Am I doing something wrong?

I redid my resume
I sent it out for soooo many jobs
I included a detailed cover letter
I followed all instructions given, if any

I have received 1 phone call and didn't get the job.

I know I didn't get that job due to my salary requirements, which aren't outrageous.

I MUST be doing something wrong, but what? I cannot make this phone ring and Iam starting to get upset....

Re: Am I doing something wrong?

keep going.

all you need is one decent call back.

try not to get discourgaged.

does your cover letter really SELL you?

Re: Am I doing something wrong?

is there a typo? maybe have a few people proofread it .


ETA: I just read detailed cover letter. You don't want it to be too detailed. Like MrsPorkChop said, it should sell you.

Message edited 3/12/2007 4:01:29 PM.

Re: Am I doing something wrong?

Re: Am I doing something wrong?

Are you working with a head hunter? That might speed things up.

Re: Am I doing something wrong?

Re: Am I doing something wrong?

I'm right there with you. I'm currently having my resume redone, so I hope that helps. But it is torture to keep sending and applying and not get a phone call back - I get upset when my phone rings and its not a potential employer. I was recommended for a job by the past prez of the company who assured me I'd be interviewed - I didn't even get a call - I was totally wondering what is wrong with me. The truth is nothing - there are so many reasons for not getting a call that have little to do with your application unfortunately and its timing - maybe these people are just taking their time searching. I know it royally su x but try to hang in there. FM me if you ever want to vent - I'm going on 8 months of looking!

Re: Am I doing something wrong?

I ALWAYS get calls on my cover letter and resume. Randella did it for me. Even before that I got calls. When you send the cover letter do you adjust it for EVERy job you send it to? I always take some of their terms from their ad to make them see that I have what I am looking for. Simple example

Requirements
aggressive self starter
ability to work independently or within a team
self motivated

Dear Mr. Smith,

I am interested in the position posted on Monster.com. I feel I possess the qualities and experience you are seeking. I have been in sales for 8 years. I have consistenly exceeded expectations and quotas. I am extremely self motivated and have been employed in independent sales roles since i graduated college. I work extremely well independently or in a group. Blah blah....

Also are you applying for jobs you are under or overqualified for?

Re: Am I doing something wrong?

Re: Am I doing something wrong?

Re: Am I doing something wrong?

Its not just you, I have been on several interviews I thought I was underqualified and the interviewer has told me I was overqualified. The HR Director or whomever is doing the interviews sees so many people in a day its hard to stand out. Unless you wear neon pink, which I don't suggest. Half the time I am convinced they don't know who I am when they are rejecting me.

Re: Am I doing something wrong?

Re: Am I doing something wrong?

Right but I was saying adjust each cover letter you e-mail to mention something from that specific ad you know? My first paragraph is always different and then I left what Randi wrote about my experience, etc.


I do that usually, but that's what I meant about being more specific.....

Re: Am I doing something wrong?

Re: Am I doing something wrong?

Re: Am I doing something wrong?

Re: Am I doing something wrong?

Don't become discouraged.....it definitely takes time. Use strong words in your cover letter! (I didn't read the one you posted yet.)

No, "I feel I'm the right person for the job."

I AM the perfect candidate for this job--then go into why.

Okay, edited:

If the job asks for salary requirements in the cover letter, are you including the info? I get resumes all the time, and I trash the ones that don't include what I ask for. Mention your range, but also that you are flexible and in need of an inspiring change in your work life.

Message edited 3/13/2007 10:58:31 AM.

Re: Am I doing something wrong?

in the future, do not include your salary requirements. I have heard over and over that employers use this tactic to sift through piles of resumes and chuck them before giving you the opportunity to interview.

Re: Am I doing something wrong?

Re: Am I doing something wrong?

Re: Am I doing something wrong?

Re: Am I doing something wrong?

Re: Am I doing something wrong?

Re: Am I doing something wrong?

I don't know, Gina....I doubt the lack of success here all centers around if you mention your requirement. Like I said, if they ask, you do it--but like Sweetest said, be sure they know it's negotiable.

I think that you just need to keep trying....heck, if there's an email or a phone number, follow up to make sure the employer knows you are serious. I have had writers call me so often, that I had their names stuck in my head and I pulled their files out to read the work b/c he or she was so persistent!

Also, like the others said, make sure you are applying for positions that are in line with your qualifications...and good luck; I know it's hard. I just got lucky and was able to sell myself, but I've been rejected before....so, it's a game. You just have to be able to play it!

Message edited 3/13/2007 11:10:20 AM.

Re: Am I doing something wrong?

Don't give up hope - you have to be persisent. Patience pays off. When I started looking for a new job, I was VERY discouraged - I didn't get any bites for about 2 months. And then, all of a sudden, I started getting calls every week.

I used to interview in my former life in HR. The best way to get your foot in the door is a POWERFUL, strong, but SUCCINCT cover letter, and an equally well written resume. And do NOT forget to follow-up.

Good luck