Why Your Resume Is Just So-So and What to Do About It

Posted by •


Conducting a job search can sometimes feel like a guessing game. You don’t know why you haven’t received the interview callbacks you want, or why you’re receiving denial letters before it seems an employer has even had time to review your resume.

 

In most cases, if you’re not getting called for an interview or you are receiving quick rejections, the issue is that your resume isn’t at the level it should be. So before sending out your next application with a resume in tow, take a look at why your resume probably isn’t top-notch and what you can do about it.

 

No Keywords

 

A top reason that job applicants receive quick rejections or no response at all when applying for a job is a lack of keywords. Keywords are individual words or phrases used to better identify your relationship with your field. For instance, if you work in pharmaceutical sales, some keywords might be “pharmacology,” “medical technicians,” “territories,” “new drugs,” and “Certified Medical Representatives Institute.” Adding keywords associated with your field can help scanning software identify your resume as a keeper, which will then help get it in front of the eyes of a hiring manager.

 

No Personal Branding

 

Another resume issue that can result in a quick rejection is a lack of personal branding. Employers want to know not just that you want the job but why you’re the right person for it. You can confidently deliver this message through a branding statement that identifies who you are in your field, what you’ve accomplished, and why you’re valuable as a person in the role you’re applying for.

 

No Standout Moments

 

In your resume, it’s important that you list your standout moments or accomplishments that make you more impressive than your competition. Many job seekers get in the habit of simply listing their responsibilities and duties, but this is not what hiring managers want to see. Instead, think of the best moments in your previous positions that received recognition, and list those in your resume to show you are a truly valuable candidate.

 

No White Space

 

A hiring manager is far too busy with other resumes to try to scan through your densely packed, paragraph-heavy resume. So take time to break your content apart by using subheadings and bullet points whenever possible. Creating white space makes the resume easier to read, which increases the likelihood that a manager will actually read it instead of tossing it into the garbage can.

 

In this tough job market, you can’t submit a so-so resume and expect results. The best way to ensure you’ll get the interview callback you want is to turn your so-so resume into one that is clearly top-notch.
Comment

Become a member to take advantage of more features, like commenting and voting.

