• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Keppie Careers

Social media speaker, social media consultant, job search coach

  • About
    • Expert Job Search and Social Media Consultant / Speaker
  • Services
    • For Job Seekers
    • For Entrepreneurs
    • Social Media Coaching and Consulting
    • Speaking/Keynotes
  • Resources
    • Sample Resumes
    • Blogroll
    • Quoted In
  • Books
  • Blog
  • Contact

How to decide if you should apply for a job

September 12, 2012 By Miriam Salpeter

Just because you would be willing to take any job someone offers you does not mean you should apply for just any job. How can you evaluate job descriptions to decide if it is worth your time to submit an application?

Answer the following questions:

Do you have the required qualifications? Yes, employers are asking for the equivalent of the sun, moon, and stars in their preferred qualifications, but it’s the requirements you need to review most closely. Unfortunately, if the job mandates a bachelor’s degree, and you do not have one, it is extremely unlikely the applicant tracking system will pass along your resume. Similarly, if the job mandates five years of experience and you are a new college graduate with no real-world experience, it is probably a waste of time to apply.

Why are you the best person for the job? This is a different question than “are you minimally qualified?” Can you name several accomplishments in your work history that align you with the position?

Can you support your candidacy via your application materials? Copy and paste the job description into a file and highlight everything that you can support in your resume.

Does the job provide the experience you need to propel your career? There is nothing wrong with a lateral move where your title doesn’t change, but be sure to evaluate what you’ll be doing in the new job to decide if those skills will help you make your next move.

Is the salary in line with your needs? You may not know exactly how much the position pays, but it is up to you to do some research. Use Glassdoor.com and Salary.com to help research likely salaries for the positions that interest you.

Are you willing to relocate? If you know a position requires living in a particular city, and you are not willing to relocate there, you are barking up the wrong tree if you apply.

Read the entire post on U.S. News & World Reports.

Related Posts:

  • No Related Posts

Filed Under: Career Advice

Follow Us!

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

About Miriam

As the author of seven books and an expert source for CNN, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times and other media outlets, I offer cutting-edge information on the latest trends to help you – or your business – succeed. Learn more about how I can help you… Let’s get started!

The Smart Business Owner’s Social Media Help Desk

Social Media Help Desk

Services

Be an Insider: Sign Up to Receive Special Offers & Free Gift






Preferred Partner Career Coach

Primary logo stacked

Advice to Grow Your Business

Click here to read more about growing your business.

Follow Us!

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Be an Insider: Sign Up to Receive Special Offers & Free Gift






About Keppie Careers

Are you a job seeker or business owner? You’ve come to the right place.!
Click here to find out more.

Contact Us

Have a question or comment?
Click here to Contact Us.

© Copyright 2022 Keppie Careers