You’ve polished your experience, updated your skills, and hit "send" on dozens of applications. But the silence from recruiters is deafening. If you’re wondering why your phone isn’t ringing, the culprit might not be your qualifications—it might be the small, overlooked details that are tripping up the process.
At Kensington Associates, we see thousands of applications. Often, great candidates are disqualified before a human even reads their bio. Here is how to audit your application process to ensure you aren't accidentally ghosting yourself. Submit your CV
1. The "Dead End" Contact Info
It sounds elementary, but you would be surprised how often a single transposed digit in a phone number or a typo in an email address ruins an application.
- The Fix: Double-check every link and digit.
- Pro Tip: Add a "backup contact" number (like a spouse or close relative) and ensure your voicemail box isn't full. If HR can’t reach you on the first try, they may simply move to the next person.
2. The Vague Subject Line
Recruiters often manage dozens of open roles simultaneously. If your email subject line simply says "Job Application," it’s likely to get buried or ignored.
- The Fix: Use a professional, searchable format:
[Job Title] – [Your Full Name]. - Why it works: This allows the Applicant Tracking System (ATS) and the recruiter to categorize your intent immediately, signaling professionalism and attention to detail.
3. File Format Friction
If a recruiter can’t open your resume in two clicks, they probably won't open it at all. Sending files in .doc, .psd, or .ai formats is risky—formatting can distort, or the recipient might lack the software to view it.
The Fix: Always send a PDF. * The Rule of Thumb: Keep your file size under 2MB. If you are a creative professional with a large portfolio, use a hosting site and ensure the permissions are set to "Public" or "Anyone with the link."
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4. Strategic Timing: Beat the Monday Rush
Timing is everything. Our data shows that Mondays between 11 AM and 12 PM are the busiest times for job seekers. If you send your resume then, you’re competing with a mountain of other emails.
- The Strategy: Aim for the "top of the inbox." Sending your application late at night (between 10 PM and 6 AM) means your email is one of the first things HR sees when they start their day.
- Avoid: Sending on weekends or Friday evenings, as your application will sit in a pile for two days and lose its "freshness."
5. Dodging the Spam Folder
Your resume might be perfect, but it won't matter if it’s sitting in the "Junk" folder. To avoid being flagged as spam:
- Avoid all-caps subject lines and excessive exclamation marks (e.g., "HIRE ME NOW!!!").
- Avoid sending "naked" emails (an attachment with no body text).
- The Follow-up: If you haven’t heard back, don't be afraid to send a polite follow-up inquiry. It demonstrates your "strong desire" and ensures your email didn't simply slip through the cracks.
Final Thoughts
A job search is a two-way street. While you wait for calls, don't close off other opportunities. Ensure your profile is fully optimized on job platforms—don’t just fill in the blanks superficially. Detailed descriptions of your responsibilities make you searchable even when you aren't actively applying.
By tightening up these technical details, you transition from an "interesting candidate on paper" to a "priority interview."