How to increase your chances of getting a job interview

The job market is competitive. There are often dozens, if not hundreds, of people applying for the same position. So, how can you make sure that your application stands out from the rest? Here are a few tips to increase your chances of getting a job interview.

1. Get More Job Interviews by Doing Outreach on LinkedIn.

When it comes to job hunting, outreach is the process of reaching out to potential employers to inquire about job openings or to request an informational interview. You can do this by sending a LinkedIn message or InMail, or by connecting with someone and then sending them an email.

Why Should You Do It?

There are two main reasons why you should make outreach a part of your job search strategy:

It shows that you're proactive and willing to take initiative.
When you reach out to someone, you're demonstrating that you're not afraid to take initiative and that you're willing to go the extra mile to get what you want. This is a quality that employers value in their employees.

It allows you to bypass the application process.
The truth is, the vast majority of job applications never even get looked at by a human being; they're filtered out by applicant tracking systems (ATS). By reaching out directly to an employer or hiring manager, you can bypass the ATS and increase your chances of getting your foot in the door.

How Can You Do It Effectively?

If you want your outreach efforts on LinkedIn to be effective, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind:

Be specific in your requests. Don't just send a generic message asking for help; let the person know exactly what it is that you're looking for, whether it's an informational interview or advice on how to land a particular job. The more specific you are, the more likely it is that the person will respond positively to your request.

Ex: I'm interested in learning more about [x] role at your company. Would it be possible to schedule a 30-minute call so that I can ask some questions?

Don't be afraid of seeming pushy. It's perfectly normal (and expected!) for job seekers to reach out to employers on LinkedIn; don't be afraid of seeming pushy or desperate. As long as your request is professional and polite, there's no reason why the person shouldn't be happy to help.

Follow up after initial contact has been made. Once you've made initial contact with someone, make sure to follow up periodically until you get a response (one follow-up should suffice). If after two attempts you still haven't heard back, move on; there are plenty of other people who will be happy to help.

By doing outreach on LinkedIn, you can connect with potential employers, get your name on their radar, and increase your chances of getting a job interview. So if you've been job searching for a while with no luck, don't give up—try reaching out to your professional network on LinkedIn instead.

2. Research the company.

Before you even start filling out your application, take some time to research the company. Learn about their mission and values. What do they stand for? What kind of work environment do they have? The more you know about the company, the better equipped you'll be to sell yourself as a good fit for the organization.

3. Tailor your resume and cover letter.

Don't just send in the same resume and cover letter for every job you apply to. Take the time to tailor your materials to each specific position. Highlight the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the job you're applying for. This will show potential employers that you're serious about the position and that you've put in the effort to learn about their company and what they're looking for in a candidate.

4. Utilize keywords.

When writing your resume and cover letter, be sure to use language that mirrors the language used in the job listing itself. This includes both hard skills (specific software programs or coding languages) and soft skills (such as "team player" or "communication"). This will help ensure that your application is picked up by applicant tracking systems, which are often used by recruiters to screen candidates.

5. Highlight your accomplishments.

Your resume should be a list of your professional accomplishments rather than a simple recitation of your job duties. When possible, use numbers and statistics to demonstrate the impact of your work. For example, if you increased sales by 10% in your previous role, be sure to mention that on your resume. This will help show recruiters what kind of value you could bring to their company.

6. Follow instructions carefully.

This may seem like a no-brainer, but you'd be surprised how many people don't bother reading instructions carefully—or worse, don't follow them at all! Make sure you read through all of the requirements for the position before you apply, and be sure to include everything that's asked for in your application materials. Following instructions shows attention to detail and respect for authority, two qualities that any employer would appreciate.

7. Follow up after applying.

After you've submitted your application, don't just sit back and wait for a response. Follow up with the hiring manager or HR department a week or so later to make sure they received your application and to see if there are any other materials they need from you. This shows that you're eager and willing to put in the extra work, both now and down the road if you're hired for the position.

Conclusion:

The job market is competitive, but there are some things you can do to increase your chances of at least getting an interview. Be sure to research the company, tailor your resume and cover letter, and follow up after applying. By taking these extra steps, you'll show potential employers that you're serious about getting the job and that you would be a valuable asset to their team.