The unemployment rate keeps increasing every year, with more university graduates coming into the labor market where there is a scarcity of jobs. Oftentimes, the little jobs made available are either given to someone with years of experience in the related field or anyone who has the necessary connections, thereby making it difficult for fresh job seekers with no work experience at all.
Gone are the days when one had to move from one company to another, seeking possible job openings. The Internet has made it easy, so that, from the comfort of your home, you can send job applications along with your resume to the company you wish to work with. It is then of utmost importance to fill out your job application diligently, correcting all errors before submission whenever an opportunity arises, a job application is made public, and fresh graduates are given the opportunity to apply.
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The demand for a job is smaller than the supply made available; therefore, if you have decided to get a job and you want to start by sending out applications, there are a few checklists that you must always consider before applying for a job. Getting a job these days does not rely on qualifications anymore; recruiters and employers are in search of applicants who can show them what they can offer and how they can contribute to the growth of their company when employed. Either as a fresh graduate with no experience or as an experienced worker, there are certain things you must always put in place in order to get noticed and get a good job in a place where there are so many competitions.
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10 Checklists You Must Have Before Applying to a Job
Whenever an opportunity arises for you to send your applications in response to a job advertisement, it is very important to draw out a list that you can use to checkmate your applications before they have been sent out. It is always better to make a good first impression, notwithstanding the fact that you don’t have to be physically present to do that. The way your application or cover letter is written and sent would make the hiring manager or recruiter want to give you a chance to read your resume and check out what you can offer the company. Here are the top 10 checklists that you must use before sending out job applications.
1. Update your resume:
As a job seeker, it is appropriate and definitely necessary that you have all the right things needed for a job, right from sending out your applications and up to when you are called for the interview, that is, if you are eventually shortlisted. Some of the right things to always have on hand are mostly copies of your documents and credentials, which may include your school certificate or results, your resume or CV, application letters, and any other documents that may be specified in the job advertisement. You should always make sure you update your resume according to the job position you are applying for. If you intend to apply for a social media manager position, you have to highlight your skills as a social media professional in your resume. You can’t use one resume for all your job applications. Have all your things arranged and be well prepared, even before sending out applications.
2. Reference:
Referees, as they are known, are necessary when filling out job applications, and it is always important to get people who are professionals or have years of working experience in the related field you may be applying for, or people who you are close with and know at least a little about you. As referees are people who can vouch for you or are supposed to say good things concerning you, it is good to input the names and details of people you are close with, not someone you know from afar, so whenever they are called on your behalf for a job, they will be ready to sing your praises. The maximum number of referees requested is always three, but this may be changed if necessary or as seen fit by the employer.
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3. Research the company you are applying for:
It is always important to research and know, even if it’s a little about the company and the position you are applying for. The internet has made it so easy that all the information you need is online and can always be accessed at any time. Checking the background of the company you are applying for not only puts you in a good position as a diligent prospective employee but also helps you to know if the company is not a scam and you are in the right place and dealing with the right people.
4. Practice interview questions:
It is not good to wait until the interview call before you start preparing for it. Right after sending out your application, you should begin the practice of answering interview questions about the related job you want to take on. Doing this before the interview call would help you to be relaxed and well prepared when the interview comes. It would also boost your confidence level. Even if, by chance, you were not shortlisted for that particular job interview, you would already have an idea of how the questions may be asked if given a chance, and this will propel you into sending more job applications until you are selected.
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5. Write out your cover letter:
A cover letter can be said to be your main pointer to getting your resume noticed or discarded. A good cover letter should always consist of your previous work experience, why you are applying for the job role, and what your objectives are. Above all, a cover letter must be free of all grammatical errors. You can’t have the hiring manager read a cover letter filled with the errors of a supposed job seeker; this is definitely a total turn off. Your cover letter should also not be too long or too short; make it as clarified as you can, stating all that is necessary, and also address it properly, either by using the name of the hiring manager if you are familiar with it or just making use of the hiring manager.Â
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6. Get your interview outfit ready.
This may not look necessary, but it is very important to get an outfit ready once your application is sent. There are some workplaces that like their employees to always be dressed in corporate outfits, such as the bank, and some other workplaces believe their employees should be stylish in their outfits; an example is a fashion company. It is then important to find out how the company functions and how its employees are dressed for you to appear ready to work and also make a good first impression. Also, work on your presentation skills, such as your posture, gestures, and attitude, during the course of your interview.
7. Develop your communication skills.
Communication is a very important skill; therefore, right from the day your Apple ID is sent, you have to develop this skill. You can always do this by practicing either in front of people or in a mirror. Doing this will definitely boost your confidence and reduce your nervousness when in front of recruiters. You can also read books concerning job interviews and practice your answers too; all of these would make you look fit and ready for the job in front of the hiring managers if offered.
8. Develop your internet and computer skills.
As we are in the jet age, it is important to be able to make good use of the internet and the computer with basic programs. Even if your job is not graphics or media, it is still necessary to develop your knowledge in this aspect. Most job advertisements make it necessary to ask their intended applicants to be computer literate. As a job seeker, you should learn the use of basic programs on the computer, such as MS Office, mailings, and how to use the internet, as it may be required and used to test your efficiency during interviews.
9. Update your social media profiles:
Most job openings make it necessary to ask their applicants to put in their social media profiles, and these profiles are always checked and screened. Therefore, as a job applicant, it is important to always update your social media profiles and keep in mind what you share or use your media pages for. Your social media presence is important, and recruiters keep an eye on it these days to screen their applicants.
10. Make good use of the SWOT analysis.
SWOT stands for strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Employers make use of the SWOT analysis when comparing their applicants. So before you get to the front of your employer, you can make use of this to analyze yourself, point out your strengths and weaknesses too, and find a way to tackle them. Doing this would give you insight on how to work and present yourself.
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The labor market is highly competitive, so it is advisable to always be a step ahead of others. Now, you have it! 10 checklists that you can use to analyze yourself and determine if you have what it takes to get a job in your dream field.
Grab the opportunity made available to you while applying the steps pointed out here, and you are on your way to success.
