How to deconstruct a job advert – and boost your application
Job hunting can be a long and disheartening process.
It’s very tempting to take a quick glance at an advertised role then dash off an application. You know this may not be your best bet to win an interview, but you’re working on the numbers game approach – get as many applications in as possible and one of them will come good. Right?
Sadly, probably not.
In a competitive jobs market, the easier you can make it for the advertiser to see your great fit for the role, the better your chances. And you can’t do this careful work based on a quick glance, however tempting that might be.
So with this more attentive approach, I’ve put together a framework to help you deconstruct what they are really looking for.
If you invest time in understanding the needs of the organization and the demands of the role, and then adapt your CV and application statement accordingly, you’re stacking the game in your favour.
When you understand their needs, and demonstrate you have a record of success in the skills, attributes and impact they’re looking for, you’re making it easy for them to invite you in.
1. A targeted approach
When you use a framework like this one, you’re giving yourself the opportunity to understand the role in more depth – and appreciate exactly why you are a great candidate. Not only does this boost your confidence, but it also means you are bringing the best, targeted evidence to your application. You’re making it easier for the selector to say YES.
Download this free worksheet here and you’re in business. As you examine the role, also ask what is hiding in plain sight – what help does this organization need that they are not saying in so many words? Why is this role being advertised now? What are the ‘now’ problems it solves?
And if you’d like an impartial eye on your application, or when preparing for the interview, why not book a Career Clarity Call.
Get in touch to find out more.
2. Insider Information
The best way to ensure you have a real grasp of the role and why it’s available now is to get beyond what is in the public domain. We all know that there is often a deeper need driving the creation of a new role and the best way to understand that is to speak to someone who works there.
This is where the power of your network comes into play. Here are some prompts to get your detective skills in motion:
· Who do you know at this organization? Use LinkedIn as a reminder if it’s a large organization and to see which of your 2nd or 3rd degree contacts may be employed here. If possible, secure an introduction from a mutual contact. If you’d like some tips on building connections for your career transition, get in touch to order my guide: Connections to Fuel Your Career Change
· If there is a named contact in the advert, get in touch with them. It’s surprising how valuable this can be and enables you to start building a useful connection.
· Who do you know at other branches of the organization or who work for their competitors? These contacts will have insights that will help you prepare a stronger application.
· Use your alumni network – the LinkedIn search function will help you identify alumni from your network who went to your school or college and who work for this employer. They may be able to help - and having the alumni connection gives you a way to introduce yourself. You could also try following the official alumni page for your university or target organization to keep abreast of developments.
Search your connections and filter by school - this also works for specific employers or sectors if you use those filters.
· What does glassdoor have to say about the organization, their interviewing practices and what it’s like to work there? Remember these are all subjective details, but may give you ideas for strengthening your application.
I hope these ideas have helped to give your applications a new lease of life. Do let me know what other advice has worked for you – especially in these Covid times.