Guarantee A Job Interview With These 3 Simple Steps
Posted 29th July 2026 • Written by Julia Korn on forbes.com • • • • • •
Getting a job is tough right now. Job openings have dropped 40% since their post-COVID peak in 2022, making competition fiercer than ever.
In 2024, only three out of every 100 applicants even made it to the interview stage. And that number is likely shrinking as AI reduces staffing needs and 41% of companies scale back hiring altogether.
Optimize your resume.
When you come across a job you’re interested in, read the job description carefully. Then tailor your resume so it mirrors the language the company uses. This makes it easier for recruiters to recognize you as a strong match for the role.
You can do this manually—but it’s far easier to have an AI chatbot do it for you. Try a prompt like this:
“I’m applying for [Role Title] at [Company Name]. Here’s the job description: [Paste JD]. Here’s my resume copy: [Paste Resume]. Can you:
- Pull out the key skills and qualifications from the job description.
- Rewrite my resume bullets to highlight these keywords and show impact and measurable results.
- Make suggestions to tighten, cut, or improve phrasing for clarity.”
Go back and forth with the chatbot until you’re happy with the results.
Rocha says your resume should be at least an 80% match to the job description, so test it afterward using this follow-up prompt:
“Here’s the job description: [Paste JD]. Here’s my revised resume: [Paste Resume]. Can you:
- Give a match score (0–100%) based on skills, qualifications, and responsibilities.
- Highlight any gaps or areas to improve for better alignment.”
Personalize your application.
Recruiters spend just six to eight seconds scanning each resume. That’s barely enough time to make an impression. So how do you stand out? Add a video.
For every position you apply to, create a short video pitching yourself for the role. Here’s a simple template to get started:
“Hi [Recruiter’s Name], I’m [Your Name]. I wanted to reach out after seeing the [Role Title] posting. I bring [briefly highlight 2–3 key experiences or achievements] and a track record of [specific result or skill]. I’d love to share how I can contribute to [Company Name] and would welcome the chance to speak with you further.”
Before you record, check these boxes:
- Simple, clean-looking background
- Professional attire—at least on top
- Eye contact with your webcam
- Confident delivery
- Clear close with a call to action
Build your network.
After you’ve optimized and personalized your resume, hit submit. Now the real work begins.
The next step: start networking inside the company. Send three LinkedIn connection requests:
- The recruiter
- A peer currently in the role you’re applying for
- The hiring manager
Add a quick note introducing yourself, expressing your interest in joining the team and linking to your video pitch. Make sure each written message feels human and specific.
“You need to stand out in this market, and video is one of the best ways to do it,” Rocha says. “The moment a recruiter sees your video, you stop being just a piece of paper and start being a person. That’s the connection that gets you remembered—and invited to interview. I’ve tested it myself, and just sending a video resume got me 6x more interviews.”
Rocha says these three connections are key: recruiters open the door, peers are the easiest to connect with and the hiring manager makes the final call. Your goal, she says, is to build visibility in the company—and ideally, get referred.
Here’s why it matters: applicants with referrals are four to five times more likely to be hired. To get a job, you must network strategically.
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