Summary:
If you are tired of getting rejection emails every time you apply for a job and would love to discover the secrets to getting invited to interview, you’re at the right place.
Whether you’re looking to get invited to a first interview (phone interview or phone screen), second interview (face-to-face interview or video call interview), or third interview (final interview or final round), this post is designed to equip you with all you need to go all the way.
I have walked this road and got lost like one without a map to point him in the right direction. But eventually, I came, saw, and conquered.
You see, before I got my dream job, I made mistakes that set me back at different dates and times.
At first, getting interview invitations was a struggle because only a select few (qualified candidates) received the invitation emails inviting candidates for an in-person or video interview.
Note that a candidate interview invitation email is a brief overview containing pertinent information an applicant needs before the interview, including:
- the date and time
- schedule
- nature of the interview (in-person interview, video interview, group interview)
- interview location (office address or office location)
- interview duration
I was tired of this struggle becoming a recurring theme in my job hunt life. So, I made my move.
Thankfully, after tying up my loose ends and learning a few job-hunting hacks within a few months, getting multiple invitation emails became a thing.
You can also quickly turn around your job-hunting fortunes with the information I’ll share in this post.
Ready to hack the entire recruiting process of any company and get your dream job?
Let’s get you on your way to becoming the job applicant recruiters can’t help but send interview invitations for an open position.
No More Job Rejection Emails! Here’s How
“Not again! What could have gone wrong? Why wasn’t I selected?” You ask yourself, confused and heartbroken, cursing your luck after receiving an email notifying you that you won’t be invited to the group, video, or in-person interviews.
This is not the interview invitation email you were eagerly waiting for. Painful moment. It can make a grown man cry.
I have had my fair share of rejections. Hence, I understand how it feels to have your heart set on a job, and things go south. Or how hurtful it gets to see the “once opened door of job opportunity” slammed in your face.
But thankfully, it wasn’t the end of the road for me. Ultimately, I rose like a phoenix from the ashes and landed my dream job regardless of the difficulty. I want the same for you, too.
So, in this post, I’ll reveal why you aren’t invited to interviews and valuable tips that will help you attract interview invitation emails like a magnet.
Ready? Let’s get started.
Common Pitfalls in Job Applications that Result in You Not Being Invited to Interview
No one likes sending tons of resumes (we will use this interchangeably with CV) and doesn’t get a positive response. You may be doing things wrongly, which you must fix if you want potential employers to set up an interview with you.
Resume-Related Issues
It is no secret that a resume is crucial in the job application process. However, it’s one thing to submit a resume and another to submit a resume that gets you an interview invitation email and, ultimately, your dream job.
Want to create a job-winning CV?
Fix up these common CV-related issues.
Ineffective CV Layout
What if I told you that your CV layout might just have been the stumbling block to the interview invitation email you crave? Awkward, right? I’ll explain.
A few months ago, a job hunter contacted me to assist with his job search. He had sent his CV to at least ten (10) companies but never got a reply. This probably means his CV was ignored or thrown into the trash can. Now that’s no good news.
Poor or ineffective CV layout is one of the major reasons hiring managers ignore an applicant’s CV. And sadly, this was the case with this job applicant. His CV layout was nothing to write home about though he had impressive CV content.
A CV layout refers to the overall appearance or structure of your CV. Therefore, getting it wrong can lead to your job interview chances going down the drain.
Settling for any CV layout won’t cut it, as it gives recruiters the impression that you ignore details. You need your CV layout to make a good first impression.
Lack of Accomplishment Data
Take a peep at the employment history section in your CV. You might discover that you didn’t include accomplishment data that shows how well you performed in your previous role.
But unsurprisingly, some job hunters in today’s world still fail to include this detail because they do not recognize its game-changing potential.
Here’s the thing, hiring managers are familiar with the day-to-day responsibilities of the advertised role you’re applying for. Providing them with the information they are familiar with is a lost cause.
Generic CVs
This is probably the one most applicants are guilty of. Truth be told, it is much easier to create a catch-all CV with loads of information and send it to as many jobs and adverts as possible.
It was the same move I made when I left my job for greener pastures some years ago. Was it a good idea? Not. It backfired.
