If you’re not getting the job interviews you so desire, you don’t have to beat yourself too hard. That won’t change a thing. What you should do is find out why you’re not getting those calls and do something about it. First of all, you have to know that most times, humans don’t even get to see the application you sent out because they get knocked down by software called Applicant Tracking Systems.

So if you want to get past those Robots, especially as a Canadian job seeker, you must be able to Optimize your resume using a Canadian Applicant Tracking System.  But first, I’ve got a few tips for why I think you’re not getting those interviews. I have put together five likely reasons why that is happening, or perhaps, not happening.

Too much Reliance on Job Boards and Websites:

While it is great to have a number of job boards and sites for openings and applications, this should not be your primary source. I know a lot of people who rely totally on LinkedIn and Indeed. These boards should not constitute more than 30% of the applications you send out. I suggest you try sending out applications directly to organisations. Try networking too to get interviews.

You’re not Tailoring your Applications:

Your resume should be job specific for every position. Do not simply have a one-off resume that you send to all employers. This is wrong. Each job you apply for must be with a fresh, fully-optimized resume that must’ve gone through a Canadian Applicant Tracking System.

 Using an “Objective” Section rather than a Career Highlights Section:

I keep seeing lots of resumes with a ‘Career Objective’ section. This is the 21st century and you shouldn’t waste limited paper space telling the obvious. Instead, include a Career Highlights section that tells your major achievements and accomplishments from previous jobs.

Including Job Responsibilities instead of Accomplishments:

When you do this, your resume feels like a textbook. Don’t just write out your past job positions and the responsibilities of those positions. Instead, tell the recruiter how you used that position to impact the growth of the organisation. This optimizes your keywords and increases your chances with the employer.

Your Resume is too Long:

Imagine being on a desk and you have to assess 100 resumes. Then you keep seeing 3-4 page resumes, how will that make you feel? Exactly what I thought. Recruiters wouldn’t want to carefully read your resume if it is too long. Ideally, your resume shouldn’t exceed two pages, if you must. Do not include vague unnecessary information. Keep it short and simple.

It’s never too late to start again. These five tips are sure to help you get that job you’ve been searching all these years. Never forget to always Optimize your resume using a Canadian Applicant Tracking System before you send it out.