As we come to the new age of the internet and whatnot, everything is transitioning to online processes.

This also includes the process of recruiting.

Nowadays, recruiters are finding people online across the globe.

Online job applications have become the norm for job seekers across industries and skill levels.

From entry-level positions to executive roles, companies are increasingly relying on digital platforms to recruit and hire new employees.

It is not surprising, since every company wants the best employee available, they will recruit people from anywhere available.

As employees, it is in our best interest to know the best way of applying for jobs online.

While online job applications have made it easier for job seekers to apply to multiple positions at once and save time on traditional paper applications, the digital application process can also be daunting and overwhelming.

With so many job search engines and career websites to choose from, job seekers can easily get lost in the sea of job postings, and it can be challenging to know where to start.

Furthermore, the rise of applicant tracking systems (ATS) and other algorithms used by companies to filter and screen resumes can make it challenging for job seekers to stand out from the crowd.

To succeed in today’s competitive job market, it’s crucial to understand how to optimize your job application for online platforms and search engines.

That’s why this guide is here to help.

By providing practical tips and guidance on applying for jobs online, we aim to make the process easier and more efficient for job seekers.

Whether you’re a recent college graduate just starting your job search or an experienced professional looking to take the next step in your career, this guide will provide you with the tools and knowledge you need to succeed in the digital job market.

Before we venture further into this article, we like to share who we are and what we do.

About 9cv9

9cv9 is a business tech startup based in Singapore with a strong presence all over the world.

With over six years of startup and business experience, and being highly involved in connecting with thousands of companies and startups, the 9cv9 team has listed some important learning points in this overview of how to apply for jobs online.

Tips and Guidance on Applying for Jobs Online

1. Online job application
   • Apply for Jobs on Company Websites
   • Create Accounts on Online Jobs Sites
   • Read the job description carefully.
2. Document Preparations
   • Build / Update Your Resume.
   • Have a Cover Letter Ready
   • Triple-check your content for spelling, content, and grammar mistakes.
3. Additional Tips
   • Be Picky, Not Desperate
   • Get In The Application Weeds.
   • Review your social media profile.
   • Use Job Search Keywords

1. Online job applying research

1.1. Apply for Jobs on Company Websites

Company websites are a good source of job listings, especially if you know what companies you are interested in working for.

You can go directly to the site and search for and apply for jobs online directly on many company websites.

At most company sites, you can apply for all level positions online – from part-time hourly jobs to top management positions.

Apply directly on the company website whenever possible, even if you find the listing elsewhere.

Your application will go directly into the company’s applicant tracking system and you’ll be able to monitor its progress.

Step-by-step quick guide on how to apply for jobs on company websites:

1. Research the Company’s Career Page: Begin by navigating to the company’s career page or job portal. Most companies will have a “Careers” or “Jobs” link on their website, which will take you to their job listings.
2. Search for Jobs: Use the search bar or filters to find jobs that match your skills and experience. You can also browse through different job categories to discover new opportunities.
3. Review Job Descriptions: Once you find a job that interests you, carefully review the job description and requirements. Make sure you meet the qualifications and responsibilities listed and that the job aligns with your career goals.
4. Create an Account: Some companies require you to create an account before you can apply for jobs. This will typically involve providing your name, email address, and password.
5. Upload Your Resume and Cover Letter: Once you’ve found a job you’re interested in and have created an account, it’s time to upload your resume and cover letter. Some companies may require you to fill out additional forms or answer pre-screening questions as part of the application process.
6. Review and Submit Your Application: Before submitting your application, review it carefully to ensure all information is accurate and complete. Make sure you’ve included all relevant experience and qualifications and that your resume and cover letter are tailored to the specific job you’re applying for.
7. Follow-Up: After submitting your application, it’s a good idea to follow up with the company to confirm they received your application and to express your continued interest in the position. You can typically find contact information for the company’s HR department or recruiter on their website.

Remember to tailor your application materials to each job you apply for, and follow up with the company to demonstrate your enthusiasm and commitment.

1.2. Create Accounts on Online Jobs Sites

In addition to using job boards (which post jobs submitted by employers), using a job search engine can save you a lot of online job search time.

When you use a job search engine, you can search for jobs found across various job boards and employer websites.

Some job boards and company websites require users to create an account when they looking for applying for jobs online.

It’s a good idea to start your online job search by creating an account on at least one of the major job boards like 9cv9 or Jobsrefer.

If you’re seeking a professional position, it’s also important to create a profile on LinkedIn.

Many job sites allow you to set up job alerts, which will notify you when new job postings that match your preferences become available.

This can be a helpful way to stay up-to-date on new job opportunities without having to check the job site constantly.

Remember to keep your profile up-to-date and tailor your job search to your specific career goals and interests.

