Have you ever taken time to reflect on why you are not getting interview invitations? If not, you are missing out.

You could be why you do not get invited for job interviews after numerous applications? And if you do get invited, you don’t get into the subsequent phases of interviews; hence you are not considered for the employment opportunity.

Could insufficient Curriculum Vitae (CV) information during preparation make it hard for the recruiters to notice your application? Could it be a noticeable gap in your soft skills and relational skills? Or do you just get anxious during interviews?

These persistent questions cross the mind of every job-seeking individual across all fields. These questions disturb these individuals. Regardless of whether you have extensive experience or not, whether you are extremely talented or not, provided you are looking for a new job opportunity, you must find a way of answering the above questions.

Here’s Why You Are Not Getting Interview Invitations And Best Fixes

We examine several reasons why you are not getting invitations after job applications. Let us dive in and make sure you get shortlisted in your next job application.

Mistake 1: Too Long CV with General Facts.

Most job seekers are victims of this mistake. Most people prefer to fancy themselves in their respective CVs with big titles and positions they held in previous jobs, the level of education they have attained, the number of companies they have worked for and the years they have been in the employment sector.

A long resume with general information does not get the recruiters’ attention. They will rush over it rather than keenly reading through it. Yes, these are facts about yourself and your career,  but it takes more than just general facts to be in contention for the vacant position in any organization.

Solution

Make a precise resume that is more skill-based rather than positional stories. Focus on what you can do. List the unique skills you possess as a professional. Recruiters are looking for individual abilities and evidence that the stated skills have been fruitful in the past.

Tell the recruiters about your achievements over your work period. This will cement your skill potentiality. Don’t forget to demonstrate how you have applied your skill set to overcome problems you experienced in your previous job.

Refrain from big words and bulky paragraphs. Have a well-organized resume with proper spacing and correct grammar. This makes your resume presentable and easy to read.

Mistake 2: Presence of Large Unemployment Gaps in Your Resume.

Significant employment gaps, especially at the top or close to the top of your resume, are a concern and could be a reason you are not getting interview invitations. Gaps in your employment history send out the impression that you are barely settled in your employment.

Solution

Listing your employment history in years instead of months can be helpful by making the time appear shorter. This eliminates shorter unemployment gaps that existed beyond a few months.

You can also attach a cover letter explaining the presence of the gap, the reason why you quit your previous job, and how the problem has been addressed. For instance, let us say you had to relocate due to family reasons, but now you are well settled.

To avoid giving reasons, there are many online courses and freelance consultancy jobs that you can enroll in to fill the huge gaps. Irrespective of your preference, just ensure you eliminate the gaps and start getting interview invitations.

Mistake 3: Failure to Customize Your Application to The Specific Role You Are Applying For

Every job application requires a customized resume. Those who apply for numerous jobs find this very tiresome and time-consuming. However, you have to tailor your resume and cover letter to fit each role you apply for.

Solution

Be selective in the kind of jobs you apply for. Only apply for the opportunities you have a genuine interest in. This will enable you to focus your time and energy on just a couple of options you are passionate about and provide answers as to why you are not getting interview invitations.

You can also utilize the summary section at the top to insert some points tailored to the specific job you are applying for. Potential employers will view you as a serious applicant who has a genuine interest in the opportunity.

Use of an “objective” section of the resume instead of a “career summary”.

Using an “objectives” section rather than a “career summary” shows the recruiters that you are not up to date with the changes in the job application sector. This forms an impression to the recruiter that you have not updated your resume at all. Refrain from it to secure your chance to be recalled for a subsequent interview.

Solution

To curb this problem, always ensure you use a “career summary” rather than an “objectives section” in your resume. Major on a detailed summary that highlights some of your notable career achievements. Enlist your skills and talents in detail.

Sharing and Revealing Too Much.

Many applicants get carried in the moment and reveal too much information. This information is not necessary to the interview process. This runs the risk of you revealing too much information that may not work to your favor.

However, personal matters may sometimes arise regarding the reason for quitting your last job. You must select your words carefully to satisfactorily answer the question and remain professional, without disclosing unnecessary information

Solution

Prepare your talking points if you anticipate that personal questions might arise. Do not be defensive and ensure you avoid over-explanations. Keep it brief and general. Over explanation may be the reason why you are not getting interview invitations.

Ensure that you are prepared and entirely focused on your next assignment regardless of what happened in your past. Avoid negative responses about your previous position and employees. Negativity will drive the recruiters away from your positive qualities.

Adoption of A Functional Resume Instead of a Chronological Format.

Are you using the functional format in your resume? Well, it might be one of the reasons you are getting interview invitations. This format partitions your work history into task categories instead of job or date.

Most recruiters prefer to see the time and place of each of the tasks mentioned in the employment history. Do not let a resume format be the reason why you are not getting interview invitations.

Solution

Change your resume into a chronological format. Many potential employers are familiar with this format. Hence you stand a chance of being invited for an interview.

Wrap up

While there is a need for high professionalism in job applications, don’t forget the humane part. The interviewer is human, just like you. Know when to talk, what to say, and how much to disclose when you get your next interview invitation.

Insensitivity to the emotional aspect of recruiters may be why you are not getting interview invitations. However, by making the adjustments discussed in this article, you are sure of getting a call for interview invitations.