Job Application Strategies

For many individuals, a job application may seem like a ‘game of numbers’, but for me, it’s more about strategy or can be likened to a data analytic project.

Disclaimer: My sharing is solely based on my personal experiences! I have a background in math and analytics and some experience in investment. So, my sharing might be more related to those in the same fields…

Below included 5 steps that I draft for new grad job app:

Self-Assessment:

List down by orders your:

1. Background/Education, Experience/Internship
2. Skills, Strengths (+ Weakness)
3. Interests + Career direction: Revisit the specific areas you are passionate about and determine which of these areas align best with your long-term career goals and aspirations
4. Personality: Reflect on your personality traits (e.g., introverted, extroverted, detail-oriented, creative, etc.) > consider how your personality can complement and thrive in certain work environments or roles
5. Product / Industry: Identify the specific products or services you are interested in working with. Pinpoint the industries or sectors that appeal most to you (e.g., technology, finance, healthcare, commerce, etc.).
6. Preferred Location: Take into account factors like cost of living, job market opportunities, and personal preferences.

By organizing and prioritizing these aspects, you’ll have a clearer picture of what you’re looking for in your job search. This will help you target your applications more effectively and align your career decisions with your passions and goals. A major is a more general area of study, while a job is a more specific role or position. It’s important to note that studying a particular major doesn’t necessarily mean you have to pursue a career directly related to that major in the future. Remember to be flexible and open to adjustments along the way, as your preferences and priorities may evolve as you gain more experience and insights into your chosen field.

Research and make a list of:

Based on your list in step 1, do research for matching jobs and make a list/spreadsheet to keep track your application (see my example in the picture)

How/Where to search?

• Jobs related to your major
• Stalk alumni from the same majors in your college or to whom same background in Linkedin
• Read as much as Job Descriptions as you can >> analyze and pick up the keywords for those positions to find which match your skills
• Talk to your advisors/mentors
• Watch youtube / read online materials for those sharing their day-to-day jobs
• Find job postings in the company website

Strategy?

I usually make 3 groups as below, spend different time amount and effort in each:

• Top-priority: Select the top 10 jobs that best-fit or match with all the criteria listed in the self-assessment step. Learn about this position and the company really carefully. Identify potential contacts for referrals, recruiter connections, or current employees to arrange informal coffee chats and gain insights into the company. Should also prepare a cover letter that is specifically tailored to this position.
• Mid-priority: Choose the top 3 roles you like the most and tailor your resume for these three positions. List the jobs searched into these 3 roles (I suggested ~30-50 jobs). Identify potential contacts for referrals. These positions are those match with you but not your ‘best option’ / ‘dream choice’, but you still want to make sure to spend enough time and effort.
• Mass-apply: those jobs that are less aligned with your criteria (note: less but do not mean no match).

Networking: Where? LinkedIn / Cold Email, Alumni, Friends / Communities / Vietnamese Circles – Don’t hesitate to seek help, but ensure you do so with the right approach, show your respect and gratitude towards those who offer assistance.

Actually, I highly encourage everyone to engage in networking proactively and as early as you can, don’t wait until you need their referral. By connecting with various professionals, I have found great value in learning from their unique experiences and understanding why they chose their specific career paths. I observed their personalities and characteristics to assess if their chosen industries align well with my own aspirations and interests.

Apply + Interview

Always improve yourself, your skills… Practice interview (both technical and behavioral questions)!

Review (important!)

Evaluate the list of positions you passed and those you did not and in which stage. What you’ve learned through the interviews? Write reflections and also notes on interview questions to prepare for future interviews. Be honest with yourself about the reasons behind both outcomes. Identify the similarities among the roles you passed, and recognize your strengths in relation to these positions. After this assessment, re-group or rearrange your priority list based on your findings. Sometimes, our initial assumptions about a position being the best fit might not align with the reality of our qualifications and strengths.

Lastly, trying your best, staying positive with yourself and having an open mind to embrace changes are crucial aspects. At times, we might have to compromise certain personal interests during our early careers. Sometimes, what we perceive as the best fit may not always be perfect; exploring alternative options could lead to a more suitable path. Goodluck :’>