There is little more demoralising than pouring over job applications, to find that your CV seems to go into an abyss. You may even feel like throwing in the towel altogether and giving up on your job search. If you are applying for roles you seem qualified for but are not securing an interview, there must be a reason behind it. These are some potential reasons you are not getting an interview, and some advice to rectify it.
Poor CV
Unless you have completed an application form (which is uncommon), you will be expected to supply a CV when applying for a job. It is important to remember that your CV is your ‘shop window’, it is the one item that determines whether you get invited to an interview. Therefore, you must get it right; It is worth investing in a strong CV. Your CV should reflect on your experience and be tailored to the role you are applying for. It should also contain relevant keywords in case the employer uses an ATS. An aesthetically pleasing CV is also crucial. If in doubt, get your CV done professionally or ask a friend, family member, or a recruitment consultant to critique it.
Lack of Skills
Although you may tick some of the boxes in a job description, some employers want you to tick all of them. If you feel you are falling short on some skills, it is worth investing your time in a training course, or even some charity work to help you improve while you search for paid employment.
Social Media
Many employers check an applicant’s social media before they determine whether to invite them for an interview. If there is anything that may put an employer off, delete it from your account or change your settings to private.
High Volume
In the UK, there were 916,000 vacancies, according to statistics from the Office for National Statistics, and recruiters can easily receive up to 400 CVs per day, for one vacancy. Therefore, your inability to secure an interview could be related to the number of applications received for the roles you are applying for. For instance, if you are applying for an administration or call centre role, there will be a much higher volume of applications than if you applied for a research scientist role. It is important to note down your applications and follow up on each of these. Not only will it keep you on the recruiter’s radar, but it will also reaffirm your interest.
Dedicated Recruiter
If you haven’t already, it is worth reaching out to a dedicated recruiter who can advise you on your CV and reach out to their contacts on your behalf. You may be more likely to secure an interview than by applying online for a job.
At Morgan Spencer, we can help you get to the interview stage through our contacts and expertise. To find out more, contact us and one of our dedicated recruitment consultants will be happy to help.