Most people don’t struggle to get interviews because they’re unqualified. They struggle because they don’t understand how hiring actually works.
Finding a job is a process, and how well you learn and execute that process determines whether it feels easy or exhausting. Your ability to master each step on this path determines your success; success comes from your cumulative effort, not simply being able to answer interview questions well.
Whether at the start of your career, the middle, or nearing the end, each of the following truths is important to your ability to get an interview.
Your job search is survival of the fittest: only one person gets the job.
If you can’t clearly show how you solve the employer’s problems better than others, you won’t be the one they choose.
Truth #1 – Investing in yourself – The time to search
In my experience, few people know how to properly look for a job. To succeed, you need to stand out: you need to show employers you are better prepared, skilled, and aware of how your skills can solve their current and future needs. If you’re not committing at least 2 hours a day to your job search, know you’re competing against people who are. Use this time to search, research opportunities, apply online and through cold calls, and upgrade your skills.
Truth #2 – Job searching is a community activity
When looking for a job, involve as many people as you can to help you. Your family, friends, co-workers, former employers, social media connections, and essentially everyone you know should be aware that you are looking for new opportunities. People you have helped and who believe in you will WANT to help you. Your ability to use your personal network, regardless of its size, will make a significant difference. Personally, the majority of my own jobs have been the result of this.
Truth #3 – Learn to STAND OUT!
Most candidates try to fit in. The ones who get interviews are the ones who are remembered. If I have a criticism of current conventional wisdom when it comes to job search techniques, it is the rigid formatting of career advice.
As a former employer and a sales and marketing person, positively standing out from everyone else really makes a difference. Whether it is using references in smaller urban/rural communities to rely on your references’ “community face” to help get an interview or not being rigidly locked into a one-page reference or tailoring your resume and cover specifically to each opportunity, will help you to stand out.
Truth # 4 – Don’t limit your job search to what everyone else does.
While it is tempting and easier to rely only on online job search with websites such as Indeed.ca, LinkedIn, and others, remember that everyone else is looking for work using the same tools. These postings are only part of the job market, and they’re where the competition is highest. Learn to do “cold calls,” again, another skill that must be learned and practiced, but it is one of the most effective ways to lessen the competition and stand out.
Truth #5 – Always be upgrading
Our professional worlds are changing; skills that were important only a few years ago can be of diminishing importance today and in the future. Your ability to keep your skills relevant is something to constantly be aware of and to be enhancing. It has never been easier to improve your skills through micro-credentials, online courses and certificates, podcasts, and videos.
When your current employer offers enhanced learning opportunities, take advantage of those; these acquired skills build your competitiveness and are usually transferable from one employer to another.
Truth #6 – Become better at Execution
Ideas don’t get interviews, results do. Our world does not have a shortage of good ideas; what is lacking is the ability to put those ideas into play. Seek out advice and improve your ability to translate your skills into results, whether on your resume and cover letter or everyday results for your employer.
Truth #7 – Apply beyond your comfort zone, not beyond the requirements.
Job postings are created to find the “perfect applicant,” but rarely is that “perfect” person available when the employer goes to market. In my experience, the person who is hired is the best possible match that is available, but rarely the perfect match. When searching for opportunities, learn that it is okay not to have skills that are preferred; however, skills that are required are still a barrier to you. Many times, by stretching to apply for jobs that you have most of the skills for, you may find you are the best person available, provided you make every effort to present yourself as someone who can solve the employer’s problems.
Truth #8 – A strong cover letter doesn’t repeat your resume, it explains why and how you solve their problem.
Your resume is a broad advertisement of your skills, and a cover letter is a focused advertisement that helps you to stand out. Many people do not use a cover letter, and many of those who do use a standard template do so; neither of which is helpful. To use a cover letter to its best effect, tailor it specifically to those top skills you have that the employer is searching for.
Truth #9 – Early is always better than later
Submit your application as early as you can. When small or mid-sized organizations post a role, it’s because someone has left or they can’t keep up, both of which stress their organization. When they post a job, they’re usually trying to fill it right away, and if they find someone qualified, they often won’t wait. Deadlines aren’t always a signal that they’ll take their time. Larger organizations and government employers, on the other hand, are more likely to review applications after the closing date.
Truth #10 – References give you an edge.
Conventional wisdom says to only provide references when they’re requested. As a former employer in a rural/urban region, I see it differently, providing references upfront can be a real competitive advantage and may be the difference between getting an interview and being passed over. Hiring an unknown candidate carries risk for any organization, and anything that helps reduce that risk matters. The ability to check references early does exactly that, especially in regions like mine where there’s a good chance I may already know your references.
Truth #11 – Employers don’t hire job titles; they hire behaviors and results.
A common mistake many people make when creating their resume is leaving out skills and experiences because they believe they are not relevant. For example, some people don’t like to use McDonald ’s-type organizations because they don’t make the connection to what they did and the job they are applying for. McDonald’s provides an opportunity to learn responsibility and accountability at a very young age, and that is a strong competitive edge that can help you be selected for an interview. Also, volunteer experience, such as community involvement and connections, is important to many employers.
Truth #12 – Spelling and Grammar errors can kill your chances
The time and effort to create a great resume and tailored cover letter can be wasted by failing to proofread and correct mistakes. Please have someone else check or use an online tool like Grammarly to ensure what you think you wrote is what you wrote.
Truth #13 – Prepare
This is the one element of a job search that is entirely within your control, and it’s the one most people ignore. Most interviews are 20–30 minutes long, so at a minimum, spend that much time reviewing the organization’s website, social media, and even visiting their location if possible. Learn what matters to them, their mission, and what they’re proud of.
When addressing your cover letter, take the time to find the name, position, and correct spelling of the hiring manager. Prepare what you want to say and follow up after each application and interview. Practice interview questions without memorizing answers; your goal is to listen carefully, choose a response that speaks to their needs, and answer calmly and confidently. Like every step in the job search process, these are skills, and they improve with practice.
Truth #14 – How you appear is important
Fair or not, people can make their impression of you within four seconds of meeting you for the first time. Pay attention to personal grooming; don’t underestimate how the failure to take personal hygiene into account will hurt you. Watch your posture: sit up and lean forward slightly to show your interest in the interview through your body language.
You can find out what is appropriate usually by their social media presence or by visiting the location, if possible, prior to your interview. If in doubt, always overdress.
Final Truth – Relax, smile, and be yourself.
Appreciating that a job search is a process, a learned skillset, being successful isn’t intuitive; none of us were born with the ability to magically succeed the first time we try anything new.
Finding a job can be both easy and difficult. Many factors are outside of your control; however, by learning, by preparing, by practicing, and by being determined, you can apply these truths, like so many other people have, and you can succeed.
Every job applied to is a good experience. Every interview is a good experience. Even every rejection can be useful if you use those experiences to get better. A job search is like anything new; you won’t get it perfect the first time. Focus on the truth that you’re not just applying for jobs, you’re training yourself to win one.
Paul