Indeed, I applied to different jobs in record time — possibly one of the early birds. But sadly, I didn’t get an interview invitation email.
I requested feedback from the organizations. Thankfully, I got a reply from a few. And their emails echoed the same fault — your CV didn’t match the advertised job description.
I paid the price for assuming my CV was “one size fits all.” A generic CV does more harm than good to your chances of getting an interview invitation.
Resume Failing the ATS Test
These days, hiring managers use ATS (Applicant Tracking System) to manage the hundreds or thousands of job applications that they get, saving them effort and time.
Hence, trying to create a resume for the first time without prior knowledge about how an ATS test works is a disaster waiting to happen.
ATS identifies CVs or resumes best suited to specific job requirements or qualifications. If your CV comes across as a poor fit, chances are it won’t get into the hands of the hiring manager. And that means one thing — no interview invitation email.
Negative Social Media Presence
Social media has become a mainstay in today’s world. Moreover, it has become one of the go-to locations for recruiters looking to screen out candidates.
Furthermore, a few ATS software can scour the internet and rate your social media presence, aiding the applicant’s screening process.
This implies that your use of social media can either make or mar your chances of receiving an interview invitation email.
In other words, you’ll give your competitors (other applicants) an easy go at your dream job if your social media screams negativity.
For example, an applicant with an unprofessional LinkedIn profile or social media filled with controversial takes, party pictures, or adverse comments on co-workers or employers will likely get rejected or screened out.
Choosing the Wrong Role
Are you applying for roles that you may not have strengths in? Let’s examine how such wrong roles may occur.
Misalignment with Job Requirements
Unsurprisingly, this is a regular occurrence in the work market. Job seekers often move in a different direction by throwing their hats in the ring for jobs they are not adequately qualified for. This is not a good move because it reduces your chances of getting an interview.
The Importance of Job Matching
Job matching is a reliable non-traditional system that helps recruiters to identify the best candidate to invite for a job interview, reducing the infiltration of candidates who added keywords that positioned them as a good fit.
Also, if the goal is to move an employee from one role to another, job matching can help to identify the role that suits them best.
Under-using Personal Networks
Your networks can help you to access the ‘hidden job market‘ quicker. People get referrals for unadvertised top roles daily. This can be your experience if you understand how best to connect with your networks. These may include networks you may be unaware of:
- Alumni associations
- Neighbors and local community
- Hobby groups
- Parents of your children’s friends
- Work or trade associations
- Volunteer organizations
- Previous coworkers or bosses
- Friends of friends
- Gym or fitness class
- Online groups and forums
- Local small business owners
- Libraries and community centers
- Doctors, dentists, or other service providers
- Conferences or workshops
- Social media connections
- Former teachers or professors
- Acquaintances at casual meetings
The Power of Networking in Job Hunting
As a job-seeking candidate, your network is one of the most essential weapons in your arsenal. The stronger your network, the better your chances of getting called to an interview.
Sadly, many job seekers pay little or no attention to networking. Knowing the right people can prove invaluable. It opened doors for me and a few other job seekers I knew back in the day.
You are possibly one contact — one call or one message — away from getting an interview invitation email or a worthwhile work offer.
Direct Contact with Decision Makers
Landing an interview becomes easier for you when you have direct contact with the top dogs who call the shots in the company you are trying to enter. However, going down this road can be difficult but not impossible.
Practical Tips to Improve Your Chances of getting interview invitation
You probably wish you could go back in time to rectify some of these mistakes that hindered you from getting an interview invitation email. I get it.
Nonetheless, it isn’t all gloom and doom because you still have the power to shape the future of your job-hunting season. This time, you can get it right and avoid any past mistakes that held you back.
Ready to improve your chances of getting multiple interview invitation emails?
Use these tested and proven tips below to get closer to your dream job.
Refining Your Resume
Here’s how you can refine your CV and sweep any hiring manager off their feet:
Get Your CV Layout Right
Hitting the right notes is undoubtedly the most effective way to catch the attention of hiring managers and ensure they read your CV to discover what you offer.
