How to Request a Job Interview

There is more to getting a job than simply scanning the help wanted section of your local newspaper. In fact, even with a great resume you're still not home free. Add a terrific cover letter and you're almost there. But if you really want to get the job, you've got to request an interview. Before you blow them away with your brilliant ideas for the future and your award winning personality, you've got to get your foot in the door.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Business stationery
• Notepad
• Word processor
• Local newspapers

1. Locate job openings in your field online and in your local newspaper. Select those that match your qualifications, experience and desired pay scale.

2. Create a resume in which you showcase your skills and experience most relevant to the job requirements. Include a cover letter and be sure to let a potential employer know that you'll be following up in the coming weeks. Make sure to request an interview and let them know you're available immediately.

3. Contact friends and acquaintances that work in your field and request an informational interview. Offer to take them out for coffee in exchange for the chance to pick their brains about their career paths.

4. Create a list of dream employers and cold call them. Be prepared to make a lot of phone calls and request a lot of interviews before you get a "yes" from any of them. Ask if you can send a resume and be sure to remind them of the phone call in your cover letter.

5. Carry business cards with you wherever you go. You never know when you might run into someone in your field at the gym, the park, a nightclub or a party. Give out your business card and suggest a date for an informal meeting.

6. Volunteer in your chosen field or seek out an internship. Once you've proven yourself, ask the supervisor to keep you in mind when a position becomes available.

7. Contact a recruiter or an employment agency, and request an interview immediately. The sooner you get a recruiter working for you the better. Ask for tips on improving your resume and be specific about where you want to work.

8. Be sure to follow up on all phone calls, emails and applications for employment. As a general rule, it's a good idea to make contact one week after the initial correspondence.

Tips & Warnings

• Practice what you're going to say before you pick up the phone and start making cold calls. You have less than a minute to get your information across before you start sounding like a salesperson.
• Jot down any useful information while you're on the phone or immediately after an interview.