Job application can be a very frustrating and tedious process. In today’s world, there is more demand for jobs than its supply. This means that, unlike older times, it is more than just the qualifications you have. Instead of applying for the job in a rush, it is paramount to analyze the job posting carefully, as this will help you plan a better strategy that will get noticed by your potential employers.
Whether you are fresh out of college or you are an experienced professional, there are several fundamental things you should take into consideration before you apply for a job. These factors will help you evaluate your suitability for that job. Some of these factors focus on you as the job applicant, while others can gauge the suitability of the employers for your career advancement.
1. The Job Requirements
Almost all job postings include a long list of qualifications that the ideal applicants must possess to be considered for the job. Your job as the job applicant is to identify which of all those requirements are a ‘must-have’. You should pay special attention to the experience years that are essential for the job.
The company is looking for someone with 5-8 years of experience and you have just finished college with no experience at all, then the job might not be a good fit for you. The same applies if you have 15 years of experience. Because the amount of experience shows the level of responsibility and the pay grade, the company will offer. If the employers think you are over-qualified, they may assume that it will bore you and leave the company as soon as another opportunity comes knocking. If you have previously worked on your own, the employer may think that your teamwork skills may be lacking.
However, never underestimate your experience. You might be more qualified than you think since not every applicant is 100 percent qualified for any job position. If the application feels like too much of a stretch, avoid that job. But if you think you think the requirements are in line with your qualifications, go for it.
2. Research the Company
After you have gone through the job requirements, do extensive research on the company. That will give you an idea of how to best market yourself to the employer. You will learn about the company’s culture. A company’s culture is the personality of the company, which comprises distinct elements, such as;
- working environment
- business goals
- mission
- the company’s mission.
That will help to create what it would feel like working for them. Consider the company’s policy on the issue of employee benefits. These benefits are important for your long-term plans.
It is also good to consider the size of the company. That is because the size of the company has a direct influence on how you will interact with your employers, your chance for advancement, and the opportunities you might get in your role.
Smaller companies have the potential of giving you more responsibility and increase your chance of progressing rapidly through the ranks. Also, working in a small company, you will develop a closer working relationship with your colleagues. However, working for a larger company might give you a chance to travel, have well-established benefits, and these companies often come with an excellent reputation and a good name to put on your resume.
3. Health Status
One important question that you should ask yourself when applying for a job is whether you are fit enough for the job or if you are a good fit for the job. Determine whether you will contribute towards the productivity of the organization and if you will be an asset or a liability to the company. To determine this, you need to conduct a pre employment assessment. You may want a detailed analysis of your health status to identify any existing and potential conditions that may hamper your performance on the job.
Such tests vary depending on the job description and the type of company. A standard test will comprise;
- Cardiovascular examination
- Urinalysis
- Height, weight, and body mass index (BMI)
- Vision
- Abdominal examination
- Musculoskeletal examination
- A general health questionnaire
- Audiometry testing
- Drug testing
You can choose the most suitable test for your needs. These tests ensure the applicant can perform the duties assigned to them. They also protect both the employee and employer and ensure that there is transparency between them.
4. Your Role in the Company
Be strategic about the job positions you are applying for. When you evaluate your role in the company, consider how it will help you build the right skills for future career advancement. Even if you are applying for a part-time job to help you get by, consider a job that will help you fill any skill gaps preventing you from getting ahead in your career.
Look for opportunities that would expose you to a field that you might want to pursue in the future. You should find out if this new role will help you advance to the next stage of your career as well as provide ample learning and growth opportunities.
Contractual agreements are also important in your deliberations. They help show you how long your contract will be. Although you will not be able to see an official contract until you are made a formal employment offer, you can get your facts before that.
5. Communication Skills
Effective communication skills are key to achieve success in today’s world. These skills act as the facilitator in your interviews. They are also helpful in interpreting your roles and the development of respect and trust. Many companies are becoming more global, thus superb communication skills are a must.
Some of these communication skills include;
- Listening skills help in understanding your roles better
- Focusing on non-verbal communication
- Confident speech
- Use of gestures
- Correct pose or body language
For you to be successful in your job application, you need to weigh all the above factors. Take your time to evaluate the opportunity and make sure it is consistent with your beliefs and interests. The probability of you landing that dream job you have always wanted depends on how well you prepare yourself for the interview and the levels of confidence you possess.
