Why your Job Applications are getting ignored. | Jean-Michel Gauthier | TEDxBITSPilaniDubai

Summary

In this engaging story, the CEO of InternsMe shares their personal experience of struggling with job applications as a young student. They recount their humorous yet insightful journey of applying for jobs, including a bold attempt to leverage a connection at Emirates Airlines. The story highlights the limitations of traditional CVs and the importance of personalized applications, such as cover letters and video CVs, in standing out to hiring managers. The speaker encourages job seekers to adapt their approach and showcases how video CVs can increase interview chances by 150%.

Takeaways

• 😀 Traditional CVs are no longer enough to land a job, especially when hiring software uses keyword matching algorithms.
• 😀 Personalization is key—tailoring your cover letter to the specific role and company culture significantly boosts your chances.
• 😀 A generic job application is often ignored, while a personalized one shows initiative and human connection.
• 😀 Video CVs give candidates a 150% greater chance of getting an interview compared to those with only traditional CVs.
• 😀 Great video CVs are essentially video cover letters—they allow you to convey personality, passion, and fit for the role.
• 😀 Job applicants should be prepared to explain why they're the right fit for the job and how they align with the company's values.
• 😀 Hiring managers are busy, so applications need to quickly grab attention, ideally within the first few seconds.
• 😀 It's important to experiment and change your approach if your initial methods aren't working—be willing to try new strategies.
• 😀 Never underestimate the power of networking—getting the right connection can make a big difference in the application process.
• 😀 Avoid lying or exaggerating in applications—authenticity is more valuable than an embellished story.
• 😀 Job seekers should focus on presenting their true skills and passion in a way that speaks directly to a company’s needs.

Q & A

What was the speaker's initial career choice, and how did they feel about it later on?

The speaker initially chose to study pharmacy, a career path recommended by family and friends, believing it would lead to prosperity and fulfillment. However, by the third year of their studies, they became disillusioned with the field and were eager to explore other opportunities.

What was the speaker’s first approach to job hunting, and why did it fail?

The speaker sent a generic email with their CV attached to potential employers, using the phrase 'Dear Sir/Madam, please find attached my CV.' This approach failed to get any responses, highlighting the inefficiency of a one-size-fits-all job application strategy.

How did the speaker adapt their job application strategy after receiving no responses?

The speaker adopted the mentality of 'if it’s not working, change your methodology.' They decided to leverage the power of networking, using a fabricated story about being recommended by Emirates' CEO, Tim Clark, to get a response from the HR manager.

What was the outcome of the speaker’s experiment with the Emirates HR manager?

Although the speaker got a response from Emirates and was invited for further questions, the job application ultimately fizzled out, and they did not receive a job offer. The reason for this was later revealed during a conversation with the chief medical officer of Emirates, who explained that the company didn’t need a pharmacist.

What key lesson did the speaker learn from the experience with Emirates?

The speaker learned that it’s important to not only create a believable narrative but also to effectively connect the dots between the company’s needs and your qualifications. In this case, the failure to clearly communicate why they were the right fit for the job led to the rejection.

Why does the speaker emphasize the importance of personalized cover letters?

The speaker emphasizes personalized cover letters because they help candidates stand out to hiring managers. A tailored cover letter connects the company’s culture and the role with the applicant’s skills, experience, and passions, making the application feel more human and relatable.

What did an HR director from a large business intelligence firm say about what excites them in job applications?

The HR director stated that a personalized cover letter, one that clearly explains why the candidate is a good fit for the role and the company, always excites them and their team. Personalized cover letters increase the likelihood of receiving at least a response.

How does the concept of video CVs differ from traditional CVs and cover letters?

Video CVs offer a dynamic way for applicants to showcase their personality, confidence, and enthusiasm, which can help counter the stereotypes hiring managers may have about younger applicants. Unlike traditional CVs, video CVs allow candidates to directly engage with hiring managers and convey more than just qualifications.

What impact did video CVs have on the speaker’s job application process?

The speaker’s company, *Interns Me*, found that video CVs significantly improved the chances of candidates being called for interviews. Candidates who submitted video CVs saw a 150% higher chance of being invited to interview compared to those who only submitted traditional CVs.

What is the primary takeaway for job seekers from the speaker's story?

The main takeaway is the importance of changing your job application approach to stand out in a competitive job market. Instead of relying on traditional methods like generic CVs and emails, job seekers should personalize their applications—whether through tailored cover letters or video CVs—to better engage with hiring managers.