1.3. Read the job description carefully

As we mentioned in past blogs, we encourage you to actually take the time to read the job description carefully.

The job description provides important details about the position, such as the job title, responsibilities, and qualifications required.

By carefully reviewing the job description, you can gain a better understanding of what the role entails and whether it aligns with your career goals and interests.

Every job has different terms and requirements.

We encourage you to take notes on the requirements that are frequently repeated in many job posts.

When applying for a job, it’s essential to tailor your application to the specific position and company.

By reviewing the job description, you can identify the skills and qualifications the employer is looking for and highlight relevant experience in your application materials.

This will help you when you’re building your resume.

Make sure you have the skills and experience that the employer is looking for.

Think about previous situations when you demonstrated the relevant skills and behaviors the employer requires and how you could clearly express this in your application.

The job description can also provide valuable information that can help you prepare for interviews.

For example, the description may list specific skills or experience that the employer is looking for, allowing you to prepare examples or stories that demonstrate your expertise in these areas.

By carefully reviewing the job description, you can avoid common mistakes that can hurt your chances of getting the job.

For example, if the job description lists a specific qualification or requirement, make sure you meet these criteria before applying.

Failing to meet the requirements listed in the job description can lead to rejection from the employer.

2. Document Preparations

2.1. Build / Update Your Resume

As mentioned before, when building your resume, you want to make sure that you have the skills and experience that the employer is looking for.

In addition, inserting those frequent information, as mentioned above, will help you when applying for jobs online.

You might want to look at our blog on how to make a perfect resume.

Here are some quick tips to help you create a compelling resume:

• Choose the Right Format: There are several resume formats to choose from, including chronological, functional, and combination. Choose the format that best highlights your skills and experience.
• Tailor Your Resume to the Job: Customize your resume for each job you apply for. Highlight relevant experience, skills, and achievements that align with the job requirements.
• Use Strong Action Verbs: Begin each bullet point with a strong action verb to describe your accomplishments and responsibilities. This helps to make your resume more engaging and impactful.
• Quantify Your Achievements: Use numbers and statistics to quantify your achievements, such as the number of clients you served, the percentage of sales growth you achieved, or the size of the team you managed.
• Focus on Results: Instead of simply listing your responsibilities, focus on the results you achieved in each role. Employers are more interested in what you accomplished than what you were responsible for.
• Keep it Concise: Your resume should be no longer than two pages, and preferably one page. Focus on your most relevant experience and achievements and leave out irrelevant information.
• Use Keywords: Many employers use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to screen resumes. Make sure to include relevant keywords from the job description in your resume to increase your chances of getting past the ATS.
• Proofread and Edit: Carefully proofread and edit your resume for errors and typos. Have someone else review it as well to ensure it is error-free.

By following these tips, you can create a strong resume that highlights your skills and experience and increases your chances of getting hired.

2.2. Have a Cover Letter Ready

The validity of a cover letter is often debated, with more than a third of recruiters saying they’re no longer relevant.

Yet, whether you believe in them or not, many employers still do.

So make them count.

Unless the job listing specifically says not to, you should always include a cover letter when applying for jobs online.

Here are some quick tips to help you create an effective cover letter:

• Address the Hiring Manager: Address your cover letter to the hiring manager by name, if possible. This shows that you have done your research and are genuinely interested in the position.
• Introduce Yourself: Begin your cover letter by introducing yourself and explaining why you are interested in the position.
• Highlight Your Skills and Experience: In the body of your cover letter, highlight your skills and experience as they relate to the job requirements. Use specific examples to demonstrate your achievements and qualifications.
• Show Enthusiasm: Express your enthusiasm for the job and the company. Show that you have researched the company and understand its mission and values.
• Keep it Concise: Your cover letter should be no longer than one page. Focus on the most important information and avoid repeating your resume.
• Use a Professional Tone: Use a professional and polite tone in your cover letter. Avoid using slang or informal language.
• Proofread and Edit: Carefully proofread and edit your cover letter for errors and typos. Have someone else review it as well to ensure it is error-free.
• Follow Up: If you haven’t heard back from the employer after a week or two, follow up with a polite email to express your continued interest in the position.

By following these tips, you can create a strong cover letter that highlights your skills and experience and increases your chances of getting hired.

2.3. Triple-check your CV/Resume and cover letter for spelling, content, and grammar mistakes

Your CV/Resume and cover letter are often the first impressions a potential employer has of you. Spelling, content, and grammar errors can make you appear unprofessional and careless.

Employers are looking for candidates who are detail-oriented and thorough. By triple-checking your CV/Resume and cover letter, you demonstrate that you have strong attention to detail and are committed to presenting yourself in the best possible light.

Errors can make it difficult for employers to accurately assess your qualifications, potentially leading to missed opportunities.

