Introduction
Most job applicants think that a resume and a cover letter are the two things one should send while applying for a job. But applying for a job is much more than just sharing your professional, academic, and personal details with the employer. If you are actually dedicated to the job you are applying for, this should reflect in your approach as a job aspirant. It takes structured preparation and thorough research to be shortlisted for a job interview. With this article, learn what research will help prepare you before you apply for a job.
Why is it Important to Do Some Research for a Job?
According to a StandOut CV survey, 80% of resumes do not get shortlisted by recruiters. On the other way, Glassdoor reveals that only 1 in every 50 applicants are called for an interview. This reflects that not all job applications are considered for interviewing; only a few are. So, what can be the reason behind such a gap in the job application and shortlisted interview applicant’s ratio?
The reason is a poor reflection of your knowledge and expertise in your resume and, most importantly, in your cover letter. Then, what is the thing that can make you stand out from the crowd? It is research. Doing thorough research on the company, the applied job role, and the industry can help you craft a perfect resume and cover letter, showcasing your knowledge and skills at their best.
What Research Will Help Prepare You Before You Apply for A Job?
Research before applying for a job helps job applicants understand the job landscape and get a clear picture of how things work there. The industry knowledge gathered through the research helps customize your skills, experiences, and goals as per industry requirements. Most importantly, you feel more confident about your approach to the job application and the job interview.
Unlocking an abundance of knowledge through research makes your quest for that dream job smoother and easier. Find out what research will help prepare you before you apply for a job.
1) Self-Analysis: Research about Yourself
Before knowing about the job landscape, you must know yourself well enough to navigate it. Identifying your skills and understanding your interests can help you figure out your value. While focusing on identifying your skills, ask yourself questions like What am I good at? What skills have contributed to my personal growth? When do I receive praise for my work? And many such self-reflective questions. This will help you determine your value for the job role and what you expect it to give.
2) Exploring Job Opportunities Across Industries
A complete industry analysis exposes you to a range of job opportunities where you can effectively exercise the required skills. Through rigorous research, you get to know how the industry is doing, what trends are in demand, and what job availability is there. Knowing about the industry allows you to share your knowledge in the interview if required, helping you get a step closer to being hired.
3) A Comprehensive Understanding of the Job Market
In the rapidly evolving job market, one must stay ahead to get shortlisted for a job role. You must keep yourself updated about emerging trends and technologies to glide through the pool of talents competing for a designated job role. You must have a comprehensive knowledge of the local or global market, depending on the company and the job role you are applying for.
4) Knowing About the Company
A very commonly asked question by any recruiter is why you want to work with them. It may seem easy to answer the question, but to catch the eye of the recruiter, you must align your perspectives with the vision and mission of the company you wish to work with. Researching the company, its vision and mission, key initiatives, impacts, and other factors can help you answer the question better.
5) Developing Knowledge about the Job Role
Last but not least, research about the job role and its requirements. If you are applying for a specific designation, you must know the roles and responsibilities associated with that designation. Understanding how to write a resume that effectively highlights your relevant skills and experiences is essential. Studying the job description thoroughly and doing some external research about the desired job role can help you customize your resume and cover letter in alignment with the requirements of that particular job role.
Conclusion
Through this article, you will be able to understand what research will help prepare you before you apply for a job. As you can see, there is no one particular area where doing research would prepare you completely for a job. You must consider researching yourself, the industry, the company, and the job role to make yourself deserving of it. So, from now onwards, whenever you decide to enter the job market, you must research all aspects of it to prepare yourself for being hired.
