Are you also looking for a new or different job? Perhaps these tips will help you on the right track or give you tools to increase your chances of a successful application
Step 1 The start: Searching for a suitable vacancy
This is where it all starts. It is wise if you are prepared to make some time available for this, because searching for suitable vacancies does take some time. Well-known sources are of course the vacancy sites and the widely trusted newspaper. There are plenty of vacancies on some sites, but finding a suitable vacancy takes some effort. For this, the use of many filters is a must. First you filter the vacancies so that there are only vacancies that match your level of education. You can be a bit daring by also filtering vacancies with a slightly higher education. Sometimes experience in a particular position is more decisive in some companies than a level of education. There is also a difference in the wording of a vacancy. An example of this is that it says work and thinking level. This means that they are looking for people who do not necessarily have a diploma at that level of education, but who do master that level. Of course, you also filter those vacancies. You then filter the vacancies according to your preference, distance, full-time/part-time, etc. Do not be too strict because your ideal vacancy may not entirely meet your needs, but if you filter too strictly you may miss it in the search results. Save all suitable vacancies in your favorites box on the website or in your favorites of your internet browser, so you can quickly find those vacancies and, for example, contact details if necessary.
Step 2. The Application Letter and CV
An application letter, also sometimes called a motivation letter, is a major factor in the success of your application. Of course, it is essential that there are no spelling or language errors in your letter. The spell checker in your text program can provide a solution, but it may also be an idea to let someone else read your letter. Convince yourself that your letter is spelling and language free before you send it. The format of an application letter is the same as a business letter. There are many sample letters available for download, but only use them for formatting and not for content. Many companies quickly notice if you send a standard letter because the content is very similar to that of many other letters sent and that does not work to your advantage. Have you not received a confirmation or response to your letter after, for example, a week after sending your letter? Always call the company and inquire about the status of your application. This always works to your advantage because it shows that you are motivated.
Here are some quick tips for your letter
- Use the word “I” as little as possible and never start paragraphs with it, always try to find an alternative, such as:
- I would like to send you an application – By means of this letter I would like to send your organization an application
- I am a cheerful and spontaneous person – The personalities that best describe me are
- I like to work in – As motivation
- I have a lot of experience as – Working as… is very familiar to me because of my… (years of) experience
- Always choose a neutral, neat-looking font, but not a times new roman, rather think of Calibri, for example
- Never go larger than 12 points, for the Arial and Calibri font even 10 or 11 is recommended
The most important thing your letter should be about is your motivation, because your education and experiences are already included in your CV. Companies are always interested in why you want to work for them. There is no standard available for this and you will have to be creative to express this yourself. If your motivation appeals to a company, your chance of being invited for an interview will be considerably greater.
A CV (abbreviation of Curriculum Vitae) is a personal document that briefly states who you are and what training and work experiences you have. There are many good examples available for downloading for the layout of a CV. It is important that it is completely up to date and as short and clear as possible. Do you do volunteer work or are, for example, chairman of an organization or foundation? You can then also choose to mention this in your CV unless you estimate that this reduces the chance of your application being successful. Please keep in mind that in many cases your CV will be read through in full during an interview.
Experience tip
From experience I have learned that if an application is requested via email, it is wiser to write a short email and attach your application letter and CV both as separate documents (preferably text document and not PDF). in the attachment in your email. Letters that are typed entirely in the e-mail message are more likely to be rejected.
Step 3: The conversation
After all your efforts, did you manage to receive an invitation for a job interview? Congratulations! This tells you that your letter and CV were sufficient for that company.
But the most important thing is coming now
It is now up to you to personally emphasize the same impression that the company has of you based on your letter and motivation. Remember that the person from the company you are interviewing with may sometimes be trained or have a lot of experience with job interviews, so never pretend to be anything other than who you are.
Good preparation for an interview is essential
This starts in the run-up to your interview, make sure that you do as much preparation as possible and that you can get through the day of the interview calmly and relaxed. For example, visit the website of the company where you are applying and try to remember as much information as possible about the company, for example: when was it founded, what are the objectives of the company, has the company recently received positive media coverage? ? It is of course strange if you have written a nice motivation in your letter and during the conversation you are asked the question that will certainly come up. What do you know about our company or are you familiar with our company? cannot give an answer or gives a stuttering answer. Also think about your answer to the question that is always asked: Why should we hire you?
Check the internet for the quickest way to get to the company and adjust your planning accordingly. If you have a choice between car and public transport, see what the wisest way to travel to the company is. A large office in the middle of a big city may be easier to reach by public transport and it will save you the time and stress of looking for and the costs of a parking space, while a company outside the city may not have ideal public transport connections and you easier to reach by car.
Iron clothes that need to be ironed the day or evening before. Go to sleep on time, a rested, relaxed impression clearly works to your advantage.
Here are some more tips
- Always be on time! Better to be 30 minutes early and wait in the car than 1 minute late.
- Always choose suitable clothing for the position for which you are interviewing and ensure that any tattoos and piercings are covered.
- Pay ample attention to your personal hygiene and brush your teeth before putting on your interview clothes.
- Try to be economical with make-up and fragrances, after all, you are going to a job interview and not a night out.
- Only get dressed or changed at home at the right time, you don’t want to accidentally make a stain (coffee, toothpaste, etc.) on your clothes that could cause you a problem.
- If you wear glasses, always clean them thoroughly and make sure they are free of grease stains.
- Do you wear a hearing aid? Convince yourself that you have sufficient battery capacity so that you will not be faced with any surprises during the conversation.
- Turn off your mobile phone before you leave home (do not put your phone on silent or vibrate, but preferably really off).
- Preferably keep keys (except car) and the like in your jacket pocket or out of sight and not in your trouser pocket.
- Speak calmly and clearly and be mindful of your volume.
- Always say You, unless the other person tells you not to.
- Always let the other person finish and listen carefully to what he or she says or asks.
- Try to sweat as little as possible.
- After the conversation, always wish the other person a good day/weekend when you leave.
Good luck with your applications and hopefully these tips will give you some tools that will increase your chances of getting a job.