The importance of focus when applying for graduate jobs

This post was originally published on 3rd November 2013.

Last week we discussed the importance of thinking beyond the CV. One of the points we touched on was the need to be more focused with your strategy when applying for available positions. With the current state of the job market it would be easy to become overwhelmed in the knowledge that on average 56 people apply for every available graduate position. With statistics like this it’s easy to form the mindset that in order to maximise your chances of being successful in your application, you need to diversify your approach and apply for as many positions as possible. This blog post aims to disprove that theory and show that actually the opposite approach can yield better results.

The truth is that in attempting to diversify your approach, it is very likely that you are diluting the quality of your application. A scattergun approach can only mean that the attention you are giving each application is less than if you were focusing your attentions on a carefully chosen selection of positions that you are highly passionate about. This highlights the importance of focus when applying for graduate jobs.

When employers open applications for a position they have to screen applicants based on a few initial criteria. Typically this might be a 2:1 in your degree and a minimum number of UCAS points. After this they would then drill down further into the content of your application and make no mistake; employers are now very streetwise about which applications are tailored and which have taken a generic, scattergun approach. When some application forms are similar it can be tempting to recycle your previous answers and simply copy and paste them in. The danger here is that often these answers are too easy to spot unless great care is taken. (Especially when incorrect information is in your answer. This could include incorrect company name, position you are applying for, the industry or sector etc. This really does happen believe it or not!) Put simply if your answer contains information that is obviously not specific to the question being asked then you’re application will not be progressed.

By carefully strategising your approach to applications you can become much more proficient and produce higher quality applications. Here are some suggestions on how to do so:

• Shortlist a select few positions that you would like to apply to by searching through all the options that are available to you.
• Research the companies, the industry, and the role you are applying for to become well informed before beginning your applications.
• Contact somebody who works in that company or at least in the industry to get a feel for the organization and a deeper understanding of the industry. See if you can be introduced to decision makers. Make a great first impression.
• Apply to the roles you feel most passionate about and give the application care and attention.
• Follow up after you have applied to check that they have received your application and to demonstrate your enthusiasm for the role.

Whatever the outcome of your application, thank the company for considering you and ask them for feedback. This could lead to other opportunities, open doors you weren’t aware of and shows a professional attitude if nothing else.

Doubling down on your applications and giving them the focus they deserve when applying for graduate jobs can make a huge difference. It demonstrates a desire that a scattergun approach cannot portray. In the eyes of an employer a focused application = focused employee.

What tips have you found work best to get the most out of your job applications? Let me know in the comments.