10 good reasons to apply to a job

10 good reasons to apply to a job 10 good reasons to apply to a job Deciding to apply to a job isn’t always an easy or straightforward decision.Because even if you’re pretty sure what job roles you’re looking for and in what location, there are so many factors that you might want to consider when applying to jobs such as the job description, job requirements, company reputation, or application process, just to name a few things.And especially in times when it seems like sorting through job listings and companies feels overwhelming, it’s super helpful to have a way to assess what’s worth your time.Follow Ladders on Flipboard!Follow Ladders’ magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and more!Before you decide whether you should brush up that resume and spin up another cover letter, consider these 10 good reasons to apply to a job:1. The job description sounds interestingMost of us spend a large chunk of our time at work, so we want it to be as pleasant and fulfilling as possible.  It’s natura l to gravitate toward a job that piques your interest and gets your excitement flowing. If the description paints a picture of a role that you think you would enjoy, take a chance and apply.2. You feel it’s a good fit for your experienceIf you’ve  been employed in a similar job, chances are good that you would be able to succeed in the new one. Even if you don’t have job experience, you may offer off-the-job skills that would make you a good fit. Examine the skills the employer wants and see how closely yours match up.3. The job plays to your strengthsDoing what you’re good at is rewarding. Take stock of  your best assets and capabilities.  If the position sounds like it would benefit from the attributes you offer, both your soft and hard skills, throw your hat into the ring of candidates.4. You’re impressed with the companyIt’s becoming more important than ever to vibe with the company’s culture that writes your paycheck. Think about the  type of organization  you wan t to work for, and search out job descriptions that match your preferences. Choosing to apply to the ones that closely align with your personal philosophy of life will help you be happier in your role if you end up landing the job.5. You have a connection that works at the companyAccording to  an article  on  SHRM.org, referrals are the  top recruiting tool, delivering over 30% off all new hires in 2017.  Someone who knows both you and the inner workings of the company is perhaps the best person to advise whether you would be a fit. You can ask them questions that dig  into the daily aspects of working there, find out about management’s personalities, and hear first-hand accounts of specific projects.6. The position would be a step upIf your goal is to drive your career path onward and upward, a job that would be one or more levels up from where you are employed now would be a smart move. A better title frequently comes with higher pay and more benefits, so landing a job in a hig her pay grade than you have now is one of the best reasons to apply.7. The organization offers career developmentYou might be happy in your current job, but there’s no  way to advance. Maybe the company is small or they don’t promote from within. Whatever the reason, if you’re in a dead-end job and see an opening that would offer you advancement opportunities, it would benefit your career to shoot them an application.8. The job (and benefits) fits your lifestyleAside from the actual work you will be doing, you need to think about how the job will affect your life. Remember to think really hard about the benefits package, which are things other than money that the company provides to employees as “compensation”. If the job description outlines better healthcare, more vacation time, and  other perks  like on-site gyms, counseling, bring your dog to work days, and childcare options, weigh them against what you have at your current job. If they stack up positively, send the co mpany your resume.9. The application process is reasonableJob application processes these days can vary drastically â€" from some companies only wanting a resume, to others wanting you to send a resume and cover letter and also fill out a multiple-page online application and also send work samples. Think hard about whether you think a job’s application process is reasonable in light of how advanced the role is and what effort you think makes sense for someone to have to put in to a pursue a job opportunity. Hint: it’s probably a good sign when you find a company that doesn’t make job candidates jump through unnecessary hurdles in a complex application process.10. There’s enough information about the company that shows that it’s worth your timeApplying to jobs can be really time-consuming and stressful, so it’s important that you can find enough information about the company to help make sure it’s worth your time and energy. Especially in these days when there’s no ex cuse for company’s NOT having a strong presence online, if a company is actively hiring but  doesn’t  have a decent website and social media presence, and doesn’t seem to manage  their online employee reviews, then take that as a sign that they may or may not care very much about current and potential employees and is likely not worth your time.Avoid  job search depression  and be more savvy in how you consider a new job. If the position fits these 10 good reasons to apply, go ahead and make the time to pursue that opportunity.Linda Le Phan is the Senior Content Marketing Manager at  kununu US, a place where job seekers can get an authentic view of life at a company and where employers have a trusted platform to better engage talent. When she’s not creating content about the modern workplace, company culture, and life work hacks, she is probably going out to get an iced coffee (even in Boston winter), raiding the snack drawer, or jamming to Kununu’s Spotify playlist.This article first appeared on Kununu.  You might also enjoy… New neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happy Strangers know your social class in the first seven words you say, study finds 10 lessons from Benjamin Franklin’s daily schedule that will double your productivity The worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs 10 habits of mentally strong people