Questions to Ask When Applying for Jobs

Finding a job you like and won't mind doing it for your entire life can be quite a tedious task. When you are hunting for a new job or have decided to switch careers, most of the time is spent on searching an appropriate job. Even if this entire process might make you feel exasperated at the end of the day, you certainly do not want to miss out on opportunity that seems beneficial. As a result, you might register yourself on different job portals or fill in various online application forms when you notice a job opening. However, before making the jump, do a self-analysis and ask yourself where you want to be in the career instead of going after the chance. Here are some questions that an individual must ask himself or herself before reaching a conclusion.

Does the position satisfy my long-term career goals?

Just because you feel unsatisfied with the current job, making a backward move or accepting a role that offers you a less salary package is definitely not a good option. You must not jump the ship to a new role if it doesn't offer growth and is not aligned with your career goals.

Do I fit the requirements?

Understand the job description and inspect yourself if you have the required skills. When you have a good idea about the necessary qualifications, it will help in saving yours as well as the recruiters' time. This information is often given in terms of years of experience needed and responsibilities associated with the role.

Do I know any employee from the company?

If you know a person who is already working for the organization, ask him/her on what work quality the company expects and its work environment. Also, request the concerned person to be a referral and persuade the hiring manager to conduct your interview. That person can be influential in vouching for your skills to the recruiter and thus landing you with the job.

What is the company's culture?

Knowing you have perfect skills and that you are the right candidate for the job is not sufficient today. Invest time to find about the work culture of an organization and determine if you can mesh together with others. You can refer to your job experience and decide on the culture that suits you the best. This is an important aspect of job as it helps you to grow on both, personal and professional level.

Will it be possible for me to commute daily?

If you have already made up your mind for the role, consider all factors before taking the final decision. Ask yourself questions like are you willing to relocate, will it require staying separate from family, what transport you will be using, what is the monthly expenditure for commuting and the time required for traveling. Also, examine if it is feasible for you and check if the company offers flexible work schedule.

Have I modified the resume and cover letter?

A desperate individual can make a mistake of applying to multiple job positions with the same resume. This can reduce your chances of being invited for a personal interview. Make sure that you have tailored your application and cover letter as per the job role. Try to understand the required key skills by going through the job description. Try to customize your resume and cover letter for every role. Also, it might happen that you have to face an interview at a short notice, so be well-prepared for it.

If you have an enticing opportunity and can't wait to start working in the company, it's time you reconsider the decision instead of later repenting on it. Questioning yourself before applying for a job can help an individual do an introspection. It can help him/her in saving valuable time and energy that are required during the job search process. Hence, the candidate will be able to narrow his/her focus and have a better perception of goals.