Expert: Leigh Ishikawa - 8/5/2007

Question
I have been running my own software firm and my clients include some valuable government departments. I have also two employees on regular salary basis working for me. I am applying for a post of Team Leader/Project Lead. This is because that is what I am doing now. I am managing projects, my employees, project design, development, testing and implementation.

I noticed that though there are many vacancies for this post , I am not getting call for technical interview. HR and other consulting companies regularly mail me for resumes but then no future response. I am having 13 years of experience in IT field and 6 years in .NET.

On the other hand, my employees are getting regular interview calls.

Answer
It is difficult to say exactly why they are not returning you call.  Unfortunately, you probably do not have someone honest enough to tell you the truth.  Most people do not want to hear it.  And those who do are often punished.  (Sorry, but that's reality).

Why won't people call you?  My personal experience is:
1. Your resume is written poorly
1a. Your content is bad
1b. Your tone is unattractive.  (e.g. too egotistical,, too much boasting, and so forth)
1c. Poor grammar, type-o's and so forth
2. You are not applying for the right job.  (e.g. Your experience does not match for the job.)
3. You have a bad reputation

The exact combination is difficult to say.  You will need to ask your friends in the same field to give them your honest opinion.

Good Luck,

L