Are you looking to advance your career and make a change? Submitting a job application can be an exciting process – but there’s also the potential for it to be a huge waste of time.
You want to take every precautionary step possible before submitting your application, ensuring that this opportunity is right for you. Thankfully, by asking yourself the right questions, you can gain insight into the true value that this role holds – and potentially save yourself countless hours in pursing something that won’t be of benefit to you in the long-term.
Here are 10 questions you should ask yourself before applying!
- Why am I applying for this job?
It’s vital to know why you are looking to change your career or expand your professional endeavours to make an informed decision. After all, early mornings, late nights and hours at a desk are commitments that should not be taken lightly! Reflect on what gets your heart racing, and what would provide the best opportunities and overall satisfaction in the long run. Doing so will ensure you have taken an important first step in finding a role you can truly love.
- Do I have the skills and experience required for this position?
Before applying for a position, it is important to ask yourself if you possess the skills and experience necessary to fill that position effectively. Take the time to compare your qualifications with the specific requirements listed in the job description and assess whether or not your background and experience are a match. If something is unclear or missing from the listing, see if you can research or contact someone who can provide further details so you can make an informed decision about whether this position would be right for you and your career goals.
- Do I have a CV that is typo-free and up-to-date?
Having an updated CV with no typos is essential when applying for any job. Typos on your CV can give off the impression of carelessness, which can very quickly lead to you being overlooked during the selection process. It is not easy to identify all typos, so utilise CV editing tools or have a friend review and provide feedback on your CV to make sure it’s 100% accurate before submitting your application. Other tools can check your document for typos such as Grammarly and QuillBot. Having a CV that is typo-free and up-to-date will show employers that you are a professional and will increase your chances of landing your dream job.
- Do I have a tailored CV to match the job opening requirements?
It’s important to take a moment to make sure your CV stands out from the competition. Have you tailored it specifically for the position? If not, now is the time to invest in yourself and emphasise why you are the most qualified candidate. Focus on quantifiable accomplishments and skills that match the job description. Treat it as an opportunity to showcase your CV and feature yourself in a professional and honest light. You may be surprised at how essential this single step can be!
- Have I researched the company before submitting my application?
Researching the company you are applying to is one of the most important steps in prepping for your job search! Researching the company’s mission, values, and roles can give you a better understanding of unknowns before applying. Maybe you’re preparing for a virtual interview or reading through job descriptions. No matter how much skill or experience you have on paper, having comprehensive knowledge of the company before sending in your application gives you an edge against other applicants and shows potential employers that you’re a go-getter. Research isn’t always easy, but it’s essential to complete before your next job application! To show that you have done your research on a company, be sure to include details about its mission, values, and roles in your job application or CV. Additionally, be prepared to discuss your research during the job interview; it will demonstrate to employers that you are enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the company. Take some time to look at recent news articles related to the company; this will show hiring managers that you took the extra step of researching current events associated with them.
- Will this job allow me to reach my long-term career goals?
Answering this question is an important step in determining if this job is the right one for you. Ask yourself how this job will help you reach those long-term goals that you set for yourself. Evaluate if the position will provide you with the necessary experience or knowledge to advance your career trajectory towards your dreams. Consider factors such as what professional development opportunities are available, whether you will have a chance to take on leadership roles, and if there could be any avenues of growth within the organisation. Answering this question thoroughly can give you insight into whether or not you should be taking that next step by applying for the role.
- Have I included relevant awards or certifications in your CV?
Including relevant awards and certifications on your CV is an important step in showing employers that you are the right fit for their company. Awards and certifications demonstrate to potential employers that you have achieved excellence in a certain area, which can give them confidence in your abilities. This also shows employers that you have taken the initiative to invest in yourself by pursuing additional training or education, which will make you a more competitive candidate. Furthermore, having awards or certifications listed on your CV will help to set you apart from other candidates who may not have gone above and beyond when it comes to their professional development.
- Do I want to work for this company long-term?
When considering a company to apply to, it’s important to ask yourself if you could envision yourself investing your time and energy in the company long-term. This is critical, as part of a successful job application journey is finding a company whose long-term values and goals align with yours. Don’t just apply for any company that offers an exciting role – make sure it’s a company that you can trust, respect and are eager to be part of for an extended period. It may take you some extra time vetting companies before you decide which one best fits your career plans and ambitions, Glassdoor is a great place to start, but this assessment will be invaluable in the long run!
- How does this position compare to others that I am interested in pursuing?
Choosing a position to pursue is an important decision; not just in terms of ensuring that the position meets your needs, but also so you can make sure it is the right fit. Before applying for any position, it is important to consider how it compares to other positions that have caught your interest. Analysing this comparison can help you gain insight into what position best aligns with your skill sets and long-term career goals. Consider each position carefully, take note of its differentiating elements, and once you are satisfied – apply!
- Do I fit into their company culture?
When it comes to applying for a job, culture fit should be one of your top priorities. Asking yourself how you would fit into their company culture can help you determine if the position is right for you. A company’s culture is a reflection of its values, so take some time to learn more about its culture to get a better sense of what the organisation represents. Researching core values, organisational mission statements and stories about the culture can all provide invaluable information about the company. Once you’ve identified this information, consider how well you line up with said culture – whether it’s a strong collaboration or constant innovation, these attributes will ensure that your work experience at this organisation matches up with your behaviours and preferences.
Taking the time to ask yourself these questions before hitting the ‘submit’ button on your job application can save you a lot of time, energy, and disappointment down the road. If you’re still on the hunt for your dream job, we’ve got you covered. Click here to check out our live jobs and take the first step towards landing your perfect position.
