✖ putting myself out there: job application madness
I know it's roughly said about the place I currently work at, but to be honest - they already know how I feel about being there. They also know that I would be somewhere else if I had the chance.
This month, I've been on a mission. I've been on a mission to put myself out there and I've applied for over 50 jobs in my area, in and out my field. And oh boy, let me tell you, applying for jobs should be counted as an Olympic sport of some sort.
You need to know why you're applying, you cannot write "I hate my job, please take me there" and you most certainly need to know how to sell yourself without sounding too braggy. And amongst all that, most places want you to have a 10-year education with 20 years of experience and if you're a woman, you should be over the age of 40 so there's a good chance you will not ever reproduce again. Oh, and you should also know where you see yourself in 20 years of time.
For one job application question, where they asked where I see myself in 5 years, I answered:
It's a tricky question. I'm aiming to graduate in 2022 with bachelors of digital communication/media, I've already reproduced once so a baby is out of the question, I hope to build a career in my of field. But who will know where the life is going to take me, I could be hit by a bus tomorrow and next time anyone will see me is at my own funeral. It's a tough decision between my dream career and a grave, but I sure hope it's not the latter.I didn't get that job, but at that point, I felt like it's one of the most pointless things to ask. Here's what I should've answered instead:
In five years I see myself working at your company, with my own office corner perhaps and hoping to land on a promotion of some sort.
Here's a bunch of other things I've learned, to ease up your job application madness:
✖ show genuine interest towards the company you're applying to
✖ be yourself
✖ don't fill in the application if you've just spent your day at your miserable job and you're feeling like you hate the whole world
✖ create an excel chart to keep on top of the things and places you've applied to
✖ rebuild your CV to be suitable for the job you're applying for, every single time
✖ keep your LinkedIn profile up to date
✖ you can still apply if you don't fit in all their requirements
✖ don't be afraid to put yourself out there
✖ recommendations are the key
It's a tough world, but we got this, eh? Do you have anything to add on my list?
Your answer to that five year question was absolutely hilarious! They ask some pointless stuff sometimes. I was at an interview once and the guy asked me for an example of a situation where I'd used common sense??? Erm well I didn't get hit by a bus on the way here so I managed not to cross the road when traffic was coming? Great tips, I think altering your CV a bit for each job is really helpful. Good luck! x
ReplyDeleteSophie
www.glowsteady.co.uk
Altering your CV for each job is crucial. Thanks a lot Sophie!
DeleteThese are such a great tips and wish I created a spreadsheet when I was applying for job to keep on top of them.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your search, hope you find your dream job!
Jessica & James | www.foodandbaker.co.uk
Excel is a gift from whoever invented it haha, it has saved my ass more than once!
DeleteThanks a lot!
I've applied for so many jobs in the past and I've never been overly successful at the interview stage, but that checklist is such a good thing to look at if you're struggling with the job application process! x
ReplyDeleteLucy | https://www.lucymary.co.uk/
OH gosh, the interviews! Don't even get me started with those haha.
DeleteI absolutely hated being asked the five year question - I never knew how to respond! And keeping a spreadsheet is such a useful tip! xxxx
ReplyDeleteIt's such an old-fashioned question, don't you think!
DeleteI'm in the same boat as you and job hunting desperately. Loved your answer to the where do you see yourself in 5 years question. What I really dread is why do want to work for us questions. Also the tips are great thank you for them. I wish you good luck on your search and may we both find our dream jobs soon.
ReplyDeleteOh that's another one! Like umm, well money would be fab thanks haha
DeleteSuch good tips! I'm currently on the job hunt as well. I will definitely be taking these into account as I fill out 50 more applications. Lol.
ReplyDeleteGood luck and I hope you find a better job that treats you right! <3
xx, Brittaney | TheDecemberEdit.com
I'll keep my everything crossed for both of us! xx
DeleteThis is a really good post. I know how you feel about writing something unconventional and it not working anyway! But your tips are great!
ReplyDelete:-) thanks!
DeleteI feel your pain on the job hunt nightmare! It's such a long process and it's easy to feel like you're running in circles filling out application after application. Good luck on your search! x
ReplyDeleteEl | Welsh Wanderer
It's an awfully long process. Thanks!
DeleteYes I agree! Job hunting is an Olympic sport!
ReplyDeleteBrittaney, I hope you find your job and keep persisting! Also, I've been practising law of attraction so maybe next few job applications, wholeheartedly believe and say it out loud that you will get that job!
:D
DeleteThis was really helpful. Im currently thinking of getting back into the job market. It's been a while so thanks for the refresher course.
ReplyDeleteHahah, good luck!
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