How to Improve Your Job Application to Avoid Common Pitfalls and Increase Your Chances of Being Shortlisted."

You would agree that many times you may have applied for a position you are certain you are qualified for, yet were not shortlisted. To understand this better, imagine yourself in the HR personnel's shoes to grasp what they go through.

You work as an HR Officer and have just advertised new vacancies for your company in the newspapers. Given the current unemployment situation in Nigeria, how many applications do you think you would receive? And how do you think you can manage the thousands of CVs coming in every second?

SOLUTION FOR HR PERSONNEL:

HR personnel use software applications to streamline this process. The purpose is to filter out CVs that do not contain the keywords specified in the job announcement and requirements. This software helps discard unsuitable CVs so that the HR administrator only sees relevant ones. Such software can be developed in-house by a company’s IT department or subscribed to externally (e.g., Human Manager, SAP).

HOW IT WORKS:

In simple steps:

1. Enter keyword commands into the software.
2. Configure it to reject CVs lacking those keywords.
3. Set it up to either discard or store CVs that do not meet the criteria.
4. Attach the software to the company’s recruitment email.

It’s similar to SEO (Search Engine Optimization). For example, when you search for something on Google, it brings up related articles, images, or websites based on your query.

VICTIMS:

It’s not surprising that many graduates make these mistakes: A) Applying for jobs they are not qualified for. (Of course, there are exceptions.) B) Being qualified but failing to follow the basic instructions or requirements stated in the application process. C) Being qualified but not adhering to the basic principles of SEO when applying for jobs.

SOLUTION FOR THE VICTIMS:

Here are some straightforward steps to improve your application:

1. Ensure the subject of your email clearly states the position you’re applying for.
2. Mention the number of years of experience as specified in the requirements in your application.
3. Include your class of degree in your application or CV if it was mentioned in the job listing.
4. If the job listing specifies "Lagos residents only," ensure your CV includes a Lagos address.
5. If the job listing requests a certain age range, include your date of birth in the application or body of the email, though not necessarily in the CV.
6. Have someone review your CV and application to catch any errors.
7. Be smart about your application. Honesty is crucial; fabricating information can lead to embarrassment if discovered.

This approach doesn’t mean you should make your application insincere or overly simplistic. Your application should still convey passion and explain your interest in the role.

DISCLAIMER:

This guide does not represent how all HR personnel or reputable organizations conduct their recruitment processes. Stay smart and adaptable.