Are you struggling with how to land a job interview? You’re not alone. Job seekers face several pain points when it comes to finding a new job or making a career change, and one of the biggest is getting their foot in the door. That’s where job interviews come in – they’re often the first step in the hiring process and can make or break your chances of getting the desired job.
How can I increase my chance of landing a job interview?
You can increase your chance of landing a job interview by customizing your resume and cover letter, using job boards and company websites, leveraging your network, and preparing thoroughly for the interview.
At MatchBuilt, we’ve worked with thousands of job candidates and hundreds of companies, and we know what it takes to land a job interview. In this post, we’ll share practical tips on increasing your chances of getting an interview, from customizing your resume and cover letter to leveraging your network and following up after submitting your application. Whether you’re just starting your job search or you’ve been at it for a while, we’re confident you’ll find these tips helpful in your quest to land the job of your dreams.
6 Proven Steps to Land More Job Interviews and Boost Your Career Prospects
In today’s competitive job market, standing out and landing your desired job can be challenging. However, you can take several proven steps to increase your chances of getting a job interview and make your job search more effective.
Whether you’re just starting your career or looking to make a change, following these five steps can help you stand out to potential employers and secure your next job opportunity.
From customizing your application materials to leveraging your network, each step is essential to maximize your job search efforts and get noticed by hiring managers. So, let’s dive in and explore the six proven steps to land more job interviews and boost your career prospects.
1. Customize Your Resume and Cover Letter
Customizing your resume and cover letter for the job you’re applying for is one of the most important things you can do to increase your chances of landing a job interview. Why? Because it shows the employer that you’ve taken the time to research the company and the position and that you have the skills and experience they’re looking for.
To customize your resume and cover letter effectively, consider these specific tips:
- Read the job description carefully: Make note of the skills and qualifications the employer is looking for, and make sure you highlight those skills and qualifications in your resume and cover letter.
- Use keywords: Many companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to screen resumes, so it’s important to include relevant keywords in your resume and cover letter. These might include industry-specific terms, job titles, or even the company’s name.
- Quantify your achievements: Instead of simply listing your job duties, focus on your achievements in previous roles. Use numbers and percentages to demonstrate the impact you had in your previous positions.
- Show your enthusiasm: Use your cover letter to explain why you’re excited about the job and the company. This can help set you apart from other applicants and show the employer that you’re a good fit for the position.
By following these tips, you can tailor your resume and cover letter to the job you’re applying for and increase your chances of getting a job interview.
2. Use Job Boards and Company Websites
Job boards and company websites can be great resources when seeking job openings. Here are some tips on how to make the most of these resources:
- Use various job boards: There are many job boards out there, so it’s important to use a few different ones to maximize your chances of finding job openings. Some popular job boards include Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn.
- Set up job alerts: Many job boards allow you to set up job alerts, which will notify you when a job that matches your criteria is posted. This can save you time and make your job search more efficient.
- Check company websites: Besides using job boards, checking company websites directly to see if they’re hiring is a good idea. Many companies will post job openings on their own websites, so this can be a great way to find opportunities that might not be listed on job boards.
- Connect with recruiters: Many companies work with recruiters to fill job openings, so it’s worth connecting with recruiters who specialize in your industry or field. They may be able to connect you with job openings that aren’t publicly advertised.
According to a survey by Jobvite, job boards are the most popular resource for job seekers, with 42% of job seekers using them to find job openings. However, it’s important to remember that job boards aren’t the only resource available. By using various resources and approaches, you can increase your chances of finding the right job.
3. Leverage Your Network
Leveraging your network is a powerful way to find job opportunities that may not be publicly advertised. According to a study by LinkedIn, 85% of jobs are filled through networking. By reaching out to your network, you can tap into the hidden job market and get an edge in your job search.
Here are some tips on how to leverage your network effectively:
- Reach out to contacts: Start by reaching out to people in your network who work in your industry or who have connections in companies you’re interested in. You can contact them via email, LinkedIn, or even in person.
- Be specific: When you reach out to your contacts, be specific about the type of job you’re looking for and the skills and experience you bring to the table. This will help them identify potential job openings or make introductions to others in their network who can help.
- Follow-up: After you’ve reached out to your contacts, be sure to follow up with them regularly. This will help keep you top of mind and show them that you’re serious about your job search.
- Ask for referrals: Don’t be afraid to ask your contacts for referrals or introductions to others in their network who can help you. You never know who might have a connection to your dream job.
As Jeff Haden, author of “The Motivation Myth,” puts it:
Networking is the art of building alliances. It’s about building relationships with people who can help you achieve your goals. And there’s no more powerful tool than personal relationships in creating career success.
By leveraging your network effectively, you can tap into a powerful tool to help you achieve your career goals.
4. Unlock the Power of LinkedIn
A strong LinkedIn profile is crucial in today’s job market as it allows recruiters to find and learn more about potential candidates. According to a survey by Jobvite, 87% of recruiters use LinkedIn to find and evaluate candidates for job openings.
A strong LinkedIn profile is essential in today’s job market as it’s often the first thing recruiters and hiring managers to look at when evaluating candidates for a job.
– Aimee Bateman, founder of career advice site Careercake.com
Here are some ways to unlock the power of LinkedIn to get more interviews:
- Optimize your profile: Use a professional headshot and a concise headline summarizing your experience and career goals. Customize your LinkedIn URL to make it more professional and easier to share. Highlight your skills and accomplishments in your summary and experience sections. Use keywords and industry-specific terminology to improve your searchability.
