Maybe the most challenging part of the entire job search is applying. Nonetheless, undesirable circumstances or unpleasant surprises can avoid by making sure everything gets thoroughly verified. It applies to everything you do to prepare for a job application, not just your CV, including researching the company, the area, and other relevant information. You won’t find sending job application as stressful once you follow these easy suggestions.
1. Study the Employment Application
Although it might seem like a no-brainer, many people neglect to read the job application. Even if you quickly skimmed the job description before deciding to apply, it is still advisable to go back and read it a few more times to ensure you did not miss any essential information. To fill a position, employers may receive hundreds of applications. Disqualifying anyone they think hasn’t read the job description or requirements is one of their most common methods for reducing the pool of applicants.
2. Identify the Hiring Manager’s Name and Email Address
Find the recruiting manager once you’ve done some research on the business. Finding the hiring manager will allow you to tailor your cover letter and ensure that the proper person receives your application. As you may contact the employer directly by sending your job application to the hiring manager, it is usually more successful than applying through the job posting. You won’t have to worry that your application for the job fell into a black hole.
3. Minimize Your Social Media
One of the first things hiring managers does after receiving your application is to check your social media profiles. While some people might believe it’s best to make all your accounts private and then move on, some businesses might disagree, suspecting you of being dishonest. Instead, you ought to have a few “professional” statements that are at least partially public, such as those on RemoteHub, that demonstrate both your expertise and some of your personality.
4. Investigate the Business
After reading the job description, look for the company online. Visit the employer’s website and browse the careers section. Also, you want to check out their blog, read up on the staff members, and review recent business news. You can learn how the company runs and how to promote your skills to potential employers with its assistance.
5. Consider What You’re Seeking
Although it can be tempting to apply for every position to discover interesting, it often pays to think carefully about your short- and long-term goals. For instance, if you’re applying to jobs gets required, you might be able to check off a few of those jobs.
6. On Your Resume, Use Keywords
Go over the description carefully, underlining any terms that seem to fit the qualifications the company is seeking. In your cover letter and CV, use them tactfully.
Be sure to use keywords that demonstrate your suitability for the position. If the role requires technical skills, highlight your practical skills, appropriate academic degrees, or courses. If the job requires regular interaction with clients or coworkers, mention your interpersonal and communication skills.
7. Practice Interviewing: Research Common Interview Questions and Practice Your Answers
Preparing for an interview can be a daunting task. After all, interviewing is a skill that takes practice to master. However, with proper knowledge and preparation, you can maximize your chances of making a great first impression.
One important part of the preparation process is researching common interview questions and practicing your answers. It’s important to identify which types of questions are likely to be asked so you can prepare accordingly. For example, some employers may ask competency-based questions such as “Describe a time when you solved a difficult problem at work,” or “Tell me about a time when you worked in a team environment and successfully achieved an objective.” Knowing these types of questions enables you to better prepare, practice and ultimately draft answers that show off your skillset in order to make the best impression possible.
In addition to researching standard interview questions, it’s also helpful to review tricky questions like “What are your weaknesses?” or “Why should we hire you?” Reviewing typical yet tricky questions will help build your self-awareness and provide insight into what employers are really looking for during the interviewing process.
Lastly, don’t forget to practice behavioral interviewing techniques in front of friends or family members. This will give you the confidence necessary for success on interview day!
8. Network: Reach Out to Your Connections and Use Networking Sites Like LinkedIn to Find Contacts
Networking is one of the best ways to increase your chances of landing a job. Reach out to your connections and ask if they know anyone at the companies you are interested in. Contact your former colleagues, professors, or mentors. You can also reach out to alumni (through LinkedIn or other avenues) who have worked or interned at an employer you’re interested in.
Furthermore, utilize networking sites like LinkedIn where it’s easy to view who is already connected with whom, and use that knowledge as an advantage when attempting to snag someone’s attention and get referred for a position. You should also be sure to follow up after connecting and take things further by arranging informational interviews with contacts related to positions you could get placed into.
Expand your network of contacts by attending conferences or attending events related to your field and make sure that your online presence is professional and engaging as this could be a first impression many recruiters have of you when searching for candidates. Taking the proper steps towards networking will not only give you great opportunities but will help put you in the best position possible for landing a job!
9. Follow-Up: After You Apply, Follow Up with the Hiring Manager to Show Your Interest
Following up with a hiring manager is critical when you’re searching for new job opportunities. After submitting your resume and any other required materials, send a follow-up message to the hiring manager that expresses your enthusiasm for the role. This message should thank them for considering you as a candidate, reiterate why you are suited for the role, and make it clear that you look forward to hearing back soon about progress in the hiring process.