You’ve finalized your resume and you’ve listed all necessary fields; contact information, education, experience, etc. However, you’ve submitted your resume to a few different companies and you haven’t received any feedback. Is that part of the process? Or is there something lacking on your resume that is affecting your chances of being considered? Here are two reasons why your resume may not be getting any traction.

 

1. It Lacks Flow

If you feel that your resume has the necessary relevant information but it’s not gaining any traction – take some time to review the layout. Oftentimes your resume may just be too busy. It should have a consistent flow and the amount of information in each section should be basic and direct. For example, some people will list information on their resume in 2-3 columns. Although this may be great for saving space, it makes it more difficult to read at a glance. Try breaking your resume up by sections, one column at a time. The length may be longer, but it will save the recruiter/hiring manager a significant amount of time when the information is neatly broken up.

2. The Information Isn’t Relevant

You may have a vast amount of information, but is the information you list on your resume relevant to the position you are applying for?  If you don’t have relevant work experience, do your skills align with the position requirements? Do you have a skills section to list the relevant skills?

If you are intentionally applying for a position you know you don’t have work experience in – attempt to point out some parallels. Your goal is to make it as easy as possible for the hiring manager/recruiter to quickly determine whether you would be a good fit for the position. So if you don’t have relevant work experience, you want to clearly state your skills and other experience that may compliment the position. Learn more about adding a skills section to your resume, here.

 

Bonus Tip:  In addition, you want to ensure that the information that you are listing – is thorough enough. For example, let’s say you worked in customer service and you included one of your responsibilities that you handled all incoming and outgoing calls. Yet you also had experience bringing in new business, maintaining relationships, and handling client issues. That experience that you left off your resume, could be the experience that relates to the position you are looking for. And by leaving those responsibilities off your resume, you were overlooked for the job. Make sure you are as thorough as possible and include as many specific details as you can relating to your experience. You never know what tasks you’ve done, relate to the positions you’re applying to.