4 Strategies to Get Noticed and Land More Job Interviews
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At ResumeSpice, we understand that job searching can feel like a roller coaster — full of excitement, frustration, and uncertainty. You find a job posting that feels tailor-made for you, polish your resume, and send in your job application with high hopes. Then… silence.
Days pass. Weeks pass. No email. No call. You start wondering: Did my application even make it through the hiring process? Did I miss something important in the job posting? Or did the hiring manager just move on to other candidates?
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many talented, qualified professionals struggle to get responses from employers. The reality is that the hiring process is competitive, and standing out requires more than simply submitting your job application and crossing your fingers.
The good news? There are proven strategies you can use to catch a hiring manager’s attention, make it through the hiring process, and land more interviews. In this guide, we’ll walk you through 4 steps you can take to boost your chances of landing the interview.
Key Takeaways
Tailor your resume and cover letter to each job posting by using the job title, addressing the hiring manager by name, and highlighting accomplishments that directly connect to the role.
Read the job description carefully and follow every instruction — from required documents to file formats — to show attention to detail and professionalism.
Keep your LinkedIn profile and online presence polished, and send a timely, thoughtful follow up email to reinforce your interest and remind the hiring manager of your qualifications.
1. Personalize Your Application to the Job Posting
Generic applications are one of the fastest ways to get overlooked. Hiring managers can quickly spot a resume and cover letter that’s been sent to 20 different companies with no customization. To stand out, you need to show you’ve read and understood the specific job posting — and that you’re excited about this particular opportunity.
🤔 Why does personalization matter on a job application?
When you tailor your application to a job posting, you’re doing more than just swapping out a company name. You’re proving to the hiring manager that you understand their needs, that you’ve thought about how your skills fit the role, and that you’re willing to put in extra effort. This is the kind of attention to detail that sets you apart early in the hiring process.
✍️ How to personalize your job application effectively:
Start with the job title. Use it in your resume headline and in your cover letter introduction. This makes it clear which role you’re applying for and reinforces your relevance.
Address the hiring manager by name. If it’s not in the job posting, do a little digging on LinkedIn or the company’s website.
Mirror the language of the posting. If the job posting emphasizes “project management” and “cross-functional collaboration,” make sure those exact phrases appear in your resume and cover letter where they accurately apply to your experience.
Highlight relevant accomplishments. Go beyond listing duties — show how your past work has produced measurable results that relate to the job title you’re targeting.
✨Tip: Create a master resume that includes all of your skills and experience, then quickly tailor it for each job posting by adjusting keywords, rearranging bullet points, and highlighting the most relevant wins. Check out our blog that outlines how to build a master resume and tailor it for multiple job roles.
2. Follow the Application Instructions Exactly
This step may sound basic, but you’d be surprised how many strong candidates get eliminated from the hiring process simply because they didn’t follow directions in the job posting.
For many hiring managers, the application process is the first test of whether you can pay attention to detail and follow established processes. If the job posting asks for a cover letter, work samples, or specific file formats and you don’t provide them, it can signal that you either didn’t read the posting carefully or you don’t prioritize accuracy — both of which are red flags.
👎 Common mistakes to avoid when applying to a job:
Using the “Easy Apply” feature on LinkedIn when the posting asks you to email your application.
Forgetting to attach a required portfolio or work sample.
Leaving application fields blank when the instructions say they’re mandatory.
Submitting the wrong file type (for example, sending a .pages file instead of a .pdf).
👍 Best practices for following job application instructions:
Read the entire job posting twice before you start your application.
Make a checklist of every step you need to complete before you hit “submit.”
Double-check your attachments to ensure you’ve included all required documents in the correct format.
Review your email subject line if the posting specifies a certain format.
✨Tip: Even if you’ve applied for dozens of jobs, treat each job posting as unique. Following instructions precisely shows the hiring manager that you respect their process — a small detail that can give you a big advantage.
3. Strengthen Your Online Presence
Think of your online presence is an extension of your resume — and assume that hiring managers will be reviewing it before making interview decisions. That means your LinkedIn profile, professional portfolio, and even your public social media accounts can influence the hiring process.
Even if your resume looks great, a hiring manager may want to see more context about your work history, how you present yourself professionally, and whether your public persona aligns with the company’s values. To ensure you are on the right path, take a look at our expert recommended strategies to enhance your personal brand for an effective job search.
📲 How to strengthen your online presence:
Optimize your LinkedIn profile. Make sure your headline matches the job title you’re applying for and your summary highlights your key strengths. Include relevant keywords from the job posting so your profile shows up in recruiter searches.
Ensure consistency. Your job titles, dates, and accomplishments should match across your resume, LinkedIn, and any other professional profiles.
Showcase your expertise. Share industry articles, comment on posts in your field, or write short insights related to your work. This positions you as engaged and knowledgeable.
