The art and method of successfully applying for a job opportunity
12 June 2014
Read by 3045 persons
You've decided to take on a new challenge and manage your career. And there, right before your eyes, is the job posting describing your dream job.
But beware, before applying haphazardly, it's important to follow a few key steps that will increase your chances of landing an interview.
Here are 3 steps not to miss.
Step 1: Carefully read the job posting
Reading and deciphering the job posting is essential. It's through the posting that you learn what the recruiter is looking for. It's a goldmine of information related to the company, the position, and of course, the desired profile.
It is therefore essential to carefully analyze the terms used. For example, if it states that fluent English is essential and you don't master this language, there's no point in applying.
Identify keywords in the text to determine whether or not your profile matches what the recruiter is looking for. If the recruiter is looking for experience in a similar position, it means they expect the candidate to have gained experience in the same role, not general experience.
Step 2: Rephrase and adapt your resume
To maximize your chances as a candidate, put yourself in the recruiter's shoes. You've probably experienced it yourself as an executive: a poorly worded resume already creates a preconceived notion about the candidate.
If your resume title is "General Manager" and you're applying for a "Sales Manager" position, the recruiter is entitled to ask questions... If you have experience in roles corresponding to those in the job posting but with a different title, change your resume title.
Highlight the common points between your profile and the job posting. For example, if you have experience in the same industry, include it on your resume and adapt it to the recruiter's expectations.
Step 3: Write a cover letter and personalize it
A resume without a cover letter, especially for high-level profiles like yours, can show the recruiter the lack of interest you have in your application and therefore in the position you are applying for.
It is therefore important to take 10 minutes of your time to write a letter that states the purpose of your submission with one or two motivational sentences related to the position and/or the company.
To support your application, take the time to find the recruiter's name to personalize your letter. You can find this information by consulting their website or through your network. This initiative will only be an additional asset for your application.
In short, to optimize your chances of being at the top of the list of resumes retained by the recruiter, you must dedicate time to your application. Before applying, be curious and seek information. The business press and the internet are, among others, excellent ways to find information about the company and its industry.
Analyzing the recruiter's needs, paying particular attention to your application, and deepening your knowledge of the company will only enhance your application and allow you to gather information that you can then share with the recruiter on the day they contact you, which will only increase their interest in your profile.
Philippe Montant
General Manager of ReKrute
But beware, before applying haphazardly, it's important to follow a few key steps that will increase your chances of landing an interview.
Here are 3 steps not to miss.
Step 1: Carefully read the job posting
Reading and deciphering the job posting is essential. It's through the posting that you learn what the recruiter is looking for. It's a goldmine of information related to the company, the position, and of course, the desired profile.
It is therefore essential to carefully analyze the terms used. For example, if it states that fluent English is essential and you don't master this language, there's no point in applying.
Identify keywords in the text to determine whether or not your profile matches what the recruiter is looking for. If the recruiter is looking for experience in a similar position, it means they expect the candidate to have gained experience in the same role, not general experience.
Step 2: Rephrase and adapt your resume
To maximize your chances as a candidate, put yourself in the recruiter's shoes. You've probably experienced it yourself as an executive: a poorly worded resume already creates a preconceived notion about the candidate.
If your resume title is "General Manager" and you're applying for a "Sales Manager" position, the recruiter is entitled to ask questions... If you have experience in roles corresponding to those in the job posting but with a different title, change your resume title.
Highlight the common points between your profile and the job posting. For example, if you have experience in the same industry, include it on your resume and adapt it to the recruiter's expectations.
Step 3: Write a cover letter and personalize it
A resume without a cover letter, especially for high-level profiles like yours, can show the recruiter the lack of interest you have in your application and therefore in the position you are applying for.
It is therefore important to take 10 minutes of your time to write a letter that states the purpose of your submission with one or two motivational sentences related to the position and/or the company.
To support your application, take the time to find the recruiter's name to personalize your letter. You can find this information by consulting their website or through your network. This initiative will only be an additional asset for your application.
In short, to optimize your chances of being at the top of the list of resumes retained by the recruiter, you must dedicate time to your application. Before applying, be curious and seek information. The business press and the internet are, among others, excellent ways to find information about the company and its industry.
Analyzing the recruiter's needs, paying particular attention to your application, and deepening your knowledge of the company will only enhance your application and allow you to gather information that you can then share with the recruiter on the day they contact you, which will only increase their interest in your profile.
Philippe Montant
General Manager of ReKrute
