Never Click “Apply” Again

Whether you’re transitioning laterally, looking for a promotion, or changing companies or industries, a lot of work goes into getting a job.  If you’re clicking ‘apply’ without taking the necessary steps to ensure you land an interview, you may be wasting time better spent on other efforts. Here are some steps to ensure you never click ‘apply’ again.

REVIEW YOUR PERFORMANCE

When you transition to a new role, you’ll want to take stock of your transferrable skills - those skills which you’ve excelled at in the past which will help you make an impact in the role you’re seeking. Take stock of the experiences you most enjoyed, and seek out a role which provides you the opportunity to showcase your strengths and gain fulfillment from your work.

FILL IN THE GAPS

If you have a specific role in mind (and you should), identify the gaps between your experience, education, skills, or certification, and the requirements of your future role. Talk to professionals who currently work in that role and find out which few things you should prioritize. What software is being used by folks in that role? What got you to where you are may not be what gets you to where you are going, so be willing to learn and grow into this new role.

RESEARCH

Make sure you do your research, especially if moving to a new company or industry. Talking to others is a great place to start, but other sources may help you decide whether a role is right for you. Look at the public releases a company is sharing, is your desired role highlighted in those releases? If so, you’ll want to speak to how you’ll make an impact to what matters most. Take a look at the most recent 10k, 8Q, and/or other financial releases which can provide you insight into how the company is performing, where it is headed, and what it is focused on. You’ll want to learn how your future role can have an impact.

NETWORK, NETWORK, NETWORK

It’s not about what you know, it’s about who you know… and how they remember you. If you’re known as a proven performer, SME, or a great leader, you’ll want to connect with people who know you as such. Nurture the relationships within your network. Working with someone 5 years ago is not enough. If you made a positive impact on someone, keep in touch with them, find out how they’re progressing, keep them informed of your accomplishments, and let them know about your future goals. If you don’t nurture the relationship, you’re going to receive a ‘good luck with that’ when you finally do reach out. 

It can’t be understated: networking is how you land the interview. Learn to tell your story, and who to tell your story to. Once the right person, who has a need on their team, hears your story, your interview should be secured. Tighten up that elevator pitch, and be able to communicate your value to others.

REFINE YOUR RESUME

Notice how this is last. It’s last because you got the interview through your network. At this point, you’re just using all the energy you put in so far, and translating to an updated version of your work experience targeted at the requirements and responsibilities of the new role. 

PREPARE FOR YOUR INTERVIEW

Remember step 1? Pull out the experiences, skills, and strengths which showcase your ability to perform in this new role. Examine the possible questions you may be asked. Develop the stories which draw upon your past to demonstrate your future potential. Have a strategy to focus the interview on your future impact in that role. Have meaningful questions prepared for the interviewer which demonstrate your knowledge of the company, and the role. 

Then relax. Know that you’ve done what you can to prepare. Be confident knowing that your preparation will lead to a successful outcome.

Hoping and praying on the ‘apply’ button, is not effective. If you follow the steps above, you’ll have a better understanding of the demands of your future role. You’ll know if it’s the right fit for your long-term career goals. You’ll know how you will be able to meet the needs of the future role, and how your strengths will be utilized. And, most of all, you’ll be prepared to deliver a great interview, and receive an offer. 

Each of these steps will be the focus of future releases, so be on the lookout for a deeper dive into these important steps.