Before You Apply For a Job, Ask Yourself These 4 Questions

Source: Huffington Post

How many job applications have you made in the last 12 months? Many I suppose but each only brings disappointment and negative or no feedback.

In a career article by Susan P. Joyce she says that job seekers need to stay focused and bring their “A game” to every opportunity they pursue.

She gives the following tips before you apply for a job. Carefully read the job description, and then, ask yourself these four questions:

1. Do I want this job?

Yes, a paycheck is VERY important! But, earning that paycheck will mean doing that job. So before you chase and, perhaps, land the wrong job, read the “duties” or “responsibilities” section of the job description very carefully.

The benefit: When you apply for a job you really want, your enthusiasm will show in the quality of your application and interview.

2. Do I qualify for this job?

Examine the “requirements” or “qualifications” section in the job description. Even if you “know” that you could do the job described, applying may be a waste of your time if you don’t meet most of the requirements — like meeting three out of four or five of the requirements, or seven out of nine or 10.

In this competitive job market, employers have their choice of applicants. So, applying for a job without meeting most — or all — of the requirements/qualifications makes it doubtful that you will be considered for the job.

The benefit: When you apply carefully for a job that is a good fit for you, you have a better chance of making it through the human or automated screening (or both) to be invited in for an interview.

3. Do I want to work for this employer?

Hopefully, this employer is already on your list of target employers. If not, do some checking to be sure that this is a good place to work.

Maybe this employer has a terrible reputation as a place to work or been involved in a bad situation — legal, financial, quality, etc. Or, maybe it’s a great place to work, and everyone who works there loves it. You won’t know until you check it out. Take my word for it — you don’t want to be the last person hired before the layoffs begin.

The benefit: You will be better prepared to do an excellent job of applying, and your knowledge will demonstrate your interest in the employer in a job interview. Your research could also show you that while the job sounds great and you qualify for it, working for this employer would be a nightmare best avoided.

4. Do I know anyone who already works there?
Check your network online (LinkedIn, Facebook, etc.) and off-line (friends, family, colleagues, etc.) to see if you have a contact already working for the employer who could deliver your CV into the hands of the hiring manager.

The benefit: When a contact on the inside (an existing employee) submits your CV and vouches for you, you have a much better chance of being considered. And, it is much better to “spend” that favor of a personal CV delivery on a job that is a good fit rather than wasting it on a long shot.

If you have answered yes to all the questions job searching should not be a struggle anymore.

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