Interview-Generating Tasks

You've applied to dozens of jobs, but no one wants to interview you.

Occasionally, you'll get a response that the position has already been filled, or that there's a hiring freeze. Most of the time though, you never even hear back.

This article is for anyone who's frustrated at the job-hunting process. All that time and effort you're putting in isn't getting results. You know that if only they spent the time to interview you, they'd realize you're a great candidate for this role.

Let's stop and re-evaluate your job search efforts. Are you spending the majority of your time on tasks that will directly result in interviews, or are you getting buried in busy work and chasing perfection?

Some job-seeking activities will directly result in landing more interviews. I consider these to be Interview-Generating Tasks, borrowing from the concept of revenue-generating activities in the sales world.

Other activities, though important for the overall process, will not result in landing any interviews on their own. These are Non-Interview-Generating Tasks.

That is, many non-interview-generating tasks are necessary, but Interview-Generating Tasks are the ones that will result in more interviews.

?? Non-Interview-Generating Task #1: Fussing too much with your resume and LinkedIn profile

Yes, your resume and Linkedin profile need to be up to date. Yes, you can phrase some things differently to better catch someone's attention. And yes, what you include and exclude can matter.

But, there's no such thing as "perfect". Make your updates, make it "good enough", and move on to tasks that will directly result in more interviews.

Your resume format and LinkedIn profile are not why you're not getting callbacks. You're not getting callbacks because you're not actively participating in the interview process.

?? Interview-Generating Task #1: Networking and Informational Interviews

I know, I know. I get it. You hate networking. You even hate the thought of "networking". It feels icky.

Networking is not going to a meetup and handing out business cards.

Networking is not dressing up in a suit and heading to a job fair.

Networking is not going begging for a job, pestering everyone in your network.

Networking is simply reaching out to folks who would be thrilled to help you in your quest to find a job that you love.

Have you ever helped someone get a job in some way, however big or small? Whether you introduced them to your boss or a former colleague, or you pointed out a minor typo in their resume, you helped!

How did helping make you feel? Was it a bother, or were you happy to assist? Did it make you feel good to know that you played a role in someone else's success?

If you're hesitating to reach out to someone, remember how you feel when you have an opportunity to help someone. Remember how you feel when someone asks you for advice, an introduction, or a lead. If you're happy to help, then rest assured that folks in your network would be just as happy to help you. ??

Networking is, by far, the most significant interview-generating task, and it's also the one folks avoid the most. If you find yourself busying yourself with non-interview-generating tasks, I have a hunch it's because you're "productive procrastinating" to avoid networking.

?? Non-Interview-Generating Task #2: Bulk-Applying to Job Openings

The more you apply, the better the odds of getting a callback, right?

That's only true if you're putting sufficient effort into each application. It's an employer's market right now, and you're competing against dozens, if not hundreds, of other applicants.

The recruiting team does not have enough time to thoroughly screen each applicant.

The interview team does not have enough time to interview more than a few candidates.

If your application doesn't state loudly and clearly that you are a great candidate for this specific role, then bulk applying will not result in many interviews.

?? Interview-Generating Task #2: Applying to each role with a customized resume*

Apply to each role with a resume that's customized according to the job description.

Read the job post thoroughly. Read between the lines, too. The hiring team is trying to tell you exactly what they are looking for in a great candidate.

Customize your resume to use the language they use in the job post. If they're looking for a specific skill or experience that you have, add that bullet point and move it up higher. Remove any bullet points that are irrelevant to this role.

Most importantly, include a statement that calls out this specific role and why you're a uniquely strong candidate. This should be at the top of the resume, and it can also be included in a cover letter if you wish. Make it obvious to the recruiter and hiring team that you invested time into customizing your resume for this specific opportunity.

* If you have more than 5 years of experience, please note that this particular task is borderline non-interview-generating. Networking (see Interview-Generating Task #1) will certainly generate more interviews, especially the more experienced you are.

?? Non-Interview-Generating Task #3: Trying to bridge a skill gap by taking online mini-courses

I don't know many employers who value seeing LinkedIn Learning courses on your profile. Maybe it can help if you're entry-level and applying for your first job. Maybe some employers see the positive that you're a "forever learning" sort of person.

