In the current job climate, we understand the temptation of applying for jobs that aren’t necessarily appropriate for your skillset and experience. The jobs market is more competitive than ever after unemployment rose by 4.1% from April to May 2020, however, patience and caution needs to be exercised.
Rushing into the wrong role can have a detrimental effect on your career and happiness, and you should carefully consider your options before applying for roles that don’t match your experience or ability.
This article will give you a definitive guide of the do’s and don’ts when applying for jobs in the current climate.
How do I know if a job is right for me?
Firstly, the job needs to excite you. If you’re reading the job spec, both the company and the role needs to fill you with excitement and you should be able to visualize yourself there and the impact you can have on the business. You also should also be confident with the requirements and desires listed – meaning your own should match up to the job spec. If you tick both of these, then you know the job is a right fit for you.
Should I amend my CV for different roles?
Absolutely – doing so can increase your chances and make you relevant to the role you’re applying for. Tailoring your CV to the job spec will elevate your skills in the appropriate areas. For example, if your CV says you’re a 3D Designer but you’re applying for an Integrated Design role, then tailor your skills towards this. It’s still worth mentioning 3D design as increasingly companies are looking for multi-disciplined candidates that can hybrid across a range of skillsets and sectors.
What should I do when applying for a role?
Make sure you know what you’re applying for and that actually if you were to get it, you’d genuinely accept it. So often candidates will apply for jobs, get an interview and then pull out – this harms your reputation and personal brand.
When applying make sure your CV is up to date, presentable and you include any relevant portfolios or credentials that will help you stand out. Richa Arora, Talent Partner at Major Players has written a guide to the perfect CV here.
What shouldn’t I do when applying for a role?
Simple – don’t lie or bend the truth. Employers will find out and ultimately it will backfire on you.
Also, don’t overthink it. If you feel like you’re right for the role, then nine times out of ten, you probably are, so there is no need to fluff up your covering letter or make yourself sound different to who you are. Your skills and experience is plenty.
Furthermore, please check your spelling, punctuation and grammar. If you’re applying for a role saying you have great communication skills, attention to detail and you’ve got spelling or punctuation errors in your CV or covering letter, it’s not a good look!
What should go in my cover letter?
Your cover letter is your chance to show the hiring manager why you are the right person for the job. Whilst your CV displays your skills and previous experience, your covering letter is your opportunity to show what sets you aside from the rest and why the company should be interested in hiring you. Think about what the hiring manager wants to read.
Think about what your USP’s and what you can bring to the business. It’s worth highlighting these by aligning the job spec with your past experience and achievements i.e. campaign X achieved over 6,000 blog views which resulted in 20% uplift in sales.
Finally, don’t copy and paste, craft something appropriate to that job role and remember to allow your personality and ambition to shine through.
Should I contact the company where I applied for?
It’s about striking the right balance between looking proactive and being a nuisance. Absolutely pick up the phone if you haven’t heard back after 5 days, but also be mindful that hiring managers are overwhelmed with applications and often are running a skeleton team. The likelihood is that most businesses will come back to you, but it might take longer than usual.
If you have any further questions or would like any additional support then please get in touch with us.
