So you’ve already spruced up your resume, updated your LinkedIn, and started putting out feelers to see what’s on the market. But how do you get from submitting your resume to actually landing the first round interview? Well, we’d love to help you with that.
THE RECRUITER
Does the job you’re applying for have a recruiter assisting in the hiring process? If so, they are your new best friend.
Recruiters have a big say as to whether or not you get in the hands of a hiring manager, and a good recruiter will get to truly know you, not just your resume. This is your time to shine. If you can find out the name and contact info of a recruiter on the role, reach out! But don’t overdo it. Let them know you’re interested and that you’d love a chance to speak with them. Don’t be pushy, but email them 100 times, but give them a heads up that you’re out there. You reaching out to them shows them you’re a serious candidate, in turn, they will take you more seriously.
If you’re one of the lucky ones who has a recruiter reach out to you, be nice! We have a lot of applicants who want to bypass the recruiter and get in front of a hiring manager immediately. While that would be ideal, it probably won’t happen. Telling a recruiter to “just submit me to the hiring manager” isn’t going to work. Hiring Managers don’t have time to sit down and look at every resume that pours in from Monster.com—it’s why they have the recruiters do it for them. We understand you’re excited and want to get in the room with the decision makers, but you’re going to have to win over the gatekeeper first.
FOLLOWING UP
Maybe you’re looking at a smaller company, or one that just doesn’t use recruiters. That doesn’t mean you should just submit your resume, sit back, and hope for the best. Show them you’re passionate (without being annoying) and follow up with the person in charge.
Can you see the job poster on LinkedIn? Send them a quick message letting them know you’re interested.
No job poster? Search LinkedIn for current employees and reach out to someone you’re connected to, someone who know someone you know, or someone who simply seems like they may be the person you’re looking for. Even if they aren’t the right person, there is a good chance they will be able to put you in touch with someone who can help, or set you on a more direct path.
NETWORK, NETWORK, NETWORK!
Having a firsthand recommendation can be the biggest helper in getting you past the application stage to the interview stage. Talk to you friends, old colleagues, friends of friends, whoever you can get to talk to you, and enlist their help! Maybe your friend knows someone at the company you’re trying to get into, and even if they don’t know you personally, they likely wouldn’t mind that referral bonus most companies give out. You never know who will help you until you ask.
So, if you’re ready for your next step in your career—be proactive, and get moving!