The 50–50 Rule of Getting Hired: Profile vs Interview

Clearing an interview or landing a job is 50% about how you perform during the interview and 50% about who you already are and how you’ve built your profile.

I’m not an expert yet, but as a self-driven AI professional who managed to get into a company I had wanted to work with in Bangladesh for a long time, here’s what I’ve learned:

◾ How to get an interview call (Your first 50%)

Many highly skilled professionals get rejected immediately after applying for jobs. Why? For most of them, the reason is a weak LinkedIn profile and a poorly organized resume.

Your LinkedIn profile and resume should clearly answer these questions:
“Who are you? What have you done? Why should we hire you?”

Who are you?
Through the work you are currently doing, make your vision and professional direction very clear.

What have you done?
Showcase all your impactful work (projects, research papers, achievements, etc.) in one place, in an organized manner. Add as much relevant detail as possible.

Why should we hire you?
This varies from person to person. Find ways to stand out. Do something—projects, competitions, jobs—that demonstrates your proactiveness, commitment, professional ethics, skills, and dedication.

◾ Things to keep in mind during interviews (Your second 50%)
Be proactive.

• Interviews are not meant to be one-way assessments. They are an opportunity for both you and the company to understand each other. When interviewers ask if you have any questions, don’t limit yourself to salary, working hours, or leave policies. Ask about the role’s vision, expectations, and the team you’ll be working with. Be authentic.
• Don’t pretend to be someone you’re not. Avoid making commitments you won’t realistically keep just to secure the job. Be selective in what you present.
• When asked about your previous work, don’t list everything. Instead, pick 2–3 highly impactful and relevant projects, and explain them in a way that clearly shows how your experience will add value to the organization.
• Prepare for hypothetical questions. You may be asked questions like, “How would you handle a conflict?” Don’t memorize answers. Instead, ask clarifying questions first to better understand the context, then respond thoughtfully.

Most importantly, keep working hard every day, stay consistent, and believe in yourself. Nothing is impossible if you’re truly willing to put in the effort.