Why Recruiters Don’t Call You Back

Looking for a job is a full-time job. You can spend days, weeks, even months searching for a job that is just the right fit. It’s time-consuming and often frustrating. Most of us have applied to job listings that seemed to be a perfect fit, but we were never contacted, or maybe we were contacted for an initial interview, but not for a follow-up interview.

While recruiters always strive to respond to the calls and emails they receive, the volume can be overwhelming; even one error can move you off the call back pile. Consider these reasons and learn how to improve your odds for getting a response.

An Unpolished Resume

Your resume is the first impression hiring managers and recruiters have of you. You have to think to yourself, “How can I let my resume speak for me?” When you update your resume, proofread it, at least 3 times, having an extra set of eyes can help too! If you present a resume with spelling errors, typos, and missing information, or if the format is difficult to follow, it may prevent a hiring manager from wanting to learn more about you. A well-executed resume along with the right background and experience should encourage a recruiter to pick up the phone and call you.

Inconsistencies in your Background

With multiple career websites like Careerbuilder, Monster and LinkedIn, consistency is dire. If your LinkedIn profile has employment information that differs from your resume, it will create doubt in the mind of any recruiter, and could be the reason you aren’t called back. Many staffing agencies use software to track resume information from the first time you register with them. If you submitted a resume in 2011 and again in 2014 with conflicting information, it may come across as fictitious and your candidacy may be dismissed.

Poor Interviewing Skills

This is an obvious one. When interviewing, whether on the phone or in person, speaking and grammar skills are vital. Be sure you get a good night’s sleep the night before an interview. Be prepared for the typical interview questions by thinking about what your response would be to them before the interview. Feeling comfortable and relaxed positively influences your confidence. Practice calming your nerves, and focus on how you can prove you’d be a valuable asset to any company. Oh, and always dress for success!

Inappropriate Social Media Content

This seems like common sense, but it is often overlooked. If your social media sites contain pictures of drinking, partying, or any other behavior you wouldn’t be comfortable displaying in the office, you should probably remove it before you begin your job hunt.

There is Simply Nothing to Report

If a recruiter called and hasn’t reached out again after an initial conversation, it’s okay to follow up. I recommend calling every few weeks at most. Good recruiters rarely have a scenario where they overlook a qualified candidate for a role or forget to call a candidate with important news. If there is a fit, a next step or a question, they will reach out to you. If not, they may not have a chance in their day to call and check in. While some candidate follow-up is expected, overly aggressive candidates can be disconcerting to recruiters, and their tactics may get them eliminated from contention.

When dealing with a recruiter, let common sense prevail. Create a clean and polished resume, be honest, be punctual, and keep your social media profiles clean. Identify a recruiter as the link between unemployment and a successful career. When they perceive your effort, they are happy to return the favor!