Ever wondered why your resume isn’t working the way it should?
Has your job search seemed like it’s going nowhere fast? If so, you’re not alone. Even the most qualified and skilled candidates can sometimes struggle to land interviews and job offers. In fact, you may be one of the many job seekers who find themselves asking, “Why is my resume not working?”
Before you can learn how to fix a resume, you need to be able to identify potential problems. In this post, we’ll explain some possible reasons why your resume is not working and provide the tips and advice you need to fix the issues and improve your job search success.
Is your resume format and structure outdated?
Hiring managers often receive dozens or even hundreds of resumes for every open position they’re trying to fill. As a result, they typically only spend a few seconds scanning each document to decide whether the candidate is worthy of a serious review. Resumes that use outdated formats and structures are more likely to be tossed to the side.
Update that outdated resume
Make sure you’re using a clear, reverse-chronological format and a simple structure that includes a job headline, resume summary, skills, experience, and education sections. And don’t forget to put your contact details at the top of the page so companies can easily figure out how to reach you for an interview.
Related reading: 17 Resume Tips to Get Seen and Hired Faster
Are you using the right keywords for your desired job?
Oftentimes, the answer to “Why is my resume not working?” involves your use – or misuse – of keywords. Today’s companies use applicant tracking systems to screen resume submissions. Those ATS screens are designed to find job-related keywords in each resume. If your resume isn’t using the right keywords, it may get rejected before any human ever sees it.
Include keywords throughout your resume
To avoid this problem, you need to insert relevant keywords in your resume’s summary, skills, and work experience sections. You can find those keywords by studying the company’s job post. Look for specific terms used to describe skills and other qualifications and use those exact words in your resume.
Use quantifiable achievements to prove your value
What if you’ve properly formatted your resume and included the right keywords for the role – and you’re still not getting any response from employers? Obviously, that would still leave you wondering, “Why is my resume not working?” If that’s the case, then your resume may not be conveying the type of value employers are hoping to see.
Use real numbers to quantify your achievements
Look at the bullet point resume achievements you’ve included in your work history section. Do they just describe your job responsibilities, or do they include examples of the value you’ve provided for past employers? If you’re not using real numbers to prove your worth as a new employee, then it’s time to revise those achievements.
For example, don’t write, “Led team that exceeded quarterly sales results.” Instead, use real numbers that show results of what you did:
“Spearheaded dynamic sales group that boosted quarterly sales by $12 million, exceeding company goals by more than 40%”
Tailor your resume to the job you’re seeking
Finally, it’s important to consider whether your resume might simply be too generic to catch the right kind of attention. Too many job seekers send the same bland resume to every employer, hoping something sticks. The problem is those employers are never going to be enticed by a resume that doesn’t speak to their company’s actual needs. To avoid that problem, you need a targeted resume.
Create a targeted resume that focuses on that company’s needs
Any time you send out your resume, you need to customize your resume sections to fit the job you’re seeking. That will require you to only include information that’s relevant to the position, omitting anything that might distract from your core message. Review and revise your resume summary, skills, and experience to make sure that every detail demonstrates your qualifications and potential value as an employee.
Start fixing your resume today!
Turn “Why is my resume not working” into “I got the job of my dreams!” It all starts by taking a step back to consider whether it’s suffering – it’s usually one of the common problems you learned about here. Chances are one of the solutions in this guide will help you fix your resume and get your job search back on track. Good luck with your job search!
Still asking yourself, “Why is my resume not working?” Get your free resume review from our team of experts today and get the answers you’ve been looking for!
Recommended reading:
During Ken's two decades as a freelance writer, he has covered everything from banking and fintech to business management and the entertainment industry. His true passion, however, has always been focused on helping others achieve their career goals with timely job search and interview advice or the occasional resume consultation. When he's not working, Ken can usually be found adventuring with family and friends or playing fetch with his demanding German Shepherd.
See how your resume stacks up
Related Articles
Take the first step in your career today