In an increasingly competitive job market you may succumb to the temptation to visit a company and leave your CV. This system, however, would probably prove somewhat reckless, as it could actually compromise your chances of getting the job. Learning the best strategies for submitting your application will help you achieve the professional success you seek.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Deciding whether to Apply in Person
Step 1. Read the job advertisement carefully
With the advent of the digital revolution, the vast majority of job applications go through the web. Likewise, job vacancies are usually posted on corporate sites, as well as on some portals such as Monster, Indeed, and Infojobs.
- Always check the company website to make sure job offers are posted. These are usually listed under "Work with Us" or "Job Opportunities". Do not submit your application to a company that is not looking for collaborators.
- Take a look at the job posting to understand how to submit your application. If it is specified that you should go to the office or shop in person, then you can do it.
- If the ad expressly states "Refrain from phone calls", it is clear that not even a visit from you is welcome, unless they call you personally.
- Direct application to the workplace is normally accepted by restaurants, supermarkets and other retail stores, whose managers have an immediate need to fill a vacancy and are therefore eager to speed up the personnel selection process.
Step 2. Look at the advertisements posted on the entrance to businesses
Some of them display a sign with the words "Wanted staff" or something similar. If you see such an announcement, it is clear that you can submit your application personally.
- Make sure you look decent, even if you just intend to apply for a job rather than leave your CV or cover letter. Try to have clean and tidy hair, fresh breath and ironed clothes.
- While you don't necessarily have to wear a suit, you should look neat - a pair of trousers (or a skirt, if you're a woman), a blazer, and a buttoned-up shirt tucked into your pants would be appropriate.
Step 3. Don't show up unannounced
If you have applied for a job, you may think you have a competitive advantage by going to your workplace. You are likely convinced that this would show that you are genuinely interested in the job you applied for, but the employer may find your visit inappropriate or even disrespectful.
Remember that when the recruiting manager sifts through dozens - if not hundreds - of applications for a single job position, they favor candidates who can stick to directions and stick to the selection process. If you fail to comply, he will most likely remember you for the wrong reasons
Part 2 of 3: Apply in person
Step 1. Bring your CV with you
In order for your application to be taken seriously, you must provide the necessary documentation. Most job vacancies require you to submit your CV, which is a summary of your professional experiences, and a cover letter, highlighting your interest in the position in question and why you would be the ideal candidate.
- On your CV, chronologically list previous work experience relevant to the job you are applying for. Enter for each of them the name of the employer, the title of the position and the period of employment. When describing the tasks performed, use action verbs, such as "achieve", "implement", "achieve the goal", "design", "produce" etc.
- Enter your soft skills. If you are applying for a position in a new industry, focus on the skills acquired during your previous work experience that you could use in the new job. Soft skills can include conflict management, customer service, the ability to communicate, the ability to solve problems, etc.
Step 2. Bring a cover letter with you
This allows your potential employer to assess your personality and professional motivation. You shouldn't re-list all the experiences featured on the resume.
- The cover letter should be no longer than one page and should have an accurate and precise structure. Almost all models are generally divided into three paragraphs, each of which highlights a main aspect.
- In the first paragraph you should introduce yourself and clarify the position you are applying for. Include a sentence or two to highlight why you would be an added value for the company in general.
- In the second and third paragraphs you should include specific examples of something that you have distinguished yourself for over the course of your professional career and that makes you the ideal candidate for the required job profile. In your examples, give some details: Did you organize a seminar during your previous employment? Have you devised creative ways to achieve certain goals?
- Be sure to thank the reader for their attention and enter your contact details, such as your e-mail address or phone number.
Step 3. Submit other documents
These vary according to job offer requests, but could include a writing essay or a portfolio of creative work.
- You should also include a list of references or even some letters of recommendation if they are required.
- Keep these documents in a folder or document holder so they don't get damaged on the way.
Step 4. Dress appropriately
When submitting your resume and cover letter, you need to look professional and understated. Although you should not use the same clothing used for a selection interview (jacket and tie), you should demonstrate that you are able to offer a professional image.
- Professional attire, such as trousers, shirt and blazer, is fine for men, while women can wear a classic pair of trousers, a shirt or jacket, a pencil skirt or a more serious outfit.
- Make sure your shoes are professional too - avoid sneakers and high heels.
Step 5. Be kind
When you walk into the office, smile and introduce yourself to the secretary at the front desk or reception. Explain that you want to quit the job application. He may withdraw it or direct you to present the documentation to someone else.
Don't act like a rude and arrogant person with the secretary. Often the boss asks the secretary for her impressions of the candidates - you don't have to be recognized for the wrong reasons
Step 6. Don't dwell on it
Do not ask to visit the office or to meet your potential employer. This would mean wanting to take advantage of the employees.
Similarly, do not harass the secretary after applying for a job to find out the status of your application. If the company wishes to undergo a selection interview, it will contact you directly, so avoid unnecessary phone calls
Part 3 of 3: Conducting Informational Interviews
Step 1. Consider asking for an informational interview
If there is a company or an industry you would like to work for, but are not currently looking for collaborators, organize an information interview.
- An informative interview offers you the opportunity to speak with someone you respect for their professional career. Maybe you work in the industry you are interested in, or work in the company of your dreams.
- Remember that an information interview is not a selection interview. It is an opportunity to receive advice from someone you admire, to learn more about their career path and to become part of their professional network.
Step 2. Take a look at your network of acquaintances
Maybe you have someone in mind you would like to talk to, but if not, you can always start by looking around. Think about those who graduated from your own school, or those who graduated from your faculty. You will surely have something in common with them and they are likely to be willing to help you.
- While trying to track down alumni at your school, you can also extend your searches to members of professional networks like LinkedIn.
- You can also ask friends of your friends or acquaintances of other colleagues for an informative interview.
Step 3. Address the person appropriately
Send an e-mail or a message on LinkedIn to your contact asking him if he is willing to give you an informative interview. Tell him you want to learn more about his work and professional career. You can invite him to the bar or ask him to meet him in his office.
It might seem odd to contact someone you've never met before, but your contact is likely to be flattered by such a request
Step 4. Prepare for the interview
Even if this is an informal meeting, you should be prepared to ask him some questions, such as "How does your typical day go?", Or "How did you get this job?".
- If your contact is in a prominent position or plays a specialized role, you may want to ask him how he can achieve his position or the responsibilities he needs to take on.
- If you show that you have "done your homework", they will understand that you respect their time and want yours to be a productive dialogue.
- Don't dwell on it. You should plan a chat lasting 20-30 minutes, unless your interlocutor decides to spend more time on you.
Step 5. Thank him
After the interview, don't forget to send him a thank you card or e-mail. It is important that he knows that you appreciate that he has taken the extra time to share his experience with you.
Step 6. Keep in touch
Informational interviews are especially useful because they allow you to expand your network of contacts. If you meet the person at an industry event or conference, be sure to say hello.