Moreover, the job market can be highly competitive, and small errors can give other candidates an advantage. By ensuring that your CV/Resume and cover letter are error-free, you increase your chances of standing out from other applicants.

Review your application before you submit it.

Once you click ‘submit’ your information is sent directly to the recruiter.

Remember that first impressions count, so make the best one you can when you apply.

3. Additional Tips

3.1. Be Picky, Not Desperate

Think quality, not quantity.

Concentrate on the companies you’d be really excited to work for, and whose roles actually line up with your experience and skills.

Be particularly wary of throwing everything at one company’s wall to see what sticks. 

Allison Green, the author of the Ask a Manager blog, says, “The danger in applying for multiple jobs at the same organization is that you can come across as unfocused or naive about what you’re well suited for.”

Make sure you understand the requirements for a job.

Only apply if you meet the position’s requirements.

It is better to apply only for jobs at organizations you want to work for and that match your goals and skill set.

Since it can take some time to fill out an application for each job, you can save more time by being selective during your search process.

3.2. Get In The Application Weeds

Andrea Clement, a Communications Director of a national healthcare recruiting firm, says, “Most of the time, if the directions aren’t followed, you won’t be considered for the job,” she says.

Ouch.

So, make sure to read carefully (e.g., if they ask for your best sample, don’t send five), include necessary documentation (like a cover letter or references), and hit up spell check.

3.3. Review your social media profile

Let’s be honest.

Finding jobs online is about selling yourself, so you need to know how to flaunt your goods.

Many recruiters are partial to LinkedIn because everything is laid out in the same way, so they can quickly skim through to hone in on their perfect candidates—which means your profile needs to be legit.

If you are applying for jobs online, make sure you have a positive online presence.

Many employers will look you up online to verify the claims in your application.

You should check your social media privacy settings to ensure employers can’t access any information you would rather they didn’t see.

3.4. Use Job Search Keywords

When you’re looking to apply for jobs online, the most effective way to search is to use job keywords to find jobs in the career fields and industries you are interested in.

Keywords can be more effective than using the predefined search options in the job banks because they search the entire listing (job description, job title, contact information, etc.) for the keyword(s) that you use.

Create a list of job search keywords that reflect your job interests, including the location where you want to work, type of position, industry, etc. Also, review these lists of skills for resumes so that you can match your skills to the job requirements.

Conclusion

In conclusion, applying for jobs online can be a daunting process, but with the right tips and guidance, you can increase your chances of success.

From optimizing your job application for search engines to creating a strong resume and cover letter, there are many steps you can take to make yourself stand out from other applicants.

Remember to research the company and tailor your application to the job requirements.

Use strong action verbs, quantify your achievements, and focus on results in your resume.

Use a professional and polite tone in your cover letter, and be sure to triple-check your application for spelling, content, and grammar mistakes.

By following these tips and guidance, you can improve your chances of getting noticed by potential employers and landing your dream job. Good luck with your job search.

If you find this article useful, why not share it among your jobseeker and applicant counterparts, and also leave a nice comment below?

We at 9cv9 Research Team strive to bring the latest and most meaningful data, guide, and statistics to your doorstep.

The post Tips and Guidance on Applying for Jobs Online appeared first on 9cv9 Career Blog.

Welcome to another Installment of Career Warrior. Here, we will feature interviews with outstanding entrepreneurs to share with you their stories and career advice.

As someone who is in a higher managerial role, we should NEVER underestimate our employees. We always believe that a good company comes from a good worker. Good workers come from a great leader. On this topic, Suryanto Gobeawan from Erakomp Group and WallaWilli will be talking a bit more about how his employee has been motivating him.

About Erakomp Group

Erakomp Group is an IT solution provider company serving nationwide. They are the leading IT company providing all technology solutions, business, government, and private use. Erakomp covers 474 districts representing 86% of total districts in Indonesia. As we strive to excel in customer service excellence by providing real-time solutions and wide product offering. Dynamic improvements are in place to provide both in the sales and after-sales service.

About Suryanto Gobeawan

I’m a pet lover and my house has more pets than human living in it (including the maids & drivers).

Suryanto Gobeawan is the Chief Strategic Development of Erakomp Group. At the same time, He’s also the CEO & Founder of a unique travel-related virtual assistant startup – WallaWilli.

Can you describe a typical workday?

There is no typical day in my line of work. Being the Chief Strategic Development Officer, I’m involved in all aspects of the company to ensure linearity and clarity. Every day is a different day with most days to expect the unexpected. What is typical in my role is that each and every day is more exciting and challenging than the one before.

I enjoy a good light reading or a horror movie to relax and/or spend my off time. Yes, only horror movies could take my mind away from work.

Who are some of your clients? How did you manage to get them to be your customers?

