Maybe you don’t like what I write now and if so, I am sorry but someone has to tell you the truth. You are applying and send tons of CVs to job ads but never get an answer? Here may be why:
We live in a world of specialists and if you are not able to convince us fast that you are the right candidate, your resume will be put on the wrong pile. Her are 5 tips to save your and our time and improve your personal ROI:
- Only apply when you cover at least 70% of the technical skills: this is a good ratio that will give you a) confidence to succeed and b) enough space to grow, learn and stay motivated for a longer time. This or a similar ratio (I never read it in % before but am bold enough to assume this is a general rule) is not only part of the selection process for the person that receives your application but also important for your personal risk management: you want to be sure the next step will be the right one and you will stay, make career and evolve within the organization, right?
- Only apply when you cover 99% of the KO criteria: When it says “fluent French is a must criteria”, this means: you cannot do the job unless you speak fluent French. You might apply when you have a “very good” level but I had candidates that put “fluent” on their resume and did NOT at all speak the language required. I test all languages and in 80% of the cases I correct the level mentioned. Be prepared that everything you put on your resume may be checked
- Do not apply when you are over or underqualified: If you read “5 years relevant experience”, don’t apply if you have 2 years. And neither apply when you have 12 as you might appear frantic and a step down in terms of responsabilities, title and salary as well as reporting to someone potentially less qualified than you is neither good for your resume nor for your morale. You will most likely not be hired anyway as you would create an internal disequilibrium
- Only apply when you are around: You should live in the area where the job is located or have a very good reason why you apply: I get resumes from India for a job in Paris. And even candidates who live 5 hours drive from my office will unfortunately not be priority A candidates as they cannot be in my office tomorrow at 6pm for a first interview and next Monday with my client. Furthermore, moving to another city and leaving friends and family behind etc. is not this easy. And if you move to another country, it can be more difficult to think to get a work permit and employers will not always be ready to take the risk you don’t get it
- Trust your gut feeling: only apply when you like the job content and the industry and want to spend 40-50 hours in this context for the next years. If you are not sure, don’t apply. There are more candidates than you think that apply for jobs they don’t want to have. If you know why, please tell me as I don’t understand…
Conclusion:
We are all busy and have to manage our time wisely, you and I. Do not hope that you can try to make it into a first interview though you do not meet the requested criteria and then convince by your nice personality and your fantastic potential. If you do, however, meet the above, please apply fast and we will be happy to meet.
sending...
I agree with the above, with the exception of point 4, which says: “you will only find a job in your area”.
While this may be true for some, it can be also be wrong for others. Otherwise, how explain that some people often change jobs AND countries?
I personally studied, lived, and worked (with different organizations) in 5 different countries. I was never around when I received the call !
I do not agree with 3 and 4.
3. Most of the reasons for the refusals I receive are that I am “overqualified”. Employers often tell me they are simply afraid I would keep applying for better jobs if they hire me and then walk out one day to accept one of these “better jobs”.
But this is ridiculous. Being overqualified is a relative term because all that matters is whether or not a person wants the job and is qualified for it. I do not know everything and each position has its own set of challenges. Furthermore, as “overqualified” I can perform better and am ready to take over more responsibilities in the future.
I have been a CIO at a small company and would happily consider a regional title at a larger one.
4. “Moving to another city and leaving friends and family behind etc. is not this easy” for sure. But people with an international mind-set are willing and able to overcome the difficulties.
In the last months I received refusals for jobs in Nuremberg, Paris and Zurich. The people assumed that I was not willing to move. I believe the HR departments in Paris and Zurich were not willing to handle a new situation.
I currently live in Kiel and traveled there for the interviews. If I’ve had no interest, I would not have sent an application in the first place. I don’t waste my time writing an application if I don’t want the job.
Patrice, Thanks for your comments.
On 3: The reason you are given is not always the right one. I believe that careers do not always have to be linear but one should not go down in responsibilites. I agree with you that being CIO for 100 million or Manager IT for 1 billion stock listed company would not shock me in a resume. Being CIO for a 500m€ and accept a job as CIO for a 100m€ looks different but can still be explained. I think that careers do not have to be linear until we retire and become flat – but going donw in responsibities does not look good on a resume. This might be interpreted as “S/ he did not make it”
On 4: Yes, from what you write, you have proven in the past that you are mobile so I guess you are an exception to what I wrote
indicator no. 4: i think it should be mentioned in one’s CV, ex. “availability: willing to relocate for the right opportunity”…
Excellent stuff all 5 indicators, but what happens if one falls persistently within indicator no. 3 ?… this comes irreversibly with age!…