The number one goal when applying for a vacant position is to get a job offer. We can all agree on that.
However, besides getting the job, you can achieve many other objectives in an interview or by applying for a job.
Doing so, it brings you one step further in your personal and professional journey. Thus, no matter if you get the job or not, you will have reached one or even more of the following goals.
You gain experience in applying and interviewing
If you are a fresh graduate or if you have not changed job for a long time, you might be inexperienced writing job applications or interviewing.
Thankfully, there are many great resources to help you with that. But nothing beats experience. Ideally, you gain experience before your absolute dream job comes along.
For a lot of us some experience is the only way to gain confidence and routine in the application and interview process. Both is invaluable when job hunting.
Recruiters get to know you
By applying for an open position, recruiters look at your profile. Some recruiters are constantly searching for suitable candidates for similar positions. This might come in handy someday.
Similarly, if you apply for an internal opening within your organization, HR might take note. They might realize that you are an employee with skills that might match upcoming openings.
You send a signal that you are up for a challenge
If you apply for a more senior position than your current one, it sends a message. You or show that you are interested in professional development and that you are ready to take a challenge.
Depending how openly you handle the matter with your boss, this might make him or her realize that you could be trusted with more responsibe tasks.
You get to know the company
Interviewing for an open position is a great way to get to know a company or an organization better.
This is useful, if you are a fresh graduate and try to find out how the companies in your sector function. It is valuable, if you are an experienced professional looking to continue your career in a different organization. Talking to recruiters and prospective bosses or even co-workers helps you create a better picture of this workplace.
Also, read this blog post to recognize some red flags when getting to know a new workplace.
Find out what skills you are still lacking
You are interested in a certain kind of job. This is why you are applying after all. But, you are unsure if your qualification match the position. You have done the right thing and applied anyway.
Now the next step is to figure out how good the match is. If you were invited to an interview, this is easy. Ask questions such as: „What skill would I have to acquire, if I would start here?“ or „What qualification would your ideal candidate have that I don’t?“
If you are not invited to the interview, you can still ask for feedback. Read this blog post on how to do this best.
Get your application documents ready
If this is your first application or your first application in a long time, congratulations. You have made a start.
Even if nothing else came out of it, your CV is updated now, your application documents are up to speed, and possibly your online profile is set up. From now on, each application will get a little bit easier.