After spending hours updating resumes, writing cover letters, and applying to multiple jobs—not hearing back from recruiters can be disheartening.
At MSP Hire, we understand the challenges that our applicants face in navigating a competitive job market, so we strive to maintain communication with our candidates whenever possible. While the update may not always be what they hoped for, we ensure they know where they stand in the hiring process.
That said, based on our interactions with our applicants, we’ve identified a few other possible reasons why many job seekers don’t always receive a response.
In this article, we’ll outline factors that may be affecting your application and what you can do to improve your chances of getting traction in your job search.
You Sent An Old Resume
Many job seekers apply through job boards like LinkedIn, Indeed, or Glassdoor, where the platform may automatically submit a previously uploaded resume. In many cases, applicants forget to upload a newer version, resulting in an outdated resume being submitted—sometimes from years ago.
An old resume may not reflect recent roles, skills, certifications, or industry changes, hurting your chances of getting noticed.
What you can do: Update your information on your preferred job board. Always double-check that you are submitting the correct version of your resume to accurately present yourself to employers.
You’re Hard to Reach
It happens more often than you’d think—candidates mistype their phone number or email, or forget to update their contact details. If a recruiter tries to reach you and encounters a wrong number or undeliverable email, they’ll likely move on to the next candidate.
Even if your contact info is correct, if your phone goes straight to voicemail and you don’t check your emails, it becomes impossible for recruiters to connect with you.
What you can do: Double-check your contact details, keep your voicemail inbox clear, and make sure to check your inbox (including spam or junk folders) regularly.
You Missed the Application Instructions
Some job postings come with specific instructions, like submitting a cover letter, answering a screening question, or applying through the company’s portal instead of just emailing your resume.
If you don’t follow these instructions, it could come across as a lack of attention to detail or genuine interest in the role. Your application could be ignored or even automatically rejected by the applicant tracking system (ATS), which is where most applicants get filtered out.
What you can do: Always read through the job posting thoroughly and make sure you’ve followed the application process.
Your Resume Goes into the “Do Not Hire” pile
While this is rare, it’s important to note that inappropriate or unprofessional behavior in previous applications can sometimes result in a candidate being flagged by recruiters. Your application may be automatically rejected even before a recruiter even gets the chance to review it.
Getting blacklisted by one agency could mean losing access to a vast network of job opportunities. Keep in mind that large companies often have subsidiaries, and recruitment agencies serve multiple clients.
What you can do: Always maintain professionalism, even when things don’t go as planned. If you’ve had any past issues, focus on moving forward with a positive and proactive attitude in all your future applications.
The Job is Already Filled or on Hold
Recruiters often receive hundreds of applications for a single role, and sometimes, if they’re overwhelmed, they might only respond to applicants who match the qualifications, leaving even strong potential candidates without feedback.
Additionally, some roles get filled faster than expected, or hiring needs may suddenly change. While job postings may have been removed from the recruiter’s system, there can sometimes be delays on the back end, causing the job post to remain live on job boards, giving you the impression that they’re still hiring.
What you can do: Don’t be discouraged if you don’t hear back immediately. Keep applying to new roles, and if you don’t get a response, it could simply be due to timing. It never hurts to follow up a week or two after submitting your application.
Not hearing back from recruiters can be incredibly frustrating, but remember, it’s not always a reflection of your abilities or qualifications. While some factors may be out of your hands, there are different things you can do to improve your chances of landing your next job.
Focus on what you can control: present your best self, make yourself reachable, demonstrate your enthusiasm for the position you’re applying for, always be professional, and continue to put your best self out there. The right opportunity could be just around the corner.
