look at where you are struggling in the job search process.
No Response to Your Job Applications?
First, pause to make sure you are applying to roles you are qualified for. Are you being realistic in your job search? Do your skills and experiences match the roles you are seeking? If your background doesn't line up, you likely won't get called for an interview.
If you do think the jobs that are passing you over are realistic, take a close look at your resume and your application process. Does your resume clearly show you are a qualified candidate?
Tailoring your resume to each opportunity can make a significant difference. We recommend reviewing job postings very closely and adjusting the top third of your resume -- the summary and skills sections -- to reflect the exact keywords, qualifications, and priorities the hiring employer is emphasizing. Even small tweaks can help you get past automated screening systems and stand out more quickly to hiring managers.
In a time crunch? Then just adjust your title and your skills section, ensuring they are as much of a match to the job posting as possible.
For example, if the job title is something you can honestly say you have experience with, make that your personal title on your resume to match. If the company has skills in the job posting that they are seeking, but you don't have them listed in your skills section, switch out something in your resume so you can add the skill the job is specifically looking for.
These are quick fixes, but keep in mind that if you find a job you really want to be considered for, it may be worthwhile to spend a bit more time tweaking your resume.
For example, consider modifying your executive summary to align it more closely with the job posting. If you notice the job posting has a qualification highlighted that you have experience with, it can be beneficial to make sure that it is included right at the top of your resume. Although this will require a bit more work, it may be worth the effort for roles that are of high interest to you.
Getting a First Interview but Not Progressing Further?
If you are getting called in for a first interview but not additional interviews, the culprit could be your resume or your interview skills.
Let's look at the resume first. If your resume is not an accurate reflection of your skills and experiences, that may become apparent in the interview, causing you to be poorly positioned for the role. You may be overselling yourself on your resume and then not backing it up in the interview, causing the hiring manager not to ask you for follow-up interviews.
Alternatively, your resume may be a strong and effective reflection of you, but your interview answers may be letting you down. You may need to practice your interview skills to strengthen how you express yourself and your qualifications during the interview.
In addition to evaluating you on your answers to interview questions, the hiring manager may be looking at your professionalism and soft skills. So, checking in to make sure you are putting your best foot forward at the interview is worthwhile.
We have written quite a few blogs on interview skills and practice. Here are 5 that might be worth reviewing if you are stuck at this stage of the job search:
Final Thoughts
Taking the time to figure out what is hindering your job search is worthwhile. You will be able to address the specific issue you are facing instead of continuing to try to move forward ineffectively.
Need help identifying the issue? Reach out to Revision Resume! We'd be happy to help! Email us at info@revisionresume.com today!
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