The Easy Way to Boost Your Job Application
Before filling in any job application I believe that you need to know why you are applying in the first place. If you are not wholly congruent, then, at some level the recipient will ‘get’ that! It always amazes me that whatever platform we use to communicate, our true selves are reflected there.
“Always be honest about your motives because it will ring true.”
When I worked for a Government organisation that funded Universities, we had over 2000 applications for each role. We had strict recruitment-criteria: No degree = Out. Not legible = Out. missed a section = Out. This was a perhaps harsh but essential sieving of information. When it came down to reading the content however, you had to trust your gut. Whittling it down to 5 or 6 interviewees from the several hundred applicants we might have had left, was a matter of opinion and personal preference. These opinions originating equally from HR and the department involved.
So what were the deciding factors? What always stood out were passion and purpose. With passion the applicant would always have thought above and beyond our job spec. These were the applications that not only brought what we asked, but also showed what they could uniquely provide within that role. With a purpose they had a mission that lay way beyond ticking our boxes. Sometimes their perspective was what we needed, and, sometimes it was not. It was these applications however that were considered by everyone involved.
Job Application: Passion and Purpose
So before you even take a look at the job application I suggest that you examine your motives for wanting to apply in the first place. Identify what purpose (over and above earning a wage), this role has for you. That way when you look at the job specification you can see what you are already able to do and also see why the employer should support you to learn the rest. Tell them what injustice this role will ‘right’ for you. Tell the reader what motivates you to want to take action in their sector. Expand on the vision that you have for this client base. Explain the benefit of your passion to your potential employer and your CPD will rocket.
“Authenticity and passion are worth their weight in gold”
Tell them honestly why you want the role and you will greatly increase your chances of getting to interview. Really apply yourself to the job rather than applying the application to yourself, and, you’ll be amazed at the difference in response you receive. Always be honest about your motives because it will ring true and authenticity and passion are worth their weight in gold.