Ever wondered what goes inside the head of a recruiter when they read your job application? Trust me, they judge you.

That first impression says a lot about a person. Recruiters become secret personality specialists after going through a dozen applications each day.

Why don’t they hire YOU?

It’s only fair since you put in ten minutes’ worth of effort to put together the application, interchanged at least five different words with their synonyms (we can tell…). AND, sent the same application to five different employers.

So many people hire content creators through Facebook and Linkedin. Creating a job application on messenger isn’t an easy task. Your brain never takes it seriously and you’re stuck between to emoji or not to emoji.

Let’s explore the reasons why you aren’t getting the response you deserve.

This is coming from someone who had to go through fifty different applications by content writers, copywriters, and videographers (and hired a single person for the job).

Let’s begin at the beginning.

You Don’t Exert Authority

You don’t have to be an expert on the subject to exert authority. At Least be confident about what you can and cannot do. This entails listing down the relevant services you offer.

Don’t mention that you were a cheerleader in seventh grade when I am asking for content creators for a restaurant.

Be relevant and SHOW rather than tell what an expert you are.

How do you exert authority?

Establish yourself as an expert on the subject by discussing the niche in a few lines. Not the general google-able stuff. Talk about hardcore knowledge that only an expert can know.

What to do if you’re not an expert?

Simple. Do your research.

At least go through the first seven articles that come up on google and read them cautiously. It will give you adequate knowledge on any subject.

You’re Trying to Jargon Your Way

Your sentence structure doesn’t make any sense and it looks like your train of thoughts is out of control.

Jumping between topics, using large blocks of texts, and paying no heed to the aesthetics of your application can exhaust the reader.

Instead, use bullet points to describe your experience.

Do not use a bunch of overstuffed jargon to show off your knowledge.

Relax, the person reading your application might not even be an expert in the niche and simply the head of recruitment.

You’re a Noob and You’re Flaunting It

“I’m new, I’m willing to do the work, plis hire me.”

Unless the job post clearly states that newbies can apply, please don’t flaunt your noob status.

You should take the following (actionable) steps to get hired immediately rather than willing to work for free.

• Make an online portfolio where you add three to five projects/pieces of the services you claim to offer. If you offer social media management; add around five posts and five visuals in your desired niche. Display it all in a google docs file.

In the same way, if you offer blog content or emails, get a sequence ready by creating a few pieces of around 500 words. Simple, easy, and effective!

• Have a website. Free ones with a single landing page work. You can put up some blog posts to show off your skills.
• Clear up some space in your room with a suitable background where you can have your meetings. Don’t shy away from those zoom meetings. Make them a part of your interview process and learn to communicate with confidence.

This way, you won’t have to say that you are a new freelancer. You will have some authority (and self-respect), AND better chances of getting hired.

You’re Acting Like a Smart-ass

Experienced employers can tell if you’re overselling yourself. Deliver value as promised. Bagging a gig can seem pretty easy until you have to deliver the project.

Learn to pitch with confidence but don’t go overboard.

What some people do is send you back your own work by highlighting what they could’ve done better. Now don’t get me wrong, this is an excellent move. Only when done right.

Otherwise, it can make you look condescending and kind of a kill-joy to be honest.

You’re too wordy and BORING

Be concise and write short, simple sentences. Read your job application and cut out any confusing content. Yes, you can be brutal in the editing phase.

Nobody has the time to go through the same old mantras. Only write down what makes you different, valuable, and a strong candidate for the job.

Bring out that storyteller within you. Write a few sentences on why you chose to become a writer, videographer, or marketer.

Keep things interesting!

You Sent the Same Application to Six Other Job Posts (and Why its a Bad Thing)

We caught you!

You wrote a kickass job application, BUT copied that and sent it to six other postings as well!

You don’t have to write everything from scratch. However, you need to address the requirements of each individual job post.

So many people make the mistake of using the same job application for a dozen different jobs.

Always personalize your job application. This will make your application stand out from the rest.

You Didn’t Even Read the Complete Job Post

Some job applications literally add the

“Include this sentence at the beginning of your application to show us that you read the whole thing”.

Pretty clever.

And effective.

No matter how long the job post is, don’t skim through it.

One thing I do is speak out each sentence to keep myself skipping through it. My brain registers each word effortlessly. Rather than shifting my eyes from left to right processing the whole thing in silence.

Address all the questions. Elaborate on each responsibility. Show how you will contribute to that job role effectively.

A little bit of hard work can increase your chances of getting hired for your dream job by three times!

Leave your comments down below if you found this blog post helpful.

This was originally published on Medium/Vocal.Media

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