Why Am I Not Getting Responses To Resumes I Sent Out?

The number one complaint I hear from individuals looking for a job is that hiring managers are not contacting them back after they send their resumes. Some job seekers are sending out 50 resumes a day and still not getting any response. Below is a list of reasons why they may not be responding to your resume and a few ideas of things you can do to overcome this.

1) You may not be qualified: This may be the most obvious answer. Hiring managers do not have time to respond to every applicant that applies to their openings. If you are not a viable candidate it is unlikely they will ever respond. Make sure the positions you apply for are ones that you have the skill set to do. For example, if the position requires a college degree and five years management experience, don't expect to hear back from them if you don't have a college degree and 3 years of management experience.

2) You are not sending a a cover letter: In today's environment, you need to speak to the person you are sending your resume to. A resume is not as effective as a cover letter is in doing this. Cover letters are a way for you to explain why your skill set and personality will fit the open position and company culture. Cover letters should be tailored to the specific position and company you are applying to. This is a great way to differentiate yourself from the competition.

3) Your resume may not be as strong as you think: Writing a resume is a skill. If it is not something that you do often, it is likely there are components that need to be reviewed and altered. If you still have an "objective statement" on your resume, you may want to speak with a resume writer. The sole purpose of a resume is to get an interview, so making sure your resume presents well is extremely important. If you have any questions about your resume, please contact me at hansonresumes@gmail.com

4) The hiring manager may not have time to look at your resume: Hiring managers receive hundreds of resumes for every open position they have. In some cases, it is impossible for them to review all the resumes they receive. They best time to send your resume to the hiring is in between 7:30AM and 8:30AM or 4:30PM and 5:30PM. Hiring managers tend to be responding to emails during these times. It is more likely they will see your resume when they are on their email.

Being aware of why you are not getting responses to your resume can certainly help you in the long run. Changing your strategy now can pay off in more interviews!

Kenny Hanson is the owner of Hanson Consulting. He specializes in working with individuals who are looking for new employment opportunities. His main focus is writing cover letters, professional resumes and working with individuals on interview techniques. Kenny has worked in Recruiting and Human Resources for over a decade. He has worked with hundreds of different companies and has helped thousands of individuals locate employment. In addition, Kenny has been designated a Certified Staffing Professional by the American Staffing Association. He can be reached via email at hansonresumes@gmail.com