When you’re looking for a new job – whether it’s because you’re unemployed or looking for a career change – one of the most frustrating part is when you can’t seem to get an interview. You send out a ton of applications, submitting your resume all over the place, only to hear nothing back. This lack of interest is frustrating, and in turn, you become discouraged with the job search. Rather than giving up, there are a few things that might need fixing within your job applications. Try fixing these 6 six things first, and see if the number of interviews you receive goes up.

Your Network and Connections

There’s an old saying that it’s more important who you know than what you know. This is often true when searching for a job. If you have a personal connection to a place, you are more likely to receive an interview than if you just send in a resume. This is why therefore, networking is important – you need to build up as many quality connections as you can. This way, when someone you know mentions a job opening, you have a connection in place to apply. Try attending networking events, or reconnecting with old colleagues, to see if you can form any beneficial connections. Many organizations nowadays, especially startup companies, prefer to hire people who are being referred by individuals that they trust. 

Your Skills Are Out Of Date

The world changes rapidly, and if you don’t make an effort try to keep up, you’ll find that your skills are no longer in demand. The reason you are not getting an interview could be because the skills you list on your resume are no longer needed. To remedy this, you’ll want to put extra effort into picking up new skills, or improving your old ones. Attend a class at a local college, or take some online courses. The more skills you acquire, and the better you get at them, the more likely it is you’ll receive a call for an interview.

You Aren’t Picking the Right Jobs

Maybe the problem is that you are applying for the wrong jobs. Have you looked at the job requirements, and ensured that you are a good fit for the company? In many cases, resumes go through a computer screening before anyone looks at them, and if you don’t have the necessary qualifications, you are weeded out. If a job is looking for a specific requirement, and you have it, make sure it’s on your resume. If you don’t have it, this could be the reason you’re not getting any phone calls about the job. When applying to jobs, focus on quality rather than quantity.

Fix Up Your Resume

Whether your resume is being looked at by a person or a computer, you want it to be the best. Your resume is essential, as it forms a large basis of a company’s first impression of you. Before you send out a resume, be sure that it is up to date, and highlights all of all your best qualities, skills, and experiences. A good resume is often the difference between getting an interview, and hearing nothing.

Improve Your Cover Letter

Along with a resume, many companies would like you to include a cover letter. A cover letter is your chance to introduce yourself, and to expand upon the details within your resume. Just like your resume, a cover letter plays a large role in determining how a company first sees you. Many people focus on their resumes, without giving much thought to their cover letter, but this is a mistake. If you’re unsure of how to craft a good cover letter, here is a cover letter template to get you started.

Include The Right Items In Your Portfolio

Finally, in some cases, you need to include your portfolio along with your resume and cover letter. While the resume and cover letter describe the work you’ve done, a portfolio allows you to show it. Inside your portfolio, you need to not only include your best work, but the work most relevant to the job you’re applying. By showing a business direct proof of your abilities, you improve the chances of getting that interview.

Stay Persistent Until You Land The Interview

It’s discouraging when you submit multiple applications, only to hear nothing back. But with so many people applying for the same jobs, it’s important that you remain persistent. Go over each of the items above, and see if there are ways that you can improve how you are applying. Each little thing you do improves your odds at of success, and hopefully, before long, you’ll have more calls asking you to come in for an interview than you know what to do with.

By Kar

Dr. Kar works in the interface of digital transformation and data science. Professionally a professor in one of the top B-Schools of Asia and an alumni of XLRI, he has extensive experience in teaching, training, consultancy and research in reputed institutes. He is a regular contributor of Business Fundas and a frequent author in research platforms. He is widely cited as a researcher. Note: The articles authored in this blog are his personal views and does not reflect that of his affiliations.