How to Increase Your Chances of Getting an Interview

Imagine this: your dream job is staring right at you, but every time you submit your resume, it vanishes into the abyss, and the interview call never comes. Why? Is your resume lost in translation? Or are you missing something crucial? Most candidates fail not because they aren’t qualified, but because they don’t know how to make themselves stand out. Let’s uncover the steps to increase your chances of getting that elusive interview.

1. Craft a Tailored Resume: Stop Using One-Size-Fits-All

Your resume isn't just a piece of paper, it's your first interaction with the recruiter. The biggest mistake you can make is sending out a generic resume to every job posting. Recruiters spend just 6 seconds on average reviewing a resume, so you need to grab their attention immediately. Tailor each resume to fit the specific job description. Highlight the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the position.

Example:
If you’re applying for a marketing role, don’t just list “Developed marketing strategies” as an achievement. Instead, get specific:

• Developed and executed a social media campaign that increased engagement by 30% within three months.

This level of detail shows that you can deliver results and you’ve done it before.

2. Write a Killer Cover Letter: Personalize, Don’t Parrot

Cover letters are often overlooked, but a great cover letter can set you apart. While many candidates reuse the same cover letter, don’t fall into this trap. Personalize your cover letter for each role. Address the specific company’s challenges and explain how you can solve them. Show that you’ve researched the company and understand its needs.

Structure your cover letter like this:

• Introduction: Mention the job title and why you’re excited about the role.
• Body: Highlight your most relevant achievements.
• Closing: Explain why you’re the right fit and what excites you about working with them.

3. Leverage LinkedIn: It’s More Than Just a Digital Resume

Your LinkedIn profile is a powerful tool. It’s often the first place recruiters go after reviewing your application. Make sure your profile aligns with your resume and is updated with your latest achievements. Use LinkedIn strategically:

• Optimize your headline: Instead of “Marketing Specialist,” try something like, “Marketing Specialist | Driving 30% Increase in Engagement through Data-Driven Strategies.”
• Engage with relevant content: Comment on posts in your industry, share insights, and connect with key people at the companies you want to work for.
• Get Recommendations: Ask former colleagues or managers to write LinkedIn recommendations. A glowing recommendation can be the tipping point that convinces a recruiter to invite you for an interview.

4. Network Strategically: It’s Who You Know

Yes, it’s true—networking can make all the difference. Don’t just rely on submitting applications through job boards. 80% of jobs are filled through networking, so it’s essential to build meaningful connections.

• Attend industry events or join relevant online communities.
• Reach out to current employees of the companies you're interested in and ask for informational interviews. People love talking about their careers, and this can give you inside knowledge and potentially a referral.
• Join professional organizations related to your field. This will give you access to a network of professionals and job postings not listed elsewhere.

5. Follow Up: Show Enthusiasm Without Being Annoying

After applying for a job, don’t just sit and wait. Send a polite follow-up email to the recruiter or hiring manager a week after applying. This shows you’re interested in the role and willing to go the extra mile. Keep it short:

• Express your continued interest in the role.
• Briefly mention one or two key reasons why you’d be a great fit.
• Politely ask if there’s any update on the application process.

Example Follow-up Email:
“Hi [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to follow up on my recent application for the [Job Title] position. I’m very excited about the opportunity to bring my [specific skill or experience] to your team. I’d love to know if there have been any updates on the application process. Thank you for your time, and I look forward to hearing from you.
Best,
[Your Name]”

6. Prepare for an Initial Screening Call

Sometimes, before the formal interview, companies conduct initial phone screenings. These are designed to quickly assess your qualifications. Treat this as seriously as an in-person interview. Make sure to:

• Research the company thoroughly.
• Prepare answers to common screening questions like, “Why are you interested in this role?” or “Tell me about yourself.”
• Practice your responses so they’re concise and confident.

Even if the call is short, it can make or break your chances of moving forward in the process.

7. Highlight Relevant Skills: Focus on the Right Keywords

Applicant tracking systems (ATS) are used by most companies to filter resumes. If your resume doesn’t contain the right keywords, it might not even make it to a human recruiter. Carefully read the job description and ensure you include the keywords they are looking for. This might include software proficiencies, certifications, or soft skills like communication.

Example:
If a job listing emphasizes “project management” and “team collaboration,” make sure those phrases appear in your resume—where appropriate.

8. Be Proactive: Use Personal Connections

If you know someone at the company, use that to your advantage. Ask them to put in a good word for you or refer you directly to the hiring manager. Referrals increase your chances of getting an interview by more than 50%. When a job application comes through a trusted internal source, it’s more likely to get the recruiter’s attention.

9. Understand the Company Culture: Mirror It

Companies aren’t just looking for someone who can do the job—they want someone who fits into their culture. Research the company’s values and mission and make sure to reflect those values in your application. For example, if a company emphasizes innovation, make sure to mention how you’ve contributed to innovation in your previous roles.

10. Showcase Results, Not Just Responsibilities

Recruiters don’t want to know what you were supposed to do—they want to know what you achieved. Whenever possible, quantify your accomplishments.

• Instead of saying, “Led a team,” say, “Led a team of 5 to increase sales by 20% within 6 months.”
  Numbers speak louder than vague descriptions.

In conclusion, getting an interview isn’t about luck. It’s about strategically positioning yourself as the best candidate. By tailoring your resume, networking effectively, leveraging LinkedIn, and showcasing your achievements, you’ll increase your chances of landing that interview.