Where is your search breaking?
Track three numbers over your last 20 applications:
- Response rate: applications that got any reply from a person. Low means the resume or the targeting is the problem.
- Interview-to-next-round rate. Low means your stories or interview prep need work.
- Final-round-to-offer rate. Low usually means fit, references or negotiation, not your resume.
What if nobody replies?
- Check the hiring system and the keywords: does your resume use the posting’s exact words for its must-haves?
- Check the knockout questions: location, right to work, years of experience and salary answers can auto-reject.
- Apply earlier: within the first few days of a posting.
- Narrow the targeting to roles where you meet most of the must-haves, and get referrals for the rest.
What if you get interviews but no offers?
Prepare five STAR stories that cover the role’s main skills, practice them out loud, and ask for feedback after each process. Not everyone will reply, but the ones who do are worth it.
How do you keep going?
Rejection is part of every search, not a verdict on you. Set weekly goals you control (applications, conversations, practice), take real breaks, and count progress, not only offers.