Lesson 7: Job application timeline activities
If you are just starting out take a look at this timeline from the beginning, if you have already started jump to the section that is useful for the stage you are at.
Preparation for your job search
Step One
Treat your job search like a job.
To keep motivated it is a good idea to set yourself targets and goals.
Listen to the attached sound bite below.
Step Two
Treat your job search like a job.
This means before you start you need to develop a daily schedule. It can be very easy to think you should spend all of your waking hours job searching and become totally consumed. However, this is a quick way to burn out and reduce motivation, confidence and positivity.
Step Three
Take time to upskill so you have lots to write about in your application form.
If you are unemployed or only working minimal hours right now, why not take advantage of some of that time to improve your skills? Here are a few ways you can do that without it costing you anything:
Step Four
Think about what you are great at!
Listen to the attached sound bite below.
Searching for jobs
Step One
Choose the right roles to apply for.
How to figure out what job is right for you
If you are excited about a position or a company then you will be more motivated about completing the application form and this enthusiasm will spill over into your application and interview. For ideas on how to know what roles will be right for you watch this video
Step Two
Use the right sites to find the best apprenticeships.
If you don’t choose the right sites you will spend and lose hours searching for roles and not finding anything suitable which will be really demotivating. I would also set up some really specific alerts to help save time. We recommend: Find an apprenticeship (findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk(opens in a new tab)).
For basics on how to use the site to search and set up alerts watch this video.
Step Three
Read through and find the buzz words and apply for roles that match your skills 80%.
You are more likely to be successful if you apply for roles that match your skills. However, it is unlikely you will meet a job description 100%. So don’t get disheartened when you search and nothing is a perfect match so you think you can’t apply for anything. If you don’t have something that the employer has highlighted don’t let that put you off, you only need to match 80% of the skills and competencies.
Step Four
Work smarter, not harder.
Make sure the time you are spending on your job search is being spent effectively. It is easy to get lost for hours and hours in a job search blur. The internet is vast and the hole of jobs is deep. When you have your five hours set aside for the job search at your computer, make sure you are using your time working smarter not harder. Keep track of the jobs your are applying for by using a spreadsheet(opens in a new tab). There is nothing worse than getting a call from a recruiter about an interview and you have no idea which job they are even calling about. Keep track of the positions.
Step Five
Quality matters more than quantity.
In other words, send three great applications this week rather than ten lacklustre ones.
Step Six
Think outside the box when looking for jobs.
When you are in a situation where you are without a job and looking for a job, the easiest thing to do is sit at home behind a screen and blast applications off into the universe and hope that someone will give you a chance. However, sitting behind a computer is only one way to job search and often times it’s the least effective. I know the last thing you want to do when you are job searching is to go out and talk to people about it, but that’s exactly what you should be doing.
Listen to the attached sound bite below.
Writing an application form
Step One
Know what the company is looking for to increase your likelihood of success.
You can use job adverts and job descriptions to try to get into their head and find out what type of person they are looking for is.
Highlight buzz words and then write about how you meet every single skill or attribute they have mentioned. It is also important to research the company and find out about their values and work ethic.
Step Two
Tailor your CV for each position to emphasise the most relevant skills and experience.
To increase your chances of being successful it is key to tailor every application right and don’t send the same application again and again.
Step Three
Check your spelling and grammar before you send your application.
When you are spending hours filling in applications it can be hard to proof what you have written. You can ask for help with this. Asking for help shows you are a resilient person.
Make sure you always allow enough time for checking spelling and grammar or asking someone to do it for you and don’t start working on applications a few days before it is due in. A few of the key mistakes made frequently in applications are listed here:
Step Four
Take a break.
If you have been completing applications for weeks, remember it might be good to try out some mindfulness techniques to shift your mindset.
Maybe download the Headspace app: Meditation and Sleep Made Simple – Headspace
Step Five
Think outside the box again!
Always follow the employers instructions for completing a job application and if they want something specific give it to them. However, you might have the freedom to be a bit more creative, so maybe you could create a video CV.
Tips for Creating a Video Resume (and When You Need One) (thebalancecareers.com(opens in a new tab))
How to make a great video CV | Guardian Careers | The Guardian
Interview
Step One
Use the STARRS Method.
This technique helps you frame an interview answer and allows you to consider how you overcame past challenges when you hit a setback.
Step Two
Positive affirmations.
This won’t suit everyone, but you could shift your positivity and confidence by listening to positive affirmations or motivational quotes:
Step Three
Reflection.
Reflect on how the interview went and use it as a learning opportunity to consider how you will approach the next one, if you need to do another. How to reflect.
Evaluating Your Performance to Improve Interview Skills (interview-skills.co.uk)(opens in a new tab)
Reflecting on Your Job Interview – Montash(opens in a new tab).
Step Four
When you reflect on the interview hunt the good stuff.
This can work all the way through your job hunt. You need to retrain your brain to focus on the positive things rather than the negative. It maybe when you have sent applications off and you are waiting to hear if you have got an interview or when you are thinking about how your interview went or when you get your feedback.
Dealing with Rejection/Feedback
Step One
Re-framing.
This is a really great technique when any situation doesn’t go the way you would like it to. Watch the video to find out how to re-frame a job rejection.
Step Two
Confidence breeds success.
Listen to the sound bite below.
Step Three
Go with the flow.
If you are aware of the feelings you might experience after being rejected from a job then it is easier to deal with. Look at the linked picture to see the emotions you may go through. This shows you that you will get to acceptance in the end.
Step Four
Remember the Big Picture and that this happens to everyone!
It’s easy to get caught up in the struggles of the moment and lose sight of the big picture. Look at today’s setbacks as tomorrow’s opportunities, and think about how career success may look five years down the road. IT’S WHAT YOU DO NEXT THAT COUNTS: Use this opportunity to perfect your interviewing skills and analyze your approach.
Step Five
Keep in mind that the hiring manager may be doing you a favour: blessing in disguise.
The job might truly be a bad fit for you … or you could get a call later on for a better position at the same company that is better suited to your skills.
Step Six
Ask for feedback and upskill.
It’s great to ask for feedback during the interview, but you can also ask this again if you aren’t successful. Remember that it takes a lot of time for recruiters to hire candidates, so don’t get disheartened if they can’t spare the time to do it.