Nobody likes to receive that rejection email, especially when it happens several times. You think you’ve submitted a job-winning application or did very well in that interview only to be overlooked. We know how disheartening and demoralising this can be. This is why in this article, we’ll uncover the common mistakes that might be holding you back and show you how to overcome them to finally land that dream job.
1. Your Resume Isn’t Tailored To The Specific Role
In modern times, recruiters have moved away from reviewing generic CVs. While sending out generic resumes and cover letters to several companies may seem productive, it often leads to your application being lost in a sea of candidates.
Solution: You must tailor your resume according to the role you’re applying for. Take out all irrelevant information and highlight your skills and experiences that are likely to be important for that role. Address the company’s needs and demonstrate how you can add value to their team.
2. You Had An Average Interview
You may get that rejection letter after going through the interview stage. It is easy to wonder why, if you believe that you had a great interview. You might be wrong, and your interview could be average to the rest of the recruitment team. You might have made tiny mistakes such as forgetting to speak politely, arriving late, looking scruffy, or not answering questions the right way.
Solution: Preparation is key to acing your interviews. Research the company, its culture, and the role you’re applying for. Practise common interview questions and rehearse your responses, focusing on showcasing your relevant skills and experiences.
3. Your Resume Didn’t Make It Past The Applicant Tracking System (ATS)
The Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is a software that many large companies use to sort through resumes. If your resume isn’t ATS-friendly, it might not even reach a human reader. These tracking systems are programmed to scan your resume for specific keywords determined by the recruiter or hiring manager. This is why your application can automatically get rejected if you don’t use relevant keywords.
Solution: You must carefully go through the job description and note all keywords. Integrate these relevant keywords into your resume, preferably within the experience or skills section. However, avoid stuffing random keywords merely to cater to ATS; instead, incorporate them in a meaningful and authentic manner.
4. Poorly Structured Resume
Recruiters frequently express frustration over cluttered resumes from candidates. What makes a resume messy? Poor organisation, scattered sections, grammatical errors, and disjointed sentences. Remember, recruiters form quick impressions, so if your resume lacks clarity, it might get rejected in seconds.
Solution: You must keep your resume tidy and stick to 1-2 pages. Whether you’re applying for an entry-level role or making a career change, opt for a clear layout. Remember, simplicity is key. Use bullet points to organise your experience for easy reading.
Works Cited
Indeed. “12 common reasons for receiving a job application rejection.” Indeed, 24 January 2023, https://uk.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/job-application-rejection. Accessed 1 May 2024.
Jain, Sandeep. “Top 7 Reasons Why Resumes Get Rejected.” GeeksforGeeks, 15 December 2022, https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/reasons-why-resumes-get-rejected/. Accessed 1 May 2024.
University of Hawaii at Manoa. “Mānoa Career Center | Common Reasons Behind Job Application Rejection.” University of Hawaii at Manoa, https://manoa.hawaii.edu/careercenter/common-reasons-behind-job-application-rejection/. Accessed 1 May 2024.