Job Application 101!

When applying for a position through an employment agency, you kind of want the recruiter to be your best friend. They are, after all, the gateway to new possibilities, a direct connection to a company, organisation or position that you have been dreaming of for ages. Annoying them with incompetence and unprofessionalism is not an option.

In a perfect world, there should be a support group for Recruiters. A global Recruiters Anonymous designed to tackle the daily horrors of sub-standard CV applications and unprofessional submission etiquette.

“Hi. My name is Kwena and I’m a recruiter… *twitch*”

While recruiters suffer in silence, they remain optimistic, throwing those shiny little nuggets of specs into the employment universe hoping to attract the best possible talent. If you are a recruiter in this day and age, disappointment is inevitable, which is why Kwena Human Capital have taken it upon themselves to educate the masses of hopeful job seekers by answering the question on everyone’s mind…

Why haven’t they gotten back to me yet?

The truth is, you’ve either committed one or more of the 7 Deadly Sins, or the screening process is taking longer than anticipated as a result of these CV vigilantes wasting the precious time of our beloved recruiters.

Lust: Personal Agendas

It’s hard not to take this one personally, but there really is a time and place for personal interests, and your CV is simply not the place to do so. If your CV shows strong beliefs in areas of politics, religion and other “touchy topics”, it’s probably going to get overlooked.

Of course, everyone is entitled to their opinions and being themselves, but in the interest of securing a job position, less is definitely more.

Tip: Use the hobby section on your resume to highlight your personal areas of interest, providing that they are not extreme or radical in nature – like Nazism. Who knows, you may just click over your mutual interest in DIY Gifting Pinterest Boards with your new prospective employer.

Gluttony: Job Hopping

Contrary to popular belief, loyalty is not dead. It’s actually one of the first things a recruiter will look at in your employment history, as well as your reasons for leaving. They want a high return on their investment, a team player that can assimilate into their company culture and grow with them.

Candidates who jump from job to job are seen as fickle, and generally tend to get overlooked in the process.

Tip: If you are notoriously bad at committing to something long term, or perhaps the opportunities available have not been right for you, why not consider some contract work? It’s a great way to expand your skill set, not to mention the flexibility you have to pick and choose work.

Visit our employment agency job portal for available vacancies.

Greed: Applying for the wrong job

Job seeking is not a sport or a game that you do out of boredom…well, at least not to the recruiter. Don’t apply for a Rocket Scientist position if you are not an actual, certified Rocket Scientist. Not only have you wasted the Recruiter’s time, but you have also left a poor impression minimizing your chances to apply for a position you are actually skilled in!

Tip: If you do see a job that you feel you would be perfect for, but lack the skills required to fulfil the position, be honest and open about this by writing a motivation letter stating your strengths and reasons for wanting to apply. Honesty really is the best policy.

Sloth: A horrible resume

This is career sabotage 101 and boils down to sheer laziness! By now, with the number of online creator tools, grammar and spell check apps at our disposal (and the internet), creating a legible CV is not brain surgery. This is more often than not the main reason why your application has been rejected. Lack of details or gaps in employment are also red flags, so be sure to include relevant explanations where applicable.

Tip: If you know your spelling and grammar is atrocious, call a friend. If you don’t have a friend, use Google. Because Google is everybody’s friend.

Wrath: Lack of Professionalism

When meeting your recruiter for the first time, do it as if you are attending the actual interview. Be on time, be courteous, dress accordingly and don’t make assumptions. Once you become a person of interest, Recruiters are going to scrutinize you to ensure that you are the best possible candidate for their client.

Tip: Wear deodorant. Something subtle and not too empowering

Envy: Bad Social Media Image

In the age of hashtags, tik toks and likes, it’s extremely easy to stalk candidates who may seem to create a good impression, but have a ‘dark’ side to them socially. While we believe that one should never judge a book by its Facebook cover, it’s important to be mindful of what you do and say on social media.

Tip: Put energy into your LinkedIn profile and make your other accounts private if you are concerned that your social image doesn’t quite add up to your professional one. We all have a little Dr Hyde in us!

Pride: Listen to the advice given to you

Nobody likes a know-it-all. Be respectful about the advice given to you by the recruiter for your job interview. Show some enthusiasm and ask questions

Tip: Be prepared! If you care, then Recruiters will care.

For more information about vacancies in South Africa at Kwena Human Capital, visit our employment agency job portal www.kwena.net