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Not Getting Interviews? Here's Why & What You Can Do About It

job board job hunting job search strategy resume Mar 28, 2021

"Why am I not getting interviews?" A google search question with over 523,000,000 results, searched every .86 seconds. WOW. While there could be many reasons why you aren't getting job interviews, below are the top 3 that I've noticed as reasons why you're receiving a low response rate and what you can do about it.

1. Your job search is too heavily dependent on job boards.

Job boards are great for seeing what's out there in the job market but as with everything else, they have their limits. Because they're not updated in real time, they often have a large amount of expired positions. Also, unless a company has a paid account with many of them, the recruiters don't actually receive notifications of candidates that have applied for their positions.

Limiting your job search to just job boards is like putting all of your eggs in one basket. Instead, utilize a multi-prong job search strategy that includes leveraging your network and social media.

If you're not sure how to develop an...

Why LinkedIn & Google Jobs Are Job Search Engines Every Job Hunter Should Use

job search strategy linkedin Jan 26, 2021

Your Cover Letter Should Answer These 3 Questions

resumes + cover letters Jan 26, 2021

Writing a compelling cover letter can tell your story in a powerful way and add important context not included on your résumé. It provides you the opportunity to illustrate your personality and show, not tell, why you'd be a great fit for the team. Because you don't want your cover letter to simply summarize your résumé, answer these three questions within the body of your cover letter to capture the reader's attention.

1. What Are You Good At?

Provide detail about your top 3 competencies that tells the reader the value you bring to the job in a different way than your résumé does. For example, if you're applying for a project manager job that requires being super detailed oriented and you created a color-coded project plan with tasks, and due dates for your latest pantry renovation, most hiring managers what to know that because they can clearly see the attention to detail you'll bring to the work.

Or maybe you have a natural ability to...

What is An Applicant Tracking System?

applicant tracking system ats job hunting job-hunting resumes + cover letters Oct 19, 2020

If you've ever applied for a job online, or used an online form to apply for a job, you more than likely used an applicant tracking system. Understanding what an applicant tracking system is, what it does, and how to find what system an employer uses, can help increase your chances of getting an invitation to interview.

WHAT IS AN APPLICANT TRACKING SYSTEM (ATS)?

An applicant tracking system is the software that recruiters use to organize the amount of résumés they receive for a particular job posting. You can work with the ATS by creating a keyword-rich, format friendly, and targeted résumé.

WHAT DOES AN APPLICANT TRACKING SYSTEM DO?

1. Ranks and Scores Résumés

Based off of the criteria that the recruiting is looking for from the job description, the ATS will gives résumés a score that will make it easier for recruiters to filter by low or high scores.

2. Searches for Matching Résumés

With the keyword...

How to Write a Basic Resume (in its simplest form)

job hunting resumes + cover letters Sep 14, 2020

Crafting a resume that passes both the applicant tracking system (ATS) and recruiter test doesn't have to be hard. With a few basic elements, you can create a resume that is straight to the point, makes it past the recruiting robots, and is impressive to the recruiter.

1. Contact Information

Your contact information should include your name, location, email address (a professional one), phone number, and link to your LinkedIn profile or portfolio.

2. Professional Headline + Summary

Your professional headline and summary should be filled with keyword rich text (words that people will search for and show up on search engines) that says exactly what you do, outlines your value add and the ways in which you can contribute to the company's success.

Your professional summary should provide the recruiter with a quick summary of what they can expect should they continue scanning your resume and what you can do for the organization. What are a few positive adjectives that describes...

A LinkedIn Trick That Will Help You Secure a Job Interview

job hunting linkedin optimization Aug 24, 2020

Are you following job search hashtags on LinkedIn? Many employers use LinkedIn to post jobs and will include various hashtags related to the position or the job search to make it easier for job seekers to find their positions. Following these hashtags will give you direct access to recruiters and hiring managers.

Watch this video to see how to use the hashtags #nowhiring and #coronavirushiring on LinkedIn and how it can help you secure your next job interview.

Here are a few other hashtags you can use to aid your search and connect with recruiters and hiring managers directly:

5 Common LinkedIn InMail Mistakes When Inquiring About a Job

job hunting linkedin optimization Aug 24, 2020

LinkedIn can be an awkward platform to navigate. Although it’s a social channel, it’s still a professional platform that is intended to help its users make connections, build relationships, and widen their network. There's a way to send cold emails, also known as Inmails, via LinkedIn that is professional and achieves your connection goals. Avoid these mistakes and you'll be off to a great start.

1. No purpose has been stated.

A common mistake when requesting connections or sending InMails is the failure to state the reason for the connection. Instead, the below intros are typical:

Hi
Good morning
Thanks for the connection.

When requesting a connection or sending an InMail, state your purpose. Tell them exactly what it is you want and why you wish to connect with them. If not, expect for your InMail to be ignored due to not providing a call to action.

2. Wrong audience when inquiring about a role.

Every HR professional is not a recruiter and...

5 Reasons Why You're Not Hearing Back From Employers After Applying For a Job Opening

job hunting job search strategy Aug 24, 2020

TL;DR: There are many reasons why you may not hear back from an employer after applying for a job opening. Sometimes it's them; not you. Other times, it's your job search strategy and collateral. Rejection happens. Radio silence is common. Don't get caught up in the emotion of it when you're not even sure you're the problem.

1. It's not the company's practice to reach out to candidates they're not interested in.

After submitting a job application, you're expecting a response. Whether it's a software generated response or a personalized email from a recruiter, the expectation is that you hear something. Unfortunately, every employer does not respond to every candidate because of the volume of applications they receive daily. For example, you may receive an email like this:

Thank you for your interest. We received your application and will be in touch if your qualifications match our needs for the role. Due to the volume of applications, we want to be respectful of your...

How to Stay Motivated During Your Job Search

job hunting Aug 24, 2020

After scouring the internet, reading articles like I usually do, I came across this job search question: How do you stay motivated and not get discouraged during your job search?

REALITY:

Your job search will have an impact on your emotional well-being. There are 6 emotional stages to job hunting that will consist of times when you're excited about landing something new, and times when you feel like giving up because you're not getting traction like you hoped for.

WHAT TO DO:

Whenever you're feeling down on your luck, acknowledge your feelings of disappointment and take a break. 1 day off from job hunting will not ruin your chances of landing a new role. You can also try these other techniques.

KEEP IN MIND:

You can be the best qualified candidate and still not be selected. It's okay.

You are good enough and talented enough.

If you didn't get the job, it wasn't yours to have.

The position with your name on it is still out there waiting for you.

Motivate yourself...

6 Emotional Stages of Job Hunting + How to Get Through Them

job-hunting Aug 24, 2020

Job hunting in and of itself is a full-time job. It's this roller coaster of up and downs that can have your emotions all over the place. It takes an immeasurable amount of commitment and brain power. In no way, shape, or form is it an easy task for even the most experienced and qualified individual. This huge undertaking can often creates stress, anxiety, and overwhelm over a period of time. If you've decided to enter the job market, here's how you can expect to feel throughout the process along with tips to help you keep going.

The average length of a job search is 5 months, with 82% of participants describing their search as a stressful experience. - Randstad

Stage 1: Motivation

The beginning stage of every job hunt starts with the motivation and determination to #GetHired. The euphoria of getting out there and finding something new and better has your wheels turning as you begin to come across exciting opportunities. You're sticking to your "apply for 10...

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