Learn to successfully apply for a job in 5 steps

Applying for a job is not difficult: anyone can create and send a resume and cover letter. But to do it successfully is another story. After all, often it is not the best candidate who is chosen, but the best applicant. But how do you become that best applicant? Here are five steps you should take.

Step 1: Discover yourself

Before you start applying for a job, it is important to be clear to yourself what you want and what you can do. What talents, drives and qualities do you want to use in your future job? If you have this clear for yourself, you can search more specifically for jobs that suit you. In this blog we explain why drives are so important.

Step 2: Understand the labor market

To know where to look for jobs that suit you, it is important to map the job market. Put yourself in the shoes of your target market and see what competencies are expected of you in which industry. Ask yourself questions such as:

• What roles fit within your qualities and talents?
• Do you want to work at a small or large organization?
• What work environment and positions suit you?

Step 3: Consider what your added value is

Now that you have a picture of the organization, you need to know how to become the best applicant for the position. After all, the organization is not necessarily interested in your qualities and talents, but mainly in how you use them to help the organization.

To become the best job applicant, it is important to think about what your added value is to an organization. What problem could you solve for an organization? What makes you unique? If you have this clear for yourself, you can use this during the application process to convince the organization of your added value. Discover in this blog 7 steps to distinguish yourself in the workplace.

Step 4: Create an elevator pitch

An elevator pitch is a short story in which you introduce yourself and explain what you want and can do and what your added value is for an organization. It is important to create trust and show that you really have something to offer. You can use the elevator pitch when someone asks you to tell something about yourself, but also while applying for a job! For example, in your cover letter or job interview.

Could you use a little more help? We would like to help you on your way with tips for making the perfect elevator pitch.

Step 5: Show yourself

Finally, when applying for a job, it is important to show yourself. You can do this in several ways, such as by writing a good cover letter, making a video or by contacting the organization face-to-face. You can also use social media to present yourself. It is important to network and use your personal and social network to find job opportunities and present yourself.

Following these five steps will increase your chances of becoming the best applicant for the position and finding the job that suits you. It is important to continue to develop yourself and learn from job interviews you conduct.

Would you like more help applying for a job?

On our online learning platform you will find more than 500 online courses to help you with your job application skills, as well as with finding your talents, drives, qualities and much more! Curious? Try it now for 14 days for free and who knows, as a new expert in the field of applying for a job, you may soon land that dream job with ease!