In today’s workplace, many jobs are in high demand. With the advent of online human resource departments and electronic applications, competition for a single position can be regional, national, or even international. So, how do you get an interview when there are hundreds of people applying for the same job?
Getting an interview requires an applicant to make a positive enough impression on the person conducting the interview that the applicant is granted one. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to this, and each job opening will necessitate a unique approach to be successful. The following are interview preparation tips that should be useful in most situations.
Find out what qualifications the person doing the hiring is looking for. What is it that the hiring entity is looking for in a new employee? Prior to applying, do some research on the position and the company to ensure that your resume is tailored to the position. Look on the internet for stories about other people who have applied to that company or for similar jobs, and if possible, speak with current employees.
When it comes to job openings, companies frequently make broad qualification requests when they really want someone with a specific education level or certification. Although a job posting for a lab assistant may state that a high school diploma is required, the hiring manager may only be looking for someone with an associate’s degree, as a higher education level may require more pay due to company standards, and a lower education level may require more training.
Make use of your company’s contacts to assist you. Even in today’s workplace, the old adage “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know” holds true. Having someone well-regarded in a company vouch for your abilities, whether you know them from college, a professional organization, or are related, increases your chances of getting an interview. At the very least, that person can write you a letter of recommendation, which will help your application stand out; in the best-case scenario, they can speak with someone in human resources and arrange for an interview for you.
On your resume, be sure to highlight your qualifications. Don’t just send in a generic resume; make sure it clearly demonstrates that you meet all of the requirements for the position. You will not be invited to an interview if you do not have the required qualifications displayed.
Send in a strong cover letter. By addressing why they would excel at the job, an applicant can set themselves apart from other potential hires in the cover letter. Make it clear to the potential employer why you are the best candidate for the job and why you deserve an interview.
Limiting words should be removed from your resume and application. Certain words or phrases may disqualify you from a job, so if at all possible, remove them from your resume. If you don’t specify salary requirements unless it’s absolutely necessary, your application may be removed from the potential hire pile. Put down if you are willing to travel for the job; if you are only willing to travel occasionally or within a short distance, leave it blank.
After you’ve submitted your application, follow up with it. Contact a potential employer about a week after the application deadline has passed, if possible and permitted. Some HR professionals hold off on scheduling interviews until potential hires follow up on their applications, believing that the follow-up demonstrates who is serious about the job. Due to the large number of applications that many companies receive, this practice has fallen out of favor, so check the job posting to see if following up on an application is appropriate. Don’t bother the company; if the contact information was provided on the job posting and it is correct, simply call or email once.