COVID layoffs have increased competition for interviews. My goal is to help you understand how to get an interview. Most job seekers do not understand that a key to getting one is to match their qualifications to the needs of the employer. It’s also crucial to use keywords that match the job posting, so the applicant tracking software will pick your resume out of the pile for an initial review.
You can increase your chances of getting an interview in several ways:
- Match your qualifications with the company is looking for. Most commonly, this means showcasing your achievements on a resume.
- Optimize your LinkedIn profile to describe yourself as the kind of employee your target company is seeking.
- Submit a cover letter to the hiring manager.
Submitting a resume and cover letter can greatly increase your odds of landing an interview. The letter is your platform from which to tell the hiring manager how you can help the company. It’s the place where you describe yourself as the perfect person for the role – matching yourself to the job requirements and showing how you have helped your past employers by doing the exact type of work the targeted employer needs.
LinkedIn is Critical!
If you don’t already, you need to know that LinkedIn is the place where 30 million companies hang out every day, and where even more recruiters are looking for qualified applicants. If you have a profile, be aware that certain sections, such as your headline and “about” section, are more attractive to LinkedIn’s search algorithms. Make sure you are using industry keywords so you will be found.
Know that employers are going to be looking at your profile. If you don’t have one, they could draw some conclusions about your technological capabilities. You do not appear that you don’t know how to use some level of technology!
Some job seekers wonder how they can get an interview if they have no experience in the advertised role. The short answer is that if you are not qualified for that job at all, you won’t get an interview. There is no way you can invent experience you do not have. However, many skills and some of your experience are probably transferable. Take a deep dive into the requirements and compare your history with them. You may be surprised that some of them line up – that tasks you were assigned in your previous roles really have the same components as those within the target role.
If you are worried, and really committed to working in that role, the best thing you can do is to talk to people who have that role. Find out what training helped them. Then plan to up your game with some additional courses or certifications, if you can afford to do that.
Another great question is this: Does calling the hiring manager increase your odds to land an interview after you apply online?
In most cases, yes. Hiring managers don’t want to search through a thousand resumes to find the most suitable candidate. Many managers share that they appreciate a call from a qualified candidate who is familiar with the company, experienced in the industry, and can address the division’s needs.
Many people are afraid to contact a hiring manager because of “rules” they don’t want to break. But I’m a rule breaker – and it has worked for me – so I say go for the gold because ultimately, it is the hiring manager who’s going to be making that hiring decision.
Are you having trouble getting interviews? I can help! Click here to connect with me!