Why You’re Not Hearing Back: The Silent Job Search Killers You Can Fix Today

It’s one of the most frustrating parts of the job hunt — you’ve submitted your resume, maybe even applied to dozens of roles, but all you hear in return is silence. No emails, no interviews, no feedback. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. But the good news? There are a few quiet deal-breakers in the application process that, once identified, can dramatically improve your results.

One common issue is a lack of alignment between your resume and the role. Even if you have the right experience, if the keywords and phrasing don’t match what’s in the job description, your resume might be getting screened out before a human even sees it. Another frequent misstep is failing to tailor your resume or cover letter to the job. Recruiters can quickly spot a generic application, and it often comes across as low-effort or disinterested — even if that’s not the case.

Outside the resume, small but critical details also matter: Is your LinkedIn profile current? Are you applying with a professional email address? Have you triple-checked for typos? These may seem like minor points, but they help paint the overall picture of how prepared and serious you are.

If you feel like you’re doing everything right and still not getting traction, that’s exactly where a recruiter can step in. At The Hollister Group, we don’t just match you to open roles — we help you fine-tune your approach, avoid common missteps, and make sure your application materials are working for you, not against you.