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Ask HN: How exactly do you get a job interview?

7 points by nelcorn ↗ HN
I've been sending my resume to websites and recruiters all day long. The recruiters will call back but always mention how unqualified I am. The company jobs websites never call back.

I hear rumors of "Fizz Buzz" questions but never been asked because nobody really calls me back. I also hear rumors about how there are so many unqualified candidates there are out there and judging from what the recruiters are saying, I probably am unqualified as well but I'm trying not to be unqualified but no matter how much I learn, it feels like I'm still unqualified from the responses I get.

What exactly does it take to become qualified to just get a job interview? What do you need to do to become qualified for a job? How do you go from being incompetent to competent?

7 comments

[ 4.9 ms ] story [ 32.1 ms ] thread
EllaMentry
It is hard to make any judgement or give advice without some data...can you upload your resume to share? Maybe there is something that stands out?
danso
Networking and friend-of-friend is one of the clearest paths.

Next important factor is to have a LinkedIn profile with "Rails" in it

sam66
Each particular job has its specific keywords words they want to see in your resume. A senior position might make them look at how many people reported to you. A specific job may require technical know-how in a cutting edge project.I will suggest you refresh you resume to remove all cliche phrases and highlight your achievements, one sentence in the right spot may make all the difference.
6thSigma
I'm assuming you're applying to corporate, entry-level jobs?

Most corporations are still hesitant to hire candidates without a degree, so if you don't have a degree I'd shy away from applying to corporations the resume route.

If you do have a relevant degree and they are still saying you are unqualified, you are applying to the wrong positions.

Chetane
Can you share your resume? (and maybe change sensitive data with fake one). Only then will we be able to provide you with a useful reply as to why you're not getting interviews despite applying to multiple companies.
Peroni
Send me your CV. I'll happily give you any advice I think might help. My info is in my profile.