Here is how you can effectively achieve this:
- Use the right colors: Adding the right colors to your CV can make it more attractive and lively. Conversely, the wrong color choice can throw a spanner into your good works.
Hence, it is essential to find the right balance. Avoid color combinations that are distracting or terrible to look at.
From my experience, I noticed that CVs with the black, blue, and white scheme tend to perform better than others. So, this might be the best color selection for your next job application.
- Use the right fonts: Using aesthetic fonts like Comic Sans or your favorite fonts to write your CV can be tempting. But don’t give in to the temptation.
Instead, ensure you use professional fonts that hiring managers can read easily. An example of a professional font and possibly the best font for CVs is Times New Roman.
- Keep the CV short, simple, and sweet (maximum of 2 pages): The length of your CV matters. Ensure it’s concise. Go straight to the vital points when writing your CV. Be concise. Don’t go on with distracting or irrelevant ramblings that can bore a recruiter to tears.
- Format your CV to focus on your strength: The best way to ensure your CV does the job — impresses the hiring manager — is by formatting it to your strength. It works a treat. Take advantage of this great opportunity.
For instance, if you don’t have sufficient work experience, you can make your exceptional academic feat steal the spotlight, provided it is relevant to the vacant role.
- Use bullet points: Use bullet points to call the attention of recruiters to key details or relevant information that gives you an edge. Bullet points are hard to miss — they catch the eye faster.
- Use a consistent CV format: Make sure there is no irregularity or inconsistency with your CV format. Stay consistent.
- Maintain Orderliness: Your CV looks easy on the eye when clear and orderly. This is why I recommend that you use the reverse chronological order. Additionally, use spacing and obvious section headings (education, work experience, etc.)
- Add more detail: Include an up-to-date contact name, phone number, and professional email address (avoid email addresses like crazymadjake@gmail.com) before submitting your online application.
Highlight Your Accomplishments, Not Responsibilities
Most candidates going for the job want to shoulder similar responsibilities at their previous position. That is an undisputed fact.
However, what makes you different from them is what you accomplished at your previous company or organization.
Recruiters want to know how you impressed or excelled in your previous role. Give them what they want.
Unfortunately, highlighting your responsibilities and using the “responsible for” format won’t help you achieve this. It doesn’t give you room to sell yourself.
Example:
- I was responsible for the company’s client acquisition
- I was responsible for the company’s financial growth
As you can see, it prevents you from emphasizing how you delivered the goods or exceeded expectations in your previous job.
Instead, use action words like Developed, Led, Grew, Implemented, or Initiated. These words allow you to tell the story of feats you pulled off in an eye-catching and heart-winning way.
Example:
- In my two years working at X Company, I initiated and implemented the yyy strategy that grew our business with zzz clients by 12%, which significantly increased the company’s monthly profit.
More Examples:
- I led a team of ten (10) salespersons to skyrocket our company’s sales by 15%
- I grew the company’s client base from 10 companies to 50 companies in 6 months.
This statement shows data-driven accomplishments that show your experience and achievements. Nonetheless, you can reference your accomplishments without number (s) and still position yourself as a valuable addition to the company.
Example:
Developed an effective customer satisfaction program that improved our customer’s experienced premium satisfaction after purchasing our products and requesting our services.
Tip
Always use bullet points to highlight your accomplishments. It catches the eyes of hiring managers and makes it easier for them to read.Tailor Your CV
The best solution to a generic CV is undoubtedly a tailored CV. And the sweet part is, you don’t have to create another CV from scratch to make this happen.
Rather, all you have to do is tailor or customize your existing CV to meet the different job description requirements before applying.
The aim is to ensure that the modified version is convincing and relevant to the vacant roles at different companies. That is how you can get any hiring manager to send you a first interview invitation email without thinking twice.
Without further ado, here are a few tips on how to tailor your CV like a pro:
- Introduce more personalization (Address to whom it may concern)
- Focus on the information stated in the job requirement
- Highlight impressive background
- Emphasize relevant achievements or credentials
- Express enthusiasm and interest in the vacant roles
- Show some personality that draws recruiters in and keeps them engaged
- Proofread to spot and rectify grammatical errors
Beat The ATS Test and Receive the Interview Invitation Email
Now that you know hiring managers use the ATS test to screen out candidates whose CVs are not up to par, you can beat them at their own game and accelerate your chances of receiving an interview invitation email.
