There are lots of important questions to ask when you're applying for jobs. But before you even start the application process, Atlanta hiring managers say these three are among the most important.
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What do you know about the company?
Kathy Malkowski, senior corporate recruiter for LocumTenens.com, a full-service physician and healthcare agency, advises posing the question, "Is this a company and a position I would wake up and really enjoy going to every day?"
Malkowski, who hires a broad range of operational and sales roles as part of a corporate recruiting team, suggests that job seekers to do their homework on a company before filing an application.
"Find out what their corporate culture is like," she said. "Another important question for a job seeker is, 'Can I excel in this job?' Work today is more complex, fast-moving and demanding than perhaps it has ever been. Finding a role that leverages strengths and provides fulfillment is key."
Do you meet the requirements?
Chan Cheatham, talent acquisition services manager for all five offices of Corporate Payroll Services, including Norcross, Chicago and Philadelphia, recommends taking an absolutely realistic tone before applying.
She performs scads of job interviews and said she most enjoys meeting people of all different backgrounds at CPS, which provides companies background checks, retirement planning and payroll services.
"I don't want to, but I have to say one of the most important questions to ask yourself is, 'Do I qualify?" she said. "You don't want to be straight out of college applying for a VP spot. You could maybe apply for something that requires two to three years of experience, because you may have the equivalent from education experience, but you absolutely want to be realistic."
Do you want the job?
For candidates at every level, Cheatham recommends asking the simple, but all-important question: "Do I really want this job?"
She said you want to make sure you'd really enjoy the position you're applying for. "You also want to consider the company's reputation, the work environment and the commute.
Another aspect of the "do I want this job?" answer: Does it fit your schedule and lifestyle. "You want to ask yourself 'Can I take my kids to school and work 12 to 8 every day,' for example," Cheatham said.
So many Atlanta applicants are so desperate to find work they'll apply anywhere, she said. "This will backfire. You'll waste money on the company's side that way, and waste everyone's time. And if you end up with lots of short-term jobs and your resume all over the place, then when you do find a job, the hiring company will consider you a job hopper."
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