You have the track record. You're the right fit. But you're getting silence or generic rejections: here's why.
If you're applying to roles you're genuinely qualified for and either hearing nothing back or getting standard rejection emails, the problem isn't your experience: it's how your CV or resume is being interpreted by both ATS systems and human recruiters.
This pattern is common among qualified professionals in the job market
The scope matches your background. You could step into this role and deliver results. Your resume or CV seems perfect.
Either no response or a generic email. Your application goes nowhere.
Is my positioning unclear? Am I being filtered out unfairly? What am I missing in my strategy?
You apply to more roles. Same outcome. Your confidence wavers. Time to optimize.
88% of employers report losing qualified candidates due to ATS configuration, not candidate quality. Automated systems reject qualified candidates because of how their CV is structured and positioned.
View researchThe journey involves two distinct filters: understanding both is critical
Your CV faces two gates: First, the ATS technical filter (most experienced professionals pass this easily). Then, the recruiter strategic filter where strong CVs actually die.
Scans for keywords, file format compatibility, and standard section headings. Systems like Workday, Taleo, and Greenhouse use these filters.
Evaluates role clarity, seniority fit, risk signals, and executive presence. This is where strong CVs often fail.
Understanding which filter is blocking you and how to fix it
88% of employers lose qualified candidates due to ATS configuration, not candidate quality.
If you're getting rejections, you're likely passing Barrier 1 (ATS) but failing Barrier 2 (recruiter screening). Your biggest opportunity is in role clarity.
This is completely fixable once you know what to look for
Upload your CV and get an instant ATS compatibility report. See exactly what's wrong and fix it in under 3 minutes.
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"Finally understood why I wasn't getting callbacks. The positioning issues were invisible to me."
Stefano, Operations Director
"The role clarity feedback was a game changer. I had no idea my CV was confusing recruiters."
James, Commercial Lead
"Showed me exactly where my corporate language was creating risk. Fixed it and got hired."
Rebecca, Transformation Director
Run through this checklist to identify your specific issues
Role identity: Can a recruiter describe your profile in one clear sentence?
Seniority alignment: Does your CV scope match the target role level?
Motivation clarity: Does your summary explain why this role makes sense now?
Outcome translation: Are accomplishments framed as hiring outcomes?
Risk management: Have you translated corporate experience into practical delivery?
Appropriate length: Is your CV the right length for your experience level?
Consistency: Is your LinkedIn profile aligned with your CV?
If you answered 'no' or 'unsure' to more than two items, your CV has clarity issues.
This guide is developed by the JobMentis team, specialists in career technology. Our analysis draws from patterns observed across thousands of submissions.
We analyze rejection patterns by reviewing outcomes from systems like Workday, Taleo, and Greenhouse. Our recommendations focus on the intersection of technical compatibility and strategic positioning.