“Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results,” a famous quote states.
You have been writing job applications for some time now. You stuck to the basic rules and did all the usual optimization tips. Yet, so far, you only got sorry letters. Then you might be ready to try out a new approach before you start questioning your sanity.
Here are five suggestions to mix up your application writing.
Write your application in a different location
Moving yourself to a different environment is a well-known remedy against writers block. It can also help with lackluster cover letters. Whether you normally write on your desk or at your kitchen table, you can feel stuck in the ever-same treadmill. Try mixing things up by preparing your application in your garden, on the train, or at the nice little café around the corner. Experiment with picking places that are more tranquil or livelier than your usual spot.
Change your tools
Why not draft and polish your cover letter using old-fashioned pen and paper and only type it up when you are done.
Chances are you are staring at a computer screen for the best part of the day. Adding even more hours of screen time might crush your motivation. Use other tools to get your creative juices flowing.
Use a professionally designed template
Using a professionally designed layout provides new impulses for you and may help your application to stand out. Professionals offer moderately priced templates, which most of us could never design ourselves. In addition, free CV templates are accessible to everyone.
You probably put a lot of work into making your layout looking neat, tidy and well arranged. Still, it might not stick out from the crowd. Moreover, working with the same template day in and day out might feel dull and stale.
Prepare a video application
This tip is not for everyone. But, consider it if you have tried almost everything else for months.
You could use an online platform designed for this purpose, such as talentcube.de. If you want to invest more time and effort, you can create your own video application from scratch with a software such as windows moviemaker.
Video applications are an obvious choice when applying for media related jobs. Nowadays companies from all industries welcome it to get an impression of the applicant. What’s more, video applications are an excellent choice for unsolicited applications.
Apply for a job your do not want
For those over prepared and very tense people a healthy dose of an I-don’t-care-attitude can work wonders. Practice this more relaxed approach by applying for a job that is not at the top of your list of dream jobs. Invest only a moderate amount of time and effort in preparing the application. This allows you to explore new avenues without worrying too much about the outcome. By doing this, you might get new insights and gain valuable experience.