The Art of the Job Application: Three important basics that are often overlooked

Yes! You get to interview for a job you are excited about. This is your chance to make a positive impression and show that you are right for the job. It is important to prepare well for your application. We give you some essential tips that can help with this. We will skip the basic do's and don'ts, such as arriving on time for your interview. In this article, we will zoom in on some basics that we have noticed are sometimes overlooked.

1. Telling your story

Being able to talk about yourself during your job interview is an important one. For some, this can feel a little uncomfortable. If you know this about yourself, try to practice your "pitch" beforehand, otherwise you may come across as unintentionally chaotic or insecure during your interview. It's all about finding the right balance: Keep it concise; you don't have to tell your whole life story, but also don't be so short that it feels like you're running down a shopping list. Instead, try to quietly go through the highlights of your career. If you're not sure how much information to share, don't be afraid to just ask the interviewer. It's not an interrogation, so just try to relax and tell your story.

2. Show interest

During your interview, show that you are genuinely enthusiastic, or at least curious, about the position and the company. The ideal candidate is enthusiastic, but also critical and curious. This shows your commitment and careful consideration for the job. Therefore, prepare questions about what you would like to know. And remember; it's a search for both parties. Strive to find the perfect match where you see yourself, even in the long term, working and developing. Be specific to find out if the job is the right match for you. What exactly appeals to you about the position and the company? Being able to talk about this in a positive and clear way will help you find a job that matches your interests.

3. Dress appropriately

Last but not least, try to get some information about the company culture beforehand to avoid appearing over- or underdressed on your job application. Of course, it is common knowledge that it is not appropriate to show up for an interview in your sweatpants, but showing up in a three-piece suit can also be excessive. In reality, it's all about knowing who you have in front of you. Use your intuition; a neat blouse and pants are often enough when applying for WFS PRO's technical industries. When in doubt, it's better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed. While your attire tells us nothing about your suitability for the position, it does tell us something about your soft skills. Of course, you wouldn't want to work for someone who judges based solely on appearance, but on the other hand, would you want to hire someone who is already unwilling to present themselves in a professional manner for a first meeting?

If you include these three basic principles in your next job application, you'll find that applying for a job is not that complicated at all. Good luck!