Are you struggling to land job interviews despite applying everywhere? How to get a job interview? Wondering how to improve your chances of getting noticed? This guide walks you through the essential steps to increase your chances of securing a job interview, from crafting a strong CV to applying strategically and preparing effectively.
Step 1: Create a Professional and Customised CV
The first step towards landing a job interview is to create a professional, well-structured CV tailored to the role you’re applying for. Recruiters often spend only a few seconds scanning a CV, so it’s crucial to make a strong first impression.
Focus on clarity, brevity, and relevance. Highlight your most recent and relevant experiences, using bullet points to make your achievements easy to read. Use action verbs and quantify your results where possible (e.g., “Increased sales by 20% in six months”).
Don’t forget to customise your CV for each application. A generic CV may not effectively showcase why you’re a perfect fit for a specific role. You can explore various CV templates to help you structure your CV in a professional and visually appealing way.
Step 2: How to Apply to a Job to Get an Interview?
Once your CV is ready, it’s time to apply strategically. It’s not just about sending your CV to as many openings as possible—it’s about applying smartly to maximise your chances.
Select the Most Relevant Job Applications
Rather than applying to every role you find, focus on vacancies that align with your skills, qualifications, and interests. Carefully read the job description to ensure you meet most of the requirements. Tailor your application to highlight the experiences and skills that match the role. Applying for the right roles increases your chances of moving forward to the interview stage.
Apply at Strategic Times
Timing can play a role in whether your application gets noticed. Sending your application during periods when recruiters are more likely to check their inbox can make a difference. Research suggests that the best times to apply are:
- 30 minutes before or after the start of the workday (e.g., 8:30–9:30 a.m.)
- 30 minutes before lunchtime (e.g., 11:30 a.m.)
- Right after lunch breaks (e.g., 1:00–1:30 p.m.)
- One hour before the end of the workday (e.g., 4:00–5:00 p.m.)
By targeting these times, you increase the chance that your application appears near the top of the recruiter’s inbox when they are actively reviewing candidates.
Customise Your Cover Letter
A tailored cover letter can significantly boost your application. Use it to explain why you’re interested in the role and how your skills align with the company’s goals. Avoid generic phrases and instead reference specific details about the company or job. This shows you’ve done your research and genuinely want the position.
Follow Up After Applying
If you haven’t heard back within a week or two, consider sending a polite follow-up email to express your continued interest. This shows initiative and keeps your application top of mind without being intrusive.
Step 3: How to Prepare for the Job Interview
Preparing well is essential if you want to get an interview and convert it into a job offer. A few simple steps can make a big difference in how confident and professional you appear to your potential employer.
Research the Company in Advance
One of the best ways to stand out is by researching the company’s background, mission, values, and recent projects. This allows you to tailor your answers and show that you’re genuinely interested in the role. Being prepared with insights about the organisation increases your chances to not only get an interview but also succeed in it.
Prepare answers to questions like:
- “Why do you want to work for us?”
- “What do you know about our company?”
- “Why are you the right fit for this role?”
Showing that you’ve done your homework helps you build rapport with the interviewer and demonstrates enthusiasm for the position.
Practise Common Interview Questions
Another key step to help you get an interview and pass it confidently is practising common interview questions. This helps you avoid getting caught off guard and enables you to answer with clarity and structure.
Typical questions to prepare for include:
- “Tell me about yourself.”
- “Describe a challenge you’ve overcome at work.”
- “What are your strengths and weaknesses?”
- “Where do you see yourself in five years?”
Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to craft your responses. Practise aloud or with a friend to improve your delivery and gain feedback.
Dress Professionally and Appropriately
Choosing the right outfit is an important part of preparing for an interview. Dress in a way that matches the company culture while staying professional. For most office roles, smart business attire such as a suit or blazer is appropriate. For creative or tech industries, a smart-casual look may be acceptable.
Avoid overly casual clothing such as jeans, trainers, or loud prints unless you’re sure it aligns with the company environment. Being well-dressed shows respect and helps you feel more confident—both of which improve your chances to get an interview and make a positive impression.
Avoid Common Interview Mistakes
Finally, be aware of common mistakes that could harm your chances during the interview. These include:
- Arriving late or too early
- Speaking negatively about past employers
- Failing to answer questions directly
- Not preparing questions to ask the interviewer
- Forgetting to bring requested documents
Avoiding these pitfalls shows professionalism and reliability—qualities that hiring managers look for when deciding who gets the job. Every step you take to prepare helps you not only get an interview but also perform your best on the day.
Conclusion
Securing a job interview requires more than just submitting applications—it’s about presenting yourself as the ideal candidate from the very start. By creating a professional and customised CV, applying strategically, and preparing thoroughly, you increase your chances to get an interview and take the next step in your career.
