4 Things You Should Do Before Applying to Any Job
Finding the perfect job for you can be a chore. There are all sorts of postings out there, most of them asking for overqualified people to be underpaid.
But, then you come across one that really piques your interest. The company sounds great. The pay looks reasonable, and the job description is right up your alley.
You may feel as though you need to apply immediately, so that no one else snatches up this golden unicorn of a job. However, it’s always better to pause for a moment and ensure your plan of attack is bulletproof.
Below are 4 things you should do before applying to any job.
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Research the Company
Job postings are carefully crafted pieces of marketing materials, written by the companies looking for qualified candidates. That means what goes on the posting is solely up to the discretion of the hiring company.
Do you think they would be totally honest in describing their company’s culture, including faults and weaknesses?
Probably not.
Always make sure to do your own research on any company before you consider applying to an open position. Check reviews on sites such as Glassdoor and Indeed. Glassdoor especially, as it has public reviews from previous employees that are usually spot on.
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Have (or Get) the Experience
If you’re staring down a job posting that appears to be your dream job, you better make sure you have the experience the hiring manager is looking for. After all, that’s the most important thing the hiring company wants to know – do you have the experience necessary to carry out the job’s core functions?
For example, you wouldn’t hire somebody like Tim Sykes, a guy who’s made millions on penny stocks, to install a rock fountain in your backyard. He might know a thing or two about landscaping, but he’s likely much more versed in the stock market.
You want to be darn sure that you have the experience to tackle whatever job you’re applying for. If you don’t, start looking for ways within your current position, or even on your own time, to gain that experience.
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Custom Tailor Your Resume
With the company thoroughly researched and your experience gathered, now it’s time to show the hiring manager why you’re fit for the position.
You should always custom tailor your resume to each job you apply for. It may be extra work on your part, but it speaks volumes to the people weeding through potential applicants.
Your resume should come across as the perfect solution to all of the hiring company’s problems, and you will definitely want to list your experience from tip #2 front and center.
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Find the Hiring Manager’s Contact Information
If at all possible, you want to make sure your resume doesn’t go into the black hole that is submitting an online application. Usually, there are hundreds of other job seekers sending in their resumes and even though you might be the most qualified, sometimes your resume can get lost.
One way to get around this is to find the hiring manager’s contact information (name and email address) and then send your resume directly to them.
Craft a well-written, abridged cover letter in the body of the email and explain to him or her why you’re the best fit for the position. This will definitely help you stand out amongst the crowd.
Conclusion
Before submitting any job application, be sure to pause and properly plan out how you want to appear to the hiring manager. Use the tips you just learned above to beat the system and potentially land your dream job.
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