How to improve your chances for getting an interview



Have you applied for numerous jobs but don't get invited for an interview? It is frustrating and demotivating, especially if you don't know why.

We have gathered a few pointers and resources for you to understand the hiring process better and improve your chances for getting an interview.
The hiring process in most organisations is a very simple one:
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The organisation opens a campaign
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They receive applications
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They review applications and shortlist the best
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They arrange interviews with the top candidates
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They make a hiring decision
Depending on the employer this process can take from a few days to several months. (When you don’t hear back immediately, have patience!)
If you don’t get to stage 4 - the interviews, this means that your application has not managed to convince the recruiters. The following four points will help you to navigate past the most obvious pitfalls and learn how you can make your next application stand out.
1. Apply for the right kind of job
This is one of the most common reasons why people are stuck on step 2 of the hiring process. Too often people try their luck with jobs that just aren’t the best fit, and therefore the top spots go to those who actually have the right background + a great application.
Tip: Don’t waste your time in applying for jobs that clearly are not a good fit for you. Rather go after jobs that you have a realistic chance of getting. Do your research and focus on building the skills and experience needed to grow towards your dream job.
2. Follow instructions
Always read the job description and instructions carefully. The company will ask for certain experience and skills. Make sure you describe how you meet their requirements in your application.
Example: A company is hiring a sales manager and requests a proven track record of meeting sales targets. Answer this in your CV (and repeat it in your cover letter) by writing how and when you have met the targets in your current or previous jobs. Also, pay attention to details. If the company says, “No phone enquiries”, calling and insisting on speaking to the hiring manager will most likely work against you.
3. Find that special something
Even if you applied for a job that suits your experience and background well, your qualifications may be identical to those of many others. Especially for entry-level jobs, which usually don’t have very specific requirements. In a situation where it is easy to fulfil the qualifications, you need to think of how you can exceed the recruiter’s expectations. Perhaps you can underline a specific experience, or describe your motivation more in detail.
Example: A café is looking for customer service staff. We can assume that most serious candidates are familiar with the basics of this type of job. A candidate can stand out for example by explaining their fascination and knowledge about different types of coffees, and by so doing, impress the employer with their genuine excitement and motivation.
4. Proofread
Never press that ‘Send’ button before you have proofread your application, preferably multiple times. Nothing turns a recruiter off more than a poorly written application. Even if you were qualified, spelling mistakes make you look sloppy and disinterested.
Tip: Ask someone else to read and correct your application before sending it.
Resources:
How to write a cover letter - course
Tips for a perfect CV - course
And once you get that interview...
Succeeding in a job interview - course
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DOUGLAS | August 25, 2017 04:58
Very educated
Michael | August 20, 2017 18:12
I love it thanx
JOHN | August 18, 2017 11:51
AMAZING
John | July 24, 2017 09:57
thankz.
JEREMIAH | July 21, 2017 12:32
Very nice encouragement. Most cases you actually face tough situations and difficult questions to ask, for example, if someone has resigned from a job and they want a replacement. it become difficult to ask , please can you briefly tell me why he/she resigned such that l can aware with the same challenges. am extremely glad for the TIPS. Very great FUZU.
kelvin | July 20, 2017 10:55
good
Ruth | July 20, 2017 09:39
Cool
NKUNZWENIMANA | July 20, 2017 09:09
cool
UWIMANA | July 19, 2017 13:38
great
Caleb | July 12, 2017 09:20
very well
Alex | June 23, 2017 09:46
Wow..maverous
michael | June 20, 2017 12:46
Cool
JUSTUS | June 15, 2017 16:47
Fantastic!
brian | May 19, 2017 08:46
great
ETIENNE | May 16, 2017 12:46
very nice. i like it. it is helpful, thanks
Samson | May 04, 2017 11:21
So nice to know
Pamela | April 26, 2017 14:02
Quite informative, thank you!
Aggie | April 12, 2017 10:09
Nicer.
Peter | March 04, 2017 11:35
Very informative tips. Most jobs advertised require applicants to be degree holders besides other qualifications. Is it sensible or advisable for someone lacking in the degree part to try it out if they possess the other qualifications and experience?
sharon | February 19, 2017 13:21
An example of acv
Richard | January 18, 2017 07:37
Great advice
Tarayia | January 03, 2017 08:55
Your comments it's so nice
David | December 27, 2016 07:21
Nice Tips but what happened in circumstances where they need job experience and u Hv never worked in any organization before, how do you go about that?
Wilfred | December 17, 2016 13:35
Your comments Encouraging indeed
lawrence | November 25, 2016 15:19
thanks
Rauda | November 17, 2016 08:18
Your comments very nice thanks
Cyril | November 16, 2016 18:14
Nice article! Thanks
FREDRICK | October 06, 2016 07:19
Thanks
Bonface | September 26, 2016 05:37
very resourceful, i love it
Reuben | August 29, 2016 04:35
Great advice indeed. Hoping to land my dream job really soon.
Sally | March 21, 2016 11:30
Powerful
Livia | March 17, 2016 13:11
Wht procedure can i use when following the tips and how can i get startet
Memusi | March 15, 2016 18:56
what procedure are followed when applying for ajob
Tobias | March 15, 2016 15:59
very nice
Omollo | March 15, 2016 10:59
Nice tips
Seith | March 15, 2016 06:01
Thanks