Register
Sign In
  • Lonnie
    Lonnie •
    how can i make a more effective Resume?
  • Sheila F
    Sheila F •
    Great advice but I often wonder why do we make our resumes look so good showing we have today's necessary experience and the employers ask the same questions they have asked for years?  No one takes the time to look at how versatile you are.  Some look to see what you've done in the last five years.  Not always realizing there were many layoffs.  
  • Peter t
    Peter t •
    what is an example of a personal branding statement
  • Wilmure S
    Wilmure S •
    Excellent points. This was very helpful in applying for jobs.Thanks for helping job seekers,like myself out.will continue to view and use your value ideas.
  • Deurice S
    Deurice S •
    I think this is true that a resume has to stand out. I'm beginning to think that all this experience that I have is being over looked because of my resume not standing out. Help
  • Jenn M
    Jenn M •
    I have put the bullet points  and broken my resumes down and checked all spelling I am in my 40's now and been out of work for a year this has never happened to me before I don't know how to show them with out pleading for a job. cause I need to pay my bills and support my family they up and hire some one that is younger then I or some one that doesn't have as many years in the field as I do.  I watch they end up hiring again about few months latter so why didn't they just hire me asking my self. I would have stayed longer then the other person. hotel worker housekeeper over 12 years so why aren't they hiring me how can I tell them that I am the right person for the job. I never know how to answer this question I have done it many ways. I need a job. or I'll I can make a difference, I love what I do and I want to work. What else should I have said?
  • Monique K
    Monique K •
    This is a great article with very helpful information. Sometimes though, it feels like no matter what you do to create the prefect brand for yourself, create a great resume that you think that just maybe the system will not throw it out, and still nothing happens. This job market today is so crazy, it will make the job hunter very, very depressed and lack serious motivation. Thanks for the information, I will surely give it a try.
  • Cheryle S
    Cheryle S •
    I have education and job experience, but when you google my name, one of the sites puts my age. Now supposedly, they cannot discriminate against age, but they do. I am in the lost group of 55-65, can't retire, must work to live with a roof over my head. What savings??? That's gone. The experts are saying that the age group you are in is 10 years younger and that people are able to work longer now. So what is the problem?????
  • Michael K
    Michael K •
    Interesting article, valid points, BUT the article does not explain how to know the correct keywords, they may differ from job to job in the same industry. Further this brings up the issue that good candidates are being passed over. Job searching has become a game of guessing keywords!! Pathetic!!
  • Itanya J
    Itanya J •
    I had not consider branding before thanks for the tip
  • Thomas F
    Thomas F •
    I think you are right about all resumes that we write we try to put to much information down.
  • Rosa R
    Rosa R •
    samples of resumes are always welcome
  • Michael A
    Michael A •
    Excellent advice.  Tweeked my resume some more.  Thanks.
  • Celestine F
    Celestine F •
    I think the information you have is important in creating the proper resume,but I disagree with some of the information because I've gotten interviews based on my so-so resume depending I guess upon what I was applying or searching for inthe job market.
  • Jane B
    Jane B •
    Helpful article.  I will be changing certain aspects of my resume.  Thanks.
  • Richard D
    Richard D •
    These hiring managers today are idiots. All I constantly hear is how busy they are, and that they are too busy to read all of the resumes they are sent unless the resumes are written perfectly. Not too much material, but just enough material, it' ridiculous! First off  they are supposed to be busy, that's why they have a job, and secondly maybe if they took the time to read the resumes they might hire the right person for the job instead of hiring someone who will be gone after 6 months.
  • Charlotte D
    Charlotte D •
    Sounds like good ideas.  Will give it a try.
  • Shirley P.
    Shirley P. •
    Why is that most companies are only interested in what you are doing now and the jobs you've had in the last few years? Also,though you may have the experience in the field, but no completed education degree, what is my next step?  
  • Joseph P
    Joseph P •
    How do you overcome the condition of having many positions?  Early on in my 24 year career (Telecom) I chased the $$$, The last 10-12, I've been hampered by companies folding - and being a casualty.  So, when someone looks at my resume, they see I haven't been with a company longer than 3 years, and that I've contracted for the last 5.........any suggestions?
  • Daniel T
    Daniel T •
    I am a graphics and motion designer.  I often get asked not to design my resume with design elements by HR people, but on the other hand the design managers want to see a neat polished resume with some elements.  HR people say oh we just xerox all resumes and if yours has graphics on it it will just look black and not legible.  I usually send the HR person a boring black text on white paper one and the design manager a designed one.  What are you're thoughts on this.
  • Diane B
    Diane B •
    I find it interesting that we are now told to use keywords. I read an article recently that said you shouldn't list keywords. Who are we supposed to believe? And the companies who list jobs on these 'online' sites, RARELY respond at all! Extremely frustrating when you have skills and aren't given the chance to 'see' anyone or get an acknowledgement that they have received your resume.
  • Jennifer H
    Jennifer H •
    This was helpful and my resume does reflect all but the last portion (white space).  I am in my early 40s and have years of relevant experience that I need to cram into no more than 2 pages!  How do I make sure that I am not putting too much and eliminating the white space?
  • Bonnie N
    Bonnie N •
    What if you have excellent customer service skills and have over 20 years experience with high qualifications and experience in your field however you have issues with your back ground check how can you over come some thing on your record proving yourself now
  • Jasmin w
    Jasmin w •
    It's a helpful gesture but I cannot figure out what key words each individual job is looking for. I've written down everything I have experience for a phlebotomist but no one ever responds back after stating I have less than a year of experience. How fair is that for an entry level position.How do I stand out for the rest and at least get an interview.
  • Patricia F
    Patricia F •
    You make some good points...and yet, other 'experts' say the exact opposite! It all comes down to everything you do. I sent out resumes, yes, but I also went in to places....I put the word out AND I signed up with a couple Temp agencies. Even if it is only temp work, you still get your face and name out there. I got two jobs...one was a former employer who offered me a job when he heard I was free...and gave me a raise. The other was for the brother of a business I temp'd at. The owner was impressed and told him about me.  So...I guess I am just wanting you all to know...it's possible....you just have to keep at it and give it all you have. BTW...I turned down a third offer that came because of the volunteer work I do....Good luck everyone!!

Jobs to Watch