TIPS ON JOINING THE JUNGLE
We get a lot of applications. We read every single one and they all go into a database, but we cannot meet and talk to everyone who wants to join us full time, complete an internship or freelance for us. So, here’s a couple of points on ways to make your application stand out, straight from the people looking for outstanding. It won’t guarantee you’ll get interviewed but it will give you the best chance possible.
DO YOUR RESEARCH
ARE WE THE RIGHT FIT FOR YOU?
Have you done enough digging to decide we’re the right fit for you? You probably looked us up on social, and if you haven’t, here’s our Insta, Twitter and LinkedIn. Go wild. We’re searching for awesome and we want people looking for the same thing. Interviewing someone who’s done their due diligence is far less likely to be a waste of time. If you’ve done your homework, it gives us reassurance. Confidence in a good fit is as important for you as it is for us.
THE JOB DESCRIPTION IS A CHEAT CODE
We literally describe in detail what we are looking for. We’re reasonably sure we understand what skills, experience and abilities to bring into the jungle. The job description has all the clues you need. If your application ignores what we’re looking for, it’s a tough climb to the top of the pile. We know this isn’t an exact science. We’re hiring awesome, not baking a cake. But it’s on you to make it easy for us to see what you bring to the party to get the job done.
WHAT DO YOU WANT?
If your application starts with anything like “Dear Company Recruitment Person, I’d like to apply for any vacancies”, you’re choosing a difficult path. We’re usually hiring for specific positions requiring a particular type of skill and/or experience, and you’re going head to head with other applicants who are specialists. Being vague puts you on the back foot. Luck and timing can sometimes land a role, or even end up creating one. And sometimes you happen to be just right for a role we are trying to fulfil. If you’re willing to rely on good fortune, roll the dice and may lady luck grant you favour. If you want to increase the likelihood of an interview, apply for the role we’re hiring.
TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF
KEY DETAILS UP FRONT
Some of the most relevant info are your qualifications and most recent work experience. The other stuff is also needed so don’t leave it out! But your CV should make the most important data a priority and easy to find, read and interpret. And it should be short. If you’re going past 2-3 pages, you have some editing to do.
SHOW YOUR WORK
We want to see your work. We need to see your work. It’s crucial. If you don’t have a portfolio, start one today! Collect briefs from friends and family. Do pro bono work. Prove you can do the job, because seeing is believing. Work with context is even better. What was the brief, the insight and the outcome? How did this happen the way it did and why? Make it obvious we should immediately offer you the position and cross our fingers you say yes. Make it easy for us. It doesn’t need to be fancy. We’re evaluating content, not the container it’s presented in (although typos are a bit of a turn-off. Copywriters and social managers, we’re looking at you). It could be a PDF, a folder on Google Drive or Dropbox. It could be a WordPress or Wix site. It could be a video. So long as we can see it, share it amongst ourselves, and it showcases your awesome, it’s doing the job.
INTERVIEW TIME!
GET PREPPED
There are a few basics which help online interviews go smoothly. Any specific questions you’d like answered are ideally sent beforehand. Our video call software of choice is Google Meet, so familiarise yourself with using it. Do a test run if you have to. Find a quiet place to chat to us, and ideally a set of headphones with a microphone to avoid background noise messing things up. Repeating “could you say that again, please” after every other sentence really kills the flow of conversation. A good internet connection speed is important; we want to be able to see you. Voice calls are ok, but video calls are better.
BE YOU
We’re trying to be the best versions of ourselves, and hiring people who buy into that. If your vibe is to coast along producing sub-par work, we aren’t a good fit. We’ll be honest and up-front with you and expect the same in return. It means when the match works, it’s genuine, and more likely to make everyone stoked. Which is what we all want. Good luck and may the odds be ever in your favour!