Here are some simple concrete tips that I have picked up from my colleagues.
1. Tailor your application and CV to the job you are applying for!
It can be tempting to copy-paste to save time, but it won't help you. Of course, your CV will look relatively similar for many positions, but you should write your application specifically for the role you're applying for. Remember that recruiters review tens, maybe hundreds, of applications every single day. If your application is too general and bland, you won't be noticed.
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- The application should show who you are and your motivation for specifically this position
- The CV should showcase your experience and that you are qualified for the job you are applying for.
- What's special about you specifically? What sets you apart from the neighbour-seeker? You must get that across!
2. Market yourself!
Recruiters spend (far too much) time on LinkedIn. Some of the functionality they use most is the recruiter function. That's where they sit and hunt for candidates. For them to find you, it's important that your profile is updated with relevant education, work experience, and skills. Add «skills» and other relevant information that showcases you and your knowledge.
3. Prepare for the interview!
- Think through potential questions and what you can answer. Feel free to practice the interview situation with a good friend or by yourself. Just saying the words out loud helps.
- Remember that the recruiter is interested in finding out if you are motivated for the position and if you have the required experience. If you do – we must show it.
- What is important to you? Remember that you also need to find out if this is your dream job, think about what you are wondering about and what is important to you as an employee.
- Do you get nervous easily in job interviews? «Fake it until you make it» is my best advice. Have some thoughts on what you're going to say, like athletes do – visualise the match and show what you're capable of. Some prefer to be open and say that this job means a lot to them and that's why they're nervous. In my experience, if you say something out loud, it becomes real. If you say it's a bad day, it becomes a bad day. Say that this is a brilliant day. You're going to nail this job interview! You have both the competence and the motivation, what more is there to wonder about?
4. Provide examples
Here are concrete examples of experience. Ask the recruiter, for example, how you work under stress, you can answer with an example from a stressful situation at a previous workplace.
5. Get your motivation going!
In a job application process, you often compete against other candidates with similar experience and backgrounds. What sets you apart, among other things, is motivation. Why do you want this particular job? You need to tell the recruiter that!
