Our job application tips

Perhaps you have a favourite job site that you check each morning on your smartphone while eating your breakfast. Or perhaps you use your laptop to browse new vacancies announced on various job boards every day. Hats off to you! But there are many more opportunities.

Make a list of companies where you would like to work and look at their website and what they publish on social media. This will give you a good impression of the company and you will see all their vacancies, including those roles you are not familiar with. Look in the newspaper, a place where many people don't think to look, but where many employers publish interesting vacancies. If you prefer online channels, here are some tips on how you can use social media in your search for a job.

Visiting job fairs is also a good idea. There you will meet recruiters and you can ask them all your questions. When you actually apply for a job, you will notice it makes a big difference if you have actually spoken to the recruiter face to face.

When you respond to a vacancy, a recruiter will be very interested in your CV and application letter. This is an important moment, because based on this, you go on to the next step ... or not.  But there is good news: it isn't difficult to draw up a good CV and write a convincing application letter. The following tips will help you. 

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution

It's better not to have a standard CV and application letter that you use over and over again. To show your genuine interest, it is best to write a new application letter for each job so you can tailor it to the specific role you are applying for. Experienced recruiters really notice the difference. Adjust your CV too so you emphasise the aspects that are relevant to the specific vacancy. It does take some time to explore which values you share with your potential future employer and which of your talents you can best highlight to put yourself in the best light, but it is well worth it. Recruiters notice that they receive the best applications two to three days after the job is first advertised. 

Pay attention to the layout of your CV  

Make sure your key strengths stand out. What training and education have you completed? What are your strong points? What have you already accomplished professionally? These are the aspects a recruiter should be able to find in just a few minutes. Your CV should be concise, clear and well-structured. List your experience in reverse chronological order so that a recruiter sees your most recent work experience first. Don't forget to emphasise the training that is most relevant to the job you are applying for. Make sure your CV is no longer than two pages. You can find some good examples and templates for CVs online.

Be honest

Never write anything that's not true in your CV. What would you do if someone found out? If you lie about your skills, your new colleagues will soon notice. Even bending the truth about the number of years you worked somewhere can be easily uncovered and you will regret it. By being honest, your employer and colleagues will gain confidence in you and your reputation remains intact. Are you concerned you don't have enough experience? If you don't have all the skills listed in the vacancy, emphasise your ability to learn and your motivation. 

If your CV and application letter have convinced the recruiter, a job interview is often one of the following steps. An exciting moment to which both you and the recruiter will look forward. These tips will help you make a good impression. 

Prepare yourself properly  

Check the company website and get to know them a little better. Try to find out which questions are often asked during a job interview.

During an interview, the focus is usually on your experience, skills, interests and ambitions. Consciously consider the background to specific experiences: When was it? What did you do? Who else was involved? How could you use your strengths? What was the result? If you could go back to that situation, would you do anything differently? Your clear answers to these questions will show how your past experiences have prepared you for the job you are now applying for.

If you don't have anyprofessional experience, think of examples from your private life, your hobbies, sports club or the period when you were studying.

Think carefully about what you are sure you want to say about yourself. What do you enjoy doing? Whatwould you like to learn? What challenges you? And think about what questions you have for your potential employer? A job interview always involves communication in both directions.

And last but not least, being well prepared is important, but remember to be yourself! 

Dress for the occasion

First impressions are important. If you're applying for a managerial position in a business environment, dress accordingly.

If you're not sure what is appropriate, allow the look and feel of the company website to inspire you. Whatever you do, just be yourself. It's important that you feel comfortable in your clothes. 

Ask questions

Don't hesitate to ask questions.

Here are a few examples: If I have an evaluation after six months, how will I know I have done well? If you could change one thing within the organisation, what would that be? Have you gained a good impression of me or would you like to know more about me? 

You might not find a job straight away. Don't be discouraged. Use these tips to keep going. 

Invest in yourself

Explore your own competences with online tests, for example, your language skills. The results of these tests will give you insight into what you can put on your CV.

And remember, voluntary work can also increase your value in the job market. Choose volunteer work within your field. This will help you to gain relevant experience. 

Be your best fan  

Stay positive. Perhaps you have been looking for a job for a while without success. That can be disheartening. But you shouldn't let this frustration show in your application letter. It's important that you believe in yourself and remain enthusiastic about your strengths. Do you easily come up with creative solutions? Are you courageous? Are you someone who perseveres?
Mention all this in your letter, sooner or later, you will find an employer where it does click.

Good luck!

Want to apply these tips immediately? Find a job opening at KBC.