How to Get a Job — Even When You're Unqualified

 Getting work, especially in these times, can be a real kick in the pants.

With copious amounts of people applying for jobs and so many rejections being sent, how do you stand out in the crowd?

Is it in the resume? The clothes you wear to that virtual interview? Your cultural background?

In all honesty, yes. These factors do play somewhat of a role in the decision to find the right candidate.

But they don’t have to be the deciding factor in your ability to land that job.

Twenty-Five at Twenty-Five

Putting it plainly, at some point in my career, I have experienced or been employed in a vast array of positions, from cleaning feces out of a commercial party vessel to teaching drama to students who don’t speak English.

With this experience, I have put together three easy steps to land any job in any field*.


Step One: Lose Your Current Resume

Your parents may have helped you with the formatting, and YouTube may have guided you on formatting, but at the end of the day, there is no formula for creating a perfect resume that will guarantee a job.

A resume or CV should contain the following;

  • Contact Info (Pretty self-explanatory)
  • Objective (Why you are the best fit for the job. Be specific and keep it short)
  • Experience (Where you have worked previously. If you have never held down a job for more than 3 months, don’t put it in. Unless it is an internship at Google or something out of this world)
  • Remember to keep this as clean as possible. Short sharp sentences that highlight your duties and responsibilities. Don’t go into detail about what you gained.
  • Education (Where you went to school or university) You can highlight any short courses or qualifications you have.
  • Remember, even if you are applying for a job as a cleaner, put your Psychology degree in. This shows that you are a smart kid and know how to talk your way out of cleaning a toilet or two.
  • References (Ask a friend or former employer to write a recommendation. This not only looks good but should reflect on you as an eligible employee)

In terms of skillslanguages, and hobbies, these should be tailored to specific job applications that require Microsoft Excel, French, or Horse Riding.

Keep your CV as clear and concise as possible. This will ensure that it is not thrown in the ‘too much information ’ or ‘why is this headshot one-page’ pile.

Cover Letter or No Cover Letter?

You should write your cover letter according to the job-specifics, not your resume.

I cannot stress this enough.

Stop wasting time adjusting your formatting or playing around with fancier wordplay. Write a decent clean resume, then focus on the cover letter.

This is your preview to the big interview. Swoon the employer with a few lines about you and watch the email notifications pop up.

Your interview awaits.

Step Two: Stand Out From The Crowd

As a 6 foot 4 male, with lanky arms and receding hairline, I’d say I’ve got it down pat.

Others find it a little more frustrating when attending an interview with all of these people who have basically the same skills, qualifications, and even looks.

Stand out from these people!

When you walk into that room or virtual space, ask a question.

A simple ‘how are you today?’ or ‘nice day today, isn’t it?’ can be the difference between sinking or swimming.

Do your research.

Request information that others wouldn’t.

How much is the salary? What are the working hours? Am I required to do weekend work? These are the questions that you need to know before starting a job. Don’t just take a job because you need money, take a job that you feel comfortable and will do an excellent job in.

By asking these types of questions to the employer, you show that you are not afraid to get to the specifics.

I mean, who is going to hire someone that’s scared of asking where the toilet is?

Step Three: Don’t Wait For An Answer

This is evident by the countless emails I have sent to employers asking for an answer.

However, this step is not to be taken lightly.

Do NOT send an email straight after an interview.

Do NOT call the next day asking for an answer.

Wait. Be patient. If they haven’t got back to you within a week, then give them a call and ask to speak with the person you spoke to in the interview.

If they had said they would let you know in 24 hours and it’s been 36, give them a call.

Even if you didn’t get the job, this is your time to find out how you performed and what you can work on for the next one. Ask specific questions and use this time to reflect and prepare for your next interview.

Getting a job is daunting. The prospect of sitting in front of a computer screen and scrolling is enough to make you want to open up the Netflix tab.

Setting goals helps. Although it is not in the top three steps, mainly because I’d assume people do that already, setting goals helps you stay on track.

That is if you set realistic goals like; apply for five jobs today. Not just get a job.

Everybody’s experience will be different. Some will get jobs faster than others, while some will take a little longer to submit one application. The factors behind these decisions are endless, but if you consider the ideas presented here, you may just come out on top.

*Pending workplace qualifications and experience. Please note that this has worked for me, and the same results may not be guaranteed.

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