You've fine-tuned your resume, crafted a cover letter that could win awards, hit 'send' on your job application, and then... crickets. Welcome to Club Silence, where job seekers seem to hang out the most. But there’s always a silver lining amid challenges, and most importantly, it’s not you it’s them. Your skills will land you in the right spot. But until then, there’s an opportunity to learn and reflect.
Why the Radio Silence?
First, there are plenty of reasons – justified or not - as to why employers might not be getting back to you. The reasons vary – from a high volume of applicants to automated systems filtering out resumes before a human eye ever sees them to just bad process and inefficacies in the hiring process. Again, it's not you; it's the sheer logistics. (Note: Yes, it can be you sometimes. I mean, if you somehow think your journalism background covering the financial market beat somehow positions you for a role as the Chief Compliance Officer at an accounting firm, then chances are, it is you. For the rest of us, it likely isn’t.)
So, what can be done about being ghosted after applying for roles you’re undoubtedly qualified for?
Follow Up, But Don’t Stalk
A gentle nudge is fine. If you haven't heard back in a week or two, a polite follow-up email is a good idea. It shows you're keen but not desperate. There’s a fine line between being persistent and being 'that applicant who won't stop emailing us'. No hiring manager listed? Find the company page on LinkedIn, search for recruitment, talent or other HR-related professionals and send a polite note to them about having applied, your interest in the company, and how you’re available to discuss more about the opportunity.
Network Time
The its-not-what-you-know-but-who-you-know thing sometimes rings true. Networking (both online and in-person) can often lead to job opportunities that never get advertised. Plus, you don’t have to leave the house to do it. You certainly can…so don’t let me ruin your interest in that next meet-up. But find new connections, or friends of friends, or reconnect with former colleagues. They often know someone or know someone who knows someone at the company you just sent that resume to, or better yet, a company that is hiring but hasn't even posted the role.
I once asked the husband of a former co-worker about a role in a company I applied to. I saw he knew someone at the hiring company. We chatted by phone, and he shared some background on the role given his recent convos with that contact. I learned two things from that 15-minute chat: 1) we applied to the same role; 2) the role was on hold. I’d say it was a valuable convo.
Revamp Your Resume – “ish”
If non-responses are a pattern, it's time to revisit your resume within reason. Let’s be honest, all those expert LinkedIn-fluencers offering tips and tricks suggesting you cater your resume to each job is technically accurate. I mean, sure, spending more time and money on meals will deliver better dining experiences. But sometimes you don’t have the time or money to spend, and you find yourself with a McDouble and a Coke in your car before an appointment (hypothetically speaking).
So yes, maybe your resume isn’t getting past the applicant tracking systems (ATS). It is definitely worth taking a look at your resume on a somewhat regular basis (every two weeks or so) to see if fresh eyes and new experiences can help refine that resume. Use AI tools to search for top keywords associated with certain roles and incorporate them into the latest iteration. It might even be wise to create more than one version of your resume depending on the types of roles you’re applying to. Here are some other top resume feedback nuggets from industry insiders:
Shorten your career summary/overview section
Identify the difference between tasks and outcomes. List the outcomes instead
Fewer passive words (“led,” “negotiated) and more action words associated with achieving success (“slashed costs by negotiating…” or “created 100 videos by utilizing AI tools…”)
Skill Up
Use the extra time you have while job hunting to beef up your skills. It could be an online course, a certification, or even a hobby that develops transferrable skills. It’s all about making yourself more marketable. And there are plenty of free tools, courses, and certifications. Contact me below (bottom of page) if you need some resources/guidance.
Embrace the Side Hustle
Consider freelance or contract work in your field or any field to be honest. It’s a great way to build experience, network, and maybe even find a backdoor into your dream job. Plus, it keeps the lights on while you're searching and keeps you sharp and prepared for the next role. Yes, this can feel like it is beneath you. And it might be. But a half-cup of water is better than no water.
Feedback is Your Friend
If you do get feedback, even if it’s a rejection, embrace it. Any feedback is valuable, and it’s a sign that someone’s paying attention. Use it to tweak your approach for the next application. Also, a “no” is the easiest thing a potential employer can say. Feedback isn’t. Embrace it and use it to sharpen your job seeking tool.
Mindset Matters
Honestly, when people ask me about my job search experiences, the one bit of feedback I usually offer is that I wasn’t prepared for the mental swing of emotions from day to day. As someone who has been known to drive results and always focus on the future, a job search presents a different challenge. Staying positive is way easier said than done. But maintaining a positive mindset is crucial. And it takes practice. Job hunting is a marathon, not a sprint. Marathoners practice for months (or longer) before the big race. Oftentimes the job search is thrust on people without any emotional preparation. Celebrate the small victories, like a well-written cover letter or a new connection on LinkedIn...or even a new job posting that gets the juices flowing. And don’t hesitate to take a step back from the laptop or phone when you’re not feeling great.
A friend of mine mentioned how much more present he is now – during his job search – than he was during the day-to-day grind of the job. There’s something to be said for that.
Job hunting is inherently fraught with rejection and silence. It’s not a reflection of your worth or capabilities. Each application sent is a step forward, even if it doesn’t feel like it. The right opportunity will come along, and all the effort will pay off. It does no one any good to focus on the unknowns, what could happen, or dwell on an unrealistic timeline.
No one knows the importance of finding a job more than you do. There’s no reason to add any more pressure while you wait for that positive response from an employer. In the meantime, like anything in life, you’re getting better at this process with each passing day.
Soon enough you’ll be the one enjoying the other side of the finish line.
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