Why You Aren't Getting Interviews: US Job Hunt Pitfalls and How to Fix Them

Why You Aren't Getting Interviews: US Job Hunt Pitfalls and How to Fix Them The silence of a job search is often harder to handle than a rejection. If you have submitted dozens of applications without a single callback, the issue is likely not your qualifications, but your execution. Here are the three most common reasons US employers are ignoring you—and how to pivot. 1. The "Jack-of-All-Trades" Resume US companies hire specialists to solve specific problems. If your resume claims you are an expert in Marketing, Sales, and Operations, recruiters assume you are a master of none. The Fix: Narrow your focus. Create distinct resume versions for different roles. Brand yourself as the specific solution to the specific problem listed in the job description. 2. Ignoring the ATS Architecture 75% of resumes are rejected by Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) before a human ever sees them. Fancy graphics, columns, or a lack of specific keywords render you invisible. The Fix: Strip the formatting. Use a clean, text-based layout. Critically, identify the top five hard skills in the job posting and ensure they appear verbatim in your "Skills" or "Summary" sections. 3. The "Easy Apply" Addiction Relying solely on job portals is the path of most resistance. You are competing with thousands of others doing the exact same thing. The Fix: Apply online, then immediately pivot to LinkedIn. Message a peer on the team or the hiring manager. A personal connection converts a "digital application" into a human candidate.