Many job seekers say they’ve sent out countless résumés and applications only to hear nothing back. Meanwhile, employers continue reporting difficulty finding qualified workers.
So what’s causing the disconnect?
Business analyst Mark Rosa says the answer is more complicated than many people realize.
“There are a lot of factors at play,” Rosa said.
One major issue, he says, is a mismatch between what employers are seeking and how candidates are presenting themselves.
“Employers are often looking for people with well-documented, proven experience,” Rosa said. “Meanwhile, applicants may be relying more on transferable skills or a can-do attitude.”
While those qualities still matter, Rosa says résumés that don’t specifically reflect the experience tied to the role may struggle to stand out.
He says many job seekers also fall into the trap of applying broadly rather than strategically.
“This really becomes a quality over quantity issue,” Rosa said.
According to Rosa, sending the same general résumé and cover letter to dozens, or even hundreds, of companies can actually hurt candidates in the long run.
“When your résumé and cover letter are too generic, employers can tell,” he said. “It reads like their company isn’t really where you want to be.”
Instead, Rosa encourages applicants to spend more time researching companies and tailoring application materials.
“It’s okay to say you reviewed a company’s portfolio or mission and explain specifically how you could contribute,” he said.
Questions have also surfaced about the role artificial intelligence may be playing in hiring, particularly when applicants feel they never reach an actual person.
Rosa says while smaller businesses may still review applications manually, larger organizations increasingly rely on technology to manage the volume.
“Recruiters can receive hundreds, sometimes thousands, of résumés,” Rosa said. “There has to be a way to narrow the field.”
His advice for job seekers who believe they are qualified but still not hearing back?
“Narrow the focus,” he said. “Push a little farther than the form letter.”
Rosa says being intentional, specific, and targeted may ultimately give applicants a better chance of standing out in an increasingly crowded job market.
