What do you look for when employing

[FrustratinglyFrustrated]

So, I'm currently out of work, have been for about 4 months.
I have applied for nearly 100 jobs, all jobs I've applied for are jobs i can do and have experience in, I have received 2 replies. That's it. I don't understand where I am going wrong. I always include a cover note stating why I'm suited for the role, include my CV which states my work experience.
What do employers look for when deciding who to interview/ offer the position to.
If it's relevant, I'm early 40s.

@Feminist10101 But then there would be a 15 year job gap? Do employers just assume i've worked and just not added it?

CVs can be 3 or 4 pages if its relevant. The 2 page thing isn't a current thing. No, don't tell us about your paper round but useful things, tell.
2 pages mean you concentrate on 2 pages not on full and important info.

@LAlexander7
@MyPersona Thank you for both lots of comments,

I have heard some companies use computer programmes to filter through CV's/applications.

I do pick out keywords, and feel more is better when applying, so if they are using a filter system hopefully it will be selected, If they don't, then no harm done.

[quote FrustratinglyFrustrated]@Feminist10101 But then there would be a 15 year job gap? Do employers just assume i've worked and just not added it?[/quote]
How will they know there is a gap? Your CV shouldn’t include your date of birth. You don’t necessarily need to date your qualifications either.

A targeted message to the hiring manager on Linkedin will be more useful

I’m guessing you’re male, @LAlexander7?

@WrongKindOfFace , of course, I never thought of it like that. I may need to go over my cv, I can't remember if I dated when I started and finished school.
My DOB is not in my CV.

@Todaywewilldobetter

CVs can be 3 or 4 pages if its relevant. The 2 page thing isn't a current thing. No, don't tell us about your paper round but useful things, tell. 2 pages mean you concentrate on 2 pages not on full and important info.

I now use a visual CV which fits a 20 year career, skills breakdown, key qualifications and contact info into one page. Along with my linked in profile there’s more than enough information for recruiters (and I get calls most weeks).

I wouldn’t read more than 2 pages of a CV. Most that are longer provide completely useless information. I’m not really interested if you enjoy knitting/reading/walks in the mountains. Stick with what’s relevant.

I'd be happy to review your CV @FrustratinglyFrustrated Happy to DM you my background to show I'm not some nosey random

Also, need to vent a little, The amount of employers that are advertising for part time work, some as little as 4 hours a week (contracted) and want you to be fully flexible 24/7. That's why I state I am fully flexible Monday - Friday, but a little more limited at the weekends.

@Feminist10101 I'd love to see an example of a.visual cc if there is one you could point me please? Sounds interesting!

Something like this. (Mine is landscape.)

@Feminist10101

Something like this. (Mine is landscape.)

What website did you use?

I didn’t. I put it together myself in PowerPoint.

@Feminist10101

I didn’t. I put it together myself in PowerPoint.

Oh, I see. Looks very good.

Nice, thanks. How do you determine where you are on the skills line tho? What's your scale?

Check out canva

I haven’t done scales on mine, but most of my listed skills link with the endorsements from others on Linked in.

OP you can do 24/7, just not every week. I would rather hire someone competent who could only do every other weekend, than someone less good who could work every weekend.

I would remove it. But yes you’ve had good advice, limit yo 2 pages and make every application specific.
I’ve interviewed for a clinical assistant recently - so basic entry level, retail and we had over 100 applicants.
I discarded anyone who didn’t have a cover letter or tailored CV, then lots of spelling/grammar errors, then anyone with complex availability or other jobs to work around.
Interviewed the 3 with relevant experience - none of whom were suitable.
The other 5 were fine and we actually ended up employing the one who did have slightly complicated availability as she was so good (but she didn’t mention it on her CV).