Hiring processes can differ from one company to another, depending on their own needs and the type of position being filled. Still, as a candidate, you can be sure you will go through at least one interview – maybe multiple interviews – before you are ever offered a new job. But will you be invited to that first interview? Only if you are able to stand out right from the start.
So let’s talk about how candidates can shine early in the hiring process to help yourself get to the finish line successfully.
Your resume is a tool, and it needs to be sharp
Hiring managers review hundreds if not thousands of resumes over time. They would be the first to tell you that, sometimes, great people have lousy resumes. And, conversely, they sometimes see great resumes from candidates who turn out to be a disappointment in person. You know you’re an exceptional candidate, so your resume has to convey that quickly.
It has two important goals:
- Get you noticed for an interview
- Carry you past the initial screening to get further interviews
Ultimately, only you can ace the interview, but your resume speaks first. So get right to the point. Clean, concise presentation makes it easy for busy hiring managers to quickly discern if you are interview material. For your current and past positions, include:
- Company name
- Job title
- Tenure (complete start and end dates)
- Key accomplishments
Important as your resume is, it’s just one tool. You’ll need more to catch the hiring manager’s eye and secure an interview.
A LinkedIn profile is essential
In today’s business environment, everyone expects you to have a presence on LinkedIn.
- Make sure your profile is complete, up-to-date, and that the information matches what’s on your resume. Hiring managers will check, and gaps or inconsistencies are red flags.
- If you choose to add a photo to your profile, it should also be up-to-date and professional-looking. Photos are strongly recommended because they prove you (and the work background you’re presenting) are bona fide.
- Show your network. The hiring manager you’re trying to impress may know one or more people within your network, which gives the two of you something in common. It also enables them to connect with that third party to learn more about you.
- Leverage your network. Are there individuals among your connections such as former managers or colleagues who may know the hiring manager or another key person at the company you’re applying to? Ask them to proactively offer a recommendation.
Likewise, make sure your other social media profiles are also up-to-date and that whatever a prospective employer might see on those sites speaks positively about you as a person and potential employee. They will look.
Be prepared for your virtual interview
The hiring process is mostly virtual now, so odds are good your first interview will be virtual. The details will be different in some ways, but a virtual meeting is no less important than an “old fashioned” in-person interview. Every detail counts because you’re making that all-important first impression.
- Dress for success. No PJs or hoodies, please, this is serious business. Your goal is to sell yourself, so this is no time for nonchalance.
- Set the stage. Keep in mind that the interviewer(s) can see what’s behind you as well as your face. Create an appropriate visible background. Pick a quiet location without distractions.
- Mic check. Do a run-through ahead of time to be sure the interview link works and that your audio and camera are working and good quality.
- Create a follow-up document you can share during the interview or immediately afterward. This is your chance to flesh out the key points from your resume, including greater detail than your resume itself presents. If you have other files that may be relevant during the interview – work examples, for example -- be prepared to share them if the opportunity arises.
Be proactive
Before your virtual interview ends, ask if there is anything else the person needs from you or if they would like more information about your skills or experience beyond what you have already discussed.
Keep the conversation going after your interview, to stay top-of-mind with the interviewer and reinforce your interest in the position. Quickly send a thank-you for the interview opportunity, and attach any documents you weren’t able to share during the session.
With a concise, relevant resume that clearly delineates your qualifications and experience, and strong support from your LinkedIn presence, you’ll stand out and get the interview. With good preparation and a professional approach, you’ll shine during the interview, too. You’re well on your way to a great new position.