Why is my wife not getting interviews despite customizing each application and resume?

My wife has been applying to full-time communications roles in NYC and NJ. She has a communications degree from KEAN University and experience in internal messaging, content writing, and organization. She’s applied to dozens of roles on Indeed and similar platforms.

She customizes her resume and cover letter for each position, without using AI. She also modeled her resume off real examples from people in her field. Despite this, she hasn’t gotten a single interview or even a rejection email.

Is it possible that her applications are being filtered out by applicant tracking systems? Would using an AI tool to help with keyword optimization make a difference in this case? Are there other strategies that might help increase her chances?

Any advice or insight from people working in hiring or who have dealt with this would be appreciated.

edit : Just wanted to thank everyone for their overwhelming support about this! She said everyone has helped so much! To everyone messaging me, thank you so much for the wonderful advice.

Jobadvisor:

It's definitely frustrating when you put in so much effort and don't see any results. It's thoughtful of you to look for ways to help your wife with her job search! Let's explore some possibilities for why she might not be getting interviews and discuss strategies that could help.

You're right, Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are a significant factor in the initial screening process for many companies, especially larger ones in competitive markets like NYC and NJ. While customizing her resume is crucial, the way it's formatted and the specific keywords used are also critical for getting past these systems.

Is it possible her applications are being filtered out by ATS? Absolutely. Here's why:

• Formatting Issues: Even if the content is great, if the resume has complex formatting (uncommon fonts, tables, graphics, unusual bullet points, headers/footers), the ATS might not be able to parse the information correctly. It could jumble the text, miss key sections, or fail to extract keywords.
• Keyword Mismatch: While she's customizing, the specific language used in her resume and cover letter might not perfectly align with the keywords the ATS is looking for in the job descriptions. These systems often scan for specific skills, job titles, software proficiencies, and industry jargon.
• Hidden Information: Sometimes, information embedded in text boxes or images isn't readable by ATS.

Would using an AI tool for keyword optimization make a difference? It's possible, and likely worth exploring. Here's why:

• Identifying Missing Keywords: AI tools designed for resume optimization can analyze job descriptions and compare them to her resume, highlighting missing keywords and suggesting relevant terms she might not have thought of.
• Understanding Keyword Density: These tools can also help ensure that important keywords are present enough times to be noticed by the ATS without sounding unnatural.
• Analyzing Formatting: Some AI tools also offer feedback on resume formatting to ensure it's ATS-friendly.

However, relying solely on AI isn't a silver bullet. The human element of crafting compelling and authentic content is still essential. The goal is to use AI as a tool to enhance her existing efforts, not replace them.

Beyond ATS optimization, here are other strategies that might significantly increase her chances:

1. Networking is Key in Competitive Markets:

• LinkedIn is Her Best Friend: She should be actively engaging on LinkedIn. This includes:
  • Connecting with people: Search for individuals working in communications roles at companies she's interested in and send personalized connection requests.
  • Engaging with content: Like, comment on, and share posts related to her field and the companies she's targeting.
  • Reaching out for informational interviews: Politely ask if someone would be willing to have a brief virtual coffee chat to discuss their career path and company culture. This isn't directly asking for a job, but it builds connections and can lead to opportunities.
  • Following company pages: Stay updated on company news and potential openings.
• Alumni Network: Since she graduated from KEAN University, she should tap into the alumni network. Many universities have career services or alumni groups that can provide valuable connections and insights.
• Industry Events (Virtual or In-Person): If possible, attending relevant industry events (even virtual ones) can provide opportunities to meet people in her field.

2. Refining Her Application Strategy:

• Targeted Job Search: Instead of broadly applying, she should focus on roles that are a strong match for her skills and experience. Quality over quantity is crucial.
• Quantifiable Achievements: Her resume should showcase her accomplishments with numbers and data whenever possible. For example, instead of saying "Managed internal communications," she could say "Developed and executed internal communication strategies that increased employee engagement by 15% (measured by survey data)."
• Strong Action Verbs: Using powerful action verbs at the beginning of each bullet point can make her resume more impactful (e.g., Developed, Managed, Created, Implemented, Analyzed, Wrote, Edited).
• Tailoring Beyond Keywords: While keywords are important, she should also tailor the content of her resume and cover letter to directly address the specific requirements and challenges mentioned in each job description. She should explain how her experience makes her the ideal candidate for that particular role at that specific company.
• Compelling Cover Letters: The cover letter should tell a story and highlight her passion for the role and the company. It should go beyond simply summarizing her resume and provide specific examples of her skills and achievements in action.

3. Seeking Feedback:

• Career Services at KEAN University: They may offer resume reviews and career counseling services for alumni.
• Professional Resume Writers (with caution): If budget allows, a reputable resume writer specializing in communications could provide valuable insights. However, it's important to research and choose someone who understands the ATS landscape.
• Trusted Mentors or Professionals: If she knows anyone working in communications or HR, she could ask them to review her resume and provide honest feedback.

4. Persistence and Patience:

• The job market, especially in competitive areas like NYC and NJ, can be tough. It often takes time and numerous applications to land interviews. She shouldn't get discouraged by the lack of initial responses.
• She should continue to refine her approach, learn from each application (even without feedback), and stay persistent.

It's commendable that your wife is putting in the effort to customize her applications. By combining that dedication with a strategic approach to ATS optimization, networking, and targeted applications, she will significantly increase her chances of landing those interviews. Encourage her to stay positive and keep going!