‘What we pay attention to – expands. What we pay attention to – we become.’ – Anon
Job hunting can be stressful, but there are things we can do to make it a bit easier.
The worst part of job applications is being rejected. So, how can you minimize the possibility of being disappointed?
Here is just ONE way:
- When you read a job advertisement – read it slowly and CAREFULLY!
- Pay attention! – Underline or highlight the specific credentials (skills/qualifications/etc) they are looking for.
- Make sure you have ALL of them!
- Try to avoid applying for a job when you do not have what they are looking for. You are wasting yours and the company’s time.
Time is money! A company specifically lists what they want from an applicant to save time and money. They have very important reasons why they want those skills for the job. By listing the requirements they are trying to narrow down the applicants to the ones which are the most suited.
Lots of people will apply for the job. You’re not the only one.
The quickest way for the company to sort through all the applicants is to list the minimum requirements. If you apply for a job and you don’t have the required skills, it’s very sad, but your CV will be thrown, immediately, into the bin!
They will ONLY consider those applicants who meet their requirements.
So read the advert CAREFULLY!
Here are 5 examples:
- Computer literate?
If a company requires you to be computer literate – they really want you to be skilled in MS Word, Excel, Outlook etc. This does not mean phone apps or that you’re good at Facebook-ing! If you don’t have these computer skills, then applying for this job would be a waste of time. (This might also be the push you need to go and get computer skills. Then you will be able to apply for a similar job. Some NGO’s offer free or subsidized computer training. Ask around to see if there is a training venue near you.)
- Own transport?”
If a company requires you to have your own transport – they really want you to have your OWN car. If you don’t, this would not be a good job to apply for. The company will not consider public transport as ‘having your own transport’.
- Experience?
If a company requires you to have at least 2 years of relevant experience – they really want you to have it. ‘Relevant’ means you’ve worked in the same or similar position before as the job advertised. They’re not prepared to hire someone who hasn’t. There will be someone applying for the same job that has! So again, you will be wasting your time.
- Qualification?
If a company requires you to be Trade-tested, then, make sure you are. If you’re not, your application may not even be read!
- Language?
If the company requires you to be fluent in English – then only apply for this job if you can speak, read and write English well. English is obviously very important for the job, so if you can’t, you won’t be a perfect applicant, someone else will.
Warning!
Lying on your application because you’re desperate for a job, is not advisable – EVER!
Falsifying documents or certificates is fraudulent and you will be found out. You may even look silly or stupid in front of other people if you can’t do the job you said you could do!
In some cases, you may be instantly fired!
A Quick Recap:
Read the job advertisement CAREFULLY.
If you match 100% with the job requirements – then go ahead and apply. This approach is not a guarantee you‘ll get the job, but you’ll minimise the chance of being rejected and disappointed.
FACT:
- YOU = 100% Job Requirements = Big chance of getting an interview!
- YOU = 99% Job Requirements = NO INTERVIEW!!! It’s that simple!
