How do I get more job interviews?
Covid-19 has affected nearly all aspects of life, including recruitment and job seeking. We are entering a more competitive job market for candidates, and it is likely to last the next couple of years. If you’re on the job hunt, you might have noticed that this increase in competition has meant you haven’t heard back about jobs you’ve applied for or been asked for interviews – here are some suggestions for making yourself the most appealing possible candidate for job interviews.
Tailor your CV and Cover Letter
Keep your CV short and to the point, about 2-4 pages depending on your level of experience. Chances are the person reading your CV is in your industry and knows the companies you have worked for in the past, so they’ll be looking to understand your specific actions and the resulting achievements.
When your CV is 2 pages long, there are going to be things which just wont fit. Make sure you carefully read the job ad, and then put emphasis on the specific skills and experience they are looking for (if you have them). Tailoring each cover letter not only to the specific job you’re applying for, but also the specific challenges you reckon the company/industry is facing, will make your CV stand out.
Pay attention to detail
It goes without saying, but if you are going to address a cover letter to a person or company, make sure you are sending the correct file. If you are including the job title you are applying for, or the job board where you saw the job ad, make sure you give correct details.
Layout
Think about the position what is most relevant? Education, skills, or experience?. The hiring manager will be looking for you to emphasise recent experience and education. Keep it simple, keep it tidy, and keep the format consistent (headings the same size, same font etc.). There is generally no need for anything flashy (unless it is relevant to the role).
Read the job ad, and research the company
You are better off applying for 5 jobs and being able to recall something about the job/company in a phone interview than you are applying for 50 and finding yourself saying “Sorry, which job is this?” when someone calls you up about the role.
People like to hear nice things about their company. If you are able to say, “I really liked this element of the job” or “I think this project is interesting and is a good fit for what I am looking for,” it will register positively, make you stand out, and increase your chances of an in-person interview.
Know your own CV
Make sure you know what you wrote on your CV and keep it mostly consistent across applications. Know what you did in positions 10 years ago. If it is on your CV, there is a chance someone will ask you about it, so be prepared to answer questions.
Be positive and confident
Phone interviews are difficult, and it is hard to quickly build rapport. Try to sound as positive and confident as possible. Tell the person calling that you are excited by an opportunity or an element of a job. Hiring managers will respond well to your energy.
Respond quickly
Try to answer or return calls in environments that are conducive to conversation – and if you miss a call, try to respond as quickly as possible. In a competitive job market, interview slots might quickly be occupied, and you might miss your opportunity.
Although the current environment is a tough one for job-seekers, organisations will still be hiring. Following the suggestions above will ensure you’re best-placed to hear back from companies and land some interviews.
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