Clients engage me when they’re frustrated in the job search.
They’ve been submitting applications that aren’t gaining traction, and they feel like their applications are going into a ‘black hole’ in the Universe, never to be seen nor heard about again.
There are simple technical reasons this could be the case: there are tricks to know about Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) that help job hopefuls make it through the initial screening process, for example.
There are also the benefits of networking and knowing people within the organization – these advantages cannot be overstated.
But there are deeper questions to ask yourself before you apply for any position. These questions will make a tremendous difference in the value of your candidacy, so it’s worth taking the time to reflect on them before creating an application.
- Are you an 80% fit for this role? Don’t throw mud at the wall when applying for jobs. Take the time to focus on positions and organizations that are right for you, customize your application every time, and apply only for roles for which you are a solid fit. You should possess 100% of the required skills, and 80% of the skills, qualifications, and background that are preferred for the position. Certain technical skills (software, languages, research methods) will be required for the role, and you must be honest about your level of competency in these areas. For the preferred qualifications, make sure that you are at least an 80% match. You might not have all of the experience the company would like, but you bring a lot to the position and are able to grow in the direction required. You can also explain the experience you have in terms of transferable skills – see below.
- Do your transferable skills add value? Numerous skills, like report writing, budgeting, project management, mastery of Excel, language skills, presentation skills, stakeholder engagement, meeting coordination, etc. are all highly transferable, meaning that they come in handy in a variety of roles. These are skills you want to emphasize when jumping from one position to another. As you choose positions throughout your career, your knowledge of multiple companies, sectors, or industries can help you to grow professionally and could allow you to bring a fresh perspective to a new employer. Gain mastery of highly transferable skills and you will be able to stay nimble throughout your career.
- What about other factors related to this job? It’s not just your role and your salary that will impact your happiness in this new position – the company’s location and culture, your relationships with your colleagues, your level of responsibility, travel required, the physical work environment and even the difficulty of your commute will have a substantial impact on your satisfaction in the job. Take into consideration what you know really matters to you, and don’t let the excitement of a new position override your trepidation about factors you know will bother you over time. Be aware of what’s important to you, and make sure you consider all aspects when applying for a position.
It’s crucial to take these factors into account for two key reasons:
- Companies track your applications
and - You’re always more effective when you focus.
The ATS mentioned above allows most organizations to keep track of all of the applications that each candidate has submitted. If hiring managers see that you have applied for 50 jobs at their company, ranging wildly in skill level and subject matter, they will conclude that you do not have focus, discernment, nor self-awareness, and you won’t be an attractive candidate to them.
The only way to show you are a good candidate for a job is to customize your application materials to reflect the qualifications that make you a good fit. If you take the time to do this on hundreds of applications, you will wear yourself out. If you focus on networking and on targeting organizations and positions that are a solid fit for you, you’ll enjoy the process more and be more successful along the way.
Have more questions? Contact me to learn more about how to maximize your career search process to land a job that’s right for you.
