Wondering why you don’t hear back from the people who have posted openings on job boards?   It could be because you asked for more information about the job without providing any information about yourself.  If you are a member of Gen Y, odds are you have asked this question more than once.  And odds are, you don’t hear back. What are the odds?  Maybe 600 to 1 that you will get an interview on a good day.   Don’t blow your chances by wasting your time.  Is the whole job board thing frustrating?  Yes.  Do you feel like you are sending a reply into outer space, never to hear back?  Probably.   Did you know that many times your application is never read by a human being?  That’s right.  Your first screen is by a computer.  When have you heard of a computer getting conversational?  The computer is programmed to look for certain key words that match the job that you are interested in.  How can you increase the odds that you will make it past the computer?  Use words that relate to the job you’re applying for.  The computer will light up like a Christmas tree, and pass you on to a real live person.   You have a lot more influence than you may think.  It’s all about knowing how to play the hiring game.