5 Things You Should Do Before Applying For Any Job

In the 4 years of his career, John has been jobless for almost a year. Once, he had a dream job – the best one he could imagine in the Middle East and he left that job after 6 months because the job was too demanding and he somehow thought getting more skills would help him get a better career. He left the job, came back to study, acquired new skills, added that to his CV and went back to search for a job. He is yet to secure one. 

At first, he was applying for the positions he is good at, but soon he ran out of money, regretted the decision to leave his previous job and resorted to applying for positions which were far lesser paying. He even applied for a customer service position which did not pay 10% of what he had before, but still did not get the job. 

You have likely applied for numerous positions and like John, found yourself unsuccessful. What could be the problem?

Truth is, when you are applying for a job, there are certain things you need to ensure you are doing, to increase your chances of moving on to the next stage.

Here are important things you should do before sending your application:

1. Update your CV

As a job seeker, it is appropriate and definitely necessary 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 have always have on hand are mostly copies of your documents and credentials which may include; your school certificate or results, your  CV, application letters, and any other documents which may be specified in the job advert. You should always make sure you update your CV 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 CV. You can’t use one CV for all your job applications. Have all your things arranged and be well prepared even before sending out applications.

2. Reference

Referees 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 who 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 names and details of people who you are close with not someone you know from afar, so whenever they are called on your behalf for a job, they would 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.

3. Research about the company you are applying to

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 on a good stance as that of 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 commence the practice of interview questions of 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 till you are selected.

5. Make good use of the SWOT analysis

SWOT stands for, strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Employers make use of the SWOT analysis in 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 an insight on how to work and present yourself.

Take the opportunity made available to you while applying these steps and you will be  on your way to success. Is your CV up to date? Get a FREE CV Review and find out from professional CV writers.