4 Things to Prepare Before Applying for a Job

When we’re about to apply for a job, many thoughts come to mind. You may be asking yourself:

“Is there any company willing to accept me?”

“What if I get rejected?”

“Will I possibly land this job?”

“Can I stand out among other candidates?”

These are irrational questions driven by your job search anxiety. Although it’s incredibly common, it’s not recommended to dwell on them. As we all know, job searching involves a lot of uncertainty, so you need to focus on what you can manage.

Preparation is the key to helping you handle whatever situations and challenges you might encounter in the job search. In this article, we will help you map out the strategy for your job application that will get you noticed and land your dream role.

As a job requires the best-matched candidate for their role, we summarize four things you need to do before applying for a job. Here they are:

First, collect and learn everything about the company and the role you’re applying for. As a smart candidate, we should understand that job hunting is a two-way street, where job seekers are just like the employers who are allowed to look for their best match.

Learning about the company can give you insight into the company's vision, culture, and management style. Be sure to take these factors into consideration before considering joining them as a part of their team.

Gather as much insight as possible about the position and role you’re applying for. By understanding the position and role, you can strategize how to align with it. This determines the skills, experience, and competencies you should highlight in front of the hiring manager.

Before applying for a job, it's essential to learn about yourself. Take time to consider what you can offer to the hiring manager. To help you with that, consider checking the following aspects:

Skills

Skills are crucial for standing out in the competition. Assess your skills and determine what you excel at. Remember that companies are looking for employees who align with their needs, so always tailor what you offer accordingly.

While you may have a long list of skills, consider shortlisting those that align with the role you're targeting. It's even better if these skills are supported by relevant experiences you've gained in the past.

Education

Conduct a background check on your education. Does the role you're applying for require specific educational qualifications or a certain degree level? If there is alignment in this area, it can be a plus point for you as a candidate.

Possessing an educational background that aligns with the job field indicates that you have the fundamental knowledge required for the role. Certain jobs typically require candidates to have relevant educational backgrounds, such as those in law, science, medicine, and engineering.

Experience

What if you don't have the required educational background? In some cases, relevant experiences can compensate for this. Relevant experiences serve as evidence of your professional competence in the related field.

However, it's important to filter the experiences you share. Avoid oversharing unnecessary experiences that may confuse the hiring manager. If you lack professional experience, include any organizational or voluntary experiences that are relevant and demonstrate the required skills for the job.

Digital presence

Before selecting candidates, it's commonly known that hiring managers usually cross-check profiles. One of the ways they do this is by conducting internet research. Now, reflect on yourself: do you have a solid online presence?

Having a well-curated online presence can position you as a potential employee, helping you establish credibility and stand out in a crowded job market.

Social media

Social media is a platform that hiring managers often check before choosing candidates. Ensure that your profile reflects what you want the employer to see.

For example, on LinkedIn, ensure your profile is updated with your most recent experience. It's also beneficial to regularly share insightful posts or interact with your connections. Additionally, check your other social media profiles. If you find any content you don’t want employers to see, drop it.

Achievements, course certificates, etc.

Good news if you've obtained relevant achievements or certifications. This aspect adds extra attraction to your competence and ability. Be confident in this; you're already one step ahead of others since you have more to offer.

Ensure that all your application materials are up-to-date and polished. After collecting all the information from your research and background check, it's time to tailor your profile to the position.

Tailor your resume to the specific job you’re applying for. Since you already know the needs and qualifications required by the company, make sure to write your resume accordingly. Highlight your relevant skills, experiences, and don’t forget to include any achievements if there are any.

To showcase your work samples, projects, and accomplishments, create a portfolio that is well-organized and easy to navigate. Consider the medium you want to use to display your portfolio. You can save it in a cloud drive to make it accessible for the employer or create it in the form of a hard file.

Another thing to prepare is a cover letter. Avoid sending a generic cover letter to multiple employers. Instead, tailor your cover letter according to the job description and ensure it presents you as the candidate they are looking for.

Prepare all the document assets before you apply so you won’t waste your time on administrative tasks. Format all documents professionally, include relevant keywords, follow the employer's instructions, and compile them in a professional email address.

Network with professionals in your field to increase your visibility, thus enhancing your chances of being hired. You can connect with professionals in your field by joining industry events, online forums, or social media platforms.

Additionally, you may connect with hiring managers at companies you’re interested in to express your interest in their organization. This connection can also keep you updated about potential job opportunities in the future.

Besides expanding your connections, nurture your relationships with former colleagues or acquaintances too. There’s no loss in maintaining such professional relationships. Instead, they can provide insights into job openings and give you recommendations for positions.

Now that you know the important things you should prepare before applying for a job, remember that finding a job is about finding the best match for each party. It takes time and a process for both parties to find one another.

If you're seeking job recommendations that align with your qualifications, let Epicareer help. We offer a smart job finding machine that can tailor its results to your skills, experiences, and location. Find your best match job right now.

Popular Jobs in Singapore:

Marketing Analyst | Marketing Communication Specialist | PPC Specialist | Social Media Specialist | Internal Auditor | Payroll Specialist | Tax Auditor | Sales Associate | Remote Call Center | Business Analyst | IT Project Manager | Mobile Developer | Product Manager | Security Engineer