Why is my application being rejected?

Rejection is never easy. It’s especially not easy when it’s a job application rejection. After all, you’re working hard searching and applying for jobs, so it’s usually a bummer for your application to be rejected.

It can be especially frustrating if the application rejection letter or email response doesn’t tell you why you weren’t chosen for the position or what you could improve. However, there are a variety of common reasons job applications may be rejected, and several things you can do to help improve your chances of your application being seen.
Why do my job applications keep getting rejected?
Unfortunately, even if you have the experience, credentials, education and did everything on the application right, you may still be rejected. In these cases, the reasons for application rejection are out of your control.

Just because your application was rejected doesn’t mean you wouldn’t be good at that job, aren’t a good fit for the role, or even aren’t a good fit for the company. It may simply mean someone was better or stronger for that particular role. And without that person in the application pool, the job could have been yours.

However, some reasons are within your control. While you can’t always know why your application was rejected, avoiding the pitfalls outlined below and following the application tips can help give your application a better chance.
Top 9 reasons for job application rejection
Even with the right education, experience, and credentials, your application still may be rejected. While competition can be intense, especially with the ease of online applications, there are a few things you can do and errors to avoid while applying.

The resume was filtered out by the applicant tracking system (ATS). In most cases, the first thing to see your resume is ATS software, programmed to scan your resume and CV to see how well it matches up with job requirements. If it doesn’t match, it’s typically discarded without an actual person seeing it.

Often when employers post a job through Snagajob or through their applicant tracking system, which is the online system that processes and tracks your application, they set filters to allow only applications with certain keywords or that meet basic requirements to reach hiring managers.

This is meant to benefit everyone. Hiring managers can be inundated with applications for a job, whether the applicants are qualified or not. This helps save the hiring manager's time from having to follow up with unqualified candidates.

Filters can vary from employer to employer. Depending on your age, licenses, experience, and assessment answers, you’ll receive different results when you apply. Try using industry buzzwords and keywords from the job description to increase the likelihood your resume will pass through the tracking system. Also try to highlight transferable skills, a list of accomplishments, and other information that may be critical for the job role.

Resume isn’t proofed. You may be surprised how many resumes and cover letters have typos, misspellings, and grammatical errors. In most cases, this is an automatic rejection by the ATS or hiring manager.

Review your resume and information to ensure it’s all accurate and up to date. Be sure your resume is clean, uncluttered, and in an easy to read font. Also double-check for misspellings, typos, and grammar mistakes.

Application too long. The longer your application or resume is, the less likely it is that the hiring manager will read it. Avoid overcrowding your CV and making it too lengthy. While you want to include detail and information about your experience and qualifications, try boiling it down to one or two sentences that express why you want the role or what you can bring to the job or company.

Think about what’s important to share and applicable to the company and job you’re applying for.

Experience doesn’t match. If you’re underqualified for the role or your experience is in a different role or field, you may be rejected. You can even be rejected for being overqualified for a role. While this can be frustrating, especially if you’re looking for a new job to move up or advance in your industry, there are steps you can take to help yourself.

First, include a tailored cover letter that’s written specifically for the company and job role. Show you’ve done your research and sincerely care about that particular job. Be sure to keep it brief, but outlining a connection may make the hiring manager give your resume a few more seconds.

Application directions weren’t followed. Pay attention to whether the application asks for specific documentation (like a resume, cover letter, and/or references), requests documents in a certain format, or requires you to follow certain instructions for an assessment. Perhaps they ask for certain words within a subject line, or even a code word to ensure you’ve read the application or job description thoroughly.

Provide all documentation of the application requests, or risk demonstrating to the hiring manager you don’t care enough about the job to follow instructions. Once you’ve filled out the application, re-read any instructions to make sure you’re following and submitting everything appropriately.

You have a large employment gap. While this may not automatically disqualify you, it may make the hiring manager have second thoughts. In many cases, you won’t get the chance to explain the employment gap. And because of the way many industries change drastically, especially with technology, you may be passed over for someone who hasn’t had a break.

While you don’t have to explain in your application why you had a gap in employment, and in some cases that may even be inappropriate, you should instead try to fill that gap with something relevant. For example, perhaps you were doing consulting on the side or taking classes at the local university. This can help show your dedication.

The application was rushed. Hiring managers can always tell when a job applicant rushed through an application. Other than not following directions, they may use slang, abbreviations, and even incomplete sentences.

Taking your time on a job application can be an easy way to keep your resume in the pile instead of tossed to the side. Because you have such a limited amount of time and space to catch the attention of and impress the hiring manager, that should be taken advantage of through strong communication skills.

You stretched the truth. Unfortunately, whether intentional or not, many job applications lie (or stretch the truth) on their resumes. This can range from including jobs or education the applicant doesn’t have, to exaggerating credentials or expertise.

Remember, with the internet, and it’s straightforward for a hiring manager to find out information about you. Plus, they have information about your previous employers and can call them to check your claims. You may even have to pass a background check for some employers as part of the application process.

Whatever you put on your resume, even if you don’t think it’s good enough for the role, be sure it’s truthful and honest.

The candidate was hired internally. Sometimes, companies have to publicly post a job even if they are planning on hiring internally. In this case, external candidates don’t stand much of a chance of being interviewed or hired because the candidate is already chosen internally. While you have no way of knowing this or preparing for it, it’s still always a good idea to apply for a job you’re interested in and qualified for.
How to move on from rejection of a job application
A rejection of a job application can be frustrating and seem unfair, especially if your job application was rejected immediately, or you didn’t even receive a letter or email letting you know your application was formally rejected. However, here are a few tips for moving on and continuing the job search process.

Don’t take it personally. Sometimes, employers have to make a decision based on who they believe is the right candidate for the role and organization, and it may have nothing to do with your application, qualifications, or resume. Don’t take the rejection personally.

Learn from it. While not all hiring managers will respond, try reaching out to them via phone or email and ask if they can share why your application was rejected, and if they have any tips or recommendations for how you can do better next time.

Focus on your strengths. Instead of feeling down or frustrated, make a list of your strengths, key contributions, and reasons why you make a great employee. Say the reasons out loud and re-read them whenever you start to feel frustrated again. Not only can this help reaffirm your value as an employee, but it can also help increase your confidence for the next job application and even a job interview.

Keep applying. Even if you were rejected, or perhaps you haven’t heard anything back yet, keep searching and applying until you’ve accepted a position. Stay in touch with your professional network and tap into them for recommendations or assistance. Remain proactive and use the rejection opportunities to enhance your job search and application techniques and refine your resume and cover letter.