I’m qualified but I’m not getting hired, what could be the problem?
- Jan 29
- 3 min read
You've got the experience. You've got the credentials.
By any reasonable measure, you should be getting callbacks.
But you're not.
And honestly? It's probably not what you think.
Most people in this position assume they need to apply harder. Send more resumes. Maybe lower their standards.
But if all you hear is silence after 20, 30, 50 applications, the problem isn't effort.
It's that something's breaking between what you're offering and what the system is designed to recognize.
Let's discuss where that's probably happening.
The System Can't Read What You're Saying
Note: your resume gets scanned by software before a human ever sees it.
That software is looking for specific signals; keywords, role alignment, formatting. If those aren't there, your resume stops.
Right there.
It doesn't matter how qualified you are if the system can't match your language to what the job requires.
Let's break it down:
The job posting says "project management."
Your resume says "program coordination." You know they're the same thing. The system doesn't. It sees a mismatch and ranks you lower.
Maybe your job titles don't match industry standards or you described your skills in your own words instead of using the exact terms from the posting or your formatting (those tables, graphics, creative font) broke how the system reads your information.
You're not doing anything wrong. You're just not translating your experience into the language the system is screening for. And that costs you before anyone human even looks.
Humans Can't See the Fit Fast Enough
Let's say your resume makes it past the software. A recruiter opens it. They've got a stack of other candidates to get through, and they're moving fast.
If they have to work to figure out how your experience connects to what they need, they won't. They'll just move to the next one.
What slows recruiters down?
Your summary is generic. It could describe anyone.
Your bullet points list what you were responsible for, but they don't show what changed because you did it.
There's no clear line between what you've done and what this specific role needs.
If the recruiter has to pause and think "Okay, so how does this apply?" you've already lost momentum. Your resume needs to make the case for you. Fast.
What You Should Actually Do
Use the job posting's language: If it says "data analyst" and that's what you do, use that exact term.
Mirror their language where it's accurate.
Lead with what matters most for this role: Put your most relevant experience where it's easy to find
even if it wasn't your most recent job.
Show outcomes, not just duties:
What improved because of your work? Make that visible.
Apply strategically, not frantically:
Focus on roles where you're actually aligned. Targeted beats volume.
Check your formatting:
Keep it simple. Tables and graphics break ATS systems.
Get real feedback:
Your resume might look fine to you and still not work.
A professional perspective catches what you can't see.
Quick Poll: What's Your Biggest Concern Right Now?
What's holding your job search back?
I don't know how to stand out
I'm not sure I'm targeting the right roles
My resume isn't getting past screening
I'm applying but hearing nothing