- Network: LinkedIn is a powerful networking tool that can help you connect with people in your industry and potentially discover job opportunities. Join industry groups and engage with content to expand your network and build relationships with other professionals.
- Search for job opportunities: Use the job search feature on LinkedIn to find job openings that match your skills and interests. Contact recruiters or hiring managers directly if you see a job posting that interests you.
- Engage with content: Regularly engage with content on the platform, such as liking, commenting, and sharing posts related to your industry, to increase your visibility and establish yourself as a thought leader.
5. Follow Up After Submitting Your Application
Following up after submitting your application is a great way to show your enthusiasm for the job and stand out from other candidates. It also allows you to address any questions the hiring manager may have and reinforce why you’re the right fit for the position.
Here are some tips on how to follow up after submitting your application:
- Wait a week: Give the company at least a week to review your application before following up. This shows that you’re respectful of their time and not impatient.
- Reach out via email: Send a professional email to the hiring manager or recruiter who is responsible for the position. In your email, express your interest in the position, briefly remind them of your qualifications, and ask if they have any updates on the hiring process.
- Be persistent: If you don’t hear back from the company after your initial follow-up, don’t hesitate to follow up again. But be sure to space out your follow-ups by at least a week.
As Rachel Bitte, Chief People Officer at Jobvite, says,
A candidate who follows up on their application shows they are proactive and interested in the position. Following up on an application in today’s competitive hiring landscape can help the candidate stand out and potentially earn an interview.
According to a survey by TopResume, 80% of recruiters and hiring managers said it’s appropriate to follow up after submitting an application. So don’t be afraid to follow up – it could be the key to landing an interview.
6. Prepare for the Interview
Preparing for the interview is crucial to landing the job you want. It helps you feel more confident and prepared and shows the interviewer that you are serious and interested in the position.
Here are some tips on how to prepare for the interview:
- Research the company: Take the time to research the company you’re interviewing with. Learn about their products, services, culture, and mission. This will help you understand the company’s values and goals and enable you to answer questions more effectively.
- Practice answering common interview questions: Many common interview questions are asked in most job interviews. Be sure to practice answering these questions and have some examples of your previous work experience and accomplishments in mind.
- Dress appropriately: Dressing professionally for the interview shows the interviewer that you take the opportunity seriously. Make sure your clothes are clean, pressed, and fit well.
As Lori Scherwin, founder of the executive coaching and consulting firm Strategize That, puts it:
Preparing for an interview is about being your best self. You want to show the employer that you are excited about the opportunity, have done your homework, and are the right fit for the position.
According to a survey by CareerBuilder, 50% of employers said that a lack of preparation is the biggest mistake candidates make in an interview. So, be sure to take the time to prepare for the interview – it could make all the difference in landing the job you want.
Your Top Questions Answered: How to Land More Job Interviews
Whether you are new to the job market or have been searching for a while, we hope that the tips and advice provided here will help you stand out to potential employers and secure more job interviews. From optimizing your resume to networking effectively, we’ve got you covered!
Customize your resume to match the job requirements, highlight your relevant experience and skills, and use strong action verbs to describe your accomplishments.
Yes, a cover letter allows you to highlight why you're a good fit for the position and showcase your enthusiasm and interest in the role.
Use job boards, company websites, and social media platforms to find job openings in your industry. You can also network with professionals in your field and attend career fairs and events.
Reach out to your network with a clear and concise message, explain what you're looking for, and ask if they know of any job opportunities or can introduce you to someone in their network who can help.
Dress professionally and appropriately for the job and company culture. It's better to be overdressed than underdressed.
Research the company and the job requirements, practice answering common interview questions, and prepare examples of your relevant skills and experience.
Following up shows your enthusiasm and interest in the position and can help you stand out from other candidates. It's best to follow up within a week after submitting your application.
It's better to wait until you receive a job offer before negotiating your salary. Be prepared to research the industry standards and your experience level before negotiating.
Arrive on time, be friendly and courteous to everyone you meet, maintain eye contact, and listen actively to the interviewer's questions.
Follow up with a thank-you email or note, reiterate your interest in the position, and ask about the next steps in the hiring process. Be patient and prepared to wait for a response.
Take Action and Land Your Dream Job Today!
Job searching can be challenging and overwhelming, especially when finding that perfect job. With so many job seekers competing for the same job, learning how to land more job interviews and to stand out from the crowd can be tough. But don’t lose hope! With the practical tips provided in this post, you can increase your chances of landing a job interview and, ultimately, your dream job.
At MatchBuilt Executive Search, we have worked with thousands of job candidates and hundreds of companies, and we know firsthand how challenging it can be to navigate the job market. That’s why we created this post to offer practical strategies for job seekers seeking more interviews.
According to a recent report by Indeed, job seekers apply to an average of 27 jobs before landing an interview. Applying to numerous jobs without success can be disheartening, but we encourage you to stay persistent and use the tips in this post to improve your job search strategy.
As the famous business magnate Richard Branson once said, “Opportunities are like buses; there’s always another one coming.” Don’t give up hope if you don’t get the first job you apply for; keep your head up and stay the course.
We have many other career development blog posts on our site that you may find helpful, so be sure to check those out as well. Remember, following the steps in this post can increase your chances of getting a job interview and, ultimately, landing your dream job. Good luck with your job search!
