How to Get That Interview Call Back

 With the current economy and uncertainties in the world, many people share that they’re not getting callbacks for jobs they used to secure interviews for with ease. This can lead to doubt: “Maybe I’m not good enough for this role?” And with discouraged confidence, even when they do get a callback, they struggle to show up with confidence.

But the truth is, the reasons you’re not hearing back are most likely about them—not you. The hiring process has become more complex:

• Job openings may be on hold or even in the middle of discussions to be canceled.
• Companies might still be refining the role’s requirements or debating whether to adjust job descriptions.
• With fewer hires allowed, hiring managers have to be more strategic than ever, carefully considering who their ideal candidates are.

This is why it’s more important than ever to talk to someone on the team. Ideally, this is the recruiter or hiring manager, but even connecting with someone who works on or near the team can offer invaluable insights. These conversations can help you learn about their challenges, what they’re trying to achieve, and how you can help. This insight not only informs your approach but also helps you show them you’re the right person for the job.

Here are five steps to help you effectively connect and stand out:

1. Prepare your questions.

Before reaching out, decide what you want to learn from the conversation. Avoid broad, vague questions like “How do you like working here?” Instead, tailor your questions to uncover useful insights.

For example:

• If you’re curious about work/life balance, ask: “What do you typically do in the evenings or weekends?”
• If you want to know about autonomy, ask: “What’s a project you’ve initiated with your ideas recently?”

Each question should have a clear goal—what do you want to know, and why?

2. Prepare your selling points.

Selling points are the things you want them to know about you—specific skills or experiences that align with their challenges or goals.

For example, do you have a skill you think they’ll find impressive? Instead of simply stating that you have the skill, be ready to share how you’ve applied it to solve similar problems in the past.

• “I’ve worked on a similar problem before and used [this skill] to solve it. It worked really well.”

This shows not only that you have the skill but that you also know when and how to use it effectively.

3. Conduct informational interviews.

Reach out to people who can provide insight into the team or company. Use LinkedIn or ask your network for introductions. When you connect:

• Be respectful of their time—keep it brief and focused, and appreciate their help.
• Do not ask for referrals or connections unless they offer.

Remember, this is part of the interview process—if you make a strong impression, they’ll want to help you become their colleague.

4. Show up as a consultant (like a doctor).

When talking to hiring managers, act like a consultant. Think about their challenges and explain how you can help solve them.

Imagine visiting a doctor, and the doctor says: “I can use any medicine you want—what do you want to take?” You’d lose confidence in their expertise, right? Instead, you’d want the doctor to assess your situation and recommend the best course of action.

Similarly, hiring managers want someone who can diagnose their team’s challenges and propose solutions. Show them you understand their needs and can be trusted to deliver results.

5. Ask for help.

Don’t hesitate to seek support from your network. Practice mock interviews or mock informational interviews with a trusted friend or colleague. It’s a great way to gain feedback, build confidence, and feel prepared for real conversations.

Consider joining the Women Leaders Club, where you’ll find a community of people supporting one another through these challenges and beyond.

This process has become more challenging, but it’s far from impossible. Many people who approach job searching this way have landed the roles they wanted—even some with higher titles than they originally applied for. You can do it too.