Are you getting no responses when you submit your resume? Expats can often be faced with issues around differences in resume format, language, and cultural understanding. In this article, we’ll be explaining common reasons, average waiting times, and subsequent recommended actions to help you regain confidence in your job search!
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Understanding the Process and Timeline for Corporate Resume Reviews
Q: After submitting a resume, how long does it typically take to receive a response from a company?
Q: What actions can I take to help after exceeding the waiting time?
Self-Assessment: The Five Major Reasons for Not Receiving Responses to Job Applications
Q1: Does my application conform to the format customary in Taiwanese workplaces?
Q2: Is the content specific and data-driven?
Q3: Is there an emphasis on language proficiency?
Q4: Is the resume customized for different positions?
Q5: Is a concise and impactful personal statement attached?
[Tool 1] Free Resume Consultation: Resume Reviews by Industry Experts
[Tool 2] Free Career Consulting: Industry Experts Answer Your Job-Seeking Questions
[Tool 3] Free Chinese Proficiency Test: Quickly Understand Your Reading Level
[Tool 4] World of Work: Understand the Latest Developments Across Industries
Understanding the Process and Timeline for Corporate Resume Reviews
Q: After submitting a resume, how long does it typically take to receive a response from a company?
- When seeking employment in Taiwan, the average waiting time from submitting a resume to receiving a response from a company is 3 to 10 business days (approximately 1 to 2 weeks).
| Type | Average Response Time | Description |
| Rapid Response | 1 to 3 days | In some urgent job openings or small to medium-sized companies, HR will contact suitable candidates as soon as they review their resumes. |
| Routine Processing | 1 to 2 weeks | For vacancies in highly sought-after companies, more time is typically spent collecting and screening resumes. |
| Longer Wait | 2 to 4 weeks | For non-urgent vacancies or companies with complex internal processes, waiting times can often be a little longer. |
Q: What actions can I take to help after exceeding the waiting time?
- If you haven’t heard anything back after waiting for more than 7 to 10 days, you could inquire via email or by making a polite phone call.
- If there’s no response after two weeks, you can consider that as not having made it through selection. We’d recommend not idling too long, as well as applying for other positions at the same time – don’t pin all your hopes on one single company. Additionally, review your resume and interview performance to optimize your preparations for the next steps.
Self-Assessment: The Five Major Reasons for Not Receiving Responses to Job Applications
Q1: Does my resume conform to the format customary in the Taiwanese workforce?
- Use complete formats in either Chinese or English, depending on work requirements.
- The resume should be 1 to 2 pages in A4 format, clear, and with a focus on key points.
- Utilize the commonly used format in Taiwan, with name and contact information placed at the top.
- Avoid excessive design or images – HR departments in Taiwan prefer clean, minimalist designs.
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Q2: Is the content specific and data-driven?
- A description like “responsible for marketing operations” is too vague. We recommend specificity, e.g.: “Executed social media marketing projects increasing engagement by 60% over three months.”
- If you’re a recent graduate, you could also include your internship achievements or learning experiences.
Q3: Is there an emphasis on language proficiency?
- According surveys, most employers in Taiwan place significant emphasis on the Chinese communication skills of foreign applicants when hiring. We recommend to proactively indicating your Chinese and English language proficiency in your resume. If you have any language certification scores or practical experience (such as teaching in Chinese, internships, part-time jobs, etc.), this can make your resume even more persuasive and increase your chances of being invited for an interview.
Q4: Is the resume customized for different positions?
- Each resume should be tailored to highlight relevant keywords and experiences according to the job requirements, aligning with the needs of the company.
Q5: Is a concise and impactful personal statement attached?
- For expatriates, a personal statement can elaborate on why you are interested in this position and the Taiwan market, as well as what unique advantages (such as language skills, international perspective, and expertise) you can bring to the company.
📌Important Reminder for Overseas Chinese
- Employers in Taiwan generally place great importance on personal statements, as they are a crucial means of understanding your motivations and characteristics. For expatriates, a personal statement is an opportunity to bolster their application. It is important to ensure that the language is fluent and the writing format is appropriate. Remember to only include factual information and avoid a mere chronological account.
- If foreign job seekers do not provide clear information regarding their language proficiency and visa status, companies may delay their responses during the initial evaluation process or even overlook their resumes entirely.
- If the resume contains a mix of Chinese and English, or lacks specific achievements, the HR department will likely pass right over it.
- Cultural differences can make the perception of “waiting time” feel longer. In reality, companies may not have reviewed all resumes. It is recommended that, in addition to patiently waiting, you should also have other irons in the fire.
Don’t twiddle your thumbs waiting for a response! Make use of the tools provided by 104 to make your job hunt smoother!
[Tool 1] Free Resume Consultation: Resume Reviews by Industry Experts
Submitting a resume and getting nothing back can make you question yourself. “What can I do to get the attention of Taiwanese companies?” Let 104 help you find experts to review your resume for free. Job seekers have reported a 60% increase in interview invitations after consultations! Inquire Here→
[Tool 2] Free Career Consulting: Industry Experts Answer Your Job-Seeking Questions
You can encounter all kinds of challenging problems when looking for a job – at these times, let 104 help you find experts to answer your questions. Visit the 104 Career Clinic and ask away!
[Tool 3] Free Chinese Proficiency Test: Quickly Understand Your Reading Level
This Chinese language assessment can assist foreign nationals in initially evaluating their Chinese reading comprehension skills. The entire process takes approximately 10 minutes, and the results are displayed immediately upon completion of the assessment.
⚠️This assessment is for reference only and is primarily designed to evaluate reading ability. It is not an official certification test; however, it can still serve as a tool for self-understanding and as a supplementary resource for resumes.
[Tool 4] World of Work: Understand the Latest Developments Across Industries
World of Work provides a platform for job-seeking information, career advice, and labor market trends. Stay up-to-date on the latest workplace trends and find the right direction for your career development. Take a Look→
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