If employers are not offering you any phone calls, interviews or jobs for work in Australia – you have a problem.

The problem may be your Cover Letter, Resume or even your “personal brand” is just not working. You’re hitting a brick wall, and you’re not sure what to do.

Don’t worry. There’s hope.

Here are the reasons why your job application gets rejected – and what you can do to land a job in Australia.

1. Crummy Cover Letters lead to job application rejections

Employers will not offer you a job if your Cover Letter is:
·Generic
·Long
·Poorly written
·Repeats what is already in your Resume
·Non-existent

What you need to do is write a concise and customised Cover Letter.

The Cover Letter should introduce the reader to who you are and how you will fit into the job.

2. Poor Resumes lead to job application rejections

A bloated and poorly formatted Resume will have the reader dismiss you instantly. Your Resume must impress the reader within the first 3 seconds.

Make sure your Resume stands out with:

1.     A short and sharp profile statement at the top (think 3 punchy bullet points with keywords highlighting your key skills, experience and expertise).
2.     List of your key skills in bullet form (with examples/evidence) to highlight this particular skill
3.     Employment achievements

And make sure it conveys:
·Who you are
·Where you have worked
·What you did at those jobs
·How you made your achievements

Overall, it needs to show the value you can bring to a company.

3. Your Resume lacks your experience

Make sure you highlight the skills and achievements that will be of most interest to a hiring manager or employer. Put in examples of how you overcame certain problems and delivered results.

Readers want to read about problems and resolutions.

4. Your keywords are all wrong

Hiring managers use Resume-tracking systems to scan your Resume for keywords that relate to the job or company. You can find these keywords in the job description.

Make sure you pick out several keywords from the job description to use them when describing the value you could bring to a company (see point 3 above).

Don’t go overboard, though. Hiring managers will reject your application if it looks like a copy of the job description.

5. Spelling and grammar mistakes – automatic job application rejection! 

Poor spelling and grammar will significantly lower your chances of getting a job in Australia. Make sure you check it, re-check it, and then check your Resume again. Ask your friends to read it too.

Don’t forget, Microsoft Word has advanced spell-checking options. You can turn them on to get a thorough spell-check on your Resume.

6. You have not followed instructions

Some employers require a Cover Letter, some need you to apply via their online system, and some need a portfolio in pdf format. The list can go on.

Such requirements can be a chore, but you need to follow an employer’s instructions on how to apply for a job. If you don’t, a hiring manager will perceive you as someone who cannot follow instructions.

7. You don’t network enough

Make sure you search your network – usually via LinkedIn – to discover key people in your network (recruiters and hiring managers) and make more contacts.

It’s also wise to attend job and networking events in your city. Take advantage of any people you meet and connect with them online. You never know who’s looking for workers for their company.

8. You have a poor personal brand

A poor personal brand will make it harder to capture an employer’s attention. It takes employers three minutes to research who you are online and decide if you are suitable for the company.

Make sure your social media profiles (LinkedIn in particular) are inviting, smart and well presented. Get rid of any unsavoury photos or comments. You need to be your best in every aspect of life.

Need to discuss things further?

For a free consultation, get in touch now.

We wish you all the best in the job search.
Careers Team, Career Success Australia