7 Things Qualified Job Seekers Forget When Applying for Jobs

Kenya jobs,

In the last few weeks, you have written to us with queries on why you are not getting interview invites. Most of you cited how they are tired of applying for jobs without feedback, and some of you went ahead to blame us for this outcome.

We get it; not getting a job can be seriously frustrating. But if you are ready to quit the blame and change your odds, we can help you by pointing out those things you always forget. And in turn, you have to promise to accept the mistakes and make appropriate changes in your next applications. Agreed?

In this post, we will outline and explain important tips job seekers forget when applying for jobs, despite being suitably qualified.

7 Things Qualified Job Seekers Always Forget When Applying for Jobs

1. You Need to Tailor Your CV for that Specific Job

This does not mean you get a new professional CV. No. It means you make a few edits to the CV you are using, in order to effectively showcase your qualifications. Remember, recruiters take only a few seconds to evaluate your suitability for the role. If they can’t see how you match the job in question, you will not get the interview.

It is not about knowing you are qualified, it is about telling it on paper. So if the job requires you to have a Degree, make sure it’s easily visible. If it requires prior experience in manufacturing industry or other and impeccable analytical skills, let this be clear.

2. You Must Carefully Read through the Job Description before Applying for Jobs

You are not the first to skim through a job description and you will not be the last. This happens a lot, where a job seeker goes straight to the requirements section to decide their suitability. It is one of the greatest causes of a failed job application. Why? When you do this, it becomes easy to miss out on important details of the job.

For instance, some recruiters prefer to describe the ideal candidate above the duties and responsibilities. If you were to go straight to qualifications and requirements, you would not see this information, and hence, miss out on the interview.

3. Interview Chances Get Better When You Have Direct Experience

This goes without saying. While transferable experience is important to some employers, most of them prefer hiring candidates with direct experience. It is a fact considered unfair by most job seekers, but nonetheless, it is still a fact and will affect your interview chances when applying for jobs.

To improve your chances for an interview, accept this fact and adhere to it.

4. The Job Opening is a Competition Where Only the Best Win

Almost every job seeker in Kenya is a victim of this. You forget that a job opening is actually a competition where only the best of the pack wins. There could be a tie, yes, but this is still considered a win at the job application stage.

When you always remember that an open position is a competition, you are able to bring your A-game. You are also able to pay attention to the three things mentioned above, look through a job application checklist, and use a third party to confirm your application is ready to send.

5. You Can’t Assume Instructions Given and Expect to Land the Interview

Not following instructions is another common mistake that qualified job seekers make. You have all the qualifications and requirements mentioned in the job advert, but somehow, you forgot to pay attention to the guidelines at the very bottom.

Always remember that in every advert for a job opening, there is usually a How to Apply section where recruiters outline the job guidelines. They give directions on how to apply and include the email address to use, Subject Line and a disclaimer on when to expect a response. Make sure you pay attention to this particular information when applying for jobs.

Read Also >>> How Not Following Instructions Denies You a Job Interview

6. Being in a Hurry to Apply Makes You Omit Important Details

Many times are the ones recruitment managers have come across a suitably qualified candidate who decided to leave out their phone numbers. Some job seekers remember to include, but the number they listed is not the correct one. In such cases, a recruiter is left with no choice but to move on with the list of applicants and consider another candidate.

Whenever you are making a job application, don’t be in a hurry. This might not work out in your favour. Take your time, ensure you follow instructions and that all important information is included.

7. It is No Longer Enough to Make an Application and Relax

In today’s job market, you cannot apply to one job and sit comfortable waiting for a reply. You also cannot send in your CV to many job openings at once, and wait to hear from recruiters. This will never work in your favour. It will only frustrate you and cause you major disappointments in your job search.

To counter this, always make sure you have a job search strategy. Find several positions you meet qualifications for, list down their requirements, then strategically apply for each one. Repeat this process every single day until the day you get that call for an interview. You can also read how to prepare for your next job for more insight.

In the End…

How you make a job application is as important as ensuring your CV is professionally done. It might not guarantee that you’ll get a job, but it will determine if you get the job interview or not. Take note of these 7 things qualified job seekers forget, and make sure you are not a victim.

Got a query about your career? Leave it in the comments below and we will try our best to reply.

The writer is a Communications Officer at Corporate Staffing Services. Reach her by emailing selipha@corporatestaffing.co.ke

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