Not landing a job interview is frustrating when you feel you've tried your best. Have you ever wondered why other applicants get a call back relatively quickly, while you're still hoping for your big break? Here are possible reasons recruiters aren't calling you for that much-awaited interview.

1. Poorly Crafted Resume

Unimpressed Employer at Resume

You have the skills and experience, but you still can't land a job interview. It may be time to review your resume and check if it needs a makeover. Long employment gaps, job hopping, and an out-of-date resume are some red flags employers look for when hiring candidates. If your resume gives this impression, it's time to start revamping.

There are creative ways to address a career gap on your resume. In a LinkedIn article, Kamara Toffolo, an executive resume writer and job search strategist, suggests indicating the gap in your resume and including a brief explanation. For example, mental health breaks or caregiving responsibilities can be described as temporary and planned personal leaves.

If you're overqualified or flitting from one job to the next, research what is a hybrid resume and do you need one. This type of resume highlights the skills and experiences you have that are relevant to the job while giving space for your chronological work history, which recruiters usually check. Make an effort to tailor-fit your resume, so employers will see why you're a strong candidate for the role.

2. No Work Experience

Entry level job search on Glassdoor

The lack of work experience is an obvious disadvantage when job searching. In seasons of recession and layoffs, it might even get harder to land a job as workers with experience compete with those who have none. However, there are still ways to land an interview, even if you feel lacking in the work history department.

One obvious way would be to search for entry-level jobs. You can use a job search portal like Glassdoor to look for jobs that don't require experience. Type entry level jobs on the search bar. From there, you'll see a list of jobs you can filter by job type, date posted, salary, and more.

Additionally, read up on some tips on getting a remote job with no experience. Remote freelance jobs often require you to demonstrate hard and soft skills. Sell yourself using your resume and a solid online portfolio, which you can fill with mock projects.

3. Not Taking Advantage of Technology

a woman typing on a macbook computer

To land a job interview, utilize some effective tips for a faster job search. One of the ways to conduct a more efficient search is by using tech tools to help you in your job search. Nowadays, you can find various apps to help you become a productive job seeker.

For instance, you can spend less time on your CV design. You can use free templates on graphic design apps like Canva. Also, take advantage of LinkedIn, the largest social network of professionals, employers, and recruiters today. Take time to learn how to use the right social media for your job hunt and improve your chances of landing an interview.

4. Social Media Profiles Are Not Updated

mobile phone showing aFacebook profile and placed beside a laptop

It's time to update your online profiles if you haven't done so yet. Here are some interesting statistics from The Harris Poll that would make you want to revisit your online presence:

  • Seventy-one percent of U.S. hiring decision-makers believe that reviewing an applicant's social media profiles is an effective screening tool.
  • Sixty-seven percent of employers use social networking sites to check out potential hires.
  • Of the 67% of employers mentioned above, 55% disqualified applicants because of their social media content.

What does this say? Updating your social media profile and making it look professional is an advantage when job searching. You don't need to be on social media all day to look for a job, but it pays to optimize your profile.

5. Unprofessional Email Address and Content

Loading the Gmail Website on a Macbook

How do you get immediately disqualified from a job search? Use an unprofessional email address and pair it with equally unprofessional content. Using your name and last name as your email handle is more suitable than clever nicknames. You'd also want to avoid sounding overly familiar with recruiters and pressuring them to give you updates on your application.

Your email provider may also hint at how up-to-date you are. Jenna Goudreau on CNBC Make It suggests using a Google email rather than a legacy account from AOL Mail. If you're not a Google fan, you can choose one of the most secure and encrypted email providers, such as ProtonMail or TutaNota.

6. Discrimination

woman working on her office table while two men stand near her holding documents

There have been more deliberate attempts to make the workplace more inclusive in recent years. According to the World Economic Forum, substantial research shows that diverse workplaces are more creative, profitable, and effective. Thus, more companies strive to make inclusivity real rather than a mere buzzword in their offices.

However, there's still a pushback regarding changing outdated workplace culture. The Gender Action Portal created by the Harvard Kennedy School reports that age still plays a part in hiring decisions. Older women are more likely to be passed over in job interviews than younger women for entry-level roles. Pew Research Center also found that there are still wide gaps between men and women in STEM roles.

Of course, not landing a job interview doesn't always mean you're being discriminated against. But if you want to work in a workplace that supports you regardless of age, gender, status, or religion, it pays to do your research. You can use Glassdoor to search for diverse and inclusive workplaces, or search online for lists of inclusive companies.

7. The Position Is Filled

woman at home holding a red marker looking discouraged while a newspaper opened at job ads page lies in front of her

A common reason you're not called in for a job interview is that someone has been hired. Some, if not most, companies won't bother sending rejection letters to unsuccessful candidates. This is why it's better to continue applying while waiting for an interview.

Create a job search template on Google Sheets or Excel to track your job search journey. Using a template will help eliminate mental clutter and stress while waiting. Indicate the date you sent your application, so you know if you will need to wait or accept that the job is just not for you.

Don't let this list discourage you from your job search. Instead, use these tips to continuously improve your resume, strengthen your skills, and look for a company that will value you. If you haven't landed a job interview yet, it just means you have more time to prepare.

Once you've received a call to interview for a job, celebrate and start practicing. Remember that communication skills can be learned if you're not a confident speaker. You can check out how to ace the major job interviewing techniques next.