Apply for a Job: Five Things Every Job Finder Should Do Before Applying for a Job

Apply for a Job: Five Things Every Job Finder Should Do Before Applying for a Job

This is an updated version of this article and I would love to share it. For every Job finder out there, I understand that you might have done everything possible but yet the jobs aren’t coming. I want you to know that sometimes it happens that way but the key to breaking through is positioning yourself properly.

I will give you the five things every job seeker must do before applying for a job. It will help you see an advantage in the current scenario you are facing. I tried it and it worked, so why can’t you give it a trial?

Networking

This is one of the 5 things every job seeker must do in order to get that job. A lot of job seekers believe that only a connection can get you a favorable job. This might be true to an extent, but you don’t get connections by sitting right in your room surfing all the gossip blogs in Nigeria. Networking is the key that opens a lot of doors for various jobs, and it can last even for a lifetime. There are several networking mediums and ways to pass your message across to people who can really place you where you wish to belong.

I remembered when I lost my first job. That was when I knew that I had to meet top players that mattered in my industry. I had to penetrate top recruitment firms and before I knew it, my e-mail got flooded with lots of interview invites. Even now, my networks still call me in case I have any referral to pass across to them. It might not really be a million salary kind of job, but at least it pays well. The power of networking can never be over-emphasized in the daily schedule of a job seeker.

Learn a Skill

In my past three articles, I have been hammering on this issue because I have seen it work first-hand. Acquiring a skill doesn’t mean you are no longer a graduate. It only helps to position you when the opportunity comes calling. I have seen doctors become musicians, I have seen bankers become models, and I have also seen accountants working as programmers.

It wouldn’t do you good if all you have to show is the degree you acquired while in the university. My closest friend is an Engineer but works as a writer and also as a content developer with a top firm. There are some courses that get a job vacancy attached to it is quite difficult. Instead of cursing the government from your house, get up and learn a skill that opens up new opportunities in other sectors. You have everything to lose if you don’t take action.

Engage in Something Profitable

Working as an Insurance salesman immediately after school was not fun but it made me get my first job a few months later. I put it down as one of the 5 things every job seeker must do. Something profitable shouldn’t only be from the financial aspect; you should also look at the experience aspect.

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I have seen a lot of graduates who segregated jobs and ended up wishing they had taken it back then. Every experience counts, don’t misuse an opportunity to gain experience. Even if you have to teach in a school, one day you might be hired as a trainer because of your teaching experience. Don’t neglect little beginnings.

Know what you want

You should never be a Jack of all trades and master of none. If you have decided to pitch your tent as a customer care official, do well to become exposed to it. Let a potential employer know the direction you are headed in.

I should be able to look at your CV and know which working sector your strength lies most. The mistake job seekers make is trying to be everything in one person. You should be able to answer the question “What can you do?” with ease. Anything you say should correspond with the experiences, skills, and certifications you have acquired. It is never too late to pick a career path, now is the time.

Try and Become Your Own Boss

Above all, not everyone might end up working for someone. If there is something I know that can propel you to take action towards becoming your own boss, I am sure that the fear of being broke and also the lack of jobs.

I can’t possibly give you top business ideas, but I know that a site like Nairaland can do justice to that. There are lots of businesses that require little capital to start. If you believe you have the passion and the zeal, let it guide you and finally make you become an employer of labor.

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These 5 things every job finder must do before applying for a job isn’t a strict manual to be followed. It worked for me, and I believe it should work for anybody who follows it. Thanks.

Additional Tips

You’ve spent the day sending out resumes and applying for jobs. You notice it just as you’re going to set aside your laptop to relax.

A misspelled word smack dab in the center of the third-to-last position is mentioned on your CV. You’re unlikely to hear from any of those recruiters or hiring managers. If you had only spent a few minutes reviewing your application, you could be bragging about the big interview you have next week instead of continuing to send resumes into the abyss.
When applying for a job, it is vital to pay close attention to detail. Here’s a quick checklist of things you should do before hitting the submit button.

Read the Entire Job Description

We understand you’re anxious to find work, but please read the entire job description before responding. Were there any explicit instructions on how to name your résumé and other application materials? Did the job posting specify a timeframe for when someone will contact you or when you can follow up? Keep an eye out for any unusual instructions.
In addition, hiring managers want to reduce the applicant pool by asking comprehensive questions, so provide thoughtful and diligent responses.

Ensure that your materials are spotless.

This should go without saying, yet it’s all too easy to let a casual mistake knock you out of the race. Whether you’re an internal or external candidate, being familiar with the organization isn’t an excuse to be sloppy on an application. Any lingo, acronyms, or slang should be avoided.

Make sure everything is grammatically proper and there are no spelling mistakes. After you’ve double-checked everything, send it to a buddy. You can even run it via Grammarly (yes, there is such a program). In the end, there is no excuse for there/their/they’re errors in your application.

Customize Your Application Materials For Each Role

There is no such thing as a generic cover letter, and you must adapt your message to each application you submit. While you can use a few fragments for each letter, it’s ideal to start from scratch so you can focus on your target and promote your skills.

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The same is true for your CV. List accomplishments that feel relevant to the role and will capture the attention of a recruiting manager.

Remember the “Why”

When we’re recounting our professional background, it’s easy to lose sight of the most crucial aspect—the why. Why do you want to work for this company, and what makes you the greatest candidate? If you can’t answer such questions, it’s time to reconsider applying in the first place.

Step Back and Reassess

You only have one chance to make a good first impression when applying for a job. So, before you hit the submit button, go over your application again and make sure you’ve followed all of the instructions in the job posting. You should never contact a recruiter after you’ve applied to point out a mistake you made because you didn’t read thoroughly.

Organize Your Social Media

Unfortunately, your application is not the end of the work. If you’ve been practicing your standup routine on Twitter, you should delete the NSFW jokes. You should remove anything from your social media channels that a recruiter might consider inappropriate. And, while we understand that you enjoy craft beer, you might want to consider making your Instagram feed private.

It’s also time to clear out the cobwebs on your LinkedIn profile. Make sure you’ve detailed your previous positions’ responsibilities and accomplishments, and that all of your information is accurate and up to date.

We understand. You want to start scheduling interviews right away, but first review the job posting and make sure your assets are in order. Attention to detail is critical, and it could mean the difference between getting an interview or not.

Lastly, simply use the comment section and leave a comment below, to ask questions and also share your thoughts.

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