What to do if you don’t get the interview

During your job search journey, you’ll be bound to come across a job description or a company that you completely fall in love with. You’ve sent a passionate cover letter, you’ve followed up with human resources, yet you still aren’t getting a call to come in for an interview. Just because you didn’t get a call for an interview, don’t assume that all is lost and that it’s just not meant to be. There are still things you can do that can lead to a job at the company, even if it’s not through the traditional job application process.

Schedule an informational interview

Take advantage of online networking tools like LinkedIn and see if you have any friends who have connections at your dream company. If so, reach out to them to see if they’d be willing to connect you. Emphasize that you are interested in a short meeting to learn more about the company. Even if you don’t know anyone with connections to the company, you can still used LinkedIn as a search tool to meet someone who works in the department that you’d ideally love to work in. If you do reach out without a connection, you want to emphasize your passion for the company and why you would love to learn more about what it’s like to work there or to learn more about that industry in general. When people know that you’re genuinely interested in what they do and what the company does, they’re willing to spend time talking to you about it. However, if they get the impression that you’re more about just getting a job than learning, they’ll be less willing to sit down and chat with you.

Apply for different position

If you know that the company is perfect for you, but you’re not getting a response on your application for the position you applied for, don’t be afraid to apply to more than one position so long as they are related to you qualifications. Even if it’s a position in a different department, your experience in any department at the company can prepare you and make you an ideal candidate for your ideal department because you will already have experience within the company. It’s also increases your chances to get called into a preliminary interview with human resources. Once they meet you in person, you’re application will be easier to remember and they may realize that you’re right, the position you originally did apply for is perfect for you!

By taking the initiative and showing a true interest in the company, you’re going to stand out amongst the other applicants. This is the type of initiative that employers are looking for. They want to see that you’re passionate about working there because it means that you’re more likely to stay and grow in the company.