How to Apply for a Job
From 3arf
When a new year comes around it can be the start of a new beginning, many people begin to think about their careers and the prospect of applying for a new job. Sometimes applying for a new job may be daunting or you may be uninspired after having several knock backs previously. Do not despair, there are some tips as to how you can apply for jobs with the hope that you will then be successful.
- Search.Search for a job. Many people can be complacent and believe that a job offer should just fall into their laps whereas actually you really need to search for the vacancies. Look on various websites, job centres, ask around and then apply. If you limit your job opportunities by only looking in the same places then you may be missing something important which you could do.
- Be realistic.Before you apply for a job read about it. What are the requirements? There is no point in you applying for a job if you do not fit the criteria. In today's society lots of people are applying for jobs and so competition is fierce, if you do not have all of the essential skills that are required then do not waste your time applying. Read the job description carefully and ask yourself if you fit the criteria and believe that you can do the job. It is very important to be realistic when looking at applying for a new job.
- Research.Research about what the job will entail, a bit about the company and really understand what the role would entail. If you do this before you begin your application process you will know how to word your application. It will help you to stay on track and make all of your responses relevant. Potential employers will not want to sieve through lots of irrelevant information and so if you are well researched you can make your application succinct which they will appreciate.
- Think about positives.You may think that something which is seen as negative can only be negative such as maybe you have had two years unemployed whilst you brought up children or something. A gap in employment can look negative but you can turn it around into a positive. This time out of work made you feel as though you do want to be back in the work place, that you do enjoy carrying out tasks and so forth. You can also draw on how having two years out of work taught you about being motivated from within instead of by having a boss dictating to you. You will be able to find positives in your situation if you really think about it.
- Be enthusiastic.If you are enthusiastic about the job opportunity let it show! There is no need to go overboard with your enthusiasm but there will be ways in which you can express this in the application process, such as by using certain phrases such as "This job sounds ideal..." "I believe I will be able to bring the best to this role" and so forth. Always make sure it is in a measured manner though remembering that there is a fine line between confidence and arrogance.
- Read questions carefully.This seems like an obvious point but it is amazing how many people apply for jobs and ignore the questions or read them incorrectly. Do not rush into answering, read it properly and think about your answer before you write it. If you do not read the question properly then your potential employer will not be likely to ask you for an interview.
- Read it through.Before sending your application in read it through carefully and check for any mistakes or ways you can improve and edit it where possible. Make sure it is on track and doesn't include lots of information which isn't relevant.
Applying for a job in 2013 will hopefully be very successful. Draw on the positives in your life, research the job properly and make sure you read the application carefully and hopefully a new job will be yours.
