Reasons you won’t be getting an interview soon.

How many times have you thought you have the right qualifications for a job only to never hear from the hiring manager about the CV and cover letter you submitted? Might you be falling into these common traps?

1. You only focus on the Googles of the world: Companies that grab headlines such as Google, Coca Cola, East African Breweries Limited, Kenya Airways and so on can be exciting places to work in. So are many other organizations you have never heard of. Big companies usually receive thousands of CVs for each opening. Why not consider exploring opportunities with small and mid-sized organizations? After all, they make up the majority of businesses in the country and can sometimes have good offers. The point is, it is good to have Google on your sights as your dream employer, but also keep your eyes open to other opportunities.
   
   
2. You don’t follow given directions: Each company has a different procedure for submitting employment applications. Make sure you understand what the prospective employer wants by carefully reading the job listing, then follow the directions to the letter. Otherwise your application may never reach the HR department.
3. You haven’t updated your CV: Sending out the same cover letter and CV to al companies isn’t likely to capture the attention of prospective employers. Hiring managers want to know why you are a good match for their specific business needs. So take the time to customize your job search material by explaining why you are interested in a particular position and how you could make a contribution to the company.
4. Your cover letter isn’t enticing: Think of your cover letter as the appetizer that convinces the hiring manager that your CV – The main course – is worth sampling. A good cover letter takes select details from the CV and explain in-depth how your talents and experience can benefit the prospective employer.
5. Your application documents have errors: Submitting an application that contains careless typos and grammatical goofs is one of the quickest ways to foil your chances of securing an interview. The errors show a lack of professionalism and attention to detail. Always carefully proofread your CV before submitting it. You could also ask a friend or a family member to do the same.
6. You don’t know who to send your CV to: Though it is fine to start your cover letter with the generic salutation, ‘to whom it may concern’ or even, ‘dear sir/ madam’ HR managers pay special attention to applications that are directly addressed to them. If the job advertisement does not include the hiring manager’s name, call the company and speak to the receptionist or a member of the person’s department. Often, you can obtain the information if you are candid about your reason.
7. You don’t network: Using the name of a common contact to make the connection between you and the hiring manager is by far the best way to ensure your application gets optimal attention. So keep in touch with members of your professional network. You never know who has a contact in the company you hope to work for.
8. You don’t follow up: One way to improve the chances of an HR manager giving considerations to your CV is to follow up with him or her. Job seekers should contact the hiring manager within two weeks of sending a CV and cover letter. Often a brief phone call or email reasserting your interest in the position and strong qualification is enough.  
9. You are not as qualified as you imagine: There is a chance you are not the right person for the job as you think. Before submitting your CV, take a close look at the job description and compare your skills and experience with those required for the position. If a job calls for five years of experience and you have only two, you will be disadvantaged. While it is sometimes possible to make up for skills gaps with other qualities, hiring managers often have specific criteria in mind, and they use it to determine whom to call for interviews.

     More Jobs