Secure More Interviews: How to Get Employers to Respond to Your Application
Hello, fellow professionals! I'm excited to share with you some strategies that will help you secure more interviews and, ultimately, land that dream job. As an experienced resume writer and career coach, I've witnessed the challenges many job seekers face. But I've also had the pleasure of achieving a 100% interview landing rate with my clients in 2023, and today, I'm going to reveal the secrets behind this success.
Understanding the Current Job Market
The job market can be a tough and competitive place. In today's digital age, employers often receive a flood of applications for every job posting. Many are left wondering, "Why am I not getting job interviews?" and "Why are jobs so hard to get in 2023?" I've seen firsthand how vital it is to understand the dynamics of the current job market to navigate it successfully and find ways to secure more interviews.
To stand out, you must acknowledge that you're not the only qualified candidate. There’s also almost 1.5 openings for every unemployed person in the country, so your role or industry cause variance within the competitive nature of the market. So, let's dive into some strategies to ensure that your application grabs employers' attention and helps answer questions like "How do I make sure I get a job interview?" and "Why is it so hard to get a job?"
Crafting an Attention-Grabbing Resume
Your resume is your first impression, and it can make or break your chances of getting noticed. I've written hundreds, possibly thousands of resumes over the years, and there's a pattern to what makes some stand out.
Highlight the Resume Summary
Your resume's opening statement, often referred to as the summary or objective, is your chance to make an immediate impact. It should be strong and attention-grabbing. Think of it as your elevator pitch. Highlight your unique skills, the value delivered in your track record, and what you bring to the table for the new organization. This summary will end up being 3-5 sentences typically.
Showcase Relevant Achievements
Quantitative and qualitative achievements are like gold on a resume. Employers want to see the results you've achieved in your previous roles. For example, if you increased sales by 30% in a previous position, make sure to include it. If you streamlined or automated processes, make sure to include it. If customer satisfaction was improved by your work, make sure to include it. These numbers help you stand out and demonstrate your value to increase job interview chances and improve job application responses.
Use Action Language
When crafting bullet points for your work experience, use action verbs to describe your accomplishments and start off your bullet points. Action language creates a sense of momentum and achievement. It's a small tweak that can make a big difference in helping you secure more interviews.
Pay Attention to Formatting and Readability
A cluttered and hard-to-read resume won't do you any favors. Use clear headings, bullet points, and appropriate fonts. Make sure your resume is easy on the eyes and quickly scannable. Below are 2 LinkedIn posts from our LinkedIn Page for some formatting tips.
Crafting a Targeted Cover Letter
The cover letter often complements your resume and serves as a personal introduction to the employer. Think of it as your opportunity to connect with the company and show genuine interest. It can also be used to get ahead of some common questions pertaining to common scenarios like:
1. Why are you making X career change?
2. Why do you have a recent career gap?
3. How do your previous career path’s skills and achievements translate?
Address Employer Needs and Values
Tailor your cover letter to address the employer's needs and values gathered from the job posting. Research the company and understand its culture and mission, find them on LinkedIn and look at their content or connect with current employees. Explain how your skills align with their goals, which is a crucial aspect of getting noticed by employers.
Demonstrate Enthusiasm
Show enthusiasm for the position and the company. Explain why you're excited about the opportunity. Share how your values match the company's mission, boosting interview opportunities.
Navigating the Application Process
Once you've polished your resume and cover letter, it's time to navigate the application process effectively.
A Systematic Approach
Job applications can be overwhelming, especially when you're applying to multiple positions. Create a system to track your applications, deadlines, and follow-ups. Organization is key to increase job interview chances. The classic way here is a combination of an Excel spreadsheet and calendar reminders.
Professional Follow-Up Email
After submitting your application, don't hesitate to follow up with a professional email. Express your continued interest in the position and inquire about the timeline for the hiring process. I've seen this simple step lead to interviews that might have otherwise been missed.
You can also follow-up with the hiring manager or other employees tangential to the position you are seeking on LinkedIn. Conferences and get-togethers are also great places to follow-up with companies and meet new people. Leverage all of the modern resources
Leveraging Your Professional Network
Your professional network is a valuable resource that can help you secure interviews. Don't underestimate the power of connections.
Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile
Ensure your LinkedIn profile is up to date and reflects your professional achievements. LinkedIn is often the first place employers look when they receive your application. There are also equivalent ATS scanners for your LinkedIn profile so keep key words, key phrases, and context in mind when optimizing your profile, thus maximizing interview chances.
Networking Matters
Don't be shy about reaching out to connections or attending industry events. Networking can lead to valuable referrals and even informational interviews that provide insights into potential job opportunities. This can be one of the most effective job application techniques to get noticed.
Handling Application Rejections Gracefully
Rejection is a part of the job search process. Not every application will lead to an interview, but how you handle rejection matters.
Maintain Professionalism and Resilience
Remember, it's not a personal rejection; it's a competitive job market. Stay professional and maintain your resilience. You never know when another opportunity with the same employer might arise.
Request Feedback
If you receive a rejection directly from a person, consider asking for feedback. This not only shows your commitment to improvement but may also open doors for future opportunities. It will also enable you to true up your skills gaps or learn new things that are necessary for the direction of your role or industry. Below is an example email template of requesting feedback and setting yourself up for future opportunities with the company.
Subject: Request for Feedback and Future Consideration
Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],
I hope this message finds you well. I recently received feedback that my application was not selected for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. While I'm disappointed, I am genuinely interested in [Company Name] and believe it aligns with my career goals.
I would greatly appreciate any feedback you could provide on my application or interview process. Your insights will help me improve and better align my qualifications with [Company Name]'s needs. I'm still very interested in opportunities with your organization and would welcome the chance to be considered for similar openings in the future.
Thank you for your time, and I look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Conclusion
In conclusion, securing more interviews and getting employers to respond to your applications is achievable with the right strategies. By crafting a compelling resume, tailoring your cover letter, and navigating the application process systematically, you can increase your chances of standing out in the competitive job market. Remember to leverage your professional network and handle rejection gracefully, all while maintaining professionalism and enthusiasm for your career journey.
Make Your Aspirations Your Story
If you'd like personalized career coaching or assistance with resume writing, don't hesitate to reach out to me. I'm here to help you succeed in your job search journey.
Check out our Interview Lander Package which includes all of these recommendations.
If you are seeking interview coaching, compensation negotiation or other career coaching benefits to the Interview Lander Package, look at our Job Lander Package or Career Promotion Program which both come with 1 free 1-hour 1-on-1 session.
Final Thoughts
Thank you for taking the time to read this article. I'm committed to helping professionals like you succeed in their job search. Remember, with the right approach and determination, you can secure more interviews and take significant steps toward achieving your career goals. Best of luck!
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