What Can You Do Now to Land More Interviews?

If landing an interview is a matter of numbers, the more resumes you submit, the more likely you’ll land interviews. While the math seems logical, this statement couldn’t be further from the truth. When it comes to applications, quality trumps quantity. There’s no magic to landing an interview. It’s a combo of doing “all the things.” Most people who are actively searching for a new role will be the first to tell you that it is like a full-time job to find a quality role and get hired. It is time-consuming, and when done right, it is filled with many new things to learn about just to keep up. If you want to do better than survive in today’s market, you have better know how to navigate the landscape and go toe-to-toe with the competition. If landing one interview is such high stakes, then what can you do to land more interviews?

This is precisely why I teach clients to tailor their resumes and write a unique cover letter for each role they apply for based on the job requisition. Many factors go into a solid resume. Ensuring keywords from the posting are woven throughout is just one of them. Still, it’s a no-brainer that with high-quality, tailored submissions, you significantly increase your odds of an interview. This is why you must know what is represented on your resume for each role you apply to matters a lot.

Does Where You Submit Your Application Matter?

Levi diligently applied for jobs for months, but his efforts weren’t yielding results. No matter what he did, he couldn’t land an interview. During our conversation, he expressed frustration with the job market, feeling like he couldn’t catch a break. When I asked him to walk me through his application process, it became clear Levi relied solely on job boards like Monster to find and apply for roles. Not only that, but he was also only applying to jobs he was alerted for. This one-dimensional approach limited his opportunities and often resulted in his applications getting lost in a sea of candidates. By focusing only on job boards, Levi missed out on the direct connections and visibility that applying through company websites can offer.

Recognizing the limitations of job boards, I encouraged Levi to shift his strategy. Instead of relying on third-party platforms, we explored the benefits of applying directly through company websites. Not only does this approach give you a more direct connection with employers, but it also increases the chances of your application standing out.

Let’s dive into why this strategy can be a game-changer in your job search.

Why You Should Apply Directly on Company Websites

At a high level, applying directly on a company website instead of using a third-party platform like LinkedIn or Monster is essential. This strategy can be a game-changer in your job application process.

Let’s take a look at the process of applying through LinkedIn vs. applying directly on a company’s site:

1. When applying via LinkedIn, your application will go through multiple steps before it even goes to the company you applied with. First, your application goes through LinkedIn’s ATS, then to their recruiter, and then to the company’s ATS. Each added layer introduces delays and even issues. This is the same for Monster and other third-party platforms you apply on.

2. When applying directly on the company’s site, your application only goes through a few simple steps. It avoids LinkedIn’s system entirely, giving your application a straight shot to the company’s recruiters.

Which of these two scenarios would you rather deal with when you apply for new roles, hoping to land more interviews?

Benefits of Applying Directly on Company Websites

Still not convinced direct applying vs. job boards is a win?

There are many benefits to this approach which can significantly boost your chances to land more interviews:

1. Smaller Applicant Pool: When you apply directly on the company’s website, you compete against a smaller pool of candidates compared to popular job boards where many people submit applications. This reduces your competition and increases the chances of your resume being seen.
2. Preferred Format: Applications submitted directly through a company’s site are usually delivered in the format preferred by the employer. This can prevent issues like formatting errors that sometimes occur when applying through third-party job sites, ensuring that your application is presented as you intended.
3. Alignment with the ATS: Companies’ own ATS systems are often better aligned with their specific needs and application formats. This means your application might be processed more effectively and be more visible to hiring managers compared to applications coming from external job boards, which can sometimes be integrated less smoothly.
4. Additional Information: Company websites often provide more detailed job descriptions and insights into company culture, strategic goals, and recent developments. You can use this information to tailor your application more effectively, demonstrating your understanding and alignment with the company’s values and needs.

If you’re serious about landing your next role, make it a point to apply directly on the company’s website, even if you initially find the job on a platform like LinkedIn or Monster.

Three Tips to Apply Effectively To Land More Interviews

• Network Internally: If possible, find internal contacts and ask for referrals or advice before applying. A referral can fast-track your application directly to the hiring manager, bypassing some of the ATS hurdles.
• Research the Company: Use information from the company’s press releases, strategic plans, and news to customize your resume and cover letter, highlighting how you align with their goals.
• Follow-Up: After applying, consider following up with a direct email to the hiring manager or recruiter, reinforcing your interest and qualifications.

Applying directly on a company’s website can help you avoid getting lost in the shuffle and increase your chances of being noticed.​

Even if you found the job on LinkedIn or Monster, direct applying boosts your chances for an interview!