Ask HN: How do you get noticed and invited for Job interviews
8 comments
Create a sexy, short and sweet, resume. Regarding the company I'm currently working for, I applied for two positions using two resumes tailored to each position (web developer, and helpdesk analyst). I had lots of experience in the helpdesk analyst position, but only hobby development (with no portfolio to speak of) in web development.
For my helpdesk resume, it was plain, black and white, very normal looking but had all of my real demonstrable experience listed on it. For the web developer resume, I took a different approach. Landscape orientation; my name HUGE at the top; colored with oranges and greens; listed technologies that I had taught myself. It practically looked like a printed out website.
I got a callback on the web developer resume. I told the HR lady that I had also applied for the helpdesk position, and she hadn't even seen that resume (I had applied for that position about 3 days before the other).
My initial resume, was basically skipped.
I think the best thing you can do is make your resume concise and to the point. The person reading these will likely skim over the resume. Don't be verbose, and don't list things that have no relevancy to the job.
Beyond that, I've found bugging people, and selling yourself helps a lot. You have to find that fine line between desperation and interest, though (I usually check in about once a week after applying to see if the position has been filled or not).
Interestingly, I didn't get the job in my first interview, but they had introduced me to someone else in the company that liked me enough to call me back in for a separate interview for the same position that was available for two of their teams. I had to interview with four people that time, and found out later (after being hired) that they actually flipped a coin to see which team would get me :P
Once you land the interview, just be your (professional) self, be honest (say I don't know when you don't know), and (against all advice you'll likely hear elsewhere) don't be afraid to make them laugh :)
For my helpdesk resume, it was plain, black and white, very normal looking but had all of my real demonstrable experience listed on it. For the web developer resume, I took a different approach. Landscape orientation; my name HUGE at the top; colored with oranges and greens; listed technologies that I had taught myself. It practically looked like a printed out website.
I got a callback on the web developer resume. I told the HR lady that I had also applied for the helpdesk position, and she hadn't even seen that resume (I had applied for that position about 3 days before the other).
My initial resume, was basically skipped.
I think the best thing you can do is make your resume concise and to the point. The person reading these will likely skim over the resume. Don't be verbose, and don't list things that have no relevancy to the job.
Beyond that, I've found bugging people, and selling yourself helps a lot. You have to find that fine line between desperation and interest, though (I usually check in about once a week after applying to see if the position has been filled or not).
Interestingly, I didn't get the job in my first interview, but they had introduced me to someone else in the company that liked me enough to call me back in for a separate interview for the same position that was available for two of their teams. I had to interview with four people that time, and found out later (after being hired) that they actually flipped a coin to see which team would get me :P
Once you land the interview, just be your (professional) self, be honest (say I don't know when you don't know), and (against all advice you'll likely hear elsewhere) don't be afraid to make them laugh :)
Thanks for replying. Can you elaborate on what you do (be as specific as you can ) when you say 1) bugging people and 2) selling yourself?
I got recruiters posting my resume to Monster and Dice. But if you want a job, don't wait for an invite, contact a company you are interested in. Don't worry they don't have a job you want if you think that you can be useful to them somehow.
Good point about reaching out if one can ve useful. If I may take it a step further, what strategies did you use to get in touch with these companies? Did you use something like linkedin and write to tue recruiter ? Just post your resume on thier website with a cover letter ? I think it becomes even more harder when you are not applying for a specific job but justifying your competency and compatibility in general. Please share. Thanks.
Just show up.
I am continually baffled by how few people can be bothered to look at a company, and send a decent email and resume asking for an interview. It's so easy, and 99% of people never do it.
I am continually baffled by how few people can be bothered to look at a company, and send a decent email and resume asking for an interview. It's so easy, and 99% of people never do it.
I've seen many more people say that it's a waste of time, so I can't say I'm surprised (unless the "online job applications are usually black holes" cohort has changed their tune).
I don't get them. I am only replying in hopes of getting someone to notice your ask and reply. Sorry I can't be more help.
well...thanks for the support :)
Would also like the recruiters in the community to chime in one what they look for.