TECHNOLOGY CAREERS

Five Things Keeping You From Getting an Interview

You have top-notch skills as an IT professional, a highly valued certification and desirable work experience. Yet, despite applying for many jobs, you aren’t being called in for interviews. What’s going wrong?

In some cases, there may be factors beyond your control, such as the position being filled internally or a hiring freeze being implemented after the opening was posted. However, if there’s a consistent pattern of no response, it’s likely due to circumstances you can control. Here are five reasons you may not be hearing back:

1. Your resume is difficult to read. Take the time to research resume writing tips so your document highlights your skills and abilities appropriately. Remember, you’re not texting or e-mailing, so spell out everything in proper English, erring on the side of formality when in doubt. Run-on sentences, poor grammar and punctuation, and misspellings can eliminate you from contention. If writing isn’t your strong suit, enlist the help of others in revising your resume.
2. You’re not addressing the company’s needs. Hiring managers want to know how you can benefit their organization and are less interested in your personal preferences. Instead of saying, “I want to move back to the Chicago area,” point out: “I previously worked in the Chicago area and believe my contact base would be an asset in expanding your IT consulting business there.”
3. You’re focused on quantity, not quality. The Internet has made it very easy to apply to multiple jobs with a few clicks of your mouse. As quickly as you send off blanket cover letters and resumes, however, is how likely it will take for them to end up in the “no” stack. Companies want to get a sense of why you’d be a good match for their particular job opportunities, so tailor your materials accordingly. Just a few minutes spent customizing your application materials can make a positive impression.
4. You’re too mysterious. Don’t make hiring managers guess what you did at previous positions, because chances are they won’t take the time. Vague statements such as, “Used SQL Server” and “Managed two network technicians” don’t explain the scope of your work. What type of projects required SQL Server? Did you supervise the technicians directly, providing performance feedback, mentoring and training, or did you just oversee them during a particular initiative? Be sure to provide a clear picture of your responsibilities and skill set. Promote your accomplishments, particularly projects that benefited the bottom line, as well.
5. You’re not staying in touch. It’s a common misconception that employers don’t want to be bothered by follow-up calls or e-mails from job candidates. In a survey by our company, 82 percent of executives polled said job seekers should contact hiring managers within two weeks of submitting application materials. Making the effort reinforces your interest and shows that you take initiative.

If you’re not getting the interview calls you anticipated during a job search, carefully assess your actions to make sure you haven’t made any of the mistakes mentioned above. With some changes, you may be surprised at how much your prospects improve.

Robert Half Technology is a leading provider of IT professionals for initiatives ranging from web development and multiplatform systems integration to network security and technical support. The company has more than 100 locations worldwide. Search for jobs now or learn more at www.rht.com.