Actual working experience (which can include volunteer work, and sometimes personal projects) will always be more valuable than watching a video on the internet, even if it quizzes you at the end.

Taking those courses and listing them on your resume will not get you more interviews. Those courses probably won't help you prove you have those skills during a technical interview, either.

If you were previously proficient in a skill you want to use in your next role, but you're a little bit rusty, then by all means brush up on it. But remember, practicing isn't getting you any interviews. Make sure you're not using online classes or LeetCode exercises as an excuse to procrastinate!

?? Interview-Generating Task #3: Find clarity in who you are, what you offer, and what you want

Identify what unique skills and experiences you do have rather than what you don't.

Do you know your superpowers?

Do you know your unique selling points?

What do you do differently than your peers that results in a better outcome?

What makes you a better candidate for this position than the other applicants?

What skills do you want to use in your next role?

What do you need from your next job?

What's most important to you when considering an opportunity?

These answers are not just for populating your resume or to use during an interview.

Let these answers guide your job search itself. Use the resulting keywords to find roles that are exactly what you're looking for and where you are the perfect candidate.

Don't bother applying to jobs that don't meet your requirements, even for the sake of "practice". Don't waste your time on a job when you know you're not the candidate they're looking for.

?? Non-Interview-Generating Task #4: Announcing to your network that you're out of a job, and generically asking folks to help.

So many of these posts start with a struggle. You were let go, and it sucks. You talk about how many years you dedicated to your previous employer. You gracefully thank your team and the company. You briefly mention your previous job title. Then finally, "looking for help of any kind, please."

I fully appreciate that many of these posts are simply part of the healing process after being let go or while struggling to find a new job, and that's perfectly OK! These posts will not work against you.

But, don't kid yourself, either. This is not networking. It's unlikely that a post like this will directly result in getting many interviews. A post like this requires the reader to a) keep reading past your layoff story, b) know you well enough to understand what you're looking for and what skills you offer, and c) brainstorm on their own what they can do to help.

?? Interview-Generating Task #4: Announcing to your network what you're looking for and what you offer, and asking folks for specific help.

Here's a better way to ask your network for help:

1. Start your post with who you are and how you add value to your employer.

“I am a <profession> with <years of experience>. I <the thing you do/how you add value to a team/company>.”

So, I might say “I’m a career coach with 13 years of tech leadership experience. I help people navigate career and job changes, prepare for interviews, and find happiness at work.”

2. Then, say what you're looking for: “I am looking for a job as a <title>”.

Mention any specifics or requirements, like “in New York”, “at a large company”, “with management responsibilities”, “part-time”, etc.

3. Most importantly, tell your network exactly what you want them to do for you. This is your Call to Action (CTA), and it's incredibly important to be clear in telling your audience what they can do to help you. “Comment for reach” is fine, but better would be “Connect me to your company’s recruiter,” or “Introduce me to companies looking to hire someone like me”.

If you’re only asking for folks to like your post (or worse… you didn’t specify anything at all), your network might not spend much time considering how they can really help you. They'll "support" your post, maybe adding a comment, and then move on with their lives.

?? Non-Interview-Generating Task #5: Setting goals that are beyond your control

You're setting yourself up for unnecessary discouragement if your goals depend on the actions of others.

Don't set goals like "Get 5 interviews", or "Accept an offer by the end of the month".

?? Interview-Generating Task #5: Setting goals that drive interview-generating behaviors

Instead, set goals that are within your control. Don't forget to make them SMART!

• Reach out to people from 5 target companies by the end of the week.
• Customize my resume for 3 job applications and submit them by Tuesday.
• Brainstorm for one hour this afternoon to make a list of my unique skills that give me an edge over other candidates.
• At 10 am on Monday, post on LinkedIn with a specific request, what I'm looking for, and what I offer.

Think about everything you've done for the sake of finding a new job. Which tasks were interview-generating, and which tasks were not?

Is there anything I didn't cover? Please share if so!

If you'd like some help in switching your focus from non-interview-generating tasks to interview-generating tasks, let's chat! Schedule a free consultation and learn how to get a job that you love. ??

https://calendly.com/kiminys/coaching-consultation