I keep getting rejected from jobs even though I'm qualified. What am I doing wrong?
I've been applying to about 10-15 jobs per week for the past 3 months. I have a bachelor's degree in marketing and 4 years of experience. I've gotten maybe 3 interviews out of 100+ applications. The feedback I get is usually "we went with someone with more experience." But the jobs say "2-3 years experience required" and I have 4. I'm starting to feel like something is wrong with my resume or my approach. Any ideas?
1 Answer(s)
This is incredibly frustrating, but the issue is almost never your qualifications—it's usually your application strategy. Here are the most common reasons qualified candidates get rejected:
1. Your resume isn't ATS-friendly. Most companies use Applicant Tracking Systems that scan for keywords. If your resume doesn't match the exact language in the job posting, you get auto-rejected before a human ever sees it. Tailor your resume for every single application.
2. You're applying to the wrong level. "2-3 years required" often means they want someone who hits the ground running. Your resume should emphasize specific results, not just duties.
3. Stop cold-applying. Networking gets you 5-10x more callbacks. Reach out to people at companies on LinkedIn, ask for informational interviews, and get referred.
4. Your cover letter might be generic. Write one that directly addresses the company's specific pain points.
Try these changes for 2 weeks and track your results. You should see a noticeable difference.