By: Jeremy Knoester (VP of Business Development)

Welcome to your key to a more informed and fulfilling career path.

10 Questions to Help Candidates Assess If They Should Apply for a Job 

If you’re wondering what questions can help you decide if you should apply for a particular job, we’ve got you covered. Here are ten questions to ask before applying for a job.

1. Do my skills and work experience fit the qualifications they are looking for?

Asking this can help you determine if this job matches your qualifications. By asking whether your skills and work experience align with the qualifications in the job description, you’re taking a crucial step in assessing the match.

It’s time to evaluate your hard and soft skills. What do you bring to the table, and what might be missing? Understanding this alignment not only streamlines your job search but also enhances your chances of securing a role that resonates with your expertise and aspirations.

2. How does this role align with my career goals?

Your long-term career aspirations are at the heart of this question. It’s your compass for mapping your future and understanding how a particular job opportunity fits into the grand scheme of your career. So, when evaluating a job, consider the following: What does your career landscape look like in the coming years, and how does this role contribute to that vision?

Strive to align your job search with your ambitions. For instance, if you aspire to become a cloud architect, consider related positions such as cloud support engineering or cloud administration as stepping stones.

Ask yourself what your future would look like and how applying for a certain opportunity can add value to that long-term career you are aiming for. By applying for positions that genuinely resonate with your career objectives, you’ll find yourself progressing further in the hiring process and closer to your ultimate career destination.

3. Does the salary range match my financial needs?

Ensuring that the salary offered aligns with your financial requirements is crucial. Here’s a way to evaluate it:

• Compare to Your Previous Salary: Compare the salary range to what you’ve earned. Assess whether it’s sufficient to sustain your current lifestyle.
• Create a Budget: If you’re uncertain, consider crafting a budget based on the posted salary. This budget should cover your essential expenses like bills, groceries, and rent and still leave room for savings.
• Explore Benefits: In the case of a slightly lower salary offer, explore the benefits package. Sometimes, additional perks can make up for a slightly lower income. This ensures you have a comprehensive understanding of your overall compensation.

4. What’s their company culture like?

Culture can affect a person’s performance and how long they want to stay at an organization. It’s best to research how certain companies support their employees through their culture.

Research their culture. You can do this by visiting their website, reading employee reviews, and looking into their social media. Look into how the company’s culture supports its employees. Check if it resonates with your values and preferences.

You should also consider your lifestyle. For instance, if you’re passionate about charity work, seek employers who share that commitment. If work-life balance is crucial, look for companies with a five-day workweek.

5. Do I have any connections within the company?

Making the most of your connections isn’t a bad thing. If you have contacts within the company who can speak positively about your abilities and work ethic, it can work in your favor.

When your connections vouch for you, it builds trust and rapport with the employer, potentially expediting their interest in getting to know you better. This trust factor can enhance your prospects during the hiring process.

6. Are there opportunities for advancement and growth?

Certain job postings highlight growth and professional development opportunities within the company. You can explore the company’s website for insights if this information isn’t readily available. However, if your research doesn’t yield a clear answer, don’t hesitate to ask this question during the interview.

Inquiring about advancement and growth opportunities communicates your enthusiasm to learn and excel with the organization. This demonstrates your proactive approach to your career and can lead to a more informed decision regarding the job’s long-term potential.

7. How accessible is the workplace?

Your workplace’s accessibility can substantially impact your performance and daily routine. That’s why it’s essential to consider how your daily commute affects your energy levels and overall well-being.

The office’s proximity to your residence can also significantly alter your daily routines. Identify your options for public transportation to assess your potential workday. Determine when you’d need to wake up and the routes available to ensure punctuality.

Suppose the workplace is considerably distant, consider whether relocation is a viable option for you. Ultimately, it’s vital that you can maintain your well-being while delivering your best to the company. This consideration ensures a balanced and effective work-life equation.

8. What is the work setup like?

Discovering a work setup that aligns with your preferences is crucial for achieving a more balanced work-life dynamic. For instance, does the organization follow an on-site, hybrid, or remote work arrangement?

Recent findings from a McKinsey Global Institute survey provide valuable insights: Only 7 percent of respondents work remotely, 37 percent are on-site daily, and 56 percent participate in hybrid work arrangements. This data indicates that while remote work is an option, it’s not yet the prevailing norm in the current work landscape.¹

If remote work is non-negotiable for you, it might be worth exploring alternative options. Fortunately, many employers now include their work setup details in job postings, making it readily accessible. In cases where this information isn’t provided, you can ask the hiring manager during your interview. This ensures you’re well-informed about the work environment to help you make a choice that suits your needs.

9. Do I have to clean up my social media pages?

The answer is a resounding “yes.” Your online presence plays a considerable role in your professional image. However, you have a couple of approaches to consider either clean up your profiles or set them to private.

If you believe the employer is inclined to contact candidates promptly, and you’re pressed for time to tidy up your pages, it’s advisable to set your social media accounts to private temporarily.

If you have the time for a more thorough approach, consider hiding or removing any content that might be unsafe for work (NSFW). Additionally, enhance your profiles by adding your work experience and skills to your bio or “about” section, depending on the social media platform you’re using. Opt for a professional-looking display photo to further bolster your online presence.

10. Should I customize my resume and cover letter?

Absolutely. Tailoring your cover letter and resume is a must when you’re considering applying for a specific role. This approach communicates your genuine interest in showcasing your qualifications to the employer and your eagerness to secure the position.

One of the gravest errors in the job application process is submitting a generic resume or, even worse, doing so without a cover letter. A generic resume conveys a lack of true commitment to the role as if you’re only trying your luck.

But customizing your resume for a specific role is all about spotlighting the qualities that make you an ideal candidate. Additionally, customization is essential since employers often use applicant tracking systems (ATS). In fact, according to Jobscan’s 3rd Edition of the Applicant Tracking System (ATS) Usage Report, a staggering 97.4 percent of Fortune 500 companies employ ATS technology.²

ATS systems are designed to identify the best-matched candidates swiftly. Failing to customize your resume could lead to exclusion from screening if your document doesn’t align with the keywords and criteria the employer prefers.