Securing a job in my company, or anywhere for that matter, has become a tough battle, given the surging unemployment rates and endless flow of competent applicants vying for a limited set of vacancies. Merely two years ago, I beat out over 500 applicants to get my current job via a recruiting software, and it’s akin to striking gold with fantastic benefits, favorable working hours, and ample promotion opportunities.
With the constant pressure and limited time, supervisors barely have enough resources to meticulously analyze each application they receive. Even a minor hiccup in your application can see you tossed into the reject pile. Having been privy to the recent recruitment in our department, I can share certain pitfalls you should avoid while applying for a job.
Firstly, refrain from crafting an overly lengthy cover letter. It should be brief and encapsulate your entire professional journey rather than acting as a repetitive extension of your resume. An applicant whose four-page cover letter detailed every facet of her career didn’t manage to impress the team with her long document, but rather ended up portraying her insensitivity towards the recruitment procedure.
Secondly, while stating your expected salary, resist the temptation to overshoot. Unless you’re explicitly asked to put down figures, always leave it as ‘open’. If the need arises to specify a number, remember that anything excessively high can potentially toss your application into the reject bin before you even set foot in the organization.
Thirdly, do not apply for positions that you do not qualify for. It might seem enticing to cast a wide net and apply for every available job opening, but it’s simply a waste of time and effort. Try focusing on tailoring precise applications for jobs listed on platforms like Monster, Indeed, and Glassdoor. Concentrate on cultivating your network, possibly by attending local Chamber of Commerce meetings, amongst other things.
Finally, never forget to smile during your interview. My qualifications bagged me the interview, while my positive demeanor and affable smile secured me the job. After all, companies don’t just look for skill sets; they are also on the lookout for someone with the right attitude and a pleasant personality. To ace an interview, stay positive, and maintain a cheerful disposition. And remember – a well-timed joke always helps.
