How to get a job interview
The job search process can be a difficult one, and in a crowded job market. Forbes suggests that on average every job advertised will receive 118 applicants and of those around 20% will be offered an interview. When these applications are received in such high volumes, an applicant tracking system is often used to help filter out the irrelevant, under qualified and output a shortlist of people who may be suitable. Around 50% of applications passing an applicant tracking system are never seen by human eyes as they are filtered out, therefore you need to be sure that your resume is targeted to the role in question.
How to secure a job interview
There are a number of things that you can do in order to ensure that you secure an interview for the job you want:
In order to ensure that you stand out as a must see candidate for a role, having a well written resume and providing a targeted cover letter allowing you to showcase why you are a good candidate, and why you want the role are essential. CV People are experts when it comes to writing professional CVs for all levels, as well as targeted cover letters and LinkedIn optimisation. Contact us today for more information.
The job search process can be a difficult one, and in a crowded job market. Forbes suggests that on average every job advertised will receive 118 applicants and of those around 20% will be offered an interview. When these applications are received in such high volumes, an applicant tracking system is often used to help filter out the irrelevant, under qualified and output a shortlist of people who may be suitable. Around 50% of applications passing an applicant tracking system are never seen by human eyes as they are filtered out, therefore you need to be sure that your resume is targeted to the role in question.
How to secure a job interview
There are a number of things that you can do in order to ensure that you secure an interview for the job you want:
- Well written resume - this is a key way to ensure that you make a good impression on a prospective employer. you need to ensure that your resume mentions key elements of the job you are applying for, in order to ensure that you pass through any applicant tracking systems the business may use. Tailor your resume for every role, to stand a higher chance of standing out for each, rather than using one generic one for each.
- LinkedIn presence - ensuring that you have a LinkedIn profile which is up to date and reflects the information on your resume about your career to date is vital. Ensuring that this is well optimised is important, in order to allow any recruiters and hiring managers to be able to find your profile whilst searching for potential hires. If you have recommendations on LinkedIn, this is a positive as it shows other people’s opinions of your work to date.
- Cover letter - ensuring that you have a well written targeted cover letter is key for many jobs, however the format of this has changed over time. If you are writing a cover letter, then you should take the time to make sure that it mirrors the specification of the job you are applying for, and that key requirements of the role are highlighted in your resume.
- Research - spend time looking at potential job roles, research the companies which could have potential roles (it is thought around 80% of roles are never publicly advertised) and when you send your details ensure that they are targeted towards the company you are applying for (speculatively or otherwise). Not researching or having an interest in a business will show through in an interview, so it is important to make sure you show keenness early within the process.
- Make a broad search - job boards are not the only source of finding new roles which are available, company websites, LinkedIn, newspaper websites, recruitment agencies, all are places where jobs may be listed. Alongside this, utilising your network and contacts to discover new and interesting roles is another way to ensure you find your next role.
- Get noticed - if you know a role’s title and location, you can use LinkedIn and the company website to find the correct person that is in charge of the hiring process and make contact directly. This approach may not suit everyone; however it shows a desire to be noticed and stand out in the recruitment process.
- Internal referral - if you know someone within a business that has relevant open positions, then a referral from them is a positive, with a recommendation from them being seen as a huge positive. Working on your network for opportunities is a key aspect of the job search.
- Impress - depending on what industry you work in, or the type of role you have, you can potentially stand out to a hiring manager by taking some time out to showcase your skills relative to the business, for example in an IT, or technical capacity you could have a quick look at the site and highlight any issues you may have seen.
- Follow up - following up applications within three to five business days with a short email or call can help you stand out as a candidate who is keen on the role.
In order to ensure that you stand out as a must see candidate for a role, having a well written resume and providing a targeted cover letter allowing you to showcase why you are a good candidate, and why you want the role are essential. CV People are experts when it comes to writing professional CVs for all levels, as well as targeted cover letters and LinkedIn optimisation. Contact us today for more information.