7 Techniques to Land More Interviews
Jul 04, 2023Remember that your resume is just one ingredient in a successful job search. You need to maximize the rest of your strategy too.
Try these techniques:
- Assess your qualifications. Are you seeking positions that match your background and make sense in the context of your career path? You probably need to provide some explanation if you’re overqualified, underqualified, or trying to change fields.
- Customize your cover letter. This is where you can address such concerns and make a case for hiring you. Research the company, so you can discuss their specific needs and how you can help.
- Add work samples. Give employers a preview of the impressive qualifications that won’t fit in your resume. Link your application to your personal website or your LinkedIn profile.
- Follow instructions. Make a positive first impression by reading the application guidelines and following them. Show them that you’re considerate and easy to work with.
- Follow up. Unless the ad says no calls, try to discuss the position further. Be prepared with substantive questions if someone has the time to speak with you. Be gracious and express your enthusiasm if they ask you to wait while they complete their process.
- Leverage your network. One of the most effective ways to get an employer’s attention is to find a contact you have in common. Maybe you know someone willing to make a call or send a recommendation.
- Tailor your resume to the industry you are targeting. When applying for a job, it's essential to tailor your resume to the specific industry you're targeting. This means highlighting relevant skills and experience most important for the job you're applying for. For example, if you're applying for a job in the tech industry, you should emphasize your experience with specific programming languages or software tools. On the other hand, if you're applying for a job in the healthcare industry, you should focus on your experience working with patients or your knowledge of medical terminology. By tailoring your resume to the specific industry, you'll increase your chances of getting noticed by hiring managers and landing the job you want.
You can stand out from the crowd. Review your resume carefully before you start your job search and update it at least twice a year or after any major achievement.