Tips to Get That Interview

With the large number of applicants an employer receives, landing an interview is one of the most difficult parts of the job hunting process. Set yourself apart from the other applicants so you can get an interview. Follow these tips to gain more interviews by avoiding pitfalls and creating an image that makes you a unique applicant.

The first part of the application that a hiring manager sees is your cover letter, and a proper cover letter is key to get an interview. Your cover letter should highlight key attributes about your skills and job experience that also fit the job description. Keep the cover letter to less than one page. Personalize the cover letter by addressing it to a manager instead of using a generic greeting. Include information about the company to let your prospective employer know that you thoroughly researched the job and have an interest in a long-term position with the company.

One of the best ways to get an interview is to use your network. Split your time between networking and applying for jobs to get an interview. Even if you do not have a direct contact at the company, reach out to your network to find someone that does. Ask someone in your network to setup an informational interview with someone at the company. A recommendation from an employee at a prospective company or leader in the field sets your application apart from other candidates.

Many employers use social media to reduce the pool of applicants. To gain more interviews, keep social media profiles current and professional. Use profiles on various social media platforms to create your brand, including posting insightful links to industry-specific information. Connect with others in your industry via social media as an indicator of your position within the field. Engage in discussions that showcase your depth of knowledge and highlight your skills.

Instead of sending a generic resume, tailor your resume to the position to get an interview. Use keywords that appear in the job description in your resume. Some employers use software to filter candidates. In these cases, failure to customize your resume to the description leaves you without an interview. Keep your resume to one page, unless you have more than ten years of experience. Make sure to proofread, as errors leave a negative impression with a prospective employer.

Job seekers have to stand out as candidates to get an interview. Follow up with the hiring manager, as long as the job description or advertisement does not forbid you from contacting the manager or other staff members directly. Check the job description to make sure that your skills match the position, and use your cover letter to highlight how well your experience matches the company's needs.

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