What Women Should Be Ready For When Applying For A Job

By StudentJob

Being able to put your own strengths into words, making self-confident demands and formulating your own desires clearly are all very important when you apply for a job. However, this can be very tough - particularly for women.

Some of you may never have thought about it but we women are perfectionists. We generally apply for jobs beneath our work competencies whereas men tend to apply for jobs that are above their professional qualifications.

The application process is usually tiring enough but women tend to make their life even harder by checking each job description in minute detail and only applying if we meet 100 percent of the qualifications. Even after sending our application documents, we are doubtful whether we made the right decision or not.

Don't sell yourself below your worth

Finding the perfect job is not easy, but this doesn't mean you should settle for less. Be confident, show them the skills you have and emphasize your professional abilities.

Take a close look at your own strengths and weaknesses. What are you particularly good at? What feedback did you get from your coworkers and friends? Think it through and try to answer questions in a way that focuses on your strengths, giving examples of projects in the past that can prove particular skills. Doing this as an exercise is a great way to learn how to speak confidently about yourself.

It’s all about time management

Time management is significant in all areas of your life and the way you cope with stress can be a crucial factor for the recruiter. Try to find an example of when you have had to manage deadlines in the past and be prepared to talk about how you approach new tasks and handle stressful situations. Which role do you take when working in a team? However, try to not answer questions about time management by talking about how you would reconcile family and work life.

The interviewer might also test your flexibility and ask about working abroad or remotely or if a change of residency is fine with you. Reflect upon your priorities and preferences, think about your personal environment and if you have a supporting family. An honest and clear answer is essential, so don't be afraid to tell the interviewer what you have got to offer and be bold.

Where do you see yourself in five, 10 or 15 years?

Even though this question seems reasonable and asks about the career path you are aiming for, for most women a career is not the only goal in their life. Maybe you want to start a family, build a house, get married, move abroad, get a dog? These details aren't relevant to the job you're applying for and risk suggesting a lack of commitment to your work. Instead, stay professional and limit your answer to the work you want to achieve.

Contemplate what you want to learn, which position you would like to have. It is important to think about what you want to answer before the interview and then nothing will surprise you. You can then easily steer the conversation away from your private life.

What do I wear?

Knowing what to wear for a job interview can be much easier for men than women, particularly given the ways in which our society judges women for their appearance more than men. It's important to make a good impression, and it's better to be overdressed than give a negative impression. Pick elegant pants and flat shoes to avoid unpleasant situations when walking up stairs or having to sit uncomfortably in a tight skirt. You want to feel comfortable and confident in whatever you choose to wear.

Applying for jobs is exhausting, but it's important to prepare properly and be ready to answer questions as professionally as possible. Know your worth, be bold but humble and ace the next job opportunity.