10 Mistakes That Are Stopping You From Getting Interviews

If you’re applying to jobs but not getting interview calls, you’re not alone. Thousands of candidates in India face the same issue — and in most cases, the problem isn’t the job market, it’s a few simple mistakes that can easily be fixed.

Here are the 10 biggest reasons you’re not getting interviews — and how to fix them today.

1. Your Resume Isn’t ATS-Friendly

Most companies in India now use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) that automatically reject resumes with:

Too many graphics

Incorrect formats

Missing keywords

Fancy fonts

✅ Fix it:

Use a clean, text-based resume and add job-specific keywords.

2. You Use One Resume for Every Job

A generic resume rarely works. Recruiters can see it instantly.

✅ Fix it:

Customize your resume for each job role by tweaking skills, achievements, and keywords.

3. Your Resume Has Zero Achievements

Many candidates list responsibilities instead of results.

Examples of weak vs strong:

Handled customer support
✔️ Resolved 50+ customer issues per week with 95% satisfaction

✅ Fix it:

Use numbers, percentages, impact.

4. You Don’t Apply to the Right Jobs

Applying to jobs outside your skill or experience range decreases your selection chances.

✅ Fix it:

Focus on roles that genuinely match your skills and experience level.

5. Your Cover Letter/Intro Message Is Weak

Recruiters read your email/message before they read your resume.

❌ Weak:

“Sir, I want this job. Please consider my CV.”

✔️ Strong:

“I’m applying for XYZ role and bring experience in ABC that matches your requirements.”

6. Your Online Profile Is Incomplete

Recruiters check your LinkedIn or portfolio before shortlisting.

Common issues:

No profile photo

No headline

No description

No achievements

✅ Fix it:

Build a strong, searchable LinkedIn profile.

7. You Apply Without Researching the Company

This leads to irrelevant applications or poorly written emails.

✅ Fix it:

Spend 5 minutes understanding the company, role, and culture.

8. You Have Employment Gaps With No Explanation

Unexplained gaps make recruiters cautious.

✅ Fix it:

Add short explanations like:

Upskilling

Freelancing

Personal reasons

Medical break

9. You Make Basic Email Mistakes

Recruiters reject applications with:

Wrong subject line

Attachment errors

Casual language

Example:

“Here is my CV dear sir”

Best format:

✔️ Subject: Application for [Job Title]
✔️ Email: Short, professional, clear.

10. You’re Not Following Up

Often candidates apply once and forget.

✅ Fix it:

Send a polite follow-up message after 5–7 days to show interest.

Conclusion

Getting interviews isn’t about luck — it’s about avoiding these mistakes and presenting yourself better. Fixing even 3–4 of these issues can drastically increase your interview calls within weeks.