Applying for a new job can be daunting, particularly if you are wanting to move upwards on the career ladder. However, this is a journey that many people successfully make, and you should be no different. Somebody has to get your dream job, so it may as well be you!
But going from application to acceptance will mean that you will need to know which buttons to press with your potential employers to get them to choose you. While many people may brush off rejection for that fantastic job as meaning that they were not good enough for the job, or that there were better applicants; one thing that may well be missing in their application and interview process was research.
Spending time understanding the role, the company, and the thought processes behind that specific companies recruitment processes can help you dramatically when it comes to winning your dream job.
Understanding the Recruitment Process
Whatever the company you are applying to, there will be a specific need that drives their recruitment process. They may be looking to make a quick replacement for an outgoing employee in a current role. Or, they may be looking to innovate or expand and be wanting new blood to add something different to their business. There may be any number of reasons for hiring someone, but understanding their motivations will help you out in your application. This insight will allow yourself to angle your proposition in a way that appeals to them.
Understanding the role of HR within the company that you are applying will help you to work out what is important to them as a company. This can be beneficial as you can communicate this in your application.
Research the Company
Knowing all about the company that you are applying to give you a head-start. By researching everything from the history to the future of the business will help you when it comes to the interview stage. You should also demonstrate that you have a more comprehensive understanding of the industry as a whole and who their direct competitors are. Another critical area that you can look into is the workplace culture within the business. Read reviews from employees on social media and on recruitment sites. You may find out some interesting things that may come in handy when it comes to your application or interview.
There really is no excuse for not doing this kind of due diligence about a company that you are potentially going to devote a great deal of time and effort to. Most companies have at least some form of digital representation, and many will have a great deal of information out there in the public domain. Read up and make sure that you are finding out information that will be relevant and helpful, and will demonstrate that you go into every opportunity with your eyes open having done your research before you leap. This will go far in standing you in good stead for the career that you are looking for.
