We have outlined below some tips to help you along the way when applying for a new position. Everyone has their own reasons as to why they are looking to move to a new role, but how do you apply for the job and get chosen over the rest?
How to apply for the job and get chosen over the rest?
The way in which you apply is going to differ slightly depending on your experience and your industry. Applications can range from a simple message on LinkedIn to a lengthy application form that you’ve found on a jobs board. However, with all this aside, let's go with a general rule of thumb - Stand out from the rest, but not for the wrong reasons.
- Don’t follow the crowd - Time and time again, we hear recruiters say “every CV I have here is the same”. We can all say that we ‘work well as part of a team or alone’ and that we are ‘ambitious’ but hiring managers need, and want, to see examples of this. Actions speak louder than words. Try to show demonstrable examples of how you work well in both situations and how you are ambitious.
- Show them who you are - By this, we don't mean add your latest Snapchat filtered photo to your CV but show the hiring manager or recruiter who you are. Of course, you need to have the relevant skills and experience, but something that goes even further for an employer is your personality. Tell the interviewer something interesting about yourself and help them remember your application an hour later.
- Stay relevant - There is nothing more off-putting than seeing someone apply for a position with a blanket CV and cover letter. If you happen to apply for 3 positions via one recruitment agency, they will see straight away that you have sent the exact same CV/Cover letter to them all. Recruiters and hiring managers want to see that you are invested in this position, and that you care enough to spend the time on an application. Tailor your CV to each position and this will help your case. First impressions are of paramount importance.
- Cover letter cover letter cover letter - This above all, will be the making of your application. Here, you can address the hiring manager (nice touch) and explain your skills. You can also demonstrate any achievements that are relevant to the position, or even ask for an interview - confidence goes a long way. Your cover letter MUST be tailored to every job that you apply for. This shows any recruiter or hiring manager that you are invested in the role, and that you are not afraid to go the extra mile to get attention over the competition.
Well it is all going very well, isnt it? Until you receive a rejection email
What if my job application is rejected?
As humans, we all dislike rejection but it does happen. In a world full of competition, it’s essential you are realistic that you may not be offered every job you apply for.
- Ask why - You receive an automated email to say you have been unsuccessful. Don’t just take it that you didn’t get the job, you cannot grow unless you know the reasons behind the decision, and any recruiter/employer should have no reason not to be open with you about this.
- Be respectful - It can be disheartening but you never know what is around the corner. If you become frustrated, rude or even aggressive to a potential employer - you have just shown them that they made the right choice. Discuss the outcome and advise them you are still interested if the position comes up again. Thank them for their time and tell them you will go away and get that experience/qualification that they require.
- Stay in touch - Even if you have been unsuccessful this time round, it could be down to something out of your control. Maybe there was a recruitment freeze, or another candidate was available to start sooner. A rejection does not mean that the employer/recruiter didn't like you, it may just be a case of ‘next time’. So, stay in touch, they may well just come back to you in the future.
- Learn from the experience - So you didn’t get the job, you can still take something positive from this. If you got to interview stage, how did you feel your interview went? Did you say anything that afterwards you wish you didn't say or perhaps you wish you had said it in a different way. You can write these down and before your next interview (and you will have one) take a look over the notes you made. Ensure that you go into the next one feeling even more prepared and go and get that job. You’ve got this!
This article was written by Jennifer Edmonds of KH Recruitment Specialists, an award winning, independent, recruitment consultancy based in Kent.
