How to Increase Your Chances of Getting a Job Interview

Posted by CapWay in CareerNovember 18, 2022(Last Updated November 18, 2022)4 min read
Key Takeaways
  • There will be times when you want to change your place of employment, so you begin searching for jobs, but getting an interview can be difficult.
  • If you improve your resume and cover letter, you could have a better chance of getting a call back from the hiring manager.
  • After landing an interview, your next step is to practice going over the interview questions to increase your chances of getting hired.
Are you ready to make some real money moves?

At some point in your career, you may realize that you want a new challenge and begin looking for other job opportunities. First, you must update your resume to reflect your most recent work experience. This will show future employers that you have prior work experience. 


When you apply for jobs, there are no guarantees that you will get a call back from the hiring manager. However, specific interviewing techniques can increase your chances of getting a job interview and landing your next job. 


Improve Your Resume

 

The first way to improve your chances of getting a job interview is by having a great resume. Before you can get in front of a hiring manager, you must have a resume that sets you apart from the other candidates. There are many ways to improve your resume, but keywords and quantification are the main ways. 

 

Keywords

 

Before a person reviews resumes, the company may scan applications through an applicant tracking system (ATS). These algorithms examine a candidate’s resume and compare the keywords in its system to the ones used by an applicant. When the compatibility score is higher, the chances of a person reviewing the resume will increase.

 

When job searching, many postings will have descriptions explaining the role's capabilities. These descriptions typically include many keywords that the ATS will look for in your resume. Therefore, to ensure you have the highest chance of getting a job interview, use Google extensions such as Jobalytics. 

 

This Google extension scans your resume and compares its contents with the keywords found in a job description. It will show you what words the company is looking for so you know where to tailor your resume, causing a higher compatibility score. 

 

Recommended Read: The Best Resume to Land Your Dream Job

 

Quantification

 

Quantification is a fancy word for saying to use numbers. In your resume, although having relevant work experience is crucial, using figures to show the impact of your work is essential. When managers see the quantified information, they can see the difference in which your work has made in your previous company. As a result, wherever possible, try to include statistics in your resume, such as “increased productivity by 15%.”

 

These indications help the hiring manager understand the value of your work and can influence whether you get a call for an interview.  

 

Update Your Cover Letter


Depending on the position you are applying for, you may have to also apply with a cover letter. A cover letter is not a resume but a document that can be used to differentiate yourself from the rest of the competition.


In your cover letter, begin by briefly explaining what you currently do. Then, use the next paragraph to discuss the impact of your previous experiences and how they will benefit you in the role you are applying for. 


The cover letter is what sets you apart from everyone else. If you have a generic cover letter, you will be seen as another candidate instead of a unique applicant. On the other hand, you can set yourself apart by being creative in your cover letter. 


How to Prepare for Your Job Interview


After getting a call back because of your impressive resume and cover letter, your next step is preparing for the upcoming interview. There are two main things to keep in mind when prepping for an interview: researching common interview questions and practicing good body language. 

 

job interview

Image Credit: ASDF_MEDIA / Shutterstock.com

 

Research Common Interview Questions

 

The first thing you should do after getting a job interview is to research common interview questions. When seeking a job offer, the hiring manager needs to know that you are interested in the job. As a result, doing your due diligence before the interview shows you are serious about the position.


Prepare answers in advance so you have an idea of what to say to the interviewer. However, it is important not to write your responses down thoroughly because you will feel compelled to memorize your response. As an alternative, try jotting down bullet points for your answer. This will help you to hit the high points and respond with authenticity and confidence. 

 

Recommended Read: Ten States to Easily Land a Job Interview


Maintain Good Body Language


After researching interview questions and landing an interview, your next plan of action is to have good body language. Sometimes, the hiring manager can focus on your body language while you are interviewing. This will give an interviewer more information that can’t be conveyed through words alone. In addition, your posture could be a significant factor in whether or not the hiring manager decides to hire you.

 

job interview

Image Credit: Mangostar / Shutterstock.com

 

Regardless of how good your answers are, the interviewer can gauge whether you are confident, insecure, or nervous based on your body language. Therefore, by maintaining good posture and giving eye contact, your chances of getting a call after the interview will be significantly higher. 


The Money Wrap-Up


Landing a job interview can be difficult in the current job market. However, that does not mean you should be discouraged from looking for new opportunities. On the contrary, hiring managers may favor you as a candidate based on your resume, cover letter, and how well you do in the job interview.

 

Main Image Credit: Shift Drive / Shutterstock.com

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Makayla Brooks (@makayla.brooks87)2 years ago

I never knew this. This was very helpful. Thank you for the info.

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