Did you really want that job and you thought you had done
everything you could to make yourself stand out…and then you never heard a
single thing about it? It happens and it
can be very discouraging.
There are several reasons why you might not have heard back
from that job that you really wanted.
One of the most common reasons is that your application was
not even looked at. Some jobs are so in
demand that companies get hundreds of applications – sometimes even thousands –
for a job. For most companies that’s a
very good thing as it gives them more choice. But it is also a bad thing
because there is no way that they can get through all those applications before
the job has to be filled. As a result,
some resumes might not be seen for months or even longer. Some might not be seen at all.
It is also quite possible that you simply were not qualified
for the job in question and there were others that were more qualified. Pull out the job description and give it
another look. You should have a good idea of whether or not you were really
qualified for the job. If you had only 2
years of experience and they asked for 3 years, there’s a pretty good chance
that someone with 3 years of experience
applied and had the skills needed for the job.
By the time you applied for the job, the recruiter or the
human resources department might have already found enough qualified
applicants. If they have, they might already be in the interview process and
may want to focus on those people rather than consider more.
How Can You Get Your Resume Seen?
1. Find a connection. Have you been building your
network? If you have you might have a
connection that can help you get your application to the right person. It might not be someone you are directly connected
with but thanks to social networks, you might be able to find out if someone
you know has a connection that is related to the company you want to work
for. If that is the case, ask for an
introduction. Reach out to that person
and briefly mention the job you applied for and why you think you’d be perfect
for it.
2. If you can’t find a connection, consider sending a “cold
email” to check on the current situation for that job. Mention the title of the job and the job
number if applicable. Simply asking
where you might stand in the application can help bring your resume to their
attention. Be specific in who you
contact. It should either be someone
that is in human resources or in the department that you want to work in.
3. If all else fails, take in a hard copy of your resume or
mail it. This might not help you figure
out where you stand but a physical resume on quality paper can help you stand
out in a world of digital resumes.
Present it professionally and include a great cover letter and it may be
enough to get the attention you did not get before.
