6 Ways to Increase Your Chances of Getting a Job Interview

​Jobvite found that the conversion rate from application to interview is less than 2% in data, tech, media, education and consumer internet companies—with e-commerce companies like Grubhub or Zappos considering a whopping 66 applicants per hire. The good news is, you can significantly improve your odds of getting an interview with some preparation and attention to what recruiters are looking for. 

1. Apply Early

By sheer math (think the number of applicants versus staff to review them), it can be nearly impossible to give every application the attention it deserves after the first seven days of receiving applications. The earlier you submit your application, the better your chances it will be reviewed properly. Leverage popular job boards, such as Indeed and LinkedIn, to set up job alerts using keywords that match what you’re looking for. Have your résumé and cover letter ready to go, then personalize it based on the job description and organization. 

2. Don’t Let Rejection Discourage You 

A small percentage of applicants score an interview, so don’t let rejection get you down. Many candidates feel frustrated about submitting their information and never hearing back. However, a strategic follow-up message sent to the hiring manager or HR contact can help demonstrate your value to the company and expedite a response. I recommend waiting three weeks and following up with a short and thoughtful message about how you can contribute to their team, especially if the job remains posted. Unfortunately, most applicant review processes are dependent upon multiple stakeholders whose schedules are often unpredictable. It’s like dating: You have to anticipate some rejection (and in some cases, ghosting).