Back in the day just after independence when corporates and
government were forming up, it was pretty easy to land a good job with just
high school certificate. Employers used to visit schools and select students to
join their team with less consideration for post secondary education. Well, things
were pretty smooth but now that things have changed, years gone and
organizations evolved, employers are now looking a little further when it comes
to recruiting and talent sourcing. Minimum requirements may include graduate or
postgraduate qualifications and substantial experience with a good blend of behavioral
competences. In this era where almost everyone meets the qualifications and
with very many applicants going for a position, you as an applicant need to
stand out among the rest and show your uniqueness, something that will pull the
recruiters’ attention.
To be smart, here are a few tips that will guarantee you an
interview.
Read and understand
the job description
Job descriptions are mean to give you a clear understanding
of what is expected of you. The job title, opening and closing dates, duty
station, reporting lines, duties and responsibilities, how to apply etcetera
will be entailed in the Job description. If you do not meet the requirements,
then you know your chances are slim; for example, applying for a job in a
foreign country when you do not have a work permit or resident permit may also
be tricky or worse, applying for a senior level position when you know you do
not meet the minimum requirements. It is best to first understand yourself and
know where you fit best before applying.
Follow application
instructions
Instructions may include how to apply and when. If the
recruiter wants you to forward a Pdf attachment, better do so or if the application
is via an online site, simply follow the links, create an online account and
apply as instructed. Trust me; you do not want to see how your hardcopy is
shredded where the recruiter has strictly called for online applications.
Revamp and Customize your
CV
Curriculum vita provide detailed information of a job
applicant. It is therefore significant to
personalize and customize your resume so it reflects your skills and abilities
and connects them with the jobs you are applying for. Ensure
you exhaust your qualifications and list them clearly as different
organizations prefer different CV formats to make it easy for them to review
them and owing to the fact that applications may be overwhelming. CV writing
may vary for entry level, mid level and senior positions. Types may include
chronological formats, job-oriented formats, UN formats and many more.
Ensure a cover letter
is attached
A cover later should be your icing on the cake, make it
brief and clear underscoring your achievements, experience and what you can
offer.
Also ensure the cover letter is well written, dated, with a clear
destination address, reference heading and be spell-checked.
Ensure you meet the
deadline
Applications received after deadlines are normally disregarded,
so, be in time. This shows your focus and determination to get the job besides
giving the recruiter enough time to review the CVs and get back to the applicants.
Avoid colorful
applications unless asked for
Colorful applications may not be favorable unless you are applying
for designer jobs. Maintain neatness and straight forward points. Use of
understandable language is neigh and make sure you avoid those hard
vocabularies that you read in a novel like ‘My life in crime’.
Some systems may also not receive blacklisted attachment formats
or very large file formats.
By: HRM Guide Kenya Correspondent
