Is It the System - or Your Resume? Why You're Not Getting Interviews

I recently had a conversation with someone who said they had applied to over 100 jobs and hadn’t landed a single interview. Naturally, they were frustrated. They pointed fingers at the system, the companies, the economy, and even LinkedIn.

And while those factors do play a role, I asked a simple question:
“Have you looked at your resume from a recruiter’s point of view?”

Silence. Then:
“Well... I think it’s fine.”

Here’s the truth most job seekers don't want to hear:
What looks fine to you may look like static noise to a recruiter.

The Resume Isn’t for You - It’s for Them

A resume isn't a personal history project. It's a marketing tool designed to get you in the door. If you're not getting interviews, it’s possible your resume isn’t doing its job.

Recruiters don’t read resumes.
They scan them.
In seconds.

If your resume doesn’t clearly and quickly communicate value, results, and relevance to the role - it's likely getting skipped.

Common Resume Pitfalls (and How to Fix Them)

1. Too Generic

   • Problem: You’re trying to appeal to everyone, and in doing so, you appeal to no one.

   • Fix: Tailor each resume to the specific role. Use keywords from the job description. Be specific.

2. Duty-Heavy, Outcome-Light

   • Problem: Your resume reads like a job description.

   • Fix: Focus on results. Numbers speak. “Increased sales by 34%” > “Responsible for sales.”

3. Poor Formatting

   • Problem: Wall of text, inconsistent fonts, hard to scan.

   • Fix: Use white space, bullet points, and clear headings. Make it visually digestible.

4. No Story or Strategy

   • Problem: Your resume is a list, not a narrative.

   • Fix: Think like a storyteller. Highlight themes in your work that align with where you’re going, not just where you’ve been.

The Market Isn’t Always the Enemy

Yes, the job market is competitive. Yes, some companies ghost candidates. Yes, the system has flaws.

But blaming the system without ever auditing your strategy is like blaming the mirror for your haircut.

If you’ve applied to 100 jobs and haven’t heard back, take a step back. Don’t just update your resume -revise your entire approach.

• Ask a recruiter or career coach to review your resume.

• Run your resume through an ATS scanner to see how it ranks.

• Review job descriptions like a hiring manager. Does your resume match up?

A Simple Shift Can Make All the Difference

Sometimes, it's not about working harder - it’s about working smarter.

You don’t need to send 100 more applications. You might just need to send 5 excellent ones with a strategically crafted resume that speaks their language.

So before you decide the whole system is broken, ask yourself:
Is my resume doing its job?

Because the real goal isn’t to apply.
The goal is to get hired.

Need help crafting a resume that actually gets results?
Let’s talk. A second set of eyes might be all it takes to shift from silence to interviews.