Finding out why I wasn't considered for job(s)?

Question

Since December 6, of last year (2006), I've applied for nearly forty jobs, some with my old company. I've only been asked to interview with two companies. I've only received about 4 or 5 rejection letters. The rest have not contacted me in any form.

I need to determine why I'm not being considered for these positions. Here's my background:

I have extensive customer service and clerical experience. My last position was seven years ago with a major company. I was quickly promoted within that company and had an excellent job record. I quit working to stay home with my child. In that seven year absence, I've raised my daughter and have worked as a freelance writer and novelist. My novels haven't been published but my non-fiction and short fiction have. I've also volunteered at my daughter's school and I'm a Girl Scout leader. I've updated my resume to indicate include my writing, volunteer work and my Girl Scout leader information.

In my estimation, I've been perfectly qualified for each position I've applied or sent my resume.

I am forty, married, with one daughter, age 9.

Why am I not receiving more responses from prospective employers? How can I find out their reasons for not hiring me? What's the best way to go about this?

I understand I may need go over my resume with a fine tooth comb. But I do not think this is the problem. I'm concerned I'm being discriminated against because of the gap of unemployment and because of my age.

Any thoughts, ideas and suggestions would be most appreciated. Thanks!

Answer 1

An employment gap of even a few months is not a good thing, and you have some strikes against you- non-traditional career options (writer), age, an apparent lack of special skills, etc.

You also sound like you are applying for what sound like almost entry-level positions- which usually go to people they can hire cheap and train to their standards.

In most job markets in the US, the process is to take the applications and resumes and toss out 80% or so of them for whatever reason they can- anything from typos to employment gaps can be a reason to exclude an application.

This is not considered discrimination- it is thought of as a way to manage the pile of applications in a reasonable way and reduce the number of interviews necesssary.

Try to find a human resources person you can talk to- a friend or maybe someone in a company you used to work for. Ask them for an honest evaluation and feedback.

The market has changed a lot in the last several years- fewer people give the courtesy of call backs, the processes can take both a lot more and less time then they used to (some companies have longer internal processes that can take a couple months to work, others can make a decision within hours), more people are applying for fewer jobs in many markets, and the all-important dollar is making the descions even more blatently than it used to- cheaper workers are almost always going to win over people with experience and seniority.

Answer 2

Do you know anyone in an HR or management role? Ask them to review your resume and conduct a practice interview with you (I've done this for people I know.) Make sure it is someone who will give you honest feedback. You may be giving off a vibe you don't know about.

I suspect your time out of the work force is working against you, especially since you have included your activities on your resume. If anything, the gap in your resume should be explained by a brief sentence along the lines of "freelance work from home." As proud as you may be of your experience over the last 7 years, the truth is that little of it has significant value to most hiring managers.

In seven years, a lot can change. Are you conversant with the latest computer programs and terminology for your field? Have you researched the company with which you are interviewing? Have you taken any classes or certification programs which might enhance your value?

Another idea you might consider is to work as a temp for a while. This allows you a chance to gain some current experience while checking out different companies and jobs. Many companies convert temps to direct positions when an opportunity arises. This is often a viable option for people who are re-entering the workforce after an extended sabbatical.

Good luck!

Answer 3

The previous employer on your resume should be your last company you worked for, put the accurate dates you worked there but present it on the page your resume as if their was no gap. Above your experience simply state that your career goal is "to resume my career in business and leverage my extensive customer service/clerical experience".

IF asked why your last job was so long ago, say "I took some time off to raise my daughter/son".

Do not bring up the writing or girl scout or anyting else you did while you were at home. YOu want to only share this info if it can help you, ie: if you interview with a woman who appears to be a mom, and you are getting along personally well with the woman who is conducting the interview.

This stuff will not fly with men or people who still have the attitude that you have to prove yourself to them. They want someone who will be focused on the tasks they give you, not other aspirations. They may see you including this information as flaky or desparate. It's information you should deliver in person to a friendly audience that you are SURE will take it positively.

Good luck and remember, you should have a different version of your resume for EVERY DIFFERENT JOB you apply for. Do not write a coverletter unless you drop your resume off in person or by mail.

The top of your resume, above your experience, should contain your skills and goals. Those goals and skills should use a lot of the words and phrases you saw in the job ad, because usually someone will be paging through dozens of resumes trying to match the skills with the job description. Make it easy for them to find you as a match.

This will improve your "hit rate" and ensure that you get more interviews, which is what I think you are asking here.

Answer 4

1. It is always good to have a professional resume writer to review your resume. Styles, wording, and approaches change all the time. Even if all info is great, it might just be in the presentation that your "message" is lost.

2. Have someone video tape you in a pretend interview. Be dressed for the part and answer real questions - tough ones. Note your body language, the tone of your voice, how you treat & respect the interviewer, your eye contact, movements you make when you talk (like moving of hands or shifting of feet), your makeup, hairstyle, general personality. Always project confidence, speak clearly, great eye contact, answer questions slowly and honestly. Allow the interviewer to control the questioning (questions asked) and speed of the interview. Be courteous, respectful, try to find something on a personal level with the interviewer to "bond" to them with - this will help them to remember you. Look about the room: Do you see something about sports? kids pics? art on the walls? Anything that you can strike a common chord with them. Then have friends and family honestly evaluate the video for you, giving you good advice of how to project yourself and make you more approachable for hire.

3. Dress the part. If you're interviewing at a fashion studio, wear trendy fashionable dress, shoes, and jewelry. If you're interviewing at a college, dress in a suite with blouse, simple jewelry, pumps. Dress what would fit in - at a HIGHER level than the position you are interviewing for. Perfume. Soft and conservative or none at all. People do have allergies.

4. In closing, (as at the beginning of interview) greet and say goodbye with a handshake, smile, and last remark of how you enjoyed the interview and you hope to hear from them real soon. Do not sound anxious; speak slowly and comfortably (like you KNOW that you going to have an offer REAL SOON and you're in NO HURRY). Ask them when they expect (not "how soon") they will arrive at a decision and how they will contact the chosen candidate; how soon the candidate would need to begin work there (this way you can know if to set up any other interviews and how to handle other offers that may hit at the same time).

5. Always follow up IMMEDIATELY with a hand-written very personable thank you card, addressed to the interviewer(s) and drop a line of familiarity in there to help them to remember you from other candidates.

As far as the "gaps"; just mention that you not only kept up your skills during your hiatus, but you picked up on some books or classes to further your education; kept your skills sharp. (no lying-there is always something you saw on cable, internet, used book store, on the news - something you learned...) Let them know that you are always open and able to learn new things and are a quick study. Tell them what you are mentioning in your question, about being active in the community, volunteerism and such. Always refer back to your resume; don't assume that they studied your resume, because it's very likely that the HR department picked you out and the interviewer has limited time to review the candidates.

Whatever you do, BE YOURSELF. At least one person who interviews you will work with you, and your personalitys must do well together to make a good team. Keep plugging away, and make your job hunting as YOUR #1 JOB - getting offers is 2ndary. The offers will come, alot of times it's just a matter of statistics; eventually after you knock on enough doors, the right one will let you in - as with any sales job.

Good luck!!

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