If you’ve been sending hundreds of resumes and not getting interviews, here’s how to get better results.

Question: “I have been sending resumes, cover letters, and following up with phone calls, yet I haven’t been called for an interview. Can you help me?”

Answer: Yes, I can help you. Here’s the first step: Are you clear on the job title you want to pursue?

Not “any” job, but a specific job title that aligns with your career goals.

If this is not clearly stated on your resume, you may get passed over by an employer’s applicant tracking system. Or even LinkedIn, when using Easy Apply if the search terms don’t align with your desired job.

Your desired job title is a critical keyword an employer’s applicant tracking system will search for when screening through the hundreds of resumes they receive. Job titles are keywords; when you’re applying online, ensure your resume is specific and meets the qualifications listed in the job post.

Plus, listing your desired job title on your resume tells the reader you know exactly what you want to do and that you’re not expecting the hiring manager or recruiter to decide what position would interest you.

Focus creates opportunities.

Make Your Resume Stand Out

Next, take a closer look at your resume and have two or three friends do so.

Be objective. When you read your resume, can you change your name and put someone else’s name on it?

For example, if you are an instructional designer, does your resume look like every other instructional designer’s resume but with different years of experience? If so, it’s time for an update.

If you wish to use AI to help you with your resume, ensure you are using effective prompts to help you identify the keywords in the job post against your professional experience. Do the job description and keywords align with your experience?

Because AI pulls from multiple sources, it can make your resume generic and not capture your personality or your quantified, specific achievements. Only you can do this because your resume needs to be compelling enough to stand out and gain the attention of your prospective employer.

Differentiate yourself by using strong achievement statements on your resume. When writing achievement statements, use the CAR framework. CAR stands for Challenge, Action, Result. Ensure results are quantified. Did your initiative save money? Make money? Improve productivity? Provide a measurable outcome. This framework addresses the question employers ask when reviewing resumes, “Why should I hire you?” And “Will I get a return on my investment in this candidate’s salary?”

Ensure your resume uses a “what’s in it for them” focus rather than a “what’s in it for me” focus.

Be Strategic With Your Job Search Method

Third, how are you conducting your job search? Are you only answering online job postings on job boards, LinkedIn, and company websites?

Or, this is key, are you sending your resume directly to a decision-maker?

Search strategy matters.

Follow Up the Right Way

Kudos to our Reader for following up on the resumes they’ve been sending.

Your fourth tip is to assess how the follow-up calls are structured and the timeframe for the call.

A good time to follow up is three to seven days from when you sent your resume.

If you decide to make a call, make it intriguing. Do not say, “Hi, I’m calling to check if you got my resume.” Boring!

A better way is to get the name and contact information of the decision-maker for your role. You can then make a direct call using this format:

“Xena Smith? It’s Jo Friday. I’m calling regarding the resume I submitted for the ID position on [date]. I’m very interested in this role.

[Compelling reason for the interviewer to call you back.] When I researched your company, I saw that you have high growth in specific business units, requiring constant hiring for those units. Onboarding is a core area of my expertise. In the past year, I revamped our onboarding process, getting new employees up to speed in 45 days versus 90. I’d like to do the same or better for you. Please call me between 2 and 4 p.m. Tuesday, and I’d be glad to answer any of your questions.”

Using this strategy, you indicate your value, interest in the position, AND the best time to reach you. This technique also helps avoid playing phone tag.

If you’re emailing a follow-up note, use a script similar to the above and include a link to your scheduling app. This saves the back-and-forth. Also, include a backup copy of your resume so it’s fresh in their mind.

When you follow up using either strategy above, you provide a compelling reason for the employer to call you back.

I look forward to hearing your results.

Want More Help?

If you’d like more help with your job search, get my free “Get Hired Faster” guide today.

Wendy Terwelp, Founder of Opportunity Knocks of Wisconsin, is an executive career coach who writes, speaks, and coaches professionals to go from passed over to promoted. She’s helped thousands of professionals land jobs, get salary increases, and earn promotions through her work. Ready for your next big gig? Let’s talk!

Note: A variation of my post first appeared in ATD’s blog.