Are you at a crossroad in your life when it comes to your career? Do you want professional growth by changing your job? Or maybe you just completed one life cycle in your life such as high school or college and are now ready to apply for your next endeavor. Whether you are applying for a school or a job, here is a tip to a successful application.
Before applying there are 3 things that you should first consider.
Where You Are Right Now
Ask yourself, where are you in your life right now. The present moment is very important because this is your starting point. You need to have a clear picture of your current state and what is it that you can offer to the organization that you are applying to.
- What are you good at?
- What are your gifts and talents?
- And what accomplishments have you achieved so far?
If you just recently graduate, you have to have your report card and diploma. You also need to present any certificates and awards that you have received. If you are applying for a job, then a resume that showcases your education, training and work experiences is a must-have.
Where Do You Want To Go
After accessing your current state, it is imperative that you know where you want to go. You must have a clear idea on how you see your future self:
- How do you see yourself 5 years from now?
- How about ten years from now?
- What are your future plans?
- What are your career goals?
How Will The Institution Help You Achieve Your Goals
The school / company that you are applying for should be able to help you get from where you are right now to where you want to go. This is very important not just for the interviewer but also for yourself.
If you are applying for a school, more often than not, universities require incoming applicants to submit an essay on how the education from their institution helps the applicant achieve his/her personal goals. School administrators are looking to see whether an applicant is a good fit to the campus community. They want to make sure also that the applicant is serious enough to enroll in their school. That is why it is important that the applicant research beforehand about the university, its mission vision, its expertise, the campus life and of course, what it can offer to help you achieve your long-term plans.
The same is true with applying for a job. The employer is also looking for someone that best fits the requirement of what they are looking for. Aside from the technical requirements, the applicant must also show that he/she can fit in the corporate culture. That is why this is a common question when it comes to job interviews. If you are the applicant, bear in mind that what the interviewer is looking for is your knowledge about the company and how working in the company fits in your career goals or long-term plan. If you know the answer to this question, it is telling the interviewer that you are someone who wants to grow and progress in their organization.
Knowing how the institution will help you achieve your long-term goals is also beneficial for you. Your goal should always be your professional and personal development. That’s a big factor in achieving occupational wellness. The last thing that you want is to find yourself in the wrong organization.
Good luck!
Feature Photo by Andrea Piacquadio: