How to Get an Interview

These days, it’s much more about networking and building relationships. In fact, the vast majority of people land an interview because of the personal contact of some kind.

That doesn’t mean you need to turn into some cheesy used-car salesman-type. But it does mean going outside your comfort zone and feeling a little vulnerable.

Yes, you can reach out to people and be rejected – but that’s a fact of life. No risk, no reward. You can take solace in knowing that they’re not likely rejecting you as a person, but you as a candidate (at only that particular moment).

As a rule, it’s easier to deal with the job search when you expect 9 out of 10 rejections (or more). That insight is not meant to make you a defeatist, but to help steel you.

When you make peace with low odds, it can free you up to take chances and not view a single interview as the “make-or-break” moment of your career.

However, despite prepping yourself mentally, you still need to actually hone your networking and interview skills.

Here is a nice tutorial for putting yourself in the best position to land an interview:

• The Job-Seeker’s Guide to Company Research
  How can you get an edge over the millions of other job seekers out there? Research.
• 15 Power Tips for Using Your Social Network To Find A Job
  Sometimes, especially when it comes to getting your foot in the door to be considered for the best job opportunities, it’s more about who you know than what you know.
• The Job Seeker’s Guide to Finding & Working with Recruiters
  To get your application seen, why not seek out the warmth of a fellow human being over the cold glow of your computer screen. Consider working with a recruiter (a.k.a. headhunter).
• Top 7 Tips for Writing a Kick-Ass Cover Letter
  Cover letters provide the opportunity to elaborate on job skills and past employment experiences listed on your resume, show off your writing ability (something important to nearly all employers), and make yourself stand out among other applicants vying for the same position.
• The Guide to Getting the Informational Interview An informational or exploratory interview is often the first step toward landing your dream job.
• The Ultimate Guide to Finding Great Startup Jobs
  This How to Get a Job at a Startup guide will give you the tools, tactics, and techniques to increase your odds of getting that startup job (and maybe even some stock options that will be worth something someday).
• Using LinkedIn to Land a Job
  Our guide to using LinkedIn effectively during your job search.
• How to Write a Damn Good LinkedIn Profile
  Covers everything you need to know to turn your LinkedIn profile into an effective tool for landing interviews
• How to Use Twitter to Find a Job
  Getting an interview can be really difficult. Here’s an in-depth tutorial that guides you with how to use Twitter in your job search.

FROM AROUND THE WEB:

• Inc. Magazine – The Golden Rule of Networking: Don’t Keep Score
  This is the only way to win at networking: Always offer to help. Never expect anything in return.
• Forbes – How to Network Your Way to World-Class Mentors
  Michael Ellsberg offers great networking advice that is also very applicable to getting an interview. Read and learn.
• About.com – Job Search and Career Networking Hub Page
  A lot of quick and easy tips to help your job search along.