Top Tips on Job Applications
#thegreat resignation and Filling in a Job Application
How to help yourself get that dream job
I have been inundated with calls and emails from clients needing help with resignation letters, job applications, mock interviews and so much more in the past weeks. They’re calling this #thegreatresignation. Hundreds of thousands of people are taking control of their futures, the labour market is on the move and stats indicate that up to 40% of the workforce are set to resign!
It’s such a massive topic of conversation at the moment that I can’t ignore it. This Great Resignation is mainly due to changing attitudes to the Covid pandemic and recognising the need for more flexible working hours and remote working opportunities. Add to this the fact that so many people were furloughed or made redundant in the past year, we’re now seeing a huge number of positions open up and people are taking advantage of the more buoyant market.
Many of my clients have been well-organized and spent much of the pandemic rethinking their futures. This has meant not only looking at their present situations, but looking at their future goals. As a result, they know what they want to achieve long term so they are not jumping into applying for every position they see. Forward thinking means they can be very selective in their job searches, ensuring they match their experience and skill set. This really helps when applying for new positions because you are far less likely to be rejected.
In addition to this, they have worked on their CVs; making several iterations to be fully prepared for all eventualities. This means also creating Cover Letter examples to match their CVs, working on personal branding and fully updating their LinkedIn profiles. So, as you can imagine, this is a lot of work – but what it means is that they are ready for the next challenge. Now they are in a position to be submitting job applications and preparing mock interviews with me. It’s an interesting time for employers and job seekers alike.
Does this mean you are too late? Absolutely not! But don’t delay, if you are feeling like it’s time to make a big change in your life there is lots of work to be done.
What are my top tips for the Application Process?
Top Tip #1: Make sure your CV is up to date and 100% targeted to the position you are applying for. If you use your last CV which is just a generic list of things you have done in the past, you run the risk of missing out on moving to the next stage. If you are unsure on how to do this – check out my CV Writing Blog here;
Top Tip #2: Make sure your Cover Letter is also written and targeted to this position. You may be asked to upload a Cover Letter but there may also be an ‘Additional Information Section’ or a ‘General Introduction’ section in which you can use some of the information from your Cover Letter. Here you can explain why you are so excited to get this job, show them that you know things about the company that most people won’t. It is also important to outline here why you fit the bill without repeating information from your CV. If there are any gaps in your CV, or particular requirements that you don’t meet in the application, this is your opportunity to explain these. Keep it short and concise.
Top Tip #3: Make sure you have your Certificates and other important documents on file – scanned and ready to go, for ease.
Top Tip #4: Every application process is different but many will ask you to discuss scenario based situational questions. These are super important because they perform many tasks: they demonstrate depth of experience, skills and behaviours. Choose a good descriptive scenario and use either the STAR method or my personal favourite, the CARL Method: This means C = Context (what situation where you in?) A = Action (What did you do?) R- Results and L= Learnings (i.e what did you learn?) This will ensure that your response is well structured and full descriptive. Resist the urge to waffle – if you don’t have a good example, ask friends for examples which might jog your memory!
Top Tip #5: Be aware of the Mission, Vision & Core Values of the company and try to include these into your responses in a way that demonstrates that you share those values. Do your research, know what they are doing on social media and learn key facts from their website. This is your opportunity to stand out.
Top Tip #6: Where it asks you for Roles & Responsibilities on the Job Application – think about adding in Achievements also.
Top Tip #7: Make sure that throughout your application you seek to match your language 100% with the language in the Job Description – and when you proofread, error check against the JD. If the employer is using an electronic system to filter applications – this will be the key to getting through to the next stage.
Top Tip #8: Seek to LinkIn with the recruiter and other important people in the company to which you are applying. Reach out to them and identify yourself as somebody who is very interested in working for this company and make yourself stand out just a little bit more. Very often, if you reach out to the actual recruiter, they will ask for your CV directly.
I will be running Job Application Workshops in the coming weeks but if you need some help preparing for your application, writing your CV & LinkedIn or preparing for your interview don’t hesitate to get in touch for a one off session.