Why You’re Not Hearing Back from Companies (and How to Fix it)
“I’m not getting many interviews after submitting my application”
One of the most common challenges job seekers face—especially in the first few months of their search—is not hearing back after submitting applications. If this silence from companies sounds familiar, here are a few reasons why it might be happening and what you can do about it.
Overwhelming Number of Applications
In 2022 and 2023, more than 250,000 tech employees were laid off each year, according to Layoffs.fyi. With a similar trend expected in 2024, this flood of tech talent has made the job market highly competitive. It's not uncommon for hundreds, if not thousands, of people to apply for a single role, overwhelming recruiters and hiring teams.
The reality is, your resume might not even be seen. Applicant tracking systems (ATS) work like digital filing cabinets—resumes that come in early are more likely to be reviewed first. If recruiters find a few great candidates in the first batch, they may never get around to looking at the rest. So, when you don’t hear back, it doesn’t always mean you were rejected; it could simply mean your application wasn’t seen.
The Fix → Apply as early as possible, ideally within the first 48-72 hours after a job posting goes live. Networking and referrals can also boost your visibility. If possible, reach out directly to the recruiter or hiring manager on LinkedIn with a short note and attach your resume.
Your Resume Isn’t Standing Out
In a competitive job market, your resume is a key marketing tool. If you're not getting responses, it’s likely that your resume isn’t resonating with hiring teams.
Stand out by focusing on highlighting your achievements, especially those that align with the role you're applying for. Make it clear how your experience can translate into success at the company you're targeting. Employers want to see the impact you’ve made and how it could benefit them.
The Fix → Tailor your resume to highlight specific projects, products, or initiatives that mirror what the company is looking for. Show measurable results to prove your impact. Consider hiring a professional resume writer who helps job seekers get hired.
Intense Competition
The increased number of qualified candidates has created an employer’s market, meaning there are more candidates than jobs available. As a result, employers can afford to be selective, often looking for candidates with very specific domain or product experience. They want someone who can hit the ground running from day one.
This is where telling your story comes into play. You need to show how your experience directly applies to the company’s needs, whether that’s through similar industry experience, comparable company sizes, or challenges you’ve overcome in the past.
The Fix → Focus your efforts on roles and companies where you have the best fit. Look for patterns in the companies where you’ve made progress—this could reveal industries or company sizes that are more receptive to your background. Then, double down on those opportunities.
Internal Factors
Sometimes, no matter how qualified you are, internal company factors may prevent them from moving forward with hiring. I've seen great candidates get passed over because priorities shifted, budgets were cut, or headcount was reduced.
The Fix → Understand that some factors are out of your control. Focus on areas where you can make an impact—your resume, your networking, and your interview skills. If you don’t hear back, try not to take it personally, as the issue might have nothing to do with your qualifications.
Ultimately, there are many reasons why you might not be hearing back from companies, and not all of them are within your control. Focus your energy on the areas where you can make a difference, like optimizing your resume and aligning your experience with the companies you're applying to. And remember, resilience is key in any job search. Keep at it—you’ve got this!
