As a jobseeker, are you disappointed by the number of interviews you've been receiving? Today's job market requires a more proactive approach that simply sending out endless copies of your resume and cover letter. By using the following expert strategies, you can get the edge on your competition, land more interviews, and significantly reduce the length of your job search.

1) TARGET EVERY RESUME AND COVER LETTER YOU SEND OUT

The biggest mistake jobseekers make is adopting the "quantity over quality" approach when submitting for jobs. While it's perfectly understandable to want to seize every possible job opportunity, blindly submitting without analyzing exactly what's required of a candidate rarely leads to anything save rejection. In today's marketplace of Applicant Tracking Systems that are designed to look for position-specific keywords, not to mention recruiters and hiring agents who want nothing more than to winnow the field of candidates down, SPECIFICITY is key.

-Address the cover letter to a specific person wherever possible. Read the job posting carefully to see if a specific employee is mentioned. If not, visit the company website to find this information. It is even acceptable to call the company to gain this information. Targeting the cover letter (as opposed to inserting an anonymous "Dear Sir/Dear Madam" heading) instantly communicates that your package isn't a "blind submission" and results in increased response rates.

-Make sure requested skills are prominently highlighted in your resume. Analyze the job posting to determine 5-6 in-demand skills which you possess. Now create an opening section for your resume that highlights them. For example, a Chief Operating Officer candidate might focus on his/her ability to launch new programs and services, successfully streamline operations, and deliver hands-on staff training and mentoring. This quickly establishes your suitability for the position.

2) LEVERAGE THE NETWORKING POWER OF LINKEDIN

If you don't currently have a presence on LinkedIn, you're missing out on one of the most effective ways to land a new job. Create a LinkedIn profile and INCLUDE A LINK TO YOUR PUBLIC PROFILE at the tail end of your resume. This allows recruiters and hiring agents (who frequently run searches on LinkedIn) to follow up on your candidacy, check out your professional connections and any recommendations you've received, and contact you for other positions you may be suitable for. LinkedIn is free to join.

3) FOLLOW UP WITHIN A STATED PERIOD OF TIME

You've taken the time to create a powerful resume and cover letter package: make sure it's received! Include a line in your cover letter that states not only your availability for an interview, but promises to follow up within a set timeframe (2 weeks is standard). If you haven't heard back within this time, send an email or place a call verifying that your submission has been received. This simple, personal touch can make all the difference.

Anish Majumdar is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and Owner at Resume Orbit. 95% of clients report a significant increase in interviews within 30 days, and all work comes backed by a 100% Satisfaction or Money Back Guarantee (in writing).

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