Getting hired for a job can be very competitive, especially for top positions at prestigious companies. Job seekers are always looking for an edge to make their application stand out from the rest. This often leads them to seek “premium tips” that will supposedly make them a “top applicant.” But what exactly do these phrases mean and are they really helpful?
What is a Premium Tip?
A “premium tip” refers to advice or information that goes above and beyond typical application suggestions. Premium tips claim to offer special insights or secrets to give you an advantage in the hiring process. They are usually presented as being exclusive, not widely known, and only available to those “in the know.”
For example, a premium tip may involve:
- Getting the inside scoop on what hiring managers really look for in candidates
- Learning how to tweak your resume specifically for each job application
- Finding out the unadvertised criteria used to screen applicants
- Using special strategies to get noticed by recruiters
- Figuring out how to ace interviews even without directly related experience
The idea is that with this privileged information, you can leapfrog over other applicants who are just following generic advice. Premium tips promise to let you craft the perfect application to beat out the competition.
What Makes Someone a Top Applicant?
A “top applicant” refers to a job candidate who stands out as exceptionally qualified and desirable. Top applicants exhibit many of the following traits:
- Strong relevant qualifications such as work experience, education, skills, and achievements in the field
- A resume highlighting accomplishments, not just job duties
- Polished, professional application materials that are tailored for each job
- Good communication and interpersonal abilities
- Enthusiasm and interest in the company and position
- Strong references and recommendations from past employers
- Preparedness for interviews, demonstrated knowledge of the industry and company
- Unique capabilities or strengths that add value
- Professionalism, reliability, and good cultural fit
Companies want to hire applicants who already look great on paper and can convince hiring managers of their talent. Top applicants check all the right boxes employers are looking for.
Do Premium Tips Really Work?
The promises made by premium tips may sound enticing, but it’s wise to maintain a degree of skepticism. Not all advice labeled as exclusive or specialized truly gives you an advantage. When assessing the value of premium tips, keep the following in mind:
- Generic information repackaged as premium – Some supposedly insider tips just rehash commonly known strategies.
- ONE SIZE DOESN’T FIT ALL – Advice needs to be tailored to you as an individual candidate and the specific job.
- No tip can substitute for qualifications – At the end of the day you need the proper skills, experience and abilities.
- Success isn’t guaranteed – Hiring involves many variables, so tips don’t provide absolutes.
- Beware selection bias – People who succeed often attribute it to the tips, even if other factors were at play.
- Focus on the fundamentals – Before specialized tips, ensure your basic application is solid.
Certainly, some premium tips can add value. Doing extensive company research, networking with insiders, and customizing your materials for the particular role can improve your chances. But fundamental qualifications, a strong resume, interview preparation, and a quality application continue to be the most important factors. There are no magic bullets or substitutes for being an objectively top applicant.
How to Make the Most of Premium Tips
While healthy skepticism is warranted, you shouldn’t necessarily dismiss all premium tips either. If approached judiciously, some insider advice can provide a bit of an edge. Here are a few principles for making the most of any premium tips:
- Consider the source – Does the provider seem credible and authoritative on the topic?
- Look for specifics not generalities – Vague advice is often just recycled common knowledge.
- Make sure tips align with company values – Don’t take “shortcuts” contrary to a firm’s culture.
- Use tips to complement your fundamentals – Don’t rely on them as your only advantage.
- Apply insights selectively – Not everything works in every situation, so adapt as needed.
- Test effectiveness over time – Gauge what works and adjust strategies accordingly.
- Remember results depend on your efforts – Success requires diligently applying and executing tips.
By utilizing premium tips strategically as one component of a comprehensive application strategy, you can potentially gain a slight advantage. But the real heavy lifting still comes down to presenting yourself as a top applicant through what you bring to the table.
What Makes a Top Applicant?
Here are some of the key qualities and characteristics of a top applicant that set them apart:
Relevant Skills and Experience
Having directly applicable skills, work experience, and qualifications for the role is essential. This includes technical capabilities, industry knowledge, and a proven track record of success in comparable positions. Top applicants can convincingly demonstrate they have what it takes to hit the ground running.
Education Credentials
Degrees and certifications in the field indicate expertise and competence. Top applicants have credentials from respected institutions that are preferred and valued by employers.
Impressive Achievements and Success
Evidence of accomplishments like awards won, quotas exceeded, and recognition obtained help back up claims of excellence. Quantifiable achievements and success metrics allow top applicants to stand out.
Strong Communication Skills
The ability to communicate clearly and effectively is highly valued. Top applicants express themselves well throughout the hiring process from written materials to interviews.
Interpersonal Abilities
Being able to collaborate with others, demonstrate emotional intelligence, lead teams, and take initiative are key. Top applicants show they can succeed in the social workplace environment.
Expert Industry Awareness
In-depth knowledge of the field and company itself is expected. Top applicants take the time to research the industry, market, products, and organization.
Customized Materials
Generic, one-size-fits-all materials are easy to spot. Top applicants personalize their resumes, cover letters, and interview responses for the specific role and company.
Polished and Professional
Perfect grammar, formatting, style, and tone help position applicants as competent professionals. Sloppy, unfocused and unrefined materials are red flags.
Referrals and Recommendations
Positive references help verify past success and abilities. Top applicants provide recommendations that reinforce their value.
Cultural Fit
Aligning with the organization’s values, principles, mission, and workstyle is critical. Top applicants demonstrate shared ideals that let them assimilate.
Takeaways for Top Applicants
Here are some key considerations for those striving to become top applicants:
- Develop the baseline skills, achievements, and experience for the field
- Obtain respected credentials and education where required
- Research the company and role to understand priorities and expectations
- Craft customized, polished materials that convey your best self
- Practice communicating and interviewing effectively
- Get references to endorse your value and cultural fit
- Highlight relevant accomplishments, not just job duties
- Present yourself as a solution, not just a candidate
- Be prepared, professional, and enthusiastic each step
- Follow up and thank interviewers for opportunities
With concerted effort across all facets of the process, you can set yourself apart as a top applicant even in competitive job markets. While premium tips may provide an extra edge, they do not replace developing yourself as an accomplished, results-driven professional.
Conclusion
Premium tips that promise insider secrets to make you a top applicant should be approached carefully. While some specialized advice can add value, there are no shortcuts to presenting yourself as a standout candidate.
At the core, companies want applicants with strong qualifications, relevant experience, accomplishments, professionalism and expertise. A premium tip may provide some additional perspective, but alone will not transform an unqualified candidate into a top applicant.
The best approach is to focus first on developing the right fundamental skills, achievements and abilities for the role and company. Then consider specialized tips selectively as a supplement, not a crutch. Understand that hiring outcomes depend on both the tips themselves and your diligent efforts applying them.
Job seekers should maintain realistic expectations of premium tips. No advice can substitute for becoming the kind of exemplary candidate an employer actively wants to bring onto their team. With or without tips, your own credentials, interview performance, and application materials will make the biggest difference.
