Before you write your application:

Analyse the job posting and research the company

You have just read a job posting for a fantastic job, and you cannot wait to start writing the application. But before you start typing, please spend some time on reading the job posting thoroughly and on doing research about the company. The more you know about the company and the job, the better your application will be

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Examine the job posting

Spend time decoding which assignments are most important, and the requirements of the job. You can apply for the job even if you are not experienced in all the job assignments concered. The task list is a wish list, and the most experienced candidate does not always end up getting the job). If customer service is an important part of the job, then emphasize your experience with customer service, both in your application and the CV. You should also be aware of the tone of the posting - try to attain a similar tone in your application.

 

Are you applying at your own initiative?

If you send an unsolicited job application, you do not have a job posting to lean on. Instead try to find previous job postings of the company. They may give you an idea of what the company focuses on when hiring new employees. If you cannot find any old job postings, you can search for similar companies. Which are the keywords of the industry?

Also read: For you who apply at your own initiative

Check the company
Check the website and profiles of the company or the organisation on social media. What does the company write about itself? Which products does it offer? What is the history and development of the company? Which targets, values and visions does the company have? Who does the company ftarget, and how does it want to present itself to the customer/citizen? Who are the competitors?

You could also call the employer
If you have any questions, or if there is something you would like to know having read the job posting and done your research, you can call the employer. The purpose of the call is to obtain useful information that you can use in your application and at a job interview. It is important that you are well prepared when you call. You should not ask questions to which the answers appear in the job advertisement, of course. Your questions should reflect your having familiarized yourself with the company. Be curious and show genuine interest. 
Five questions to ask the employer:

  1. Which assignments will take up most time?
  2. Which methods/tools do you use in relation to ...?
  3. Could you describe this assignment in more detail?
  4. How is the cooperation in the department?
  5. What is your biggest challenge at present?

When you have finished analysing and researching, you know what to attach importance to, when writing your application and your CV. 

See how to write a motivated application
Write a targeted CV 


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