The Ultimate Job Application Checklist
Have you found a job opening that makes your heart race? Then you’re probably eager to submit the perfect application, right? Don’t worry—we’ve compiled the ultimate job application checklist to guide you through the process!
1. Ask the right question to get the right answer
Am I a good fit for the company? No, no.
Instead, ask yourself: ‘Is the company a good fit for me?'”
As you sift through countless job postings, you likely encounter questions like: “Are you a good fit for X?” or “Are you the new X?” While cheerful blog posts, engaging videos, or inspiring employee interviews can offer a glimpse into the company you’re considering, the more crucial question is whether the company aligns with your values and preferences.
How can you determine that? Reflect on personal questions that provide deeper insight into what matters to you: What are my hobbies? What do I look forward to at the end of the week? What is important to me regarding social responsibility? Then, during your interview, inquire about how the company addresses these topics. Do their responses paint a picture that resonates with you? If so, you’ve found a company that’s a good match for you!
2. Familiarize yourself with the product
Do you aspire to work as a developer? Do you enjoy crafting solutions for clients? Are you a forward-thinking marketing professional? If so, you’ll likely find positions that align with your ambitions. But will you be developing or selling something that truly brings you joy? It’s essential to understand what the company’s business genuinely entails.
Beyond a pleasant company culture, it might be important to you that your role and its product offer real value to the world. Download a product demo, meet future colleagues for coffee or lunch, and ask them in detail about their daily work life. Watch vlogs and sign up for a webinar. This way, you can proudly announce at a party that you’re now, for example, a trendy Business Development Manager responsible for that fantastic sales page at this cool employer.
3. Look for the hidden tips
You know them well—those cheerful, enthusiastic job postings that immediately inspire you to work for this company. You’ve updated your resume and your cover letter is nearly finished. However, before you click “Send,” take a moment to read the job posting carefully once more. In 90% of cases, it contains very specific tips that can increase your chances of landing an interview: important soft skills, specific competencies, core values in the company culture, or even the composition of a team. Try to incorporate these details into your cover letter. This will make it easier for you to argue why you’re the perfect fit for the position. Additionally, prepare clear, concrete examples so you don’t get stuck during the interview. This approach will help you make a strong impression, and recruiters will enjoy speaking with someone who is well-prepared and presents themselves confidently.
Find out what the company's business actually consists of.
4. Call a recruiter
You like to be well-prepared? Do you want to have as much information as possible about a company before applying? Do you want to let the company know directly that you’re interested in the advertised position? Then simply call a recruiter! Generally, recruiters enjoy talking to people and discussing the company that’s looking for new employees. Moreover, they’re always seeking the exact information that helps them find the best-suited new hires, so your questions will certainly assist them. With a simple call, you’re not only helping yourself but also the recruiter. Who would say no to a win-win situation?
5. Give your CV and cover letter one final review
Of course, you can inform yourself in advance about how a company conducts its interviews. Or you can simply ask the recruiter on the phone how an interview would go. Also, don’t forget to double-check your CV and cover letter. Think about what questions might arise based on your own information. Did you mention that you particularly enjoy working in a team? Consider a good example for each of your strengths that illustrates them. Aside from the fact that a company usually expects certain skills from you, they are often also interested in your personal experience and the skills you mentioned in your cover letter. Does your CV lack a clear thread? Have you had a bunch of cool side jobs or made a big career switch? This doesn’t have to be an issue if you’re prepared to answer questions about it! As long as you can explain and justify why you made various decisions, it makes the conversation even more interesting.
6. And last but not least: Be yourself!
The best impression you can leave is the one you have of yourself.
No matter how excited you are about a position—no job in the world justifies bending yourself out of shape. Honesty is the best attitude—not just towards the company, but especially towards yourself.
The goal?
To find your dream job at a great company—and to be able to remain completely yourself.
Because if you pretend to be someone you’re not, weaknesses will inevitably emerge—whether in the interview or in daily work life. And that would be truly unfortunate.
Why?
Because there’s nothing wrong with you as a person or as a colleague. You are exactly right—and perfectly suited for the position you’re applying for.
You just need to find the company that truly fits you. And you will—absolutely.
