Weekly Newsletter Vol. 54

How to Land an Interview in 10 Days

 

Weekly Newsletter Vol. 54 - September 11, 2024

Generating your Lead Story…

How to Land an Interview in 10 Days:

A Step-by-Step Guide

Job searching can feel overwhelming, but with the right plan, you can secure your next role faster than you think. In this week's newsletter, I’m breaking down a step-by-step, 10-day strategy that will take you from building a standout resume to acing interviews and networking effectively. Whether you’re transitioning into a new field or simply looking for your next big opportunity, these tips will help you navigate the process with confidence.

Let’s dive into the game plan and get you hired in record time!

Build an Outstanding Resume

Your resume is your first impression, so it needs to be polished, relevant, and tailored to the job you’re applying for. Start by highlighting your key achievements with quantifiable results. Use action verbs like “led,” “achieved,” and “improved” to demonstrate your impact in previous roles. Include a strong summary statement at the top that reflects your expertise and goals.

Example:

For a sales position, instead of saying, “Responsible for sales in the region,” say, “Increased regional sales by 25% in Q2 2023 through targeted outreach and strategic relationship-building.” Add relevant keywords from job postings to increase the chances of your resume being found in applicant tracking systems (ATS).

 Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile

LinkedIn is a critical tool for job seekers. Make sure your profile reflects your resume but also showcases more of your personality and professional journey. Write a compelling headline that goes beyond your job title and highlights your value proposition.

For instance, "Helping companies scale through data-driven sales strategies" is more impactful than "Sales Manager."

Update your “About” section to tell your story and include keywords from your target industry. Add recommendations and showcase your skills using LinkedIn's endorsement feature. Make sure your profile photo and banner reflect a professional, approachable image.

Network and Engage on LinkedIn

Networking is one of the fastest ways to find job opportunities. Start by identifying key connections in your industry—look for people in the companies you're interested in or recruiters specializing in your field. Send personalized connection requests rather than generic ones. Mention a recent post they’ve made or a shared connection to start a conversation.

Example Message:

“Hi Emily, I noticed your post about the latest trends in digital marketing—really insightful! I’m currently exploring new opportunities in this space and would love to connect and hear more about your experience at XYZ Company.”

Join LinkedIn groups related to your field and actively engage in discussions. Comment on posts, share relevant content, and offer insights. Building these connections can lead to referrals and recommendations down the line.

Send Targeted Direct Messages (DMs)

Now it’s time to be proactive. Send direct messages to recruiters and hiring managers at your target companies. Be concise, respectful, and clear about why you’re reaching out. Focus on the value you can bring to the company, and if possible, reference a specific challenge they’re facing.

Example DM:

“Hi John, I’ve been following your company’s growth and noticed your team is expanding its data analytics division. With my experience in optimizing data workflows and increasing efficiency by 30%, I believe I could contribute to your goals. I’d love to chat about any upcoming opportunities on your team.”

Make sure to follow up on any applications you've submitted with a polite check-in message to show your continued interest.

Prepare for the Interview

Once you've secured an interview, preparation is key. Research the company thoroughly—know their mission, recent news, and their challenges. Practice common interview questions and come up with answers that showcase your problem-solving skills. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to give structured, concise answers.

Don’t forget to prepare questions for the interviewer, such as, “What are the key challenges your team is facing, and what is the first project I would be working on?”

Interview with Confidence

On the day of the interview, confidence is everything. Dress appropriately, even for virtual interviews, and ensure your environment is professional. Be clear and concise in your responses, and remember to highlight how your experience directly addresses the company’s needs. After the interview, send a follow-up email thanking the interviewer and reiterating your interest in the position.

Example:

“Thank you again for the opportunity to interview for the marketing manager role at XYZ Company. I really enjoyed discussing x,y,z…. I’m excited about the prospect of contributing to your team and bringing my digital marketing expertise to help achieve your goals.”

By following this 10-day plan, you'll be well-positioned to land your next role. Stay proactive, consistent, and focused on adding value to your future employer!

As a thank you for being a part of the RME community, we’re extending our offer of 20% OFF all resume services on recruitmentmadeeasy.ca. Enter code THANKYOU20 at checkout.

You can’t make this stuff up

(*Disclaimer: these are real experiences provided by RME's community of job seekers and hiring managers)

"I had an interview this week, and something incredible happened—I was offered the job on the spot. Here’s how it all went down:

I arrived 15 minutes early and was greeted by the receptionist. After a few minutes of small talk, I went into the interview. To my surprise, they encouraged me to ask any questions I had, which led to a great conversation. After about 35 minutes, they gave me a tour of the facility and asked for my opinion on a scenario that might occur in one part of the factory.

When we returned to the office, they made a verbal offer—15% more than I had expected! After reviewing the written offer, I accepted two days later."

- Craig, Peterborough, Ontario

Have an interview experience or job application story to share?

To get featured, submit your story to our team below (character count limit 1000):

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Learn more about RME

With over 13 years of industry experience and expertise, Matthew Wohl founded Recruitment Made Easy in order to provide transparency to the recruitment process, and to be the voice that "says what you're thinking" when job seekers & hiring managers are not at liberty to do so.

RME's mission is to help people grow their careers by providing a raw, relatable, and resourceful perspective on the recruitment process. We strive to create a community that will help bring change to the recruitment industry for the better.

Each week we deliver stories from everyday job seekers & hiring managers, hiring tips & our take on trending topics, recommendations for outside the office, and discounts to our favourite resources to help grow your career