Searching for a job is a stressful and challenging process. Add to that a non-responsive recruiter and the whole thing becomes doubly frustrating. But have you ever stopped to think about why recruiters stopped responding to you?
Read on to find out the 5 reasons why recruiters might be ghosting you, and what you can do to avoid that.
1. Poorly verbal/ writing skills
Missing information, typos, poor formatting, grammar or spelling mistakes – any of these can decrease your chances of landing the job. Also, if you’re unable to communicate your thoughts clearly and effectively in an interview, recruiters might assume that you’re not a good fit for the job.
What you can do:
Make sure you proofread all of your application material to increase your chances of getting the opportunity. Also, make your cover letter and resume easy to read – don’t use too many fonts and colors. Recruiters are looking for candidates who can communicate effectively, so work on your communication skills as much as you can.
2. Failure to tailor your resume
Recruiters go through hundreds of applications in a day, spending an average of six seconds on one resume. This means a good first impression is not just important, it’s crucial. A generic resume that doesn’t align with the position, or not highlighting the skills that are essential to the job are some ways your resume could land in the wrong pile.
What you can do:
Research, research, research. Find out what the relevant keywords are, and try connecting with current or ex-employees of the company to understand what the recruiters are looking for. Tailor your resume to match the job profile by highlighting relevant skills and experience.
3. Lack of relevant experience
Needless to say, it’s essential to have the relevant experience, skills and qualifications required for the role you’re applying for. Typically, each of these prerequisites is clearly stated in the job description. If you don’t meet the minimum qualifications, there’s a good chance that recruiters may not even respond to your application.
What you can do:
Make sure you carefully read the job description before applying to avoid wasting your time. Research the job requirements and only apply for the roles that align with your skills, experience and qualifications.
4. Lack of follow-up
Another common mistake made by job seekers is not following up after submitting an application. With over hundreds of applications to review in a day, recruiters often are too busy and might overlook yours.
What you can do:
Keep your application at the top of the recruiter’s mind by sending a polite follow-up email or making a phone call. If you don’t hear back from a recruiter, follow up after a week. Be careful not to bombard them with constant emails and calls. It’s crucial to find a balance and be patient while waiting for a response.
5. Poor online presence
Recruiters today are likely to check your online presence before inviting you for an interview. Extreme political posts, indecent pictures, unrefined language, scathing comments about previous companies/ bosses and other such forms of negative content can be a deal-breaker, and recruiters may not respond to your application if they find such information about you.
What you can do:
Do a thorough sweep of your social media profiles to review what kind of content is visible on all of them. Ensure that your profiles are professional and free of any controversial content. Highlighting your interests and skills through your social profiles is also a good way to positively communicate your personality.
Conclusion
Apart from the above, if you seem disinterested or unenthusiastic during your interview, recruiters might not see you as a good fit for the organization. It’s also important to make sure you’re never applying to too many positions within the same company – this can portray you as a person who is simply trying to get their hands on any and every job that comes their way.
And that’s it! Now you know the reasons, and what you can do to swerve your way around them and land the job of your dreams! Another way to land the job you’ve always wanted is to sign up on Talent500 – we’ve got loads of jobs from world-class companies waiting for you!
See you there! Good luck!
