You’re doing everything right—or at least it feels like you are. You’ve been applying to job after job, checking the boxes, hitting send, and hoping this will be the one. But your inbox is still empty, and no one’s calling.

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. This is one of the top concerns we hear from job seekers. The good news? You can turn it around. The key is getting honest about what might not be working and shifting your strategy with a fresh perspective.

Here’s a breakdown of why you might not be hearing back, along with actionable steps you can take right now to increase your chances of landing an interview—and finally, your dream job.

You Don’t Have a Clear Strategy

Applying to every job that sort of matches your experience might feel productive in the moment, but without a solid job search strategy, you’re likely wasting time and energy. Employers can tell when you’re casting a wide net and hoping something sticks.

What to do now: Start by creating a job search plan. Take some time to define what kind of role you’re really looking for, what your non-negotiables are, and which industries or companies you’d love to work in. From there, you can tailor your approach, track your applications, and make sure every submission is purposeful.

Use a spreadsheet or a tracking tool to keep a record of:

• Where you applied

• When you applied

• Who the hiring manager is (if known)

• Whether or not you followed up

This will help you stay organized and focused instead of spiraling into a black hole of endless applications.

Your Resume Isn’t Pulling Its Weight

You might have years of experience, but if your resume doesn’t clearly communicate your value, employers won’t take the time to figure it out. A common mistake job seekers make is using the same generic resume for every job.

What to do now: Customize your resume for each position by mirroring the language in the job description. Use keywords and highlight specific results and achievements relevant to the role. Focus on clarity, impact, and formatting.

For example:

“Managed content strategy” becomes “Led digital content strategy, increasing engagement by 45% in six months”

“Worked in retail” becomes “Drove monthly sales by consistently exceeding personal targets by 15%”

Use clean, professional formatting and always save your resume as a PDF. Label it clearly: “Your Name – Job Title – Resume” to show the hiring manager this is a tailored submission.

Need support? Our Resume Refresh service can help highlight your experience in a way that hiring managers are actually looking for.

Sloppy Applications

You spent time on your resume and cover letter, and now you’re ready to send it. But don’t hit submit just yet. Rushing through your application, even if you’re excited or in a time crunch, can lead to mistakes that cost you an interview.

What to do now: Take a break after you write your resume and cover letter. Come back to it later with fresh eyes. You’ll be surprised by how many typos, awkward phrases, or repeated words you catch. Need an extra set of eyes before you hit send? You need our Job Application Review.

If you’re under a tight deadline and need to submit quickly, read your documents out loud. This simple trick helps you catch errors your eyes might skim over and ensures your writing flows naturally.

Spelling errors, poor formatting, or grammar mistakes can immediately land your application in the “no” pile—no matter how great your experience is.

You’re Skipping Application Instructions

Many companies include very specific instructions in job postings, whether it’s asking for a portfolio, requesting a certain file format, or requiring a particular subject line in your email. These small details are not just for logistics—they’re a test.

What to do now: Slow down and read every posting carefully. If an employer asks for your cover letter in a specific format or wants you to include your availability, do it exactly as instructed.

Missing an instruction shows carelessness and raises red flags. If you can’t follow directions in the application phase, hiring managers may wonder how detail-oriented you’ll be in the role itself.

Your LinkedIn Profile Doesn’t Support Your Resume

Even if your resume is strong, employers will almost always check your LinkedIn to learn more about you. If your profile is incomplete, outdated, or missing relevant keywords, that’s a missed opportunity.

What to do now: Update your profile headline so it clearly summarizes what you do and what makes you unique. Something like “Marketing Manager | Specializing in Lifestyle Brands + Digital Strategy” gives a clearer snapshot than just “Marketing Professional.”

Make sure your experience is up to date, your skills are added, and you’ve personalized your URL. Add a professional photo and consider turning on the “Open to Work” feature if you’re actively job hunting and comfortable making it public.

Also, don’t just have a LinkedIn account—use it. Engage with posts, follow brands you admire, and share industry insights to show you’re passionate and connected to your field.

You’re Applying to Jobs That Don’t Match

It’s tempting to apply to roles that are just outside your reach, especially if they sound exciting or are at a company you love. But if you’re applying to jobs that require years more experience or skills you don’t have, you might not be hearing back because you’re not showing up as a strong match.

What to do now: Be realistic about the roles you’re targeting. If you’re applying to mid-level or senior roles but only have entry-level experience, look for opportunities that offer growth potential or are more aligned with your current skill set.

You can still stretch—but when you do, use your cover letter to explain why you’re a great fit despite missing some qualifications. Show passion, transferable skills, and a willingness to grow.

You’re Not Networking

If you’re relying solely on job boards, you’re missing a huge part of the job search process. Often, jobs are filled internally or through referrals before they even get posted.

What to do now: Make networking part of your job search plan. Reach out to former coworkers, friends in the industry, and mentors. Don’t just ask for a job—ask for insights, advice, or if they know someone you should talk to.

On LinkedIn, send personalized messages. Join industry-related groups. Engage with company pages. These small actions help you get noticed and may lead to opportunities down the line.

You’re Not Following Up

It’s easy to assume silence means rejection, but that’s not always the case. Hiring processes take time. People get busy, roles change, and inboxes overflow.

What to do now: Follow up about a week after applying. Keep it short and polite. Reaffirm your interest and ask if they need anything else from you.

If you’ve already had an interview, send a thank-you email within 24 hours. It shows professionalism, courtesy, and interest—and it reminds the hiring manager why you’re a strong candidate.

You’re Doing Everything Right. It Just Takes Time

Sometimes the issue isn’t your resume, your networking, or your strategy. Sometimes it’s just timing.

What to do now: Keep going. Stay consistent. Continue applying with intention, refining your materials, and investing in your skills. If you’re not seeing results after a few weeks or months, get a second opinion on your resume, ask a mentor to review your LinkedIn, or book a career coaching session.

In the meantime, consider taking an online course, working on a creative project, or volunteering in your field. These things keep you motivated, build your confidence, and give you new material to add to your applications.

Need support with your job search? Whether it’s a one-on-one coaching session, a Resume Refresh, or our Get Hired in Your Dream Job Workbook, Style Nine to Five has the tools to help you land the job you deserve.

Visit Style Nine to Five Career Services to get started.