Helping You Thrive: Advice from Our Career Experts on How to Secure an Interview
August 26, 2020
How to Secure an Interview
Everyone knows that a great interview is a key component to scoring your dream job. However, competition can be tough! Our Career Experts share some tips for securing an interview with a company.
If you’re meeting with a recruiter in-person (for example, at a job fair or networking event):
- Do your research! Be sure to research the company and positions you are interested in ahead of time. Show that knowledge while talking to the company representatives. We want to hear why you want to work with us.
- Ask questions. Show your interest by asking questions about the company, position, and the people who work there.
- Make eye contact. When you are introducing yourself to a recruiter or representative, make eye contact. Show confidence – even if you’re nervous.
- Smile under that mask! Making connections is more challenging right now when everyone is wearing a mask. Be sure to smile even if nobody can see your mouth. The excitement will show in your eyes.
- 5. Ask for contact information. Ask for their card or contact information, and if you’re interested in a specific position, follow-up with an email later with why you think you’d be a good fit.
If you’re applying for a job online, you won’t have the opportunity to “wow” someone in person. That’s ok! You can still rise above the crowd with the following:
- Do your research! Research the company before applying for a position.
- Be sure that you are a good fit for the job. Read the position description and apply if you meet the requirements. (Don’t apply for a senior-level position if you’ve just graduated from college – look for entry-level positions instead.)
- Create a customized resume. When you apply for a job, take the time to customize your resume for the position. Think about your skills and experience and how they apply to the position you are applying for.
- Share a cover letter with your application. A cover letter is an excellent opportunity to showcase skills not shown on your resume. Avoid a generic cover letter. If you are making a career change, interested in a job that may be a leap for you professionally, or you don’t seem a great fit on paper, a cover letter can help bridge that experience gap. A well-written letter can stand-out in a sea of resumes. Tell us why we should hire you!
- Leverage LinkedIn. Use LinkedIn as a resource to reach out to a company recruiter or an employee in the department you’re interested in.
Contact Us
For more information on our open positions, please visit our Careers page.
Connect with us! Find out where we’re headed virtually this year.
Amanda Hutchinson, Recruiting Manager
Jennifer Levins, Recruiter