6 Tips to Increase Your Chances of Getting an Interview

In a previous post, I addressed how character and integrity should be king when hiring or retaining talent.  I am often disgusted by the stories I hear and those of which I have been a part that prove, sadly, unethical behaviour is alive and well.  In my own case, the deplorable practices were performed by those senior to me, those who should have known better or didn’t really care.  Therefore, as reason might dictate, most individuals must look within themselves and/or follow leaders with a proven track record and either pattern yourself after them or build your own ethical blueprint – one that becomes clearly evident by your own actions, by the reputation your build over time, and by the questions you ask and those you answer truthfully, and by your past/experiences and how your represent them.

Ethics and proving character can be a difficult hurdle when it comes to securing an interview, let alone a new job.  I have been a recruiter for years and have worked for many organizations that put character first.  I have never invited any jobseeker in for an onsite interview until I determined some semblance of “character” during a phone interview or as a result of a personal referral.  If a candidate, initially, doesn’t fit in with the culture of the company during this early stage of the hiring process, they never will.  And if it can be ascertained that the applicant is even the slightest bit sycophantic, they will never pass an interview with the hiring manager or a direct supervisor.

I have put together a list of tips to aid jobseekers in showing their best face, letting the light of their character shine through loud and clear.  It is my hope that with this modest list, a general understanding of how a recruiter thinks will result.

1. Whenever possible, indicate on your resume that you hold three vitally important characteristics:  Intelligence, Energy and Integrity.  Employers seek these in every applicant, Every.  Single.  One.   These three qualities show hire-ability.   Simply add an instance that demonstrate these under your most recent job or project (this could even be a school-based project.)

2. Include a letter of recommendation with your cover letter from a previous colleague or supervisor that simply attests to your possession of these three qualities. If a previous employer indicates they would hire you again, if given the opportunity?  All the better.

3. If you are invited in for an on-site, face-to-face interview, prove your intelligence and interest with a strong understanding of the position and the company, itself.  Do the online research necessary, make some calls to contacts or past employees who may have valuable insight or could directly refer you.

4. PLEASE have your resume reviewed by a recruiter and several friends who will give you the critical feedback you need– maybe there is something key missing or misrepresented that you are just too close to see.

5.  THIS you SHOULD KNOW:  A good recruiter will be able to ascertain within 10-15 seconds of opening your resume or application whether or not you will even get a call or second look.  Make something stand out at the top of the resume or within the first paragraph of your cover letter.

And the last tip for today:

6. Be very careful of the use of the cliche buzz words of the day - thought leader, expert, guru, etc. – these are an instant turn-off to most recruiters and most recruiters will stop reading and immediately dismiss your application / resume.

Enjoy your weekend, the rest of my list will appear in my next post!

Rayanne Thorn, @ray_anne is the Marketing Director for the online recruiting software company, Broadbean Technology.  She is also a proud mother of four residing in Laguna Beach, California, and a contributor for Blogging4Jobs.  Connect with her on LinkedIn.

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