Dear J.T. & Dale: As you can see from my resume, I have a lot of experience. However, I can’t seem to get a call for an interview. I was laid off in February, and I’m still looking for a job. What am I missing? – Misty J.T.: Yes, you have a lot of great experience and your resume is professional and formatted nicely. However, on first glance, I will also admit it’s a bit boring.

Dale: This is Misty’s recounting of her career. There must be a better word.

J.T.: Misty needs a job and the truth is, I can’t really get a feel for who she is professionally. What are your best skills, Misty? What are you proud of? Your resume is a little too sterile.

Dale: Sterile? That might be worse.

J.T.: All she needs is a stronger summary of her skills and a list of some activities or interests outside of work that showcase her personality.

Dale: I’m glad you mentioned those as solutions. Some people try to make resumes jazzier by adding fancy borders or smiley faces … such distractions almost always backfire. The fact is most employers are looking for good, solid employees, not ones eager to demonstrate personality. In fact, some hiring managers will admit they don’t really want ambitious high-achievers as employees – too much trouble. They’re looking for reliable, competent, low-maintenance employees. Low-maintenance might just be another word for boring. And that’s why I think there’s something else going on here with Misty’s search.

J.T.: I know where you’re going, and I’m with you. Misty needs to take a step back and ask, “What exactly am I looking for in my next job, and where are those jobs?” Then, she can knock on doors to find out what it takes to get those jobs. So often, people do a reactive job search, meaning they simply respond to what’s posted.

Dale: Let’s put some numbers to it: Say you’re applying to job postings that tend to generate 50 to 100 applicants, and employers tend to pick three to five people to interview. If you’re a good solid employee, you might be in the top 10 every time and still never get an interview.

So, Misty, start with your resume and show your success, not just your experience. Dale: Refuse to conduct a boring search. As you get out and meet people and learn about the industry, you become more knowledgeable, making you more interesting and valuable as you search.