5 Reasons Your Resume Doesn't Make it Through the Screening Process

During your job search, it can be difficult to send your resume out to lots of different companies and get little to no response. Hiring managers often have strict guidelines that they use to screen candidates, and the inflexibility that results can cause them to overlook qualified individuals. You can't change or predict how a company recruits its employees, but consider some of the common reasons a hiring manager might ignore an applicant's resume.

1. Not Enough Experience

If a company requires 10 years of experience and your resume lists nine, their applicant tracking software might automatically exclude your resume. Often, the number of years required for a position is arbitrary, based only upon the hiring manager's personal preference or a randomly selected number, so don't take it personally if your limited experience keeps you out of the running. You may have better luck targeting smaller organizations or startups, where certain skills and character traits are weighed more heavily than years of experience.

2. Required Software Skills

Many companies can be sticklers for required software skills, especially in highly technical industries. If you don't have experience with a program listed in the job description, consider taking a class or getting certified. If you have experience in a very similar program, mention it in your cover letter so the hiring manager knows you have the required knowledge and can still perform well in the position.

3. Lack of Industry Experience

Industry experience is a vague term, and it's tough to convey in your resume. Often, it only refers to industry jargon that any reasonably intelligent person can learn within a matter of weeks or months on a new job. Hiring managers sometimes do themselves a disservice by overlooking candidates who might be new to the industry, as any company can benefit from a fresh perspective.

4. Specific Educational Requirements

Some companies require a very specific degree or certification for certain positions, which can hurt their chances of finding great candidates from different backgrounds. Highly particular or technical jobs, such as those in IT or accounting, won't offer much flexibility in terms of educational requirements, but in other industries, educational history takes a backseat to real-world experience.

5. Too Many Short-Term Jobs

In the past, too many short-term jobs on your resume would almost certainly be a deal breaker with most hiring managers. Nowadays, moving from job to job is commonplace due to the fickle economy and more ambitious career plans. Some companies remain firmly in the past and screen you out of the running simply for not having enough longevity in your resume. However, smaller companies and startups are likely to be more willing to hear your backstory and forgive some reasonable job-hopping.

Modern technology is rapidly changing the face of the job search, but many companies are still set in their ways when it comes to candidate qualifications. To increase your chances of getting a callback, focus on applying for positions wherein you meet all or most of the requirements. Make sure your resume and cover letter tell a compelling story, and don't get discouraged if you don't receive a callback. Just keep trying.

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