Get That Interview
You found a job that is a great fit for you and where you are a competitive applicant. You've submitted a compelling resume and a cover letter that highlights your unique qualifications and accomplishments. Now it's time to make sure you land that interview for your dream job.
Resource Spotlight
Author: Indeed
Is Networking Still the Best Way to Land a Job?
Author: Forbes
01
Tap into your network
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With each of the following groups, identify people you know and add them to your LinkedIn•
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In your network of connections, find people who have some affiliation in the sector or specific organization you’re interested in: family, neighbors, your federal agency alumni group, your undergraduate/graduate program. Send them an email or message on Linkedin to set up time to talk more about your interest area or specific job.
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In the network of YOUR NETWORK’s connections, scour to see if any of those “2nd” level connections are working in organizations where you have interest or are applying. Ask your 1st connection to introduce you to these people and then set up time to talk with them more about your interest. Send them an email or message on LinkedIn to set up time to talk more about your interest
02
Update your LinkedIn profile
Update your LinkedIn profile so that when employers find you, your profile captures their attention.
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Headshot. Get a headshot that reflects the kind of job and sector you want to go into. Look at profiles of people in the sectors you’re interested in and mimic that style.
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Maximize your LinkedIn headline. Add in keywords that are used in the targeted sector, specific job titles/types and specific job postings you’d like to move into. The LinkedIn headline is at the very top of your profile and provides a quick (220 characters max) tagline to a viewer of who you are and what you’re able. This headline can make you stand out to an employer or recruiter during a search. LinkedIn has a tool that can help you improve your headline section here.
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Write about you in the ABOUT section: if you're a candidate use this space to share something about yourself. LinkedIn has a tool that can help you enhance your “About” section here.
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Update your public URL: If you're going to reference your LinkedIn profile in your resume/CV (which you should), having a clean URL will look professional. Check out how to do it here.
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Open to Work on LinkedIn. Turn on “open to work” feature on LinkedIn. This can be featured publicly with a banner on your profile or shared only with recruiters.
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Go to the ‘Me’ tab > click on ‘Add profile section’
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Underneath the ‘Intro’ tab, click on ‘Looking for a new job’. Complete your preferred job title(s) and location. You may also choose to highlight other desired characteristics of your job (start dates, full-time/contract/part-time, etc).
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If you’d like this to be viewed only by recruiters, select ‘Just recruiters’
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If you’re open to sharing broadly, select ‘All LinkedIn members’. This will add the green ‘Open for work’ badge on your profile picture.
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03
Make the LinkedIn Algorithm work for you
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Click “Follow” for the companies or organizations you want to work for.
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Create a job alert on the companies or organizations’ pages for those you’re interested in
04
Apply!
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Ideally go to the company or organization’s website and apply through their application portal.
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Review your base resume and include relevant words, skills and/or qualifications that are highlighted in the job posting.
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Notify your network (the one you’ve talked with before about the organization or company and/or the position) that you’ve applied and ask if they would be willing to forward your resume to the hiring manager or HR
