Here’s what you need to do during every step of the job-seeking process.
At some point in your life, you’ll have to deal with the notorious job-hunting process. Experienced or not, you’re going to face almost the same issues as every other person, which can be stressful, time-wasting, depressing, and expensive. Even though one’s health is considered a luxury in this postmodern world we’re living in, I beg to differ. This is why I’ll give you the most useful tips to save yourself from the physical and mental strain of job-seeking.
Throughout my career, I’ve done countless applications and been to countless interviews, and I can attest that, at the end of the day, the most important thing is your mental and physical stability. The second most important thing is your time and your money. Whether you believe it or not, looking for a job can quickly drain those two out of you.
This guide will help you if you’ve been unlucky enough to put yourself in that position. So, here are the top 11 points during the application process that you need to pay attention to and thrive.
1. Preparing your CV
Your CV is the most and least important document that you’re going to submit for a job application. It’s important because it’s required, and it will outline your qualifications, but unimportant, because no matter how much time you spend on online guides to make the best CV, you will never satisfy all the hiring criteria.
You probably have heard a ton of online advice from recruiters telling you the dos and don’ts, but most of them are pretentious talk. The reality is different. The hiring person will quickly screen through the CVs for keywords before deciding whom to call. In most cases, it won’t even be a real person, but a bot. In the end, it won’t matter how many motivational words you’ve put in it. Less is more in this case. Try to be short, clean, and to the point. Shortly describe your qualifications, and if you can fit everything in just one page, even better. However, the only “buzzwords” you should keep, are the ones that belong in your field of profession. That way, you may avoid being screened out by a machine.
As mentioned earlier, before submitting your CVs you have to consider the screening software and how to get around it. Big companies never read thousands of CVs one by one. Hence, you need specific “buzzwords” to trigger the green light. One way you could do this, is to adapt your resume to match the job requirement words. Or if you can find an online forum with people that know which software the company uses, even better. Even if it’s a person doing the screening, they might still toss your resume into the bin, just because they felt like it. Sometimes they will even let their assistant pick and decide who gets the job, as it’s too troublesome for them.
The message here is to understand that you’re not special, and nobody cares about the thousands of applicants that desperately need a job. You’re treated like literal trash, and that’s your first lesson on getting you tougher during the application process, as we’ll see below.
2. Preparing your motivation letter
The motivation letter feels like a bigger hassle than the CV, because it is. Stop following confusing online guides and recruiters’ advice. Just outline things that you could not state in your short CV and keep it relatively brief and simple.
For example, in your CV you can state your qualifications, but you cannot state that you’ve spent 10 years around Europe learning about different cultures. If this is something that would benefit your application and is relevant to the job position you’re applying to, then it’s an advantage that you can outline only through your motivation letter.
I’ve spent thousands of hours trying to make the perfect motivation letter for each position I’ve ever applied for, but that’s something you shouldn’t do. It’s a waste of time considering that you spend on average about a day or two just for a single motivation letter, which will be discarded in a fraction of a second by a machine. That’s why you shouldn’t pay more attention than necessary to that tedious task.
3. What to do when you don’t receive a reply?
There is a plethora of job positions and an even greater number of applicants for those positions. It makes sense that most companies feel “flattered”, and won’t care about being courteous to the applicants if they don’t pass the screening process. So, you might never receive a rejection e-mail. As such, if you’ve applied for a job and haven’t received any news yet, don’t fret. If they liked your qualifications, provided that they actually saw your application, they would contact you for an interview. Otherwise, you’ll be better off applying to other jobs, until you receive a reply, if ever.
“Zero care” should be your motto in every application. Treat job-hunting like an automated process or like rolling a virtual die, because that’s what it is. Don’t give too much emphasis on that “dream” position you saw on LinkedIn. You might not get it, just like many other candidates, or it could even be a fake post, which brings us to number 4.
4. Avoid “fishy” job advertisements
There are two types of fake job advertisements: a) those that are placed by scammers to get your money, and b) those that are advertised by legit companies, but are “ghost” positions. The first one is straightforward, as you just have to see through it, and simply avoid it. The latter is the tricky one, as it can make you lose precious time and cause you mental strain. You see, many companies place job postings that aren’t linked to any open position for the following reasons:
- Gauging the market for that specific role;
- Collecting “reserve” applicants in case that position becomes vacant in the future, and they need a quick replacement;
- Pretending to honor their Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) code, while they’re hiring the CEO’s nephew;
- Using it as a public stunt to falsely show that they are open and eagerly awaiting to hire motivated employees.
Once you’re done with the application, move on to the next one, or simply go out and have some fun. There’s absolutely no point in having high hopes for potential lies.
5. Filter through the job postings
While the “spray and pray” tactic might work, it won’t necessarily yield the desired results in landing a job. Either you’re going to get calls for positions you don’t fancy, or you might even fail the application process by not paying the necessary attention. Therefore, avoid applying for numerous jobs at the same time.
