You’ve finally hit send on your job application, now what?
I worked with a CEO candidate who wondered the same thing. Where did she focus her attention and what could she do while she waited for the recruiting company to assess her candidacy? Here are a few points that came out of our discussion.
Focus your attention on this opportunity
Prepare questions for your recruiter
Do your homework
Consider your blind spots
Assess your competition
Identify how your candidacy will outperform your competitions’
Address “your greatest weakness” questions first
Devise a strategy for your next steps in the selection process
Organize and begin your interview preparation
Stop overanalyzing
Reinforce your candidacy to yourself. Grow your confidence
Prepare your references (if you haven’t already)
Consider when to leverage your network
Design persuasive arguments for why the organization should put their trust in you
After I shared this post on Linkedin a number of executive recruiters, staffing consultants and career professionals weighed in. Here are some BONUS tips to consider if you’re waiting to be shortlisted.
- Study the advisory board members profiles. Sarah Johnston
- Until you have signed on the dotted line, the job search is not over. Keep searching, applying, and interviewing. Karen Silins
- Thoroughly research the key business objectives of the company. Ana Lokotkova
- …never lose hope, always be yourself, and stay positive! Chris Lonas
- Work with an expert for a mock interview. J.C Okere
- Set aside time for a breather. It’s health to take small breaks to recharge. Adrienne Tom
Related Categories: Client Questions & Answers, Interview Strategy, Job Search
About The Author
Maureen McCann is an award-winning career coach, master resume writer, and master certified interview, employment, and career strategist whose clients include C-level executives, managers, and professionals in all industries including the Canadian banking, oil and gas, healthcare, IT, and government sectors.