With the overwhelming number of online job boards and potential opportunities in the market, you want to spend your time wisely. Why spend endless hours filling out an application and crafting a job specific cover letter, if the position is not the right fit? Your time is valuable so be selective and respond to those roles that fit you best. Here are four questions you should be asking before you take the time to fill out an online job application.
1. Do the duties match the title?
Don’t fall for a flashy title or decide to apply because it sounds responsible or appears to be a manager-level title. Read the job description carefully. Do the duties sound entry level but the title sounds impressive? On the flip side, the duties might be responsible heavy, but the title sounds entry level. If there is misalignment between a title and the job specifics, chances are the company may not know exactly what they want or need, or are just trying to gather as many applicants as possible. Make sure you read over the ad carefully to determine whether the duties match your goals.
2. What do the words say about the company culture?
Job descriptions can provide clues about what it would be like to work at the company and what is important to the employer. Listen to the language being used to pick up on the work environment. Does the description use formal language or does it sound more relaxed and casual? Do they discuss the importance of working as a team player or maybe a passion for community involvement or other interests you connect with? Decide if this culture is a good fit for you but also follow the language when responding. Highlight how you work in a team or what value you will bring or describe your passion for volunteering to create connection to what is important to them. Make sure you know what type of culture you’re looking for, and then look for verbiage that matches things that might be close to your heart like inclusivity, benefits, or additional perks that will give you a peak at how they treat their employees.
3. Are there any words or phrases that signify a possible scam or a fake job?
Remember the adage “if it’s too good to be true, it usually is.” Well this is true for job ads. If you read, “great pay for performance,” “getting in on the ground floor,” “high earning potential,” or “extended unpaid training periods”, tread cautiously. These are often commission-only, low-end sales jobs. These jobs you will see repetitively, as there is a constant stream of turnover. Be careful of job descriptions with typos, very short descriptions, and especially those that require any payment upfront – steer clear!
4. How closely do you match what they want?
Ultimately, if you get the job, you will need to perform the tasks described. If you apply for a job that you believe you can do but doesn’t really fit your background, you might be wasting everyone’s time. You’ll likely not receive a call or email with interest, either. Read over what is required, educational degrees and minimum number of years of experience needed in a specific task. Think through concrete examples and use a highlighter to check off each requirement. Beside each one, put down the number of years you’ve done the specific requirement. Evaluate your experience and accomplishments, ensuring the gaps in requirements and your experience are not huge. For example, the description might ask for five years of managerial experience and you have 4 1/2, not a game changer so apply. You can later use this list when filling out the application, making sure your story and examples fit the employer’s list.