We have wide-ranging customers from retail end-users (both online & offline) to corporate & government organizations. Our wide and deep reach in branding has positioned us to be the go-to company for all IT solutions.

My best marketing tip that I can give you is to find out what they are seeking / in need of before putting forth what you are trying to sell. Only when you truly understand their needs, then would you be able to effectively sell to them, both by needs and emotions.

What has been your greatest success in your career and why?

When I engage the public and putting my capability and authority for a good cause such as volunteering in educating Indonesians’ Millennials so that they are more aware of the advancement of technology & IT products across the globe. Seeing those whom I have educated/mentored excel and find their passion while carving out their career path within the IT industry is an indescribable moment of pride and joy to me.

What are some difficult moments/challenges in running this company/business?

Some of the most difficult challenges in running the business are cash flow & manpower. The 2 elements are constantly on top of my mind – yet some are not easily tackled.

What is your favorite career/business failure (and what did you learn from it)?

We have to be agile and dynamically adaptive in business. No results is ever as 100% expected. And, never give up. The moment we as entrepreneurs give up – that is the moment we kill the business prematurely by our own hands.

In running WallaWilli, I had to take necessary steps to dynamically change the business model & structure due to the unexpected Covid-19 which hit the travel & tourism industry very severely.

Now, instead of focusing on the travel & tourism aspect of WallaWilli, the business has evolved into a revolutionary & disruptive digital advertising space.

What motivated you to run this business?

The technological gap in Indonesia as compared to many other more advanced countries propelled us to do something more and lead the nation in its effort to progress step by step.

Who has had the biggest influence and motivation on your career?

Our employees. I see a lot of talented people in our company who aren’t just about professionalism. They reach beyond with their sense of belonging to the company and commendable dedication.

Within the company, we are used to appreciating employees for their hard work. From appreciation and achievement, it is obvious that every employee is an asset to the company. Even though their contributions are very different, they still have the same goal of advancing the company. From this appreciation, the management team and I can see more clearly the achievements of each employee. So that appreciation is not only limited to appreciation but also awakens management to make employee dedication as motivation.

Gary Vaynerchuk said: “Bosses work for employees, not employees work for bosses.” I agree with this statement. In every developed company, it is the leaders of that company who work harder to rack their brains more to direct employees and the company in a better direction. An ideal leader is a leader who leads the company with clear directions and goals.

A good company starts with good employees. “No Man is an Island”. The company will not be able to stand alone without qualified human resources. All companies are headed by a leader and driven by the crew (employees).

2 basic things in a company culture that must be considered by leaders, namely:

1. The culture of the company is a reflection of a leader who leads the company so that as a leader we should not make excessive demands.
   from employees, especially if we as leaders cannot or do not master it
2. A leader should understand the needs and motivation for the performance of his employees. Employees are human beings who have needs. If these needs can be met by the company and used in building a culture of togetherness and ownership in the company, then it can be ascertained that the company which is likened to a big ship will achieve success.

What is the biggest sacrifice you have to make to start your business?

There are of course sacrifices here and there. Some of the biggest sacrifice that I had to make is my time, my social life, and my love life.

If you could go back in time to speak to your 22-year-old self, what would you tell him/her?

Wake up and start your start-up earlier! Like way earlier, long before Covid-19.

Lastly, what are some interview tips you would give to prospective candidates coming for your interview?

Be well prepared – very well prepared. It is always better to be over-prepared than underprepared. Broad general knowledge is a strong weapon and expects out-of-the-box discussions.

9cv9 is a top remote career platform where you can find the best candidates for your company! Head over to 9cv9 now to hire from the top talent pool!

Find this useful? Remember to like this post and follow 9cv9 blog for more!

The post How Employees Can Motivate a CEO – Suryanto Gobeawan appeared first on 9cv9 Career Blog.

Welcome to another Installment of Career Warrior. Here, we will feature interviews with outstanding entrepreneurs to share with you their stories and career advice.

Let’s be honest: Working is a very draining activity. One way or another, working will take a toll on our performance, both physically and mentally. We are always encouraged to be as professional as we can. Unfortunately we, humans, are are all emotional creatures. Using our emotions at our professional work can lead to reckless decisions. On this topic, we are featuring Michel Hamilton from Maybank Indonesia to share his story about logic and emotions at work.

About Maybank Indonesia.

PT Bank Maybank Indonesia is one of the top largest private bank in Indonesia that is also a subsidiary of Malayan Banking Berhad group (MAYBANK), one of the largest financial institution in South East Asia. Maybank Indonesia provides a comprehensive range of products and services for individual and corporate customers. They differentiate themselves with values such as customer focus, easy access, digital-ready, and complete product offering.

About Michel Hamilton

I’m a people person, always loves to coach and help my team to grow in parallel with nurturing the business. Everyone can talk and reach out to me anytime. I’m open to share and help.

