Landing an interview can feel next to impossible these days. It feels like once you hit apply, those applications are thrown to the wind, never to be seen or heard from again. I’m all too familiar with being ghosted by a job, and it’s not a good feeling. Unfortunately, the job market is only getting more complicated, and the unemployment rate isn’t looking much better either. Google searches for “how to get a job interview” spiked 629 percent last month in the U.S., so it’s obvious that job seekers are anxious about the hunt.
With hundreds of applications flooding in for every open position, simply submitting your resume isn’t enough anymore. The job market is competitive and constantly evolving, so if you want to stand out and actually land an interview fast, you’ll need more than just qualifications. You’ll need a strategy. I spoke with Avery Morgan, a productivity expert and CHRO at the student platform EduBirdie, to learn about the best hacks to use on the job search to finally land that interview. So, for anyone navigating today’s brutal job market, this one’s for you.
Avery Morgan, Chief Human Resources Officer
Avery Morgan is the Chief Human Resources Officer at EduBirdie, with deep expertise in strategic leadership, workplace culture, talent management, employee relations, corporate wellness, and productivity. Under Avery’s leadership, EduBirdie has spearheaded initiatives to address the growing issue of young people’s burnout and launched programs to help professionals boost productivity and achieve a healthier work-life balance.
1. Apply through niche job boards instead of LinkedIn
I’ll be the first to admit that I’ve relied on LinkedIn too much when it comes to looking for a job. And while it is one of the most popular job boards, that fact is also what makes it so saturated. Thousands of applications flood those job postings, making the likelihood of a company finding yours like finding a needle in a haystack. Make your applications stand out by applying to smaller, more niche job boards. “Because fewer people apply, your odds shoot up. Apply here first, before mainstream boards, and you’ll stand out in smaller pools recruiters actively monitor,” Morgan explains. Additionally, when you apply to job boards that are specific to your industry, your skills and achievements stand out more as well. Morgan recommends sites like Wellfound for startups, Otta for tech roles, or FlexJobs for remote roles, depending on your niche.
READ: Looking for Remote Work? These Are the 15 Best Places to Look
2. Leverage AI for resume writing
By now you’ve probably heard it time and time again—but if you’re still sending out generic resumes for every job, you’re doing yourself a disservice. To truly stand out in today’s job market, you need to customize it for every single role. Morgan recommends starting your resume with a strong foundation, such as your experience and skills, then weaving in keywords from the job description, and highlighting your most relevant qualifications. But don’t stop there—in the age of recruiter bots and automatic filters, Morgan urges job searchers to take things a step further with the help of AI: “Drop it into ChatGPT,” she says, and ask it to tidy up your drafts, make it more clear, and add keywords. “This isn’t cheating, but a hack for efficiency,” Morgan explains. Spending a few extra minutes tailoring your resume to each job description is what will make you stand out and make it past that first round of filters.
READ: We Asked HR: 12 Reasons Your Job Application Is Automatically Rejected
3. State your salary early on
When applying for jobs, it can feel intimidating to be up front about your salary expectations. But this kind of confidence is what will help you find the role that meets those expectations, and which ones aren’t worth your time. Morgan shares that, “58 percent of Gen Z won’t even apply for jobs without posted pay.” But when you flip the script and lead with confidence in your worth, the right opportunities follow. Research market rates specific to your experience level and location, and be upfront about the salary you feel comfortable accepting. Doing this from the jump will help lead the interview process along. And remember, if you don’t try to negotiate, most companies will offer the lowest number they think they can get away with. And we all know your skills are worth more than that.
4. Message people who have an “in”
A good approach to take for any job search is to try to humanize the process whenever possible. This means going straight to the source. Morgan says, “Find the recruiter or hiring manager and send them a three-sentence note saying you applied and why you’re a fit. No essays, just proof you’re human.” Don’t just hit “apply” and hope for the best. Taking that extra step to connect with someone directly leaves a stronger impression and might bump your resume to the top of their pile. Another approach that Morgan offers is to find someone who works at the company you’re applying to and send them a quick message. She recommends finding employees early in their careers since they’re typically more likely to empathize with your position and may be willing to offer insight or even refer you.
5. Automate your applications
As mentioned earlier, it’s important to tailor your applications to make yourself stand out. That being said, make your life easier however you can; you don’t have to start from scratch every single time. Efficiency matters, especially when you’re applying to multiple roles daily. “Don’t waste 30 minutes manually filling every box. Use autofill extensions that store your details and apply them instantly,” Morgan suggests. This allows you to speed through applications while also avoiding burnout. The time you save can be spent on doing what really matters—whether that’s improving your skills, making connections, or building a strong portfolio of work.
Jenna Piotrowicz, Editorial Assistant
Jenna began working as an Editorial Assistant for The Everygirl in 2024. With her eye for detail, she assists the team with content creation, sourcing products and images, and works behind the scenes to support The Everygirl in uploading and updating content.
