Job application. It is a process that feels intimidating for everyone. It doesn't matter if you're a recent graduate or a professional with years of experience. Applying for a job would still be a challenging process. As someone undergoing this myself, I want to share some of the things I have been doing to apply for work. After years in one job and industry, this is not an easy task, and I am a bit rusty. I'm sure you're as intimidated and as frustrated as I am with the entire thing! I hope that by sharing my experiences I can help others who are going through the same thing.
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| Photo by Markus Winkler |
Know What You Are Looking For
If you are looking for a job, it is important to know what kind of work you are looking for before starting your search. Take a step back and assess your background. This means your skills, experience, education, and training to see what kind of job suits you best.
Searching for job vacancies would give you an idea of the kinds of jobs available. Review the qualifications for each vacancy that wants people with backgrounds like yours. This would point you toward the types of career opportunities that you could apply for.
Also, you need to decide on the type of job you want. What kind of work hours do you prefer, part-time or full-time? What is your stance on location? Do you want to work onsite, hybrid, or remote? By knowing these things you would be able to search for job vacancies that fit into what you want for yourself.
At first, I kept applying for everything I could find that remotely fit my qualifications. This was because I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. That was a bad idea. I kept getting rejections because I was not the right fit because of it. I had to admit that when I reviewed my qualifications and what they were looking for, they were right.
Just because you need a job it doesn’t mean you should apply for everything available. Find the right fit, not only for them but for you as well. When conducting your job search, remember to use the filter feature to get the best jobs for you.
Once you know the jobs that suit your background and skills, you can prepare your resume and cover letter.
Prepare your Resume and Cover Letter
Look at online templates for resumes when preparing your resume. There are a lot out there, so pick the format that you think suits you best. Make sure not to prepare a resume that is too long. Try to make it as concise as possible. Be sure to emphasize the best qualities that will make you the best fit for the job. Limit it to one or two pages and use bullet points and short paragraphs to make it easier to read.
The reason why it is best to know what types of jobs you are applying for first is so that you can customize your CV. That way your CV would fit the jobs you apply for the best. Your achievements and skills should match the ones that the company is looking for.
As with the resume, I prepared my cover letter based on templates I’ve seen online. I compiled what I felt were the best parts of each sample and put them in one letter. I made a template so that I can reuse the letter for all my applications. I only have to replace the name of the company and the position I am applying for every time I need to send one.
Another important tip would be to proofread everything before you send them. Even if you’ve already gone through it, read it again to be sure there are no errors. Your resume is your foot in the door. Make sure they will not close that door because they don’t like their first impression of you.
Job Search and Sending of Applications
With a resume and cover letter ready and an idea of what type of jobs you are looking for, it is time to search for jobs. There are many sites that you can go to for your job hunt. There are sites such as Jobstreet, FoundIt, and Indeed, that you can go to. LinkedIn also shares job postings that you can apply to.
Remember to be discerning about the jobs you apply for. It's not only about the jobs but also about the companies that are hiring. Some posted vacancies turn out to be scams meant to defraud the applicant. Trust your gut and do your research so that you do not fall for these types of postings.
It is up to you to decide how many to apply for at any given time. Make sure to manage your schedule for any interviews or exams. If you apply for too many, they might all respond at the same time. That would make these exams and interviews difficult to manage.
Make sure to read the application instructions well before sending in your application. Some companies may post on LinkedIn, where they have an Easy Apply option. But they may also post that they want you to apply via their website instead of Easy Apply. If they find you cannot follow simple instructions such as that, do not even expect them to get back to you.
Do Your Research
While you are waiting for any progress on your application, take the time to do your research. Look up the company and what it does. You need to know how the position you applied for fits into their organization. That way you can have an idea of how best to convince them that you are the right person for the job.
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| Photo by Vojtech Okenka |
You should also do your research when it comes to salary, as many of them will ask you what your expectations are. If you applied for a position or industry that you are not familiar with, you need to find out what the current range is. Some companies may reject you based on salary expectations alone. Be more aware of the going rate and be willing to negotiate your pay based on current standards. It is best to be aware of these before getting an interview.
Exams and Interviews
Preparing for the assessment tests and the interviews is important. There are some practice assessment tests online that you can try depending on the type of work you want. These can be general exams or specific to the position you are applying for. While you are waiting for a response to your application, you can try some of those tests to practice!
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| Photo by MART PRODUCTION |
Some websites have sample interview questions you can use to practice. You can try answering them in front of a mirror or front of a webcam, to get used to it. It also helps if you can record to see how you conduct yourself in an interview.
Once you are set to have an interview, make sure that you always answer professionally. It is also important to wear proper professional attire during an interview.
Follow Up
After your exam and interview, you can email to follow up on the status of your application. Not all companies give a response to applications if you do not pass. That doesn't mean you can't send a message to thank them for their interest. Sometimes sending a message like that can help hiring managers remember you. They might end up keeping your resume for future vacancies in the company. Who knows, there might be a better job for you with them in the future!
Do Not Give Up!
I say this based on experience. I have sent out so many applications and only half of them have responded. Of that half, I have had exams and interviews, but I have yet to get a job. It can be frustrating, but I chose to believe that I was not meant for the jobs I had applied for. The rejection was not because I did not have the qualifications to get another job. It was more that I was not the right fit for the position I was applying for.
Choosing to be positive despite the negative response can help you to keep going. It can help you to improve. Think of the previous applications as a learning experience. Think of them as a means to improve on your process until you find the job that best suits you.
Take the Time to Improve Yourself
Applying for work can be a humbling experience. You can have a great background, but that doesn't mean it will be easy for you to get a new job. If you apply for something that is not the right fit, you will still get rejected. That rejection can hit you so bad it can discourage you from trying again.
The way I see it, if you are not the right fit but it is something you want, then do something about it. Look at what you need to do to improve yourself so that you can be the best one for the job.
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| Photo by Julia M Cameron |
Do you need online courses? Go take them. Do you need a portfolio? Make one. Take this time between jobs to work on yourself and figure out what is best for you.
Applying for a job is easy. Getting it is the hard part. It may be challenging but don’t give up. The right job is out there for you, you just haven’t found it yet!
If my post has helped you in any way, leave a message in the comments. I would love to know your job application story!
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