How to Level Up Your Chances of Getting Hired

How to Level Up Your Chances of Getting Hired: A Step-By-Side Guide 

• To increase your odds of getting your resume seen by a hiring manager, include keywords and qualities mentioned in the job description so your application passes any AI screening processes.
• Networking remains one of the most powerful ways to get yourself in front of potential employers.
• Mind your social media presence so potential employers don’t negatively judge you before meeting you.
• Prepare for your interviews so you can be professional and confident on the big day.
• Send a thank you note after your interview. Small touches like this do matter!

Job hunting has changed significantly over the last decade, but there are ways to improve your chances of getting hired. Many times, beating out the competition boils down to developing good relationships, knowing how to present yourself, and expressing gratitude to hiring managers.

Here’s how to achieve those goals and increase your odds of landing a job. 

Tailor Your Resume to the Job Description

In 2024, it’s unlikely that a human will see your resume until AI has reviewed it and passed it along. The key to getting seen is knowing what AI is looking for. Luckily, the job listing itself provides a cheat sheet for this.

Look for qualities and responsibilities in the job description and meaningfully weave them into your resume. You’re more likely to get an interview when you show that your skills and experience match what the company is looking for.

Network

Do you want to skip the AI review altogether? A great way to land a job is to know someone who knows someone.

You’ll still want to have a worthy resume ready, but these peer-to-peer referrals can land your resume on the hiring manager’s desk rather than in the online application queue. 

Networking can happen in person, but you can also do it online. Building connections on sites like LinkedIn can establish your reputation in your field and help you find job postings that match your skill set. 

While nothing replaces in-person relationships, this online vetting can go a long way. 

Clean up Your Social Media

If your LinkedIn looks great but your other social media accounts are slightly inflammatory, it might be time to make them private. Potential employers will check to see how you may represent their company before they hire you, and social media is an easy way to do that.

It’s also a good idea to Google yourself before handing in any job applications so you can identify and work on resolving any potentially embarrassing search results.

Prepare for the Interview

You want to come off as confident during the interview process. This doesn’t mean being casual. Instead, it means preparing in advance.

You can prepare for interviews by ensuring you have appropriate attire for the job, setting up a mock interview with a friend you trust to provide honest feedback, and thinking about how you’ll answer any tricky questions that may come up.

Send a Thank You Note

Many job search tips from your parents might be outdated, but writing a thank you note isn’t one of them. Survey after survey has found that many hiring managers prefer candidates who express appreciation after an interview. Those who don’t risk not getting hired. 

You can optimize your odds of getting hired by buying some stationary and handwriting a note, though sometimes a follow-up email may suffice. This is another opportunity to recap what you discussed in the interview and the skills you have that make you a great candidate.

Final Word

A little extra effort during your job search can go a long way. Grateful, prepared candidates with a positive online presence who know how to tailor their resumes for AI and human review stand the best chance of getting hired. 

Remember that you can use Payactiv to find an employer who offers Earned Wage Access. This way, you won’t always have to wait until payday to get paid once you land a job. 

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