When you apply for a job online, do you expect a recruiter to call you? If you find yourself waiting endlessly only to receive a rejection email weeks or months later, chances are your application wasn't even reviewed because recruiters do not look at every applicant’s resume.
Here are five steps to take after applying for a job to ensure your application is considered:
1. Find a connection. If you lack connections at the company, seek out a friend or colleague who knows a recruiter there or find a recruiter directly. Merely applying online isn't enough, as recruiters typically only review the first 20-30 applications if there are no referrals. Connecting with a recruiter or someone within the company increases the likelihood of your resume or LinkedIn profile being noticed. Here is how to find recruiters on LinkedIn:
Step 1: Log onto LinkedIn
Step 2: In search, type in Recruiter [name of company]
Step 3: Click on “People”
Step 4: Look for immediate connections who can help you.
Step 5: If no immediate relevant connections, review each recruiter’s LinkedIn and seek the type of recruiter you are looking for (technical, non-technical, specific function, or if VP and above, Executive Recruiter)
Step 6: See my HBR article on how to reach out to a recruiter
You can do the same process to seek out the hiring manager. If you are a Director in Content Marketing, search for “VP, Content Marketing, [name of company]. Finding the recruiter or a contact at the company so you can flag your application will give you a better chance of your resume and/or LinkedIn profile being reviewed.
2. Prepare your interview space. Ensure your interview space is set up well with good lighting, a professional background, and a reliable internet connection. Test your setup during work calls, especially if you rely on natural light. Also, if you are going to be interviewing on a program you normally don’t use (e.g. interviewing on zoom but you use Teams for work), then make sure you download Zoom and update the program before the call so your computer won’t be updating when you are trying to log on for your interview.
3. Practice. Practice. Practice. Don't wait for a recruiter to contact you to start practicing for your interview. Practice answering questions using methods like STAR(T) or CARL, keeping responses under two minutes, and showcasing your personality while conveying your value for the role. The more you practice, the more confident and natural you'll become.
4. Mentally Prepare. If you've faced rejections, it's natural to feel discouraged. However, don't let past experiences dictate your future success. Prepare yourself for each opportunity, and find ways to boost your confidence, such as listening to energizing music before interviews. Your energy during the interview is just as important as the answers to the questions. When I was interviewing for jobs, I would listen to, “Don’t Stop Me Now” (Queen), “Confident” (Demi Lovato), “Just like Fire” (Pink), “Fighter” (Christina Aguilera), or anything Lizzo like “Good as Hell.” Get your energy up and your groove on!
It only takes one job, one right fit, one person to believe in you. If it doesn’t pan out, then the job was not a perfect match, no matter how promising it seemed.
4. Keep applying for jobs. Never stop applying for roles, even if you're in the final rounds for what you perceive as the perfect job. You never know who the other candidates are or if internal applicants are in the running. Keep applying until you have a written offer in hand and, if you have concern, your background check clears.
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If your application isn't seen, you can't be hired. With persistence and diligence, you can increase the chances your resume and LinkedIn profile catches the attention of recruiters and hiring managers.
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