How to Go Above and Beyond to Get the Interview

You’ve just seen an open position that is absolutely, positively, no doubt about it, perfect for you. This is your job, the one you’ve been dreaming about for forever. It must become yours!

Your first step in getting that job is getting an interview. Read below for tips on how to stand out among all applicants by going above and beyond – and get that interview!

  • If the ad says “no phone calls,” abide by it. But if it doesn’t? Then you need to call the hiring manager. Notice we didn’t say the human resources department. The folks who work there aren’t the ones who will ultimately hire you; they’re there to screen you. So you’re going to have to do a bit of sleuthing. You can call the company and ask for the manager of the department. You can go online to see if you can find the person’s name. Maybe the job opening has name. Regardless of how you find it, find the name of the hiring manager.
  • Then you need to call. Notice we didn’t say e-mail; e-mail can go into spam and if it doesn’t, it can be deleted. Nope, you need to actually pick up the phone and make something happen! Once you get the hiring manager on the line, keep it short. Explain that you’re going to apply for the position, that you’re very enthusiastic about it and, in just 15-30 seconds, tell the hiring manager why you’re a great fit for the position (your qualifications, etc.). Remember to keep your focus on how you will benefit the employer, not how the job is your dream job.
  • When you apply, say in your cover letter that you plan to follow up in about a week or so to discuss setting up an interview. Once that week is up, you need to….….call the hiring manager (yes, again!) and say something along the lines of “I just applied for this position and am extremely interested in it. I just want to reach out to you on how I can benefit your department.” Then give a similar, but different, 30-second “elevator speech” about your qualifications and ask for an interview.
  • The hiring manager may put you off, saying something like “we’re still going through resumes, etc. and will contact people when we’re ready.” That’s fine. Be polite and professional but ask a question such as: “I understand you want to bring in only the best candidates and I look forward to hearing from you about setting up an interview so that I may show you how my (and here you mention an accomplishment of yours in the past that’s applicable to this position) will be of benefit to you.”
  • There’s a chance the hiring manager will say, “Thank you and goodbye,” but if you present an accomplishment that’s truly outstanding (you revamped an entire filing system in just one month, saving a company $15,000, or you grew your sales team’s efforts by a 50 percent increase in closing rates, don’t be surprised if the hiring manager wants to talk more right then.
  • Even if you don’t have an incredibly outstanding accomplishment, you can be sure the hiring manager will take note of your name and will pay attention to your resume.
  • Always be polite. Always be professional. Don’t be a pest. If you hear nothing from the hiring manager in two or three weeks, e-mail the hiring manager. You can contact an individual four times, tops. Then you become a pest.
  • Don’t be discouraged if you don’t hear anything right away. Hiring managers are also busy doing their own jobs and the hiring process can take weeks and months.

If you’re looking for work in Riverside, send your resume to the recruiters at Arrow Staffing. We can help you get interviews with some of the Inland Empire’s best employers. Contact us today.

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