Why is it that some people just seem to effortlessly be scheduled for interviews and get hired? You know these individuals we’re referring to: they always know how to impress during a conversation, and they have a talent for snagging that prime position before it’s even posted.

Meanwhile, you’ve done all the right things to find work but you still aren’t getting any calls from recruiters. It’s a frustrating situation yet there’s the fact that there’s plenty of competition for the vacancies that are available. So what should you do?

Well, those who have mastered the job hunt are not leaving it all to luck.

Rather, they’re prioritizing their search over everything else, even when they’re perfectly content with the role they’re currently in. Take some cues from them instead of simply waiting for the tides to turn.

Try a few of these tips on how to look for and score opportunities including those that are under the radar.

Don’t get too creative with your application

We’ve mentioned in the last blog post that taking a creative approach is risky. Yes, there is a chance it’ll work, but never when the hiring manager is in a bad mood or in a hurry.

It’s true that being edgy is a great way to stand out from the crowd. However, do you really want to risk leaving a negative impression should you get it wrong? Bear in mind that recruiters are technical buyers and they prefer things to be straightforward.

Your safest shot is to keep your application short and sweet. Don’t put too much on your resume or online profile because you’ll get screened out. The more information you give, the more opportunities they have to decide you’re not a fit. Give enough to make them curious about you.

Don’t deflect any of their initial questions

Some career coaches might advise you to answer questions later on in the process when you’re more comfortable with the interviewer. But the truth is, deflecting questions during the initial phone screen or video interview doesn’t work in your favor.

Look at it from a customer service perspective where they’re the consumer and you’re the service provider. If they ask you where the cashier is, you wouldn’t tell them that you’ll answer them later or else you’ll lose their interest, right?

When you don’t give them the answers they need, they’re unable to properly evaluate you for the role. They have nothing to go on so they’ll be unable to move you forward. Hence, whatever they ask, answer to the best of your abilities.

Don’t reschedule voice or video conversations

Let’s say you get a call from a prospective employer and they ask if you’re available to chat at that moment. If you say you aren’t, there’s a good chance you’ll never have that talk. It’s more likely they’ll find other candidates before your schedule.

Anytime you see an unknown number ringing you up and you’re busy, it’s better to let it go to voice mail or wait for a text or email. A potential client will let you know what you need to do if you want to pursue the opportunity.

Pick up only when you have time to talk. But this doesn’t mean you can simply wait for a message and reschedule. Make time to talk and show them that you have this sense of urgency. In doing so, you give them the impression that you really want the job.

Don’t take it too personally

There will be times when recruiters tell you that they have other candidates to interview so they’ll be in touch after that. It’s safe to assume that it means you’re not a front-runner for the vacancy. You might still move forward in the process though—you’re just not their first choice.

As much as it may hurt to hear this: if an employer is truly interested in you, they won’t wait around. They’ll inform you of the next step because they don’t want to lose you. Finding the right person is hard so they’ll grab the first dead ringer they get.

Not being a front-runner doesn’t mean you’re being rejected. They’re actually keeping you in case they don’t find anyone better. They’re keeping their options open so they won’t have any regrets when they sign people on. Thus, don’t take it personally when they don’t move you forward right away.

Don’t ask about pay or hours first

Most, if not all, interviews include a section wherein a potential client asks you what questions you have for them. This is your chance to seek clarification about anything that you’re confused about or need additional information on EXCEPT about the pay or hours.

As an applicant, you must focus on convincing them that you’re the right candidate for the job. This means your questions should be around what their criteria is for their ideal employee, how they determine if an applicant is exceeding expectations, and so on.

Asking about the salary or schedule during this part of the process shows that they’re all you care about. Most of the time, they want people who wish to bring value to their organization. So, leave that talk for when they’re giving you an offer and you want to negotiate.

Bonus tip: Don’t rely on your own strength

One of the best ways to improve your chances of landing a job is get someone to vouch for you. The person who refers you can act as your mentor and champion. They can give you insights on what you need to change about your resume and the like.

It’s hard to build a network when you’re new to the remote working scene though. If you’re lucky, you might have some friends or former colleagues who are in the industry to help you out. But what should you do when you have very few of those or none at all?

Remote Workmate can help you.

We’re an offshore staffing agency connected to a wide range of clients from all over the world. Many of these clients have been with us for a while so we’re familiar with their preferences when they’re hiring. Thus, we can guide you during your application.