Michel Hamilton is the chief strategy, transformation, and digital business officer for Maybank Indonesia. As the CEO direct report (part of the CEO office), Michel is mandated to lead and be the agent of change in the bank to shape, redefine, fine-tune, and sharpen the corporate strategy & business transformation as well as ensuring the execution & benefit realization of the strategic transformation program. Michel is also currently leading the bank’s digital business unit as well as coordinating to do digitalization at the bank’s operating model.

Can you describe a typical workday?

My typical workday will consist of working on a few different things. Some of which is to define corporate strategy, monitor and lead the strategic transformation, and run the digital business. After work, I like to do some running and playing with the kids to relax.

Who are some of your clients?

Our customer ranges in a wide different variety. We have customers ranging from individuals and up to corporate banking.

How did you manage to get them to be your customers?

The way we got our clients is by building relationships throughout the years. My best marketing tip to get my clients is to ALWAYS be honest and to be sincere. Try to seriously understand the client’s problem to solve them. Stay relevant to their needs while continuously implemented the latest solution that helps to uplift the customer experience and convenience level.

What has been your proudest moment in the history of your business?

For me, the proudest moment is to have the ability to continue to coordinate and align various stakeholders with different interests to work as a team and serving the same purpose.

What are some difficult challenges in running this business?

The most difficult challenging situation is to align the company strategy and vision to the working level execution. Often times the market volatility and uncertainty force us to rapidly be able to change our plan and strategy to react to the external factor changes.

What is your favorite career/business failure (and what did you learn from it)?

I have been always involve in a very complex and challenging transformation program

The lesson that I learned that being involved in a complex and large transformation program is always the most efficient way to develop ourselves as a person. We will have a very challenging time and it will definitely not easy to manage various stakeholders with different interests and objectives.

However, if we are able to get everyone together to serve the same purpose, we can really enjoy the outcome afterward and the best lesson to learn fast is by not hesitate to make mistakes. Be honest, stay committed, and learn from it. What we need to avoid is to repeat the same mistake.

Who has had the biggest influence on your career?

I don’t think i have one in particular. I admire all of the top leadership and sportsman in the world. All the top leaders and great minds in the world influence me one way or another.

What are some sacrifices that you made in the course of starting up or running your business?

There are few sacrifice here and there. My biggest sacrifice that I had to made is my time, my mind and my emotion.

I don’t mean sacrificing emotions in a bad way. I’m saying it is important to be able to put emotions aside in professional activities so that we can still give optimal results to our work. Work is a draining activity and the mind, when we are tired, it is very easy for an action to be based on emotional decisions instead of logic.

Every activity or job decision-making must be based on logic, justification, and proper rationale and not based on instinct or decisions based on emotions such as empathy, sympathy, like or dislike for something.

Humans are equipped with thoughts and emotions. Thoughts that distinguish humans from other living things, and humans must be able to control emotions with their thoughts. Thoughts must be able to become a greater foundation than emotions in all our activities to ensure that what we do is best based on common sense, logic and reason.

If you could go back in time to speak to your 22-year-old self, what would you tell him?

Never hesitate to speak up, never hesitate to go against the normal, and put aside the emotions when working in professional environment.

Lastly, what are some interview tips you would give to prospective candidates coming for your interview?

Ensure that they know what they want, their passion, ability to articulate things clearly and briefly, firm on their learning points and their purpose of building career

9cv9 is a top remote career platform where you can find the best candidates for your company! Head over to 9cv9 now to hire from the top talent pool!

Find this useful? Remember to like this post and follow 9cv9 blog for more!

The post Work is a draining activity to the mind – Michel Hamilton’s from Maybank Indonesia. appeared first on 9cv9 Career Blog.

Welcome to another Installment of Career Warrior. Here, we will feature interviews with outstanding entrepreneurs to share with you their stories and career advice.

On this topic, we are featuring Winanjaya Amijoyo from PT. Prime Digital Informindo Indonesia.

About PT. Prime Digital Informindo

PT. Prime Digital Informindo is an IT service company. They focus on providing the best Information Technology Product and Outsource Management Consulting Services to support other businesses. The Company work with users to formulate and document business requirements and goals. They provide out-of-the-box and best practice solutions to fit business operations, digitalization & automation.

About Winanjaya Amijoyo

I am easy going, hard worker, and out of the box thinker. I always try to combine my God-given skills and experiences. Let God do the rest to give my best to everyone.

Winanjaya Amijoyo, (Winan for short) is the Co-Founder and the CEO of PT. Prime Digital Informindo. He is an IT Executive with more than 20 years of IT development and technical leadership experience. Winan has a proven track record in designing, analyzing, developing, implementing, and integrating enterprise-class scalable software solutions.

