business job interview office

Submitted hundreds of applications and had no success? Been told ‘thanks, but no thanks’ one too many times? Whatever it is, something in your job application process may need to change. Here are some top tips on how to maximise your opportunity and increase your chances of securing an interview.

Utilise social media: Don’t shy away from it - embrace the digital age and utilise its potential. If you don’t already have one, set up a professional LinkedIn account, and if you do, take some time to bolster your details with case studies and examples of your work. Ask respected colleagues for genuine recommendations and make sure you return the compliment. Without stalking people, seek out good connections within your desired industry and don’t be too shy to say hello. Join groups within your targeted sector and join in the discussions and start creating dialogues. Proactively post comments on interesting articles. Find companies you’re interested in and follow them. LinkedIn is made for making connections, so get linking.

Create a professional blog: Think blogging is just for budding journalists or the fashion-savvy? Think again. A good professional blog can showcase not only your interests within your industry’s arena, but also your knowledge through detailed case studies of what you’ve already achieved. The content posted on your blog can also be pushed out via LinkedIn, offering ample opportunity for leaders in your sector to interact and be impressed.

Find a good recruitment company: Take the time to seek out a good recruitment company that will serve your best interests, and not just routinely process you with faceless online forms and automated emails. Find a company that excels within your industry to make the most of their existing contacts. Be sure the recruitment company you choose is putting as much effort into finding you a job as you are.

Target specific managers: Outdated and generic - ‘To Whom It May Concern’ may be killing your application before it has even begun. Take the time to identify the specific manager who you’d be working under and address them directly in a personalised and tailored covering letter. Do some research into their ongoing work and generate a current conversation - something they’d be interested in following up on.

Jennifer Baker is a professionally trained executive coach with a strategic business background