Executive Aspirations: How to Apply Like a Boss!

Applying for jobs is something we all face at some point in our careers, but it can often feel daunting and time-consuming.

It’s especially frustrating when you believe you’re a great fit for a role but aren’t selected for an interview.

In this blog, we’ll share practical tips to guide you through the recruitment process, increasing your chances of securing interviews—and, hopefully, landing your dream job.

1. The Job Search

Be strategic in your job search by narrowing your focus to specific industries, organisations, and roles. This targeted approach helps you fully understand the field and what employers require, allowing you to tailor your applications effectively.

When you do this, you present yourself as genuinely invested in the role. Carefully review the person specification—while you may not meet 100% of the criteria, missing one or two points is usually acceptable.

However, if you’re lacking more than three or four key qualifications, it might not be the right role for you.

2. Writing a Strong CV

Many candidates make the mistake of simply listing tasks on their CV. Instead, focus on highlighting your responsibilities and achievements, emphasising the impact you’ve made in previous roles. Tailor these examples to the specific needs of each role and organisation.

Keep your CV concise—two pages is ideal, with three as an absolute maximum. Consider whether roles from 10, 15, or 20 years ago are still relevant. If not, summarise them under a section like "Other Work Experience" with just the company name and your job title.

Always convert your CV to a PDF to maintain its formatting, and give it a clear title like “Joe Bloggs CV” rather than “JBCVfinal12” or “myCV.”

3. Do Your Research

Fully read the application pack—it provides a wealth of information about the role and the organisation. While there may be similarities across similar roles (e.g., all CEO positions), each organisation has unique requirements based on its location, size, challenges, and opportunities.

Elevate your application further by taking the opportunity to have a pre-application phone call with the recruiter. This is what recruiters are there for, so don’t hesitate to reach out. Use this conversation to learn more about the role and the organisation’s current needs. Be prepared with pertinent questions and share relevant details about your background.

While this isn’t part of the formal application or interview process, remember that every interaction makes an impact. Be polite, professional, and curious, and listen carefully to the information provided—it will significantly boost your application and interview.

4. Follow the Requested Application Process

If the process asks you to complete specific questions, answer them fully. Don’t provide extra information that hasn’t been requested.

You’ve been asked to do something specific for a reason, so stick to that, making it as easy as possible for the recruiter to understand your application. And if they ask for your CV, don’t forget to attach it!

Some recruiters might nudge you if you miss something, but often, missing details mean your application could be discounted.

5. Providing Strong Examples in the Interview

If you reach the interview stage, use examples that directly align with the organisation’s needs and the person specification. For example, while your experience speaking at conferences or serving on expert panels might be impressive, is it the key skill or experience this organisation needs right now?

A common mistake is linking an example to an anticipated question and then struggling to adapt if the question is worded differently. Don’t be afraid to take a moment to gather your thoughts before answering. This helps you connect the question to a relevant example.

6. Be Yourself

Be authentic during the interview—don’t try to emulate someone else. You want to be hired for who you truly are. While you might not always be the perfect fit for every opportunity, that’s okay. It’s better to be honest about yourself than to end up in a role that isn’t right for you.

7. Take the Feedback!

When offered feedback after an unsuccessful interview, seize the opportunity! That insight could be the key to landing your next role. Every step is part of a continuous learning process, so embrace feedback to refine your approach and come back stronger.

8. It’s Practice and a Process

Applying for jobs can feel challenging and overwhelming. Like any new skill, it takes time and practice to get it right. Don’t be too hard on yourself. View it as an ongoing process that may require several rounds of applications and interviews before you achieve success.

Each time, take the feedback, learn, and improve.

This blog was co-written by Sarah Ellis and Louise Herriman.

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