He started his career as a Senior Developer in Management and Computer Consultants. Before being the CTO of PT Malacca Trust Insurance, and CEO and CTO of PT Primatama Teknologi Solusindo (2017 – 2020).

Can you describe your daily life?

On a typical day, I conduct strategic coordination internally such as discussing technical matters (technical meetings), finances, negotiating with clients, technical meetings with external (3rd party), and clients. Sometimes I also go into technical work (if needed).

Who are some of your big clients?

I have been in the IT world since 1989, for me, no client is a bigger one. All of my clients are the same because we needed them too. The challenges are also different. It’s just that I’m more satisfied if they are satisfied with what we can provide. They are all big, and they are all who raised me and my company. You can check them on our website here.

How did you get them to become your client?

I prefer to get a client from a client because then I can measure the satisfaction of the client who referred us to the client. I’m not saying that I do not need marketing, marketing is still needed to find new clients or what I usually call as “New Business” and monitoring old clients and I think this is what marketing friends should do.

What has been your greatest success in your career and why?

Same as mentioned before, no achievement is the bigger one. All of that is the result of teamwork. For me, maybe this is normal because I am a person who is never satisfied with what I have done. Not because I am not grateful, but indeed I always demand improvement on an output.

What are some difficult moments/challenges in running this company/business?

Currently (This outbreak) is the most difficult moment in my life.

What is your favorite career/business failure (and what did you learn from it)?

Same as always, no failure is the worst and/or my favorite. Everybody has had some bad and good experiences in their life. For me, I treat all of them to improve what I have now for my future.

Who has had the biggest influence and motivation on your career?

It has always been God and Family, namely my wife and two children. It is for their support and prayers that I can be who i am today.

What is the biggest sacrifice you have to make to start your business?

The most expensive sacrifices that I had to make were time, with my family for example. As much as possible I always set this (my business) aside for my needs to relax and refresh (for example weekends, school holidays, Christmas, etc). I also spend some family time every day after work.

Lastly, what are some interview tips you would give to prospective candidates coming for your interview?

Tough and endurance are required at the moment. I will give them a challenge, I don’t care about the result. What I want to see is how long they will take the challenge. Sometimes I also want to know how the process.

We hope that you’ve learned through this interview. Now that you know what to expect from an employer (a CEO nonetheless) find your dream job at 9cv9 to start on your journey!

Find this useful? Remember to like this post and follow 9cv9 blog for more!

The post Running a business needs huge sacrifice – Winanjaya Amijoyo, Co-Founder of PT. Prime Digital Informindo appeared first on 9cv9 Career Blog.

So, you’ve made your CV/Resume. You’ve made your cover letter. Finally, after a long wait, you’ve got the call for a job interview. Congratulations! Sorry to say, the jeopardy starts in the interview. Safe to say, there are too many people who fail on a job interview. How do we prepare ourselves for a job interview? Here are our 10 tips and tools on how to prepare for a job interview

We will discuss this into 3 separate groups:

1. Pre – Interview

1. Do Your Research
2. Review some Interviews FAQ’s
3. Re-read the job description

2. Interview Preparations

4. Practice, Practice, Practice!
5. Recruit a friend to practice answering questions
6. Prepare a few questions for the interviewer.

3. The Interview itself

7. Timing of arrival is KEY
8. Come with a positive mind
9. Make it about THEM
10. Just be yourself and Have Fun!

1. Do your research

Understanding key information about the company you’re interviewing with can help you go into your interview with confidence. Using the company’s website, social media posts, and recent press releases will provide a solid understanding of the company’s goals and how your background makes you a great fit.

Pro Tip: An interviewer may ask how you perceive his company’s position in its industry, who the firm’s competitors are, what its competitive advantages are, and how it should best go forward. For this reason, avoid trying to thoroughly research a dozen different industries. Focus your job search on just a few industries instead.

2. Review some Interviews FAQ’s

If you have gone through a lot of interviews, you might notice that there is a pattern of common questions. Depending on your field of work, the might be a slight difference in common question. Pick a list and think about which questions you’re most likely to encounter, given your age and status (about to graduate, looking for a summer internship). Then prepare your answers so you won’t have to fumble for them during the actual interview.

3. Re-read the job description.

When you’re reading the job description, there is usually some expectation to on what to have and/or what to work on. Begin underlining specific skills the employer is looking for. You may even want it to be want to print it out. Think about examples from your past and current work that align with these requirements.

4. Practice, Practice, Practice!

There is no other way to word this: Practice makes perfect. Recruiters will most definitely know that you’ve been practicing or not. The first thing that recruiters will know that you’re actually passionate and hard working is by the interview. DO NOT let them down.

5. Recruit a friend to practice answering questions

Having a friend to practice is actually a great idea. You can most definitely get inputs and work on it alot when you have someone who’s there for you. It might be biased, but be objective as possible.

