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How to tell if your resume is working: unlocking the key to job search success

Job Search Tips

As a job seeker, it's crucial to assess the effectiveness of your resume in order to gauge its impact on potential employers. Knowing whether your resume is working can help you make informed adjustments and increase your chances of landing interviews. In this blog post, we'll explore key indicators that can help you evaluate the effectiveness of your resume. Additionally, we'll introduce you to job-ish, a powerful job search platform that offers a unique feature allowing you to track the response rate of different resume versions, including how often you are ghosted, rejected, and requested to interview.


1. Measure Application Success

One way to assess if your resume is working is by tracking your application success rate. Monitor the number of applications you submit and compare it to the number of responses you receive. A high application success rate indicates that your resume is effectively capturing the attention of employers.

2. Analyze Response Rate

Pay attention to the response rate from employers. If you consistently receive interview invitations or follow-up communication after submitting your resume, it's a positive sign that your resume is resonating with hiring managers.

3. Evaluate Interview Requests

The number of interview requests you receive is a strong indicator of the impact of your resume. If you're receiving regular interview invitations, it suggests that your resume is effectively showcasing your skills and qualifications.

4. Track Ghosted Applications

Ghosting refers to situations where you don't receive any response from employers after submitting your resume. While some degree of ghosting is common, tracking the number of ghosted applications can help you identify potential areas of improvement in your resume.

5. Note Rejection Rates

Tracking the number of rejection notices you receive is another way to assess your resume's effectiveness. While rejections can be disheartening, understanding the reasons behind them can help you refine your resume and address any potential weaknesses.

6. Utilize job-ish's Resume Response Rate Tracking

Leverage job-ish's resume response rate tracking feature to gain valuable insights into the performance of different resume versions. By monitoring the ghosted, rejected, and requested to interview rates, you can identify trends and make data-driven adjustments to optimize your resume for maximum impact.


Evaluating the effectiveness of your resume is essential for optimizing your job search strategy. By measuring application success, analyzing response rates, evaluating interview requests, tracking ghosted applications, and noting rejection rates, you can gain valuable insights into the impact of your resume on potential employers. Additionally, job-ish's resume response rate tracking feature offers a unique advantage, allowing you to see the performance of different resume versions and make data-driven improvements. Remember, assessing the effectiveness of your resume is an ongoing process, so be proactive in making adjustments and refining your approach to achieve job search success.

May 24, 2023
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