So, how do you go about this?
Scan your CV with a reputable ATS to ensure that your CV is good enough to fill the job advertisement. In this case, if you fail the ATS test, you can always rework your CV until you meet the requirements.
Although there are a few ATS options, I can only vouch for the Jobscan app, thanks to its proven track record. So, feel free to use this app to establish an ATS-friendly CV before you apply for any work.
Positive Social Media Presence
Give your online image a facelift and boost your odds of getting an interview invitation email. If you have anything that potential employers or ATS might find unpleasant or unprofessional in your social media, clean it up.
Delete any controversial posts or embarrassing pictures on your social media. Furthermore, share valuable industry-related content that positions you as an authority.
Select Suitable Roles for the Interview Process
Here are a few things to do well:
Alignment with Job Requirements
From the get-go, hiring managers assess and look for the best fit for their company. Hence, you are much more likely to get an interview invitation email if you apply to jobs that suit your ability, experience, profile, or skillset.
So, give close attention to each point in the responsibilities and requirements section of the job description.
After doing that, ensure you can hit, if not 100%, then 90% of the requirements before showing you’re interested in the job.
In some cases, you might find quick questions. These questions are asked to help you confirm if the job is a good match. Don’t ignore them.
Getting Endorsed by Job Matching
As a job seeker, you’ve little or nothing to worry about if you apply for jobs that suit you because you tick all the right boxes. You’ll stand out in this case because you did a simple thing — apply for a well-suited job.
Networking Strategies
Pay greater attention to the following networking hacks:
Keep Building and Leveraging on Network
Communicating or interacting with professionals in your industry or any industry you want a smooth transition into is a goldmine you shouldn’t sleep on.
They can help speed up your work hunt by getting you into an interview process situation.
Additionally, you don’t have to look too far to find these individuals and build relationships with them. Thanks to LinkedIn, you can locate and reach out to most of these contacts online and tap into their connections.
More so, valuable connections can come from some places you least expect, including school, work, friends, and family.
So, don’t undermine your present relationships as you build more relationships. You never can tell who comes through for you with a job interview opportunity or puts in a good word for you.
Reach out to DECISION-MAKERS
If you are a good fit for an open role in your current company and would love to jump on the opportunity, interact with the hiring manager or recruiter to indicate your interest.
Also, as an external candidate, you can do the same, albeit via social media. Thanks to LinkedIn, you can connect with the hiring or operations manager at the company you wish to join. Don’t be afraid to try this option, even though it might be challenging.
You simply have to get their LinkedIn profiles or relevant LinkedIn detail. After which, you can directly connect with them.
Tip: Develop a good relationship with them by sending an excellent introductory pitch that comes across as polite and professional.
Key Takeaways
- Target a suitable role
- Make your CV outstanding
- Tailor your CV to suit different job applications
- Build and leverage relationships to get closer to your dream job
- Add accomplishment data to your CV to display your success in previous roles.
- Pass across an appealing message to recruiters with your social media
Unlock the Interview Code: From Zero to Hero with CVJury!
There you have it, all you need to open the floodgates of interviews that once seemed like a wish that would never come true.
Ideally, having read this article, you will be more precise about why you didn’t get an interview invite and possess some essential information to help you land one regardless of the difficulties.
However, it will count for nothing if you don’t put this information into use, giving room for a repeat of the unpleasant “no interview invitation” scenario.
Want to get an invitation to interview and eventually become the chosen candidate?
Use these game-changing solutions we’ve shared to boost your confidence, hack any hiring process, and get your dream job. Begin NOW!
Also, feel free to reach out to CVJury today. I look forward to playing a part in helping you arrive at your “zero to hero” moment. Don’t hesitate.
These are the moments I live for—helping you become a valued candidate recruiters would like to invite you to interviews or reserve a spot for the interview stage. I’ve got you covered.
Cheers to success in your forthcoming interviews. Best regards.
Looking forward to hearing from you when you get your big break. Was this post helpful? Please, let us know.
