Why am I not getting called for interviews?

1. 58

   yousayposted 12 years ago

   Why am I not getting called for interviews?
   
   I used to get called for just about every job I applied for..then, I decided to take a leave (for 4 years) from working.  Now I hardly ever get called.  What am I doing wrong in my resume or cover letter?  I left a gap in my resume and explain the gap in my cover letter.  I explain that I took a professional sabbatical and stayed current via volunteer committees, boards, seminars, and networking.  Any suggestions?

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2. 93

   peeplesposted 12 years ago

   Are you a male or female? Do you have children? While these answers should not matter they do. If you are just some random guy who decided they were tired of working it looks much worse than a mom who decided to raise her child. I would explain it in any other way than you are. I hire and I wouldn't hire a grown adult who admitted to just not working without giving a good reason. My husband took a couple years off. He had received a quite large inheritance. When he decided to go back to work he had the same problem. Then he just started to be open about it. He told potential employers that he was young, had a lot of money, had spent a lot of time in school and was wanting a break. He would then tell them it drove him crazy and he needed to get back to work because he wasn't meant for staying at home. I tell you this because it sounds good to say you don't like being home. It sounds less lazy.

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   1. 58

      yousayposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you, your advice puts it in better perspective for me.

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3. 92

   innerspinposted 12 years ago

   peeples makes good points. I'd also say that the job market has changed over the last few years. Everyone finds it harder to get to interview. Not sure why you'd leave the gap in your resume and explain in the cover letter. The two may get separated. It may make employers nervous that you're willing to take a step back from working. You need to word it carefully to show how this was a good choice. Best of luck.

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   1. 58

      yousayposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Good point about having the leave in both my resume and cover letter.  Thanks!

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