If You Struggle with an Application, Don’t Write It
It’s a filter for both parties.
A job application is like a fart: If you have to force it, it’s probably shit.
When you write it, you apply for a job at a company, but the company applies for you as well.
I’ve gone through a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in business, done three different internships, and worked multiple jobs. I had to write applications for all of these, just as I had to write them for my scholarship, summer jobs, seminars, publications on Medium, and sponsored language courses.
I’d consider myself pretty good at writing them — my ratio of emails sent to interviews offered is rather low. But over time, I’ve learned a key lesson from sending out tons of cover letters with polished CV attachments that I wish more young people knew.
If an application isn’t easy to draft, you shouldn’t write it in the first place.
The Two Types of Applications
I don’t mean to be lazy and send out wonky cover letters packed to the brim with spelling and grammatical errors. Without good format, structure, and professional looks you’re selling yourself short.
But when it comes to the content, the nitty-gritty, the actual how, why you, and why them, there are two types of applications out there.
Bullshit bingo
The first option is to put in what you think pleases the recruiter. It’s a daunting task, bullshit bingo at its finest.
You fill your motivational letter with buzzwords to the brim. Of course, you’re hardworking, detail-oriented, self-motivated, ambitious, and think outside the box. And of course, you’d be a great match because their business model is unique, you have industry experience, and their biweekly free coffee will motivate you to push yourself to new heights.
Buzzwords only make up for a lack of real connection and a good fit. They’re empty calories without any nutritional value for your satisfaction at work, and that holds for you and your employer’s self-portrait.
Companies present themselves in the best light possible. My friend’s employer assured him multiple times that remote work would be an option — until he wanted to work remotely. Guess he should’ve looked at the fine print.
Look, I’m not saying all companies are evil and will rip you off. All I’m saying is if you pick a job you’ll spend at least eight hours a day with, you shouldn’t struggle to find some genuine reasons.
If you were a great match, you wouldn’t have to rack your brain about why you want to become part of the team — and what you bring to the table.
Bullshit bingo applications are often a sign of lying to yourself. You’re trying to convince yourself and the company of something that isn’t.
I’ve done two internships at companies I should’ve never stepped a foot into. The teams were great, the learning curve was steep, but their values and mine didn’t align in the slightest. Neither did I find any meaning in what I did nor was I excited about the company’s inner workings. It took me days to put together my cover letters, and that should’ve been a sign.
Apply for jobs only if you‘re legitimately excited to do them. Don’t do it for money, status, another reference on your resume, or to fulfill the expectations of people around you.
Authentic Attraction
Your second option is to be genuine. Pick a company whose vision and business model you believe in, and a job you’re excited to do. Apply for a position you care about. The cover letter will almost write itself.
You’ll have things to say and connections to make instead of looking for empty buzzwords and fillers. Put yourself in the best light — that’s what all the other applicants do as well. But do it on a genuine basis.
If you have to think too hard about why you’d be a good fit, you won’t be a good fit. Even if you’re the lucky winner of the applicant roulette, you won’t find joy and meaning in what you do.
In today’s world, you have tons of possibilities and positions you can apply for. Everybody and their dog will promise you heaven on earth, so filtering out the jobs that actually make you happy can be hard.
Don’t just look at the perks of the job, but rather at what the company stands for and what the culture looks like.
If possible, talk to someone who works there. Don’t just look at what they promise you on paper, but read between the lines. Finding an employer whose values align with yours is invaluable. Meaningful work will improve your quality of life more than an extra five grand per year ever could.
Nobody wants to work for free but keep in mind that intrinsic motivation often leads to more effort, higher drive, and better results. And all of these are compelling arguments the next time you ask for a pay raise.
Time Is Precious, Waste It Wisely
My dad is a smart and wise man with a ton of life and work experience. He has dropped many a wisdom bomb I’ll never forget, but the more years I count, the more I see the truth in this one.
You spend more time at work than anywhere else, so make sure you do something you enjoy.
I’m not saying your work is more important than your family or friends. But you spend more time in the office than with them, and more time earning your money than spending it.
Make sure you enjoy it and do something meaningful as opposed to just getting the job done.
Set the right course in the beginning. If your cover letter takes too much effort to fill, it’s not worth it.
I help men find direction, create a meaningful life, and build better relationships by being more authentic. Sign up for my free 5-minute newsletter and become part of the Authentic Men Tribe!
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