Six Ways to Increase Your Interviews from Cold Resume Submittals
Tired of sending your resume into the proverbial black hole?
Wonder why you’re not hearing back from employers when you meet the job description requirements?
Every day over the last 15 years, I’ve reviewed 100’s of resumes. I’ve learned a thing or two about what separates a winning resume submittal from a losing one.
I’m going to share several key tips with you that will help you get called in for an interview even if you don’t know anyone at the hiring organization. These keys will show you how to double your chances of getting noticed with a cold online resume submittal.
So what makes one candidate stand out more than another during the online application review process?
Key #1: If you have the skills and want the job, go the extra mile and write a cover letter.
Cover letters can be used to make sure your resume is read. If you take the time to tailor your letter, your resume will be reviewed.
You’ll show the employer that you can communicate professionally and that you’re interested enough to write a formal cover letter. Most employers take notice of well written cover letters.
Key #2: Don’t write an ordinary cover letter.
Any old cover letter won’t do much to help you secure an interview. You want to write a letter that makes the employer take notice of your relevant skills.
This is easy to do as long as you have the requisite skills and you reference them in the letter.
If you don’t have most of the required skills, don’t waste your time applying for the position. Invest your limited time in finding other opportunities that match your skill set.
Key #3: If you’re truly interested in the company and the position take the time to follow up with the hiring manager.
It may take a little digging, but it’s never been easier to follow up directly with a hiring manager. Find out who’s in charge of making the hiring decision and send an email, make a call, and try to set up an initial interview. If you can’t find an email address, it’s easy to send an InMail via LinkedIn.
Key #4: Your resume should be error free.
More than 95% of applicants have typos and formatting errors on their resume. It’s a document that should be treated with great thought, strategy, and precision. It isn’t enough to pull something together and hope you get called in for an interview.
Attend to the details and make sure your resume is typo free.
When you’ve looked at your resume too many times, it becomes difficult to catch your own errors. Have friends and trusted colleagues look for spelling errors and formatting issues.
Key #5: Your resume should be modern.
There are times when you can get away with a resume update. But sometimes your resume will need a complete overhaul.
If you’ve made more than one or two resume updates over the years, it’s probably time to completely revamp your resume with a fresh style and modern layout.
Key #6: Your LinkedIn profile should match your resume.
Seems obvious right? But sometimes you’ll change something on your resume and forget to change it on LinkedIn. There are certain items on your LinkedIn Profile that should match your resume and they include: degrees earned, positions held, dates of employment, and employer names.
The content under each position on your LinkedIn profile should be condensed and offer less detail than your resume.
Why Not Make the Necessary Changes Now?
After all, only one person can get each job advertised. If you have the necessary skills and the passion for your next employer, why shouldn’t it be you?
You can win more offers in today’s competitive job market by following these tips. Get the job you deserve by pitting this information into action today!