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So, the time has come to start your journey in finding a new job. It’s exciting, we get it. The thought of a new start, meeting new people, new environment, new goals – ok you get it, the list goes on and on. Finding a new job has its challenges, that’s for sure. Most of us spend countless hours searching for jobs that by the end of it, we find ourselves just clicking that apply button without even thinking twice. It’s tiring and frustrating but don’t forget, this is your life we’re talking about here. Next time you’re about to apply for a job, take a step back and consider these 6 things before you apply for your next job.

Tip #1: Check company reviews on Glassdoor

If you’re applying for a job through a recruitment agency, chances are you may not know who the business is, but it’s important to find out! When searching for reviews, there are a few platforms that offer company reviews, but we recommend Glassdoor due to their privacy policy which means current and former employees can be 100% honest. Don’t just look at the overall score, remember, these reviews are an overall review of the company. Try to focus on reviews more suited to the department you’ll be situated in. Spend as much time as needed as this is a crucial step in the process to understand the culture, environment, leadership, and everything in between.

Tip #2: Check out the company’s socials

You might wonder why this is so important? Let us explain. When it comes to social media, most establish businesses will post about their employees, functions, and events that are held within the business. Socials will give you a good indicator as to what the business is like from a culture perspective and how they treat employees. Remember, LinkedIn is going to be quite different to Facebook so take the time to check out all platforms. Yes, take it will a grain of salt but don’t leave any stone unturned.

Tip #3: Clean up your social

While on the topic of social media, be prepared to clean yours up! Just like you do research on the company, they will do their research on you and not just your professional interactions. Most companies do thorough research on candidates via social media (Facebook & Instagram) to get a gauge as to who you are, what topics you interact with and whether you have strong beliefs. So if your profile picture is from a drunken Saturday night out, we recommend you think about changing it to something a little more presentable.

Tip #4: Tailor your resume and cover letter to the specific job

It’s important to not have a generic resume where you apply for every role. Remember, most jobs advertised these days are through agencies and all your details go through their databases, so they’ll know. But to increase your chances to make it past the initial stage (Applicant Tracking System) when you apply for a job, your resume will go through a system to determine if you’re a suitable fit based on keywords used in your resume. Make sure you avoid making the common resume mistakes that will hinder your chances. Review the job ad and ensure you use keywords from the job ad in your resume.

Tip #5: Start with WHY

Yes, “Start with WHY’ is copied from the renowned Simon Sinek but it’s true. There is a reason you are applying for a specific job beyond the salary. You have to ask yourself, why do you want to work for this particular company? And why are you the best candidate suited for the position? This is a common interview question, so it’s best you really think about them before applying. If the answer to the first question is pay and pay only, then perhaps you need to either reconsider applying for the job or take a step back and really understand what you want from a company. At the end of the day, our main focus is to get paid but life is so much more than that.

Tip #6: Re-review your application

It’s a good idea to take the time to re-review your application before clicking that apply button. To some businesses, even the smallest of errors can be the difference between you being a success or unsuccessful in obtaining the job you ever so desire, but whatever do you do, don’t make this a career mistake you’ll regret.

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Anyone can get a job, you included. The point of this blog is to remind you that you don’t want any job. You want a job that brings you happiness and fulfillment. You want a company that can contribute to your career development that you have been longing for. The average person spends 70% of their time at work, don’t you think you deserve something a little more than just a paycheque? Next time you’re about to apply for a job, think twice and ask yourself what value the company can bring you, and what you can bring the company.