Over 100 applications sent out, literally 0 responses. Is this normal these days and I just have to stick with it or am I doing something really wrong?
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ATS systems have been horrendous since the late 2000s. They're not called a Black Hole for nothing. Can't tell you how many I submitted over the years where no response was ever sent, even an automated rejection.
Unfortunately, the ATS systems have evolved from basic algorithms to AI-enhanced, so the application need to be tailored for each ATS. Gen AI can possibly help if you know the ATS platform being used, but you will also need to customize each resume and cover for the specific job opening ensuring all keywords and phrases are incorporated.
A further tactic, if you can find the internal recruiter and/or hiring manager, is to reach out directly via email in addition to the ATS submission. Best of luck.
Take the word “Verizon” off the resume and it will work better.
You need to get past the bots. Make sure cover and resume have bot friendly terms that align with the position you are seeking.
@OP - No matter what the Peanut Gallery 🥜 here tells you it is absolutely NOT normal to have zero (0) responses on one hundred (100) application submissions.
I can tell you definitely that something is not working with your current job search approach. If you want to keep wasting your valuable time then continue to do the exact same thing you've been doing ("The definition of insanity").
A far better approach is to reevaluate your approach and wisely adjust. There's some good tips from others within this thread (i.e., tailor resume, directly apply to company websites, apply w/in 24 hours, etc) but you need to figure out what's not working and fix it.
P.s., That being said, you'll never be 100/100 in responses but you should see online response rates at minimum in the 2% to 5% range (eventually higher as you make solid adjustments).
Much success in your search!
Yes this is normal. Most of hr is an incompetent disaster. As a hiring manager at vz, I would get sent 10 resumes most of which were completely unqualified. An external candidate that was referred didn’t even make the initial filter and I had to ask for the resume to be sent through. Seems most of HR is too busy spinning around on their Verizon chair photoshoots and doing LinkedIn posts to understand how to filter qualified resumes.
@op job market ishite right now
Here are some tips:
Get an internal referral before applying. If you can't find anyone in your network try fishbowl.
Apply for jobs in first 48 hours of posting, the sooner the better.
Apply for jobs that you are over 80% qualified for only.
Apply only on the companies own website.
Make sure your resume focuses on things that brought value to the company. Saved x amount of money, improved z increasing efficiency, etc.
Try to limit experience to ~12 years on your resume if you have a lot of tenure.
See if you can find a group that does mock interviews if you are not great at interviewing.
@OP - "Over 100 applications sent out, literally 0 responses. Is this normal these days and I just have to stick with it or am I doing something really wrong?"
Yes, you need to adjust your job search strategy. No matter what your response rate should never be that low.
If you're searching for a job in NJ the market is literally "flooded" with ex-Verizon job applications, but you need to figure out a way to break through the pack.
Either your resume isn't strong enough...
Or you're applying for mismatched jobs vs. your skills and experience...
Or you're apply for jobs in a shrinking industry.
Here's some solid advice I've come across on this site:
https://www.thelayoff.com/t/1ka6yqhnz?source=follow&n=1
Good luck!
We’ve reached a point, as American workers, that McDonald’s can be far more selective.
HECK NO!
I’m in full panic mode!!
Completely normal. Don’t take it personally.
Yup, this is how I ended up settling for a job as a tech.
Around Christmas, yes. Lazy HR will repost positions a few times around the Holidays to buy some time calling candidates for interviews and doing phone screens.
@OP
I started applying the second day after RiF and I am sure I have applied for more than 150 positions and so far I got rejection emails for about 20% so I would say if you are not receiving anything it could be a good thing.
Also, the industry you are applying in makes a huge difference.
I am in tech and most of the companies have open positions in India more than the US.
My friend lost his job in construction one month before me, he wasn't worried at all and even traveled abroad for two weeks and guess what he has two offers already and waiting till he finishes the interviews that were already scheduled to see if he will get more offers to decide
The more outsourcing your industry is plagued with the harder to even compete against the fake resumes. While sectors with less outsourcing like construction, local demand is way better.
Ain’t no jobs…welcome to trump America
@OP You are not doing anything wrong -- just not all the right things given today's AI candidate filtering. Use as many key words from the posting in your resume -- yes, this means you have multiple varieties of resumes... or worse ... a resume for each job posting.
It is a pain-in-the-a$$. I have a high-qualified friend that took VSP and has been doing Resume submissions for over a year. Hundreds sent out during that time and even automated responses at a very high %. Has not landed the perfect job yet.