Before an employer meets you, your job application is the representation of you. Knowing what to write and what the hiring manager is looking for will get your foot in the door. A fact made bigger by online platforms creating the illusion of more access, but decorum must be upheld. Here are the steps to follow when completing your job application:
1. Read over the job application.
This may seem like an obvious step but most overlook it nonetheless. Scanning the job description works to know whether you are interested but before sending in your application, confirm you’ve ticked all the boxes on the job description.
Employers weed out applicants by first eliminating anyone who hasn’t met the deliverables.
For example, if the job requests for a portfolio, CV and cover letter. You automatically have three submissions. Compressing it into one might cause the employer to think you have not achieved the given task.
2. Use a professional name and email address.
Sure, the email you chose back in high school is creative but as tempted as you may be, don’t use it.
Opening a free email account takes five minutes. Use a variant of your official names in case one is already taken.
It will resonate with a potential employer when they read your CV and the email correlates with the name they find there. Adds to your professionalism.
Also helps to consolidate all your job applications in one place not being buried under all the various subscription emails.
Point to note: if you saw the job on a social media platform, find an official email to make any inquiry or application. Refrain from social media DMs as that will be seen by the marketing department as opposed to the hiring manager.
3. Research.
Due diligence will get you further along in showing you are suited for the job. Make Google and LinkedIn your friends.
Look into what your potential workplace does.
Review their frequently asked questions (FAQs) to familiarise yourself and avoid repeating questions in your inquiry and in the interview.
Talk to previous employees to get to know the work environment and tips on the type of hires they make.
For every task in life you need the right tools. Arm yourself with them.
4. Follow the instructions.
Taking care while filling out the information demonstrates to an employer that you are a worthy candidate and invested in the hiring process.
Sometimes a field calls for a full paragraph, a couple of sentences or just a “yes” or “no.” There are also fields that require you to spend some time answering in-depth questions. Regardless of what the specific questions require, make sure you are answering them correctly.
5. Include keywords in your resume.
Review the job description and find words that relate to traits, skills or experiences that the company is looking for. Use them tactfully throughout your resume and cover letter.
Subtlety is king. Do not be heavy-handed with all the words; it will start to sound robotic.
Sell yourself appropriately. For example, if the job has any technical specifications, highlight your practical skills, relevant degrees or academic courses. If the job requires you to interact regularly with customers or co-workers, mention your interpersonal and communication skills.
6. Check your application for errors.
Misspellings and grammar errors show an employer you did not care enough to take the time to proofread or that you are not proficient with written communication.
Most jobs require basic communication skills, so not putting in the effort to submit a resume that is free from spelling errors, uses the correct pronouns and follows other grammar rules can hinder your chances of being hired.
Ask a reliable person to look over the application for you. A second set of eyes can make a huge difference. Adjust accordingly.
7. Track your applications.
It is a numbers game. The more you apply the more the chances of getting a job.
The work email you set up earlier helps you in having a central base for the communication thread with all the various applications for reference.
It will be easier to track what you have applied for in the event you get calls about multiple roles by different people. It is always a good idea to know exactly what someone is talking about when they call concerning an interview.
Job application is a gruelling process that can dishearten a person with all the rejection and non-responses but do all that you can with what you have for that one or several ‘yes’ responses.
Following these tips can help you complete job applications more effectively. If you present your skills positively and accurately, relate your relevant experience well and proofread all your information, you will show yourself to be a more eligible candidate for any position.
Café construct wishes you all the best in your pursuit.
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