4 Tips To Successful Job Applications

By Selipha Kihagi

Fresh graduates are now learning to get used to the tedious and frustrating process of job applications, which is becoming a constant excuse for failed job applications.

However, question remains, why are other people getting the jobs and not you? The jobs might be few, yes, or at least the good ones you are looking to find are, but what is keeping you from getting a job over and over? Missing out on a job a few times is alright, but going on months or even years should not be acceptable.

So, why are you not getting jobs?

The answer to this could vary across a number of areas, the common ones being that your CV is not meeting the standards that employers are looking for or that your Cover Letter did not really communicate why you want the job. Then there is the issue of applying to jobs you are not well qualified for, which is more common that you’d think.

Most candidates apply for jobs they are not qualified for without even realizing it. One of the reasons is that candidates don’t know themselves. It’s not enough to know that you have a certain qualification. You have to audit your skills, expertise, motivation and culture fit and asses them against an employer,” says Perminus Wainaina, Recruitment Manager at Corporate Staffing Services.

How to succeed in job applications

You need to have a strategy and a plan. Know who to talk to, what steps to follow and which jobs to apply for. To do this, you can utilize the following tips;

1. Ensure your CV/Cover Letter is not the problem
You do this by talking to a professional, it could be a HR person in a particular organization or recruitment firm, it could be a professional CV writer or interview coach or a professional in your area of expertise.

Try and find out what your current CV or Cover Letter is communicating to these professionals. Would they hire you if they had an opening? What position would they recommend you for?

2. Carefully analyze the job requirements and description to see if you fit well to the job
Not all jobs will suit your qualifications perfectly. It is not just about matching the years of experience or meeting the degree or diploma the job is looking for, consider the skills. Do you possess them or not? Analyzing your skills and those of the job will let you know if you are the best fit or it’s time to find another.

3.Utilize various Social media platforms (LinkedIn)
Not enough stress can be put under this one, and if you are one of those thinking that LinkedIn is not helping then you are talking to the wrong people or visiting the wrong pages. Follow recruitment firms that are active on social media, query them about jobs or even talk to hiring managers directly. You will be surprised.

4. Don’t believe that you deserve the position
You need to know that there are other candidates qualified as well as you or even better qualified than you are, so don’t settle. Challenge yourself to stand out among the rest by preparing well, doing thorough research and understanding what works and what doesn’t in the application process.

Job applications can be nerve wracking and frustrating when they don’t get you anywhere, but with a plan and doing it right, you will be among the successful.

For any career queries, contact Lucy by email to lucy@corporatestaffing.co.ke

8 Comments

  1. am 25 years with a degree in business management HR option from mount kenya university.i also have a diploma in human resource mngt and industrial relation.i need your help in securing a job.no much experience.

  2. Hi Paul,

    It is not about if you feel competent in both. Only apply to the jobs if you meet the necessary requirements, as outlined in the job advert. Your qualifications in the CV should demonstrate that you are qualified. If you are, then go ahead.

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