You’ve spent hours tailoring your resumé, submitted dozens of applications, maybe even had a coffee chat or two. And yet—radio silence. If you’re a finance student applying for grad roles or a seasoned finance professional looking to pivot, not hearing back from recruiters can be really demoralising.
But here’s the truth: even strong candidates fall through the cracks in today's competitive market. The good news? You can take back control. This guide breaks down the common reasons you’re not getting replies and, more importantly, what to do about it.
1. Your Résumé Isn’t Speaking Their Language
The Problem:
Recruiters scan resumés for 6–10 seconds. If yours doesn’t clearly show the value you bring or isn’t aligned with the role, it can get skipped easily.
The FIx:
Mirror the job ad: Use keywords and phrases from the job description. ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) often filter résumés based on this.
Quantify your impact: Replace "responsible for month-end reporting" with "reduced month-end reporting time by 30% through automation."
Tailor for each role: Generic resumés are obvious. It can pay off to tailor your CV for each application that you make.
Bonus Tip: Use a free ATS checker like Jobscan to see how well your resumé matches the job.
2. Your Cover Letter is a Snoozefest (Or Missing)
The Problem:
You either didn’t include one, or you used the same "Dear Hiring Manager" template for every job.
The Fix:
Make it specific: Mention the company name, why the role excites you, and what you’d bring.
Tell a story: Share a quick example of a challenge you solved or a result you achieved.
Keep it short: 3–4 paragraphs max. Clear, punchy, and to the point.
Pro Tip: If you’re applying for high-volume roles (e.g., Big 4 grad programs), a strong resumé can carry you. But for boutique firms or lateral moves, a good cover letter stands out.
3. Your LinkedIn Profile is Half-Baked (or Invisible)
The Problem:
Recruiters will 100% look you up on Linkedin when looking to see if you are a good fit for a role. If your profile is outdated or non-existent, it hurts your chances.
The Fix:
Use a professional headshot and update your headline (e.g., "Finance Graduate | Excel & SQL | Passionate About Corporate Strategy").
Optimise your About section: Write in first person, include key skills, and speak to your values and goals.
Add projects or achievements: Show your impact with real examples - internships, case comps, client results all help to showcase your skill and expertise.
SEO Tip: Sprinkle industry keywords throughout your profile so you appear in searches (e.g., "financial modelling," "FP&A," "audit," etc.).
4. You’re Applying to the Wrong Roles
The Problem:
You might be overreaching (or underreaching). If you’re constantly applying for senior analyst roles with no experience, or entry-level admin jobs with five years in the field, recruiters might skip you.
The Fix:
Aim for 70–80% match: You don’t need to meet every requirement, but core skills and qualifications matter.
Read between the lines: Some roles are written aspirationally. Use your judgement.
Ask for feedback: If you know someone in the firm or industry, get a second opinion on whether it would be a good fit for you.
Real Talk: If you’re pivoting (e.g., from audit to VC), you’ll need to make that clear in your narrative. Otherwise, your resumé will look like a mismatch.
5. You're Not Leveraging Your Network
The Problem:
You're only applying through job boards. No matter how polished your résumé is, you're just another name in a pile.
The Fix:
Reach out to alumni or industry contacts: A short, respectful LinkedIn message can go a long way.
Attend networking events or webinars: Even virtual events can lead to real connections.
Ask for referrals: Internal referrals have a significantly higher success rate.
Template: "Hi [Name], I came across your profile while researching [Company]. I’m really interested in [specific role/team], and I’d love to hear any advice you might have for someone trying to break in."
6. You’re Not Following Up
The Problem:
You apply, then wait... and wait.
The Fix:
Follow up after 7–10 days with a short, polite message expressing continued interest.
Be human: Show genuine interest, not desperation.
Keep it simple: No need to reattach your résumé—just reference the role.
Example: "Hi [Recruiter Name], I wanted to follow up on my application for [Job Title] submitted on [Date]. I remain really excited about the opportunity to contribute to [Company] and would love the chance to speak further."
Final Thoughts
Not hearing back doesn’t always mean you’re not good enough. It might just mean you haven’t told your story the right way yet. Small tweaks in how you present yourself—on paper, online, and in person—can lead to big changes in results.
Keep learning, keep iterating, and don’t take silence personally. Every "no" (or non reply) brings you closer to the right "yes."