Job hunting can be a long and tiresome process. Applying through an online marketplace. Updating all of your current job profiles, seeking references, writing cover letters and updating your CV. Even if you get a job interview, many employers never give feedback on how your interview went or why your application was of interest. For some roles they may be looking for particular skills or attributes – either in the online application or in the interview. Shopless has looked at ways to improve your job seeking presence so your application and interview can stand out from the rest.
Research the Target Company
It is great to have a generic CV and cover letter. But a bit of personalisation goes a long way. One of the best things you can do as a job seeker is to find out more about the companies that you are sending applications to. Through researching their website, looking at previous employee reviews or reviewing their marketing material you will find out a lot more about whether you want to work at the company or not. Additionally you will be able to discover particular language attributes that are used that may be unique to the company. You can then incorporate these features into the application. It is good to use attributes of the language they use in the job listing, in your application. For example if the listing talks about a go-getter or needing someone who is adaptable. Make sure to incorporate these keywords into your own cover letter and in the interview. So the company understands that you have aligned with their desired requirements.
Approach Your Application with Confidence
Kiwis are typically terrible when it comes to underselling their skills. But when approaching a job application and interview it is important to be confident in your skills and abilities. Listing attributes you are confident you can execute well is important in an application. Because an employee wants to know that you can do certain tasks, without the need to continually come back to training. Additionally in an interview prepare to answer questions with confidence. Being transparent with what you can do and you are willing to learn.
Some sources list phrases such as “I’m not the best person for this role, but…” and responses where an interviewee is overly modest, as attributes that will be off-putting for an employer.
Demonstrate Clear Communication
Regardless of the position you are applying for, an employer wants someone who will clearly communicate their needs. Communication is important in the workplace, whether that is communicating with colleagues, communicating clearly with customers or clearing communicating with the employer. To have a work environment where nothing is misinterpreted or hidden. You can demonstrate good communication skills in a CV and cover letter. But being clear on your strengths, your skills and what you offer the company.
Additionally in an interview you will demonstrate your communication through the way you answer your questions. That is why it is alway important to practice if you are not confident going into a job interview.
Come Prepared with Experiences that Relate to Your Application
When applying for jobs and doing interviews, preparation is key. Brainstorming important milestones from your previous work experience that will be applicable and transferable to experiences in your next role, is a handy interview tool. Interviewers want to know that you will be an asset to the company. With great interpersonal skills and problem solving skills. If you come into an interview prepared with scenarios relevant to the role. Then it shows the recruiter that you have thought about how your skills relate to the job on offer.
That being said do not try to fit all of the scenarios into the questions being asked. It is also important to pay attention to what the interviewer is looking for in each question. And how your skill set fits with that.
We have listed a few ways to help you stand out to employers, when hunting for a job in 2022. If you are looking for a new role, or want to list a job on our online marketplace. Make sure to take a look at the job section of Shopless here.