Ever find yourself staring at a job posting, eager to apply,
but with that nagging feeling of uncertainty?
Trust me, I’ve been there, and it wasn’t pretty.
Back in 2018, I was on the hunt for an internship.
I was full of energy and ready to dive into the corporate
world.
So, I did what most people do—I started sending out
applications.
And not just one or two; I must have applied to dozens of
roles.
But guess what? Crickets. 🤨
Not even a rejection email. I was baffled.
Looking back, I can see where I went wrong.
My CV was a mess—a generic template I got from a cybercafé,
with outdated information and no real focus.
It didn’t reflect my skills or potential, and honestly, I
didn’t put in the effort to make it stand out.
I just wanted a job, any job...
Then, something unexpected happened. I landed a role at a
company that didn’t even ask for a CV.
They just wanted to know who I was, what I could do, and how
I could contribute.
It was a wake-up call.
I realized that it wasn’t just about applying for jobs—it
was about how I presented myself.
I’m sharing this because I know the frustration of applying
and NOT hearing back.
I’ve learned that there are steps you can take to increase
your chances of landing that dream job.
So, without wasting time, here are the three crucial steps
you need to take before you hit that apply button:
1. Get Clear on What You Want:
Before anything else, you need to identify the kind of job
you’re after.
Are you aiming for a role in tech, marketing, finance?
Know your industry and the specific skills you bring to the
table.
This clarity will guide you in targeting the right jobs,
saving you from wasting time on roles that aren’t a good fit.
Back then, I was open to every job, but the truth is, you
can't be available to take up every role.
The sooner you realize this, the better you'll be able to
position yourself in the niche you belong to and craft your marketing materials
to suit that angle.
2. Customize Your Application:
This is where many people trip up, just like I did back in
the day.
Sending out the same CV to every job posting won’t cut it.
Each job is unique, and your application should reflect
that.
Tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight the skills and
experiences that match the job description.
If there’s a skill you’re missing but you’re willing to
learn, don’t be afraid to mention that too. Employers appreciate a can-do
attitude.
To improve your chances, always review the job ad before
sending your CV.
Study the requirements and take a few minutes to update your
CV with the relevant keywords, assuming you meet those criteria.
This helps you stand out from the crowd, making your CV
uniquely optimized and tailored to the specific job you're applying for.
Every company has its expectations and desired qualities in
a candidate.
It's your job to use your CV to demonstrate that you meet
those expectations, prompting them to invite you for an interview to prove it.
3. Check and Double-Check the Details:
Before you hit “send,” take a moment to review everything.
- Is
your CV up-to-date?
- Does
it align with your LinkedIn profile?
- Are
there any typos or formatting issues?
Consistency is key.
You don’t want a small mistake to cost you a great
opportunity.