I’m sending lots of résumés, but getting no interviews

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June 1, 2011

I’m sending lots of résumés, but getting no interviews

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Q: I have been looking for a new job in human resources/employee benefits for the past five months. I’ve been with the same company in the same position for almost four years, working exclusively with pension and health and welfare benefits. I seem to land in positions where it’s difficult to move up or into a different department. I’ve been trying to stick to those that require less experience, hoping that my more concentrated experience (I recently completed my Certified Employee Benefits Specialist designation) would make up for my lack of experience in other HR facets. However, I have yet to receive an interview request. What else can I do to make sure my résumé isn’t being tossed in the “no” pile?
--A.B., Seattle

Kristen says: It sounds as if you have been trying to take a structured approach to your career. If you are getting absolutely no response, that leads me to believe that your résumé is the issue.

Your résumé needs to be targeted to each job you are applying for. Make sure you are using a reverse chronological format; that you are giving detailed summaries of your experience and accomplishments; and that you are using keywords effectively and contextually, and not just using trite, vague wording such as “great communicator” and “excellent organizational skills.”

If you are being contacted for phone screens but not interviews, I’d recommend practicing your phone-interviewing techniques. Contact your local WorkSource office to set up an appointment. To follow up on applications, use LinkedIn to research recruiters and hiring managers at the company, or call the main number and ask to speak to a recruiter about the position.

Use the Society for Human Resource Management and LinkedIn forums to connect with other HR professionals and to establish yourself as a subject-matter expert. Finally, join WARecruit (Washington State Recruiters), the local portal for HR jobs and discussions.