Why Won't Employers Call Me?

Looking for a new job - especially in today's abysmal job market - can be a daunting task. These days, many people send out resumes every single day with nary a reply from a single employer. If you're running into this problem, you've got to be wondering what's going on. After all, you've updated your resume and the law of averages says that you've got to strike gold eventually - right?

The fact is, there are many things you might be doing that are making your resume slip through the cracks. There's a very real chance that employers aren't calling you because you're inadvertently making some major league mistakes when sending your resume out into the world. Looking for a job is a job; you've got to be willing to continuously tweak your resume and your strategy if you ever hope of getting anywhere. So, what are some of the most common reasons that employers won't call someone? Take a look below and see if any of these issues applies to you - then work on correcting the problem right away.

The Employer Is Buried In Resumes

These days, the most thing that's working against you and lowering your chances of success in looking for a new job is the sheer volume of resumes that most employers are receiving. It's not unusual at all for employers to receive hundreds upon hundreds of resumes and applications. In fact, many employers post a job and have a massive pile of resumes to go through within a single day. The Internet may have made sending resumes and applying for jobs easier than ever, but it's also increased the likelihood that an employer will be bombarded.

If you suspect that your resume is being discarded without even being looked at, there's a very good chance that it is. Employers and human resources departments just don't have the kind of time - or the resources - to sift through hundreds and hundreds of resumes. Many implement a cut-throat weeding out process - for example, they might toss out all resumes that don't include an objective. On the flip side, another employer might pitch all resumes that do include an objective. Is there anything that you can do about it? No. All you can do is submit the best resume possible.

Your Resume Misses The Point

In your desperation to find a job - any job - it's quite likely that you're making complete stabs in the dark when hunting for employment. In that case, you're probably submitting your resume to jobs that you're really not even qualified for - or that you're over-qualified for. Either way, you're getting ruled out right away and you're not getting that call. Be realistic when applying for jobs; if you're not qualified - or are utterly over-qualified - pass it up.

Your Resume Is Poorly Written

If you're using a resume that was designed and formatted more than six months ago, it shows. You've got to stay abreast of current trends in resume design if you want to stand out from the crowd. Also, typos on a resume are the kiss of death - and simply running your PC's spell check function really isn't good enough. You need to proofread it the old-fashioned way, and have at least two other people do that for you as well. Otherwise, you might be sending out an error-riddled resume to prospective employers - and they're tossing it right into the circular file.

You Aren't Following Directions

As inundated as many employers are these days, many are posting very specific instructions within their job listings. They do this partly to see how well people follow directions - and partly to narrow things down more easily. If the posting requests a cover letter, then you better include one. If it explicitly states not to email them your resume or call them - don't. Sure, you'll get their attention by disobeying their instructions, but you'll also find yourself ruled out immediately.

Your Resume Is Too Generic

The best rule of thumb when applying for any job is to tweak your resume so that it applies to the job you want. If your resume is really generic, that shows. Employers can tell if you're just mass emailing your resume to hundreds of prospective employers. It makes it look like you don't really care about getting the job, so you should always give your resume a twist - i.e., by changing the objective or emphasizing relevant skills - to help make it pertinent to the job in question. Your cover letter also matters - make sure that it is customized to reflect the job that you want, and never use form letters for this purpose.