How to land the interview

If you’ve spotted a job that you want to apply for, you need to start thinking about your application before you consider the interview. There will be plenty of people who are hoping to land the same job, and many may have better on-paper skills and experience than you. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t get ahead of them in the race to get called for the interview.

A lack of research, thought and preparation in an application speaks volumes to employers and is the quickest way to kill your chances of securing the job. The quality of your application is the first impression you will make on a potential employer, and a well thought-out and researched application can help you to make the right one.

Clarity and honesty

Ensure that your application is to the point and that you make it easy for an employer to see why you’re the right fit for the position. Make their job as easy as possible. It is also crucial that, when talking about your experience, you don’t fabricate or embellish. You will be found out. Your application should be respectful, and dishonesty doesn’t convey that. Instead think about relevant skills that you have and focus on them.

Sell your benefits

Every job vacancy is also a problem that a recruiter needs to solve, so explain why you are the person to solve that problem. Your CV should tell a story, a story of your education, skills and potential adding up in just the right amount. While confidence is essential to a successful application and interview, you need to find the balance. Be yourself and think of yourself in the job and what you would do there. Put yourself in the shoes of the recruiter and think about what they might be looking for in a potential candidate. Give them examples of when you have delivered results in previous jobs or in university life. Perhaps you solved a problem for your university society or increased profits in your summer job. All experience like this is worthwhile experience that will show you to be a well-rounded, and conscientious candidate.

Follow up on your applications

You’ve put a lot of work into your applications so don’t be afraid to follow up. After you send your application, drop an email to the HR department letting them know that you have submitted an application and you look forward to hearing from them. If you don’t hear anything back, it’s ok to contact them again via phone or email. However, it is important not to overdo it so keep a record of when you contacted them. Sometimes it is just not meant to be. However, done in the right way, following up can show that you use your initiative and can contact businesses in a professional way. All of which enhances your employability for recruiters.