Sometimes it can be tough getting to the person you want to interview with for a potential job. Their schedules are packed so they designate appointments, phone calls, and emails to their personal assistants to handle for them. This means, you have to go through the assistant to get to the person you want to have an interview with; not always an easy task.

Tips for Getting Past the Gatekeepers to Get a Job Interview

Here are some tips for getting past the gatekeepers to get the job interview you want:

  1. Do Your Research

Know what the company is all about and what their needs are; this will help you figure out how to market yourself to them. Spend some time on their website, scrolling through their social media, and checking out some of the employees on LinkedIn, especially the person you want to meet. If the company has an HR manager or recruiter, research them too. They may be the gatekeeper themselves, or they may be able to help you get past the gatekeeper.  If you know who the gatekeepers are, research them as well.  Making conversation with them will be important.

  1. Be Polite, Professional, and Confident

You’ll never make it past the gatekeeper if they don’t think you’d be a good fit for the company. Whether your making a phone call or sending an email, let your best self shine through. Stay focused and don’t ramble on, get to the point in a friendly way and ask how you can get a meeting with the person you want to talk to. You may need to sell yourself and your knowledge and skills to impress them; do it confidently without being boastful.  Most of all, be nice!

  1. Ask for the Person You Want to Speak With by First and Last Name

This will suggest that you are familiar with the person you want to meet with or, at the very least, you’ve done your research. Be sure to address any emails to the HR manager or recruiter by first and last name as well. It shows that you’re professional and courteous.  If sending an email, be sure you proofread and spellcheck before hitting the send button.

  1. Use Your Connections

When researching the employees of the company on LinkedIn, see who your mutual connections are. If someone you know happens to know someone who works for the company, you can ask for an introduction or ask them to pass your resume on to the proper person.

  1. Don’t Leave Empty-handed

If you can’t get through, at least use your email communication or phone call to obtain some information on the company or the person you want to meet with. Ask for more details about the job, the timeline for interviewing and hiring, and the steps you can take to get your resume seen by the right person. This will not only provide you great information, but it will also show that you’re serious about getting the job.

Use these tips for getting past the gatekeepers and remember: Being polite, conversational, and friendly with the gatekeeper will improve your chances of getting the interview you want. If they like you and think you’re a good fit for the job, they’ll do whatever they can to make sure you get an appointment.

Are You Ready to Work With a Career Coach?

Call your Career Coach, Rachel Schneider at Career Find and schedule a meeting to begin coaching that will differentiate you from other job seekers and help you develop a  job search strategy as you begin your job search.

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