Constantly getting rejected from jobs can be disheartening, especially if you don't know why it's happening. Is there a problem with your resume? Are you falling short at the interview? Why do you keep getting rejected? And more importantly, how do you fix these issues so your next application is a success?

Generally speaking, rejection happens at two stages of the hiring process: before the interview or after.

Getting rejected before an interview is usually due to resume issues, such as applying for the wrong jobs, not optimizing for ATS, or not tailoring your resume to the position. Getting rejected after an interview is often due to a lack of research and not preparing for common interview questions.

In this article, we'll discuss why you're getting rejected from jobs, from potential resume issues to the appropriateness of the jobs you're applying for. We'll provide tips on improving your application strategy and boosting your interview skills to avoid both resume and interview rejection so your next application is resounding YES.

Why does your resume keep getting rejected?

Getting turned down from a job before an interview means it’s your resume that’s getting rejected. Here's how to quickly fix common resume mistakes that often lead to job application rejection.

You're applying for the wrong jobs

Problem: You lack the skills and experience required for the job.
Solution #1: Focus your job search on industries and positions for which you have the required skills. These can be jobs you've done in the past or those closely related to your previous positions. You will find essential pre-requisite skills listed in the job description or by using a keyword finder.
Solution #2: If you're changing careers and want to target positions outside your current skill set, invest some time in online training courses and qualifications to add crucial pre-requisite skills to your resume. Consider volunteering or internships to gain industry-specific experience.

Your resume doesn't match the job you're applying for

Problem: You're using a one-size-fits-all resume not tailored to the specific position, making your resume appear vague or unfocused.
Solution: Target your resume by only including skills and experience relevant to the specific job you're applying for. Remove outdated, irrelevant, or miscellaneous information and highlight transferable skills. Use our Targetted Resume tool to further tailor your resume to each application and receive personalized feedback on how to improve.

Your resume is poorly formatted

Problem: A disorganized or unprofessional layout makes it hard for a recruiter to scan your resume quickly and pick out the key information.
Solution: Enhance your resume's readability with clear headings, a simple one or two-column layout, and standard fonts. Use bullet points to make your resume easier to scan; remove any unnecessary/irrelevant sections; and cut your resume down to one page (two pages for senior level positions).

Your resume isn't optimized with ATS keywords

The Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is software used by companies to filter resumes. If your resume isn’t optimized for ATS, it might not even get to a human reader. Apart from ATS, some companies use resume screeners, which are human HR professionals or recruiters, to skim through resumes before selecting potential candidates. They typically spend only a few seconds on each resume, so make sure yours stands out with a clear format, concise content, and relevant keywords.
Problem: You lack enough relevant keywords to make it past ATS filters or resume screeners.
Solution: Use a keyword finder to generate a list of industry-specific keywords and ensure they appear at least once on your resume, including the exact job title used in the posting. Use our Score My Resume tool to confirm you've included enough relevant keywords for your intended position or industry.

Your formatting is incompatible with ATS and resume scanners

Problem: Your resume's formatting or file type means it can't be read by ATS resume scanners.
Solution: Build your resume using an ATS-friendly template and stick to standard file formats: .doc, .docx, or .pdf. Steer clear of complex formatting or creative layouts and use an AI resume scanner to check that your resume is compatible with AI software.

You have unexplained gaps in your resume

Problem: Unexplained employment gaps leave recruiters with unanswered questions and can raise a red flag in the hiring process.
Solution: Be upfront about any lengthy gaps in your resume (more than 6 months) by briefly explaining what you did with your time. Focus on what you learned or achieved during the time, such as further education and training, qualifications, volunteering, or personal creative projects, to present your gap in a positive light.

You're not showcasing transferable skills for a career change

Problem: You're trying to transition between careers without showcasing transferable skills, making your resume seem untailored or lacking experience.
Solution: Just because your previous experience is in another industry doesn't mean it's irrelevant. Highlight transferable skills, such as leadership, communication, management, and critical thinking, to explain how your previous positions make you a good candidate for your new field.

You're not taking advantage of online platforms

Problem: Your resume is not optimized for online platforms like LinkedIn, and you're losing out on these  opportunities.
Solution: Online job platforms like LinkedIn require a slightly different approach to resume writing. Use our LinkedIn Optimization tool to tweak your traditional resume for this online market and optimize your profile for better results.

Why do I keep getting rejected from job interviews?

If you keep getting rejected from jobs after an interview, the good news is that your resume isn't the issue. The problem now lies in how you’re approaching the interview process.

You're not researching the company or position

Problem: A lack of knowledge about the company or job requirements comes across poorly as a lack of interest, effort, or preparation, often leading to interview rejection.
Solution: Spend some time studying the company website so you have an understanding of the business's history, structure, values, and image. Browse the company's website, particularly their 'About Us', 'Mission', and 'Products/Services' sections. Additionally, read recent news articles or press releases related to the company.

You're not preparing for common interview questions

Problem: You haven't thought about the interview questions in advance, making your answers unfocused and rambling.
Solution #1: Practice answering common interview questions using the STAR format: Situation, Task, Action, Result. This format helps you structure your answers in an engaging way that showcases your strengths. It's like a power phrase for an interview. Common interview questions to think about include:

• Describe a challenge you faced and how you overcame it.
• How do you prioritize tasks during a busy period?
• How do you handle feedback or criticism?
• Describe a time you disagreed with a team member. How did you resolve it?
• Why do you feel you'll be a good fit for this company?

Solution #2: Prepare a list of questions to ask at the end of your interview. Having questions of your own shows genuine interest in the position and makes you seem more confident.

You're not asking for feedback, so you don't know how to improve

Problem: You don't know why you weren’t selected by an employer, so you don't know how to improve.
Solution: Respond to the rejection email and request constructive feedback to learn why you were turned down and how to improve. For example: "Thank you for your consideration. I would greatly appreciate any insights you can provide on my application and interview, to improve my candidacy for future opportunities".