My last post explored how to undertake effective research and preparation for job applications.
Here I share advice and tips from Warwick’s female staff who completed the Springboard programme. Contributors have since been progressing in their careers, so a big ‘thank you’ to all who shared their insights.
- Apply only for things you genuinely want. Ideally have a vision for your career, what motivates you, what are you good at, what do you get energised about and what you hate.
- If there is a contact name on the application for any questions, contact them. They will remember you when your application goes through. It also gives you a true indication as to if you could collaborate with this person and it’s an opportunity to have a head start.
- If in doubt, apply for the job. Any chance to practice interviewing alone is so valuable. Even if it didn’t go well, note down all the questions you were asked for next time.
- Actually go for jobs. Don’t rule yourself out, even if there are descriptors or criteria you aren’t sure you meet. You don’t have to meet all the essential criteria to be hired: companies like to see room for development and areas to train people up.
- Desirable criteria are nice to haves so don’t hesitate to apply if you don’t meet these. Instead, show that you have done some research on the role/industry and organisation that relates to that desirable. E.g. Haven’t worked in Student Recruitment specifically for a job that desires experience in it? You can research and showcase your understanding of the stake holders involved, the issues they’re facing and understand what the job at hand will involve.
- Think about what you could offer to the role overall. How you can address the criteria creatively (maybe from outside the day to day activity of your current role?).
- Note down each essential criteria in the job spec and highlight key words for the skill or experience required. In your statement for the application, make sure you are mentioning these words specifically but also giving examples (1-3 ideal) to demonstrate how you meet as many essential criteria with either transferrable skills or direct experience. Some examples will cover multiple essential criteria too so your 1-3 examples might tick many boxes but still great to give as many examples as possible.
- Mention specifically essential skills or experience that you don’t meet as areas that you want to develop and are keen to progress in professionally.
- Evidence any experience you have through your statement. Include any certificates that may be relevant to the experience that you can upload.
- Check your statement, double check it, amend it several times. Ask a friend to proofread it.
- Send your application in early rather than leaving until last minute. This shows you’re keen and organised.
- Ask for feedback on your application. You may have not got the position for a simple reason. To know the reason and understand is worth everything. Don’t be afraid to ask. Take the feedback on board and use it towards your next interview.
You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take. Wayne Gretzky
