Being seen Part I:
Tips for standing out as a candidate
Last year, NORCAP received a significant number of applications to job advertisements. Making sure your application is seen is key to increase your chances of becoming a part of our team. As a Recruitment and Development Adviser with NORCAP I will share with you my top 4 tips for getting a job in the humanitarian, development and peacebuilding sectors.
NORCAP education expert Leandro Salazar-Liévano interacting with parents of children in a classroom in Mopti, Mali. (Photo: Alassane Guindo/NORCAP)
Written by: Rhon Franz Salmon, a Recruitment and Development Adviser with NORCAP, part of the Norwegian Refugee Council.
Let’s imagine that you found a job advertisement on the Norwegian Refugee Council’s careers page that matches your experience and skills. You become more excited as you read through the advertised role; and may have even gone a step further by imagining yourself performing the tasks associated with the role.
Because we recruit internationally, there is a good chance that you are not the only one who is doing this. Last year we received nearly 5,000 applications, averaging over 50 candidates for each role we advertised externally. This confirms that interest for opportunities to help NORCAP respond to the many challenges facing the humanitarian, peacebuilding, and development sectors is high. So, then, how can you ensure that your application is seen by NORCAP’s Recruitment and Development Advisers?
1. Thoroughly read the job advertisement:
Candidates may sometimes miss out on a few details mentioned in an advertisement. By reading thoroughly through the advertisement, you are more likely to ensure that you do not skip crucial details. This may result in your application being seen by the Recruitment and Development Adviser. Sure, it means re-reading the job advertisement once or twice, but it may be worth it!
Hint: read the Requirements and the How to Apply sections closely!
2. Create your profile
When applying, we strongly recommend that you complete your profile in our application portal by filling the work history section. One way to do this efficiently is by copying and pasting your relevant work history from your CV. Doing this will make your work experience, and you, more visible. Lastly, with a completed profile, our system’s algorithms may match you to other or additional opportunities you may be qualified for.
3. Be concise and relevant
It is not uncommon for a job advertisement to attract a hundred or more candidates. Ensuring your profile is clear and concise and only contains relevant experience will help us match your qualifications for the role.
Hint: look for keywords in the advertisement and blend them into your application.
4. Show us instead of telling us
Candidates tend to submit applications with information that was copied and pasted from their job description. Our Recruitment and Development Advisers, however, will want you to put your role(s) and responsibilities into your own words. Also, share a specific achievement(s) or highlight(s) that was a direct result of your execution of said responsibilities.
Lastly, submitting a good application, following the tips above, is not only about the volume of applications. It is also about how competitive the recruitment process can be, due to what type of candidates the roles attract. For example, while a candidate might not have landed the role for which they applied, we may keep their application in mind for a future opportunity. In summary, we do not want to miss out on you.
About NORCAP:
We work to better protect and empower people affected by crises and climate change. With expertise in the humanitarian, development and peacebuilding sectors, we collaborate with local, national and international partners on finding solutions to meet the needs of people at risk. NORCAP is part of the Norwegian Refugee Council.