If you’re a hiring manager, you’ve probably seen your fair share of job applications. But have you ever seen one that literally scared you?
I’m not talking about a scary-looking application, or one with a lot of typos. I’m talking about an application that’s so well-written and well-researched that it makes you wonder if the applicant is qualified to do the job.
I recently received an application from a candidate who had done their research on our company and our industry. They knew our values, our goals, and our challenges. They had even taken the time to learn about our competitors and the market landscape.
Their application was so impressive that it made me wonder if they were too qualified for the job. I mean, who needs an employee who knows more than their boss?
But then I realized that this candidate was exactly the type of person I wanted to hire. They were smart, motivated, and ambitious. They were also willing to learn and grow.
I’m not saying that all job applications should be scary. But if you’re looking for a candidate who will go above and beyond, you might want to consider the ones who make you a little bit nervous.
What Makes a Job Application Scary?
There are a few things that can make a job application scary.
- It’s well-written. A well-written application is easy to read and understand. It’s free of typos and grammatical errors. The applicant has taken the time to craft a clear and concise message.
- It’s well-researched. A well-researched application shows that the applicant has done their homework. They know about the company, the industry, and the job. They’ve even taken the time to learn about the hiring manager.
- It’s tailored to the job. A tailored application shows that the applicant has taken the time to customize their application to the specific job. They’ve highlighted their skills and experience that are most relevant to the job. They’ve also explained how they can use their skills to contribute to the company.
How to Write a Scary Job Application
If you want to write a job application that will scare the hiring manager, follow these tips:
- Do your research. Learn as much as you can about the company, the industry, and the job. Read the company website, the annual report, and any other relevant materials. Also, take some time to learn about the hiring manager.
- Tailor your application. Highlight your skills and experience that are most relevant to the job. Explain how you can use your skills to contribute to the company.
- Write a strong cover letter. Your cover letter is your chance to introduce yourself and explain why you’re the best candidate for the job. Write a clear and concise cover letter that highlights your qualifications and your enthusiasm for the job.
- Proofread your application. Before you submit your application, proofread it carefully for typos and grammatical errors. Also, ask a friend or family member to review your application and give you feedback.
Conclusion
Writing a job application can be a daunting task. But if you follow these tips, you can write a job application that will scare the hiring manager in a good way.
FAQs
- What if I’m not qualified for the job?
Even if you’re not qualified for the job, you can still apply. Just be honest about your qualifications in your application. Explain how you can learn and grow to meet the requirements of the job.
- What if I don’t have any relevant experience?
If you don’t have any relevant experience, you can still apply for the job. Highlight your transferable skills and abilities. Explain how your skills can be applied to the job.
- What if I make a mistake on my application?
If you make a mistake on your application, don’t panic. Just correct the mistake and resubmit your application.
- What if I don’t get the job?
If you don’t get the job, don’t give up. Keep applying for jobs and eventually you’ll find the right one.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t make typos or grammatical errors. A well-written application is free of typos and grammatical errors.
- Don’t be vague. Be specific about your skills and experience.
- Don’t be overconfident. Be confident in your abilities, but don’t be arrogant.
- Don’t be negative. Highlight your positive qualities and accomplishments.
- Don’t give up. If you don’t get the job, keep applying for jobs and eventually you’ll find the right one.
Table 1: Common Interview Questions
| Question | Why They Ask It | How to Answer |
|---|---|---|
| Tell me about yourself. | To get to know you better. | Share your relevant skills, experience, and accomplishments. |
| Why are you interested in this job? | To see if you’re a good fit for the company and the job. | Explain how your skills and experience match the job requirements. |
| What are your strengths and weaknesses? | To assess your self-awareness and honesty. | Be honest about your strengths and weaknesses, but focus on how your strengths can benefit the company. |
| Where do you see yourself in five years? | To gauge your ambition and career goals. | Explain how your career goals align with the company’s goals. |
| Why should we hire you? | To determine if you’re the best candidate for the job. | Summarize your skills and experience and explain why you’re the best person for the job. |
Table 2: Common Interview mistakes
| Mistake | Why It’s a Mistake | How to Avoid It |
|---|---|---|
| Being late. | It shows a lack of respect for the interviewer’s time. | Arrive on time or even a few minutes early. |
| Dressing inappropriately. | It shows a lack of professionalism. | Dress professionally and appropriately for the company culture. |
| Not being prepared. | It shows a lack of interest in the job. | Do your research on the company and the job and prepare your answers to common interview questions. |
| Being negative. | It shows a lack of enthusiasm for the job. | Be positive and enthusiastic about the job and the company. |
| Not following up. | It shows a lack of interest in the job. | Follow up with the interviewer after the interview to thank them for their time and reiterate your interest in the job. |
Table 3: How to Research a Company
| Source | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Company website | Mission statement, values, products/services, financial information, news, events, careers |
| Annual report | Financial performance, business strategy, goals, challenges |
| Company profile, employee profiles, industry news | |
| Glassdoor | Employee reviews, salary information, interview questions |
| Crunchbase | Company history, funding, acquisitions, key people |
| Hoovers | Company financials, SWOT analysis, industry analysis |
Table 4: How to Write a Strong Cover Letter
| Section | What to Include |
|---|---|
| Introduction | Introduce yourself and explain why you’re writing. |
| Body | Highlight your skills and experience that are most relevant to the job. Explain how you can use your skills to contribute to the company. |
| Conclusion | Summarize your qualifications and express your interest in the job. |
