The 10 Most Common Reasons Recruiters Keep Rejecting Your Job Applications

It can be frustrating when you keep applying for the same job and are never called in for an interview. You feel like you’re in a job application black hole, but what’s really happening? Why won’t recruiters give you the time of day? The reasons could be one or all of the following

Here are some common reasons why recruiters keep rejecting your job applications:

1) It's too similar to another application

You should be careful to not apply for jobs that are similar to one another. If you’re using an automated applicant tracking system, it might reject your application because it's seen as a duplicate. And if you’re applying for jobs without a tracking system, recruiters might think you're applying for multiple positions at once and reject your applications en masse. Make sure you only apply to jobs that are truly relevant and differentiate yourself when possible (for example, by submitting cover letters tailored to each job).

2) You haven't applied to enough companies

If you don't have much experience, it may seem like a good idea to apply to every job that matches your skill set—but that's a bad move. Instead, focus on applying to companies you'd like to work for and which offer work you're excited about. If recruiters keep rejecting your job applications, they probably aren't interested in what you're selling.

3) Your salary expectations are unrealistic

When it comes to your salary expectations, what you think is fair might be vastly different from what a recruiter or hiring manager thinks is fair. If your desired salary number is going to turn off an employer before they even consider your qualifications, you’re in trouble. You’re underqualified: Even if you do have relevant skills and experience, recruiters don’t want to waste their time interviewing candidates who aren’t qualified for a position—and that includes being overqualified.

4) Your qualifications don't match the advertised position

The best way to learn a job is to get a job in that field, so if you have no experience in graphic design or accountancy, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to do those jobs straight away. Even if you’re great at your new job, it can take time for recruiters to see your potential and make contact. It might also mean that another candidate has been accepted instead of you as they are seen as more immediately suitable for the role.

5) You don't have much work experience yet

When you’re looking for your first job, recruiters will likely be very cautious with hiring you because they can’t make sure that your skills are relevant. You could have all of the right skills, but if they don’t match what a recruiter is looking for, then it might not matter to them. Many people think that recruiters only care about getting someone who has a degree and a lot of experience under their belt, but that isn’t true.

6) Your application was too late

One of your job applications came in too late, so they don’t have time to deal with it. To avoid rejection due to lateness, you’ll need to make sure that you submit your application at least a week before any closing date. For example, if a job advert states that an application needs to be received by 8am on July 1st, then don’t send it until after 7pm on June 25th.

7) You weren't prepared for the interview

If you really want to land your dream job, you should prepare like it's a marathon, not a sprint. If a recruiter invites you in for an interview, that doesn't mean they've already decided to offer you the job—it just means that they're considering you as one of their top candidates. And before any company will consider hiring you (or anyone else) for any position, there are quite a few hoops to jump through first. If recruiters keep rejecting your applications, ask yourself if you're ready for interviews before even sending out your resume and cover letter. Once recruited by an employer, spend some time reading about interview dos and don'ts.

8) You can't prove your qualifications

Did you list five years of experience when you really only have four? Did you say you went to university when in reality, it was a community college? Be careful: Hiring managers will notice discrepancies between your resume and job application—and they won't be happy. Double-check that your education and employment history are accurate. Also make sure to proofread your application. Writing errors on your resume can reflect poorly on your communication skills and mean that recruiters don't believe what they read. Your cover letter needs work: Telling hiring managers how much you want their job is great; telling them why is even better. A compelling cover letter will capture an employer's attention right away, whereas a generic one might get tossed aside after just a glance.

9)You don't fit with the team

If your resume says you’re an excellent leader but in interviews, you come across as unenthusiastic and uncommitted, that can be a problem. If you don't have much knowledge about a company or role, pretend like you do. You aren't motivated enough: Companies want to hire employees who are excited about what they do—and really care about it. That's why recruiters keep rejecting job seekers who don't express genuine interest in their roles during interviews. Your resume isn't up to par: Don’t send out lackluster resumes just because it’s convenient or easy to do so. A recruiter will see right through any attempts at deception and reject your application for being lazy or careless rather than for being unqualified.

10) They've already hired someone internally

It’s not unusual for companies to post a job opening when they’re just trying to figure out if there’s enough interest in hiring a new person. They may advertise on Monster or Craigslist, for example, and ask people to submit their resumes. But if you happen to apply and don't get an immediate response from that company or recruiter, it might be because someone has already been hired internally for that role. The only way to know for sure is to contact your recruiter directly and ask. You can also call up your former boss or colleagues and ask them if they know of anyone who's looking for a new hire. Or if you see another job posting at that company, apply again -- after all, they may have changed their mind!