You applied to an interesting job ad... and nothing. At best you got the answer that they chose a candidate who met the requirements better, at worst nothing really. What could be the reason that the company didn't call you for an interview in the end, even though they could have?

1. Failure to apply correctly

In some ads, you'll find instructions on how to apply for that job. These are usually instructions such as: send us your CV and cover letter, send your CV in Serbian and English, and send a few words about yourself so we can get a better picture of you.

If your application doesn't have the necessary components, the company simply won't call you. Because if you don't complete the first task, how will you approach other tasks if they hire you? Before you send a reply, re-read what the company wants and make sure to deliver it.

“Damn it, why didn't they invite me? I'm so good though..."

2. Insufficiently explained reason why you are applying

You feel like you could work in that position. And that you would definitely enjoy it. You may have done a completely different job (for example, a chef), but what characteristics a person need to have for a position of, for example, a vending machine sales representative? Good communication - you have it, and a little perseverance - you have THAT. Bingo! You are signing up for an ad.

But the employer sees a CV where you have been chef twice in two restaurants in the last five years. You must be aware that he does not know you at all, that you are communicative and that it is a shame to waste your sales talent behind the stove. And so he rejects you.

Try to look at your resume and cover letter through the eyes of someone who doesn't know you at all. And then in both documents, write why you are applying for that position.

3. Important details

Details about the type - who you are addressing with your cover letter and whether you are writing it to the right company at all. Many times it happened to me that I received a cover letter for a completely different position and for a completely different company. Or the company and position were correct, but the name at the beginning was definitely not mine.

When the name appears under the ad, make sure you spell it correctly. When there is none, try to find an HR specialist on the company's website or on LinkedIn. Nowadays, when everything is personal, it is wrong to write: Dear Madam / Sir.

4. You only talk about what you want

Introductory paragraphs in resumes and cover letters often include sentences like:

I want to learn and develop further...

I want to use my language skills...

I want to deepen my knowledge in this field ...

I want, I want, I want. At best: I would like to. And don't forget to write what you offer to the company? What will they get from you if they hire you? What can you achieve together?

5. Grammar

Grammatical errors are a very good reason for rejection. Yes, I understand that you are applying for a technical position, not Shakespeare-kind of position. However, if you submit materials with errors, you demonstrate that you have not made an effort to correct the errors using the available tools. Or that you didn't ask someone to check your spelling when you know it's not your strong point. In short, you're not giving that job application as much attention as it deserves.

6. Insufficiently well-specified previous experience

Sometimes people in a certain position do a lot of activities that don't even belong in that position, but they enjoy them and want to do them in the new position. But they do not mention them in their resume. For example, an assistant who applies to be an event manager and forgets to mention in her CV that she has organized trainings, parties, business dinners and conferences for 20-200 people.

Therefore, sell your experience for what the company requires in the ad, rather than what you had in the job description.

7. Inappropriate presentation on the web

Maybe before they invited you, they studied your appearance online and changed their mind. What to watch out for? Especially on Facebook and Instagram, be careful not to present private life, pictures from parties and outings, especially when you were under the influence of something eccentric. It is up to you to determine where the acceptable limit is.

You should have a well-filled profile on LinkedIn that matches the fact that you are looking for a job. That is, showing your experience, knowledge, practice, education, etc. Make sure the photo isn't from when you were in high school. And on all social networks, be careful what kind of comments you post. If they are mostly derogatory, insulting, mocking, in short, negative, you will not be attractive to employers. Who else wants a toxic person in their company?