It’s Not You, It’s Your Resume: Why You’re Not Getting Interviews

So, you’ve submitted 53 applications this week, chugged three coffees, whispered sweet affirmations to your laptop, and still—crickets. No interview requests. No polite rejection emails. Just... nothingness.

Before you blame the economy (again), let’s have a little chat. Pull up a chair, bestie. Your resume might be sabotaging you.

Here’s what might be happening behind the scenes:

1. Your Resume Is Giving “2003 Microsoft Word Template”

I said what I said.

Times New Roman, size 11, 1.5 spacing like it’s a college essay? Recruiters aren’t nostalgic, they’re busy. If your resume looks like it just rolled out of a fax machine, chances are it’s getting skimmed and skipped.

Modern resumes aren’t about frills. They’re about clarity, keyword optimization, and just enough aesthetic to look intentional—not like you discovered Canva five minutes ago.

2. Your Professional Summary Sounds Like a LinkedIn Buzzword Salad

“Results-driven professional with a proven track record of leveraging synergies to optimize cross-functional efficiencies…”

Ma’am. Sir. Friend. Nobody talks like that at work.

Cut the fluff and give us real impact. Did you streamline onboarding to reduce turnover by 20%? Fantastic. Tell me that. Don’t dress it up in corporate haiku.

3. You're Applying with One Resume to Rule Them All

There is no “universal resume.” That’s a myth created by someone who wanted to work less and then wonder why they hear less.

Customize. Every. Time.

Match your skills to the job description like you're doing the final round on Love Is Blind. If you don’t tailor it, don’t expect HR to chase you down and connect the dots. We don’t have time—we’re in back-to-back “quick syncs.”

4. Your LinkedIn is Either a Ghost Town or a Wild Party

Recruiters will stalk your LinkedIn. That’s not a threat, it’s a promise.

If your resume says you’re a seasoned compliance lead and your LinkedIn still has you listed as “open to barista roles,” we’re confused. Don’t make us confused. Confused recruiters don’t call back. They move on.

5. You’re Underestimating the Power of a Good Coach (Yes, Like Me. Shameless Plug? Absolutely.)

Sometimes you just need someone who isn’t your cousin who “once worked in HR” to tell you the truth.

You need someone to help you:

• Brag professionally (yes, there’s a formula)

• Navigate the ATS jungle

• Say “I’m amazing” without literally saying “I’m amazing”

  
  

That’s where Tales From HR comes in. Resume revamp? Interview coaching? Career clarity with a side of tough love? We got you.

Final Thoughts (Or: Why You Should Call Us So We Can Fix This)

Getting ghosted by jobs isn’t always your fault—but it’s not always the market either. A meh resume, outdated strategy, or awkward personal branding can keep you stuck longer than necessary.

Want to stand out for the right reasons? Let’s work together and make your resume polished and undeniable.

Ready for a glow-up?

✨ Check out the Career Catalogue

✨ Book a Discovery Call

✨ Or just slide into our DMs (professionally, please)