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How To Get the Interview, Part 1

By Richard | February 20, 2007

How To Get the Interview, Part 1

Scoring the interview for the job that you want doesn’t have to
be rocket science. Sometimes you can score that interview by
simply making a phone call. There are many ways that people go
about trying to get an interview. The methods of achieving one
vary by company. It is best to know what the company’s application
process is before taking your first step.

Generally, when a company is hiring they post an ad in the
newspaper or an online job bank. How to contact them is usually
included in the ad as well. You don’t want to email a resume to
a company that is requesting that you walk in with your resume.
You don’t want to call a company that requires a faxed resume etc.
Ignoring their initial contacting information will guarantee
that you will not get that interview because you have already
proven that you can’t follow simple directions.

Sometimes, you can get a job lead from a friend before the job
has been posted. If this is the case, you can either ask the
friend to give the employer your resume and cover letter. If
your friend doesn’t actually work where the lead came from,
you can try calling about the position and ask what the
application procedure is.

There are four general methods of applying for a job, and they
include these basic methods.
 
(1) Mailing a Resume

Some companies prefer that you mail in your resume. For this type of
approach, it is best to include a cover letter with your resume. The
cover is a basic letter that describes the position that you are
interest in and a few details of your qualifications and skills.
It is basically your lead in to your resume.

Before writing your cover letter, you should know whom the letter
is to be addressed to. You never want to begin a cover letter
with “Dear Sir or Madame” or “To whom it may Concern”. It shows
that you have not prepared, and that you are not looking for a
specific position with their company, but any job that you can
get your hands on. Basically, it is disrespectful to your
prospective employer.

(2) Emailing Your Resume

Emailing resumes is becoming a commonplace way for recruiters to
get resumes. Most companies offer this method as an alternative to
the others. However, there are few tips on how you should go about it.

You should attach your resume as a word document or PDF file. These
are the most common formats and what most companies will accept.
The subject line should read like this: Smith, John (clerical
position)This makes it easy for the recruiter to know who the
email is from, and what it pertains to. It also assures that
your email will be read.

Sometimes there are specific methods for addressing an emailed
resume. Some companies have certain subject line requirements
so follow them. If your company wants you to paste your resume,
don’t send attachments because your email will be deleted right away.

This is part of a course on Job Interviews. To receive the entire course, visit the Interview Course Subscription Form and fill in the form. The course will then be emailed to you, one lesson every 2 days.

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