9 Tips to Help You Get a Job Interview
There's nothing more frustrating than a job search that just won’t yield any interviews. The process can feel like a never-ending cycle of sending out applications and waiting for the phone to ring, only to end up with nothing in the end.
If you're feeling stuck, there are ways to get your search back on track. Here are 9 strategies to help you land an interview:
Tailor your resume to each job application
Hiring managers want to hire candidates who understand the business and how they fit in. If you can't show how your skills will help the company achieve its goals, employers will pass on your application. They also want to see that you've researched their company and have a clear understanding of what they do and what they're looking for.
Make sure you review the job description carefully and check if it's a good fit for you and your skillset. You can also tailor your resume to each job application to highlight key words and relevant experience so it stands out as a strong match for the position you're applying for.
Build a strong personal branding
Before you send out one resume, take the time to craft a clear, concise summary of your professional experience and career goals. Learn all about personal branding and find out what is your unique selling point (USP). One of the ways to build personal branding is to create strong online presence so you can reach out to a wider network.
Effective personal branding has the power to positively impact your job search by making it easier for you to stand out in a crowded job market and open doors to new opportunities.
Contact the hiring manager directly
If you have a contact for the hiring manager at the company, consider contacting them directly with an email or send them a customised message. If you have mutual connections on LinkedIn, see if you can find a link between yourself and this person, then ask for an introduction. Even if this doesn’t result in an interview, it could land your resume in the right hands and get you noticed by other employees in the company.
Apply for jobs that aren't advertised
You may be surprised to find that most jobs are not advertised on job boards or other websites. In fact, only about 20 percent of job openings are publicly advertised. The rest are filled through referrals from friends and employers who already know the company is hiring or by people who find out about them through other means.
Use your network
When searching for jobs, it’s always better to tap into your network instead of relying on job boards alone. Reach out to friends and family members and let them know you’re looking for a new opportunity.
If you know someone who works at the company you’re applying to, reach out to them to see if they can put in a good word for you. If you don’t know anyone who works there, consider reaching out to someone in your network who may be able to connect you with someone at the company. Your professional network is there for a reason — don’t be afraid to ask people for help!
Go to career fairs and other events
Don't wait by the phone or computer hoping someone will call you back. Instead, get out there and start networking! Career fairs and industry-specific events can be great opportunities to network and find out about opportunities in your field. These are also excellent places to meet like-minded professionals and potential mentors. Keep in mind that everyone at a career fair or other event is looking to make a connection, so don't be shy.
Ask for feedback
It can be difficult to spot any mistakes or areas of improvement in your own resume because you have probably been staring at it for weeks. Ask someone you trust - a friend, a family member or a career counsellor to look over it and provide constructive criticism and advice. They might have useful insight into what employers are looking for and give you additional feedback on how to improve the content of your resume.
Get creative
Sometimes submitting an online application isn’t enough. Try sending an email with your resume and cover letter directly to the hiring manager or recruiter, or look into events where you can meet with potential employers in person.
If you’re applying for a position that requires creativity, like graphic design or marketing, consider creating a video resume. You can also create an infographic resume or website if you have experience in web design. These types of resumes give hiring managers an idea of how your mind works and allow them to see an example of your work.
Follow up
If someone asks you to send them your resume, it doesn’t hurt to follow up after a couple days to see if they received it. You can also check in periodically on positions that interest you and ask if they’re still accepting applications. While this can be annoying, especially when people follow up on positions they aren’t qualified for, being persistent increases your chances of landing an interview and eventually a job offer.
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So, take a step back and look at the strategies we’ve outlined here to get your search back on track. While the job search can be tough, it's critical to remain positive and motivated throughout it. It also helps to stay organised and make efficient use of the job search tools available online will find success.
Kabel is one such tool that gets rid of long and tedious application process. Plus, you can also significantly minimises your effort to land an interview by creating a personalised profile and chatting with the hirer directly. Try it out here!