Get two friends and practice interviewing each other in a “round-robin”: one person acts as the observer and the “interviewee” gets feedback from both the observer and the “interviewer.” Go for four or five rounds, switching roles as you go.

6. Prepare a few questions to the interviewer.

One of the most common thing that people fail to address is to asking back to the interviewer. Employers want to hire someone who is looking for specific things in their job search and knows what they want. Otherwise, they’re going to be afraid you’ll get bored, not like the job, leave as soon as you find something better, etc.

Come to the interview with some intelligent questions for the interviewer that demonstrate your knowledge of the company as well as your serious intent. Interviewers always ask if you have any questions, and no matter what, you should have one or two ready.

A good all-purpose question would be something like: “If you could design the ideal candidate for this position from the ground up, what would he or she be like?”

7. Timing of Arrival is KEY.

When you’re applying for something that is potentially going to change your future, you really don’t want to be late. Being late is giving the impression that you’re not committed at the very start.

Arriving too early means you have more time in the lobby to get in the right headspace before you check in at the reception desk or enter the office. And it’s an easier problem than having to tell your interviewer that you are going to be late. But at the same time, arriving too early might be a hassle. If you show up more than 15 minutes early, it can lead to problems for your interviewers, which will not put them in the best mindset to deal with you.

You don’t want to arrive too early or too late. Experts agreed that arriving 15 mins early is the optimal time. It gives you and the interviewer some time to be prepared.

8. Come with a positive mind.

Nervousness, anxiety, and all of those negative thoughts will get you nowhere. Be confident, and come with a clear mind. Believe in yourself and trust in your ability. And while it’s good to be humble and honest, you always don’t want to be too shy about telling them what you’re great at and what you’ll do for them. You’re an expert in these things, so act like one.

This also includes having an attitude. No one likes a complainer, so don’t dwell on negative experiences during an interview. Nobody is perfect in this world, but giving the impression that you think you’re perfect is a sure way to fail a job interview.

9. Make it about THEM

This is something most job seekers don’t do, and is a big reason why many people fail interviews.

Most job seekers think the interview is all about themselves. The key to getting more job offers is to make your answers about the employer, too. Along with showing them your expertise, make sure you clearly show how those skills will help them in this job. Talk about how your skills fit into their job. If you don’t study the job description carefully, you can’t do any of this.  So if you’re not doing this while preparing, it’s probably why you keep failing interviews.

10. Just Be Yourself, and have fun!

The Following is a Quotation from Jim Joseph, Global President of the marketing communications agency BCW

If I’m hiring, then I want to get to know you just as much as you want to impress me. If you are true to yourself, then you’ll know if it’s a fit and vice versa. The whole point of an interview is to get beyond the buzzwords of a resume and really get to know you, how you think, and how you perform — how you will fit into my organization.

So be honest, and you’re sure to have a much smoother interview — it might even help you get hired.

Extras: Don’t give up!

We’ve all been at the spot where we failed a job interview. Whether because of our lack of experience or preparation, it is only natural that people fail one way or another. And frankly, it’s okay. Take it as a learning journal and improve on your next interview.

This also includes when you truly think would be a great fit for you. Reiterate what you have to offer the company, and say that you’d like an opportunity to contribute. Whether this strategy will get you a job offer depends on the company and on you. But one thing’s for sure: If you don’t try, your chances are exactly zero. We’ve seen this approach work on numerous occasions, and we encourage you to give it that last shot.

The post 10 Tips and Tools on How to Prepare for a Job Interview appeared first on 9cv9 Career Blog.

In the previous blog, we mentioned that creating a great CV really sells you for your dream jobs. While this is true, most job dashboards will ask you to also bring a Cover Letter. Believe it or not, it is as important as the CV and/or resume. How is it more important? Why do we need it in addition to our CV and/or Resume? Let us discuss What is Cover Letter and 5 Cover Letter writing tips

WHAT IS COVER LETTER?

According to Zety, A cover letter is a document attached to your job application, showing why you’re the best candidate. It introduces you in a more personal way and compliments the info on your resume or curriculum vitae. It also expands on the skills and achievements and highlighting a selection of your greatest career successes.

Also called an application letter, it is a document sent with your resume to provide additional information about your skills and experience to an employer. The letter of application is intended to provide detailed information on why you are are a qualified candidate for the job. (The Balance Career)

Lastly, according to Investopedia, A cover letter is a written document commonly submitted with a job application outlining the applicant’s credentials and interest in the open position. A well- or poorly-written letter can impact whether the applicant is called for an interview.

