Stop hesitating and apply for that damn dream job!
We all have once applied for a job we really want to get. Some of you are looking for your dream job. Some others have already started a recruitment process to get THE job of their lives. Whatever the situation, we all struggle questioning ourselves how to apply, how to prepare for the interview, what to wear for the job interview, and many more questions.
I have been on both sides of the table as the interviewed one and the interviewer. So many friends addressed me to review their CVs, their cover letters and to help them prepare their interviews by simulating one. It is time I share my knowledge and experience with more people than my close friends.
When my one-year-old daughter tried to make her first step, she hesitated for long. She stood up, she grasped the table, then she backed off not being sure rather she would be able to succeed. After some time, she tried again. This time, she hesitated long and called “Mama” to get my attention and support, and then, it happened, she did one step and fall in my arms. She laughed and danced with one hand in the air celebrating her success. She hesitated for a long time, but she did it, right?
Now it is your turn. You hesitated long enough. It is time to apply for this damn dream job! Let me be your HR mama and give you some tips to apply successfully.
- Write your CV on one page or a maximum of two pages.
- If you are sending an email application, make your email your cover letter. No need to write an additional one as an attachment.
- Keep your email short. The recruiters do not have time to read your life story. They want you to tell them your life story in person if your CV matches, so focus on your CV.
- Read and re-read your email and CV to make sure you do not leave any mistakes.
It is as simple as these 4 points, is it? Yes, and to maximize your chances there is one more tip: Before you send your application for your dream job, train yourself sending your application to similar positions but less appealing to you. You will receive valuable feedback on your application and maybe also on your interview if you come so far. This feedback will help you to improve your application and maximize your chance when applying for your dream job.
If you come so far to prepare yourself for an interview, do not be afraid, take it easy but seriously. Think of it as if you already were engaged in the company and this is your chance to introduce your colleagues to how to bring more value to the company. And hey! do not forget to ask questions. It is as much important to prove you are a valuable person for the company as to understand the company itself.
Before your interview, prepare yourself browsing the internet to gather as much information as you can about the company: Company business on their website, company figures if you can find them, company culture through employees’ posts on Twitter or other social media, maybe also about the experts you might be working with. This research will also help you decide what to wear for your interview. Although, this is not what recruiters focus on. Many recruiters won’t even take care of your clothes as long as you do not show up as you were going to the beach. The dress code will also depend on the position you apply for.
Whatever you decide to do, be yourself. Do not be afraid of sending your application. Start training yourself by sending your application to companies your careless before you send your application to that one company with your dream job.
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This is the first article of a series of articles. I will be writing a series of articles about different questions and situations, sharing my experience and opinion on recruitment processes and overall HR topics. If you have questions on specific recruitment and HR-related topics, please let me know and I will try to post an article on the topic.
As a bonus, I share with pleasure a podcast link that also handles recruitment-related topics. These podcasts include an interview of HR professionals giving tips on recruitment processes in their companies and sharing the open positions they have now. These podcast series are made in German. English podcasts are planned. Check them on Spotify and Itunes.