Instead, filter the ones you really like and fit your qualifications, and make the process much simpler and shorter. That way, you can keep track of the jobs you applied for, and avoid any redundant headaches. Chances are, you’re going to get hired for the jobs you’re qualified for, so why not avoid the time-wasters from the start?
6. First interview
First interviews can be in person or just a phone call. Whatever you do, don’t panic, and don’t get too excited either. It’s also important to keep composure and a positive mindset. The tone in your voice during the interview should also be calm and positive, without sounding too jolly. That’s because at the end of the phone call you might not qualify, or even worse, your behavior might be the reason for failing it. For example, if you’re overwhelmed by stress, you’ll come out as awkward and that equals bad communication with the hiring person. The bottom line is: the less you care about, the more relaxed you’ll be. Either way, it’s going to be a long process before you finally sign the contract.
Another important thing to remember, is to ask about the salary range from the start. There is no point in wasting your time with any further interviews if you’re not pleased with what they offer. I’ve spent almost 3 months in multiple interviews for a job I liked, only to turn it down before signing the contract due to the low offer. Don’t let anybody lowball you with tricks like this. The ones that pay well, aren’t afraid to show it. As a tip, ad 25% to what you think you deserve when you state your salary preference.
7. Second interview
The second interview is the comprehensive one. Normally, there are going to be at least two people interviewing you, and they’ll play the “good cop” and “bad cop” game to test your personality and your skills related to the job. It’s going to be long and a very thorough process. They’re even going to ask you trick questions, but you can easily deal with it.
Relax, and keep a positive mentality. Keep a bright smile while you’re at it, and defuse any pressure they’re trying to exert on you. They’re going to like the fact that you’re friendly, and your ability to maintain your composure without breaking under pressure, compared to the rest of the stressed applicants who puke before they enter the room. This is something that’s been revealed to me by interviewers, and I absolutely believe it.
8. “Dormammu! I’ve come to bargain”
As previously mentioned, finding out the salary range is crucial. However, interviewers are tricksters regarding that aspect. You need to be careful when they ask about your current salary. If you’re employed, you don’t need to disclose it to them, or you can simply state the salary you want, instead of your actual one if you. Pro tip: tell them your ideal salary +20% on top of that. This way, even if you fail the negotiation game, and you lose that 20%, you’ll still have what you want. In case you’re unemployed, the same rule applies. If you accept anything due to your desperation, in the long run, you’re going to regret it.
Another good tip is to do some market research beforehand and see what the salary is for your field. That way, you’ll avoid undercutting or overshooting your salary.
9. The waiting game
Usually, after the first or second interview, it should take one or two weeks before they contact you again if they’re interested in you. Sometimes, even more, depending on the company. People might advise you to send the company a follow-up e-mail and ask about the progress of the application.
I, on the other hand, advise you to do nothing. Once you’re through with the first or second interview, just keep searching for the next job. If they want you, they’re definitely going to contact you for your final interview or the contract. If they don’t, well, no reason to keep thinking about it and punish yourself.
10. Do some “networking”
I put the word “network” in quotation marks, because it’s a fancy word for saying “nepotism” or “corruption.” Simply put, if the hiring process isn’t the same for every candidate, or if some candidates are favored more than others, it’s policy and law-breaking. You might not like it, but this is the reality we’re living in, and for the time being, we cannot do anything to change it. Whoever thinks this isn’t true, is living in a make-believe world.
Instead, use it in your favor. Contact people you know, or people that are relevant to your field. Contact people that aren’t either, because they still might know somebody who is. If you have a friend “powerful” enough to help you bypass the hiring process, then your job landing will become much easier, even if you aren’t qualified.
Pro tip: start networking as early as high school. You never know where things are going to end up. Maybe the geek that you once protected from a bully, will turn out to be the CEO that’ll hire you.
11. Take a break
Searching and applying for jobs is a draining task. It can end shortly or continue for months. You’re going to experience new forms of stress and pressure, and in combination with your desperation, it can severely impact your mental and physical state. It’s important to realize that, and build little by little your resistance and insensitivity to those external factors.
What’s also important is not to stop living while you’re searching for a job. You should spend the minimum necessary time applying for jobs, but the rest of your time should be dedicated to activities and entertainment, which are beneficial for you.
In conclusion
Job-seeking might take a huge mental and physical toll on you, without mentioning the money and time you’re going to spend applying for or attending job interviews. You must keep your health and sanity in check at all costs, which is much more important than your job-seeking activities.
You simply can’t work or live if you’re sick, and that defeats the whole purpose of finding a job for the purpose of achieving a successful career. We forget that everything we do, we do it for ourselves, and so we can have a better life, which equals a happier life. So, take a deep breath every time you find yourself in a swamp, and try to remember why you do what you do.
Hopefully, this article has helped you in your job-seeking process.
What else do you think we should add?
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