From the explanation above, we can conclude that a cover letter is a written document attached to the job application that outlines the applicant’s credentials and interest.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

As we mentioned above, a cover letter is as important as the CV and/or the resume itself. It shows why you are the right person for the job. It shows your motivation for joining the team. By putting your best foot forward, you can increase your chances of being interviewed. Your application letter should let the employer know what position you are applying for, what makes you a strong candidate, why they should select you for an interview, and how you will follow up.

In essence, it’s a sales pitch that describes why the applicant is the best person for the position. It is a full-blown marketing campaign. Yes, it still mentions facts and figures, but it puts them out in the form of a story. 49% of recruiters see a cover letter as a factor that’ll make them pay more attention to your application. That’s the second-best way to boost your chances after a properly targeted resume.

Linda Spencer, associate director and coordinator of career advising at Harvard Extension School, says that a solid cover letter answers two key questions:

1. Why are you the right fit for the job?
2. How will you add value to the organization?

WHAT COUNTS AS GOOD?

“It takes the average employer about seven seconds to review these documents,” says Linda Spencer. “They’re not reading, they’re skimming. So you need to make it clear right off the bat how you can add value.”

1. Highlighting Your skills Skills.

We will take learn from Harvard itself. They said that a good way to create a response-producing cover letter is to highlight your skills or experiences that are most applicable to the job or industry and to tailor it to the specific organization you are applying to.

2. Complements the Resume

A good cover letter complements a resume by expanding on items relevant to the job. Career experts advise job seekers to spend time customizing each one for the particular position, rather than using a generic missive. Although this requires extra effort, it can be very helpful in allowing an applicant to stand out above the competition.

3. Not Just REPEATING the Resume

A great cover letter should not just repeat your resume in a shorter form, but should tell the employer what it is about the job that is attractive to you and why you want to work for that employer. You will also need to include the unique skills and the qualities you bring to that job and the company.

5 COVER LETTER TIPS

Again and again, we want to make this clear: Cover Letter is as important the CV and/or Resume. It is important for you know the tips and trick on how to do it, the right way. Here are some tips that we can give:

1. Start With Research

Same as CV, getting to know what is your potential position jobs is key to writing a great Cover letter. Employers will most likely notice, potentially impressed if you know what skills and knowledge that they are looking for.

Be sure to also pay attention to any application instructions written in the description. This step reveals what materials they need to review in order for them to consider your application. Even with a referral, you’ll still need to follow the steps listed in the job description. 

2. Address the letter to a specific person

“To whom it may concern” is one of the fastest ways to get your application deleted. Thus it is wise to always try to address your letter to a specific person — usually the hiring manager or department head. Include their name, title, company, and address at the very top below the date.

If you don’t know who to address, LinkedIn is a great place to start. Simply enter the company name and some keywords into the search bar (e.g., “Google, hiring manager, sales”) and a variety of related profiles will appear.

3. Know what’s important

We’re not writing a 1,000-word essay that summarizes your resume. The cover letter is your chance to explain why you’re genuinely interested in the company and its mission. Hence, it is really important to know what’s important and what’s not to include.

As with all cover letters, a job application letter is divided into sections:

• The heading, which includes your name and contact information.
• A greeting addressed to a specific person, if possible.
• The introduction, which should include why the applicant in writing.
• The body, which discusses your relevant qualifications.
• The close, which thanks to the reader and provides contact information and follow-up details.
• Your signature to end the letter.

4. Consistency is a make or break.

Same as CV, visual consistency makes a big difference. Keep your letter to just one page and use the same font (and size) as you did for your resume. If you’re converting the letter to a PDF, make sure the formatting is translated properly. Above all else, it should look professional and easy to navigate. Recruiters would love to review a CV that is easy to navigate and looks professional

5. Monitor your social media. 

Today, more employers check social media accounts to see what an applicant has posted publicly. This can be an indication for employers to see if you’re the right fit for their company. Be mindful of what you post on your social media accounts, and post links to your social media accounts in your portfolio if you’re applying to a job in that field.

The post What is Cover Letter and 5 Cover Letter Tips appeared first on 9cv9 Career Blog.

Writing a CV or (“Curriculum Vitae”) is one of the most important if not the most important basic skills to have as an employee. We did our basic guide on writing a good CV. But, as it turns out, many people struggle to write a competitive CV. As a matter of fact, of all 250 resumes, 4 to 6 will get called for an interview, and only one will get the job. Especially in 2020, the competition to get jobs is even more fierce than before. So, how do you make a winning cv to get your dream jobs? Here we give you our 10 Strategies To Write a Great CV in 2020

We’re going to go over this in 3 segments to build your perfect general CV:

1. Pre-Writing

2. Writing Details

3. Other Tips and Tricks

1. CV PRE-WRITING

2. CV WRITING DETAILS

3. OTHER CV TIPS AND TRICKS

The post 10 Strategies To Write a Great CV in 2020 appeared first on 9cv9 Career Blog.