Clean up personal accounts. Even if they’re not directly related to your job application, public social media profiles can shape a hiring manager’s perception of you. Remove or hide any posts that could be misinterpreted.
✨ Tip: Google yourself to see what a hiring manager might find. If outdated or irrelevant results come up, consider creating new, professional content — like a personal website or industry-related blog posts — to push them down in search results.
4. Send a Professional Follow Up Email
Even when you’ve submitted a strong, tailored job application, sometimes the hiring process takes longer than expected. A polite follow up email can remind the hiring manager of your interest and keep your application on their radar.
Q: How soon should I send a thank you letter after a job interview?
A: Within 24 hours. Promptness reinforces your interest and keeps you top of mind.
💻 What to include in your follow up email:
A genuine thank you for their time and the opportunity to connect.
A quick callback to something specific you discussed.
A simple sentence reaffirming your interest in the job title and team.
Bonus: Add a quick note if there’s anything important you forgot to mention.
🔶 Thank You Letter Email Template 🔶
Dear [Name of Hiring Manager],
Thank you so much for meeting with me today. It was a pleasure speaking with you and I am truly excited about the possibility of working for [Company Name].
I’d love to be a part of your team and help you to [increase sales, retain more customers, create new products, or expand service offerings]. My [skill, such as customer service, graphic design, leadership, etc.] experience and [another skill] expertise would help me to thrive in this position while making valuable contributions.
I look forward to hearing about next steps from you. If you need additional information, please reach out.
Best regards, [Your Name]
Following up demonstrates initiative and persistence — both qualities hiring managers value. It also shows that you’re proactive and genuinely interested, rather than passively waiting for a response.
✨Tip: For the full breakdown, dive into our blog, how to send the perfect thank you letter following an interview (with examples and templates).
Summary
Getting noticed in today’s competitive job market isn’t just about sending in a job application — it’s about making sure every step you take increases your chances of moving forward in the hiring process.
By personalizing your application to the job posting, following instructions exactly, strengthening your online presence, and sending a professional follow up email, you’ll make it easier for a hiring manager to see your value and invite you to interview.
And remember — standing out is a skill you can learn and improve. The more intentional you are with each application, the better your results will be over time.
Q&A
Q: How soon should I send a follow up email after applying for a job?
A: A good rule of thumb is to wait about one to two weeks after you’ve submitted your application before sending your first follow up email. This gives the hiring manager’s time to review applications without feeling rushed. In your follow up message, reference the position title, mention your continued interest in the position, and thank them for their consideration. Keep your tone professional, concise, and genuinely interested in learning about the next stage of the application process.
Q: What should I include in the subject line of a follow up email?
A: The subject line should be clear and specific. Include the position title, company name, and the words “Follow Up” so it’s instantly recognizable. For example: “Follow Up – [Position Title] Application – [Your Name].” This makes it easier for a recruiter or hiring manager to locate your application and connect it with the job description you’re referencing.
Q: How do I address the hiring manager if I don’t know their name?
A: If the job description or company website doesn’t list the hiring manager’s name, try looking on LinkedIn or calling the company’s main line to ask for the hiring manager’s details. If you still can’t find it, “Dear Hiring Manager” is acceptable, but personalizing your greeting whenever possible can help you make a good impression.
Q: What should I write in my follow up message if I recently applied?
A: If you’re following up within two weeks of applying, keep it brief. Thank them for their time, restate your interest in the position, and mention one or two relevant skills from the job description that align with the company’s needs. You can also offer additional information, such as work samples or references, if they would be helpful to the hiring decision.
Q: Should I send a follow up email after an interview?
A: Absolutely. An interview follow up is an essential step in the interview process. Send it within 24 hours during normal business hours, thank them for their time, restate your interest in the position, and mention something specific from your conversation that aligns with your career goals. Use a polite closing such as “Best regards” or “I look forward to hearing from you soon.”
Q: What if I’m contacting a human resources coordinator instead of the hiring manager?
A: The same follow up principles apply. Address them by name if possible, reference the position title, and include your contact details so they can easily get back to you. Whether you’re contacting a recruiter or hiring manager, your goal is to stay positive, show you’re genuinely interested, and provide any additional information they might need to make a hiring decision.
Q: Can following up too often hurt my chances?
A: Yes. Sending too many follow up emails can come across as pushy, especially if the hiring timeline is unclear. If you haven’t heard back after your initial follow up, wait another week before reaching out again. During that time, continue your job search, apply to other positions, and focus on ways to stay top of mind with potential employers without overwhelming them.
Need Help Standing Out? ResumeSpice Can Help.
If you would like personal career coaching services, contact us at ResumeSpice. As a leading career services company, we can assist you with the entire job search process – from writing a strong resume to preparing for interviews to ongoing career coaching.
