Buzz
Job hunting can be overwhelming, but there are ways to maximize your chances of standing out. With the right approach to your resume, cover letter, and application, you can differentiate yourself from other candidates. It might take multiple attempts before you land the ideal job, but don't lose hope—new positions open up daily. With perseverance and focus, you'll catch an employer's attention and secure a great opportunity.
Process
Building Your Application Materials
Search for positions that align with your expertise and abilities. Many companies post open positions on job boards like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Monster. Use relevant keywords to find suitable job opportunities. Also, visit company websites in your industry to look for openings. Local classified ads may also have listings you can explore.
Investigate the company before submitting your application. Perform an online search to discover the company’s website, social media accounts, and any relevant news coverage. Familiarize yourself with their mission, ongoing projects, and open roles. Take notes so you can incorporate this valuable information into your resume and cover letter.
- If the interviewer or hiring manager is known, check their LinkedIn profile and other social media to learn more about them. This could provide insight into how you can connect with them personally, giving you an advantage over other candidates. For example, you might discover you share an alma mater or similar qualifications, which could be highlighted in your cover letter.
- Understand their current objectives and organizational priorities.
Create a resume that showcases your qualifications, skills, and experience. Once your resume is drafted, have a trusted friend or colleague proofread it to ensure accuracy and completeness. Be sure to include the following details:
- Your full name, contact information, and email address at the top.
- Your educational history or any relevant training you’ve completed.
- Your employment background, highlighting key responsibilities and accomplishments.
- Specialized knowledge and skills.
Customize your resume for each job posting. While it may be tempting to use the same resume for every job application, tailoring it to each specific role can significantly increase your chances of landing an interview. Carefully review the job description and weave in the relevant keywords. Emphasize the skills and educational qualifications that are most applicable to the job you are applying for.
- Use action verbs to describe your previous work experiences or volunteer roles. For example, words like "developed," "managed," "led," or "improved" can make a strong impression.
EXPERT ADVICE
Charbel Atala
Talent Acquisition Expert & Managing Partner
Talent Acquisition Expert & Managing Partner
Demonstrate your alignment with the company's values to make a strong impression. Research the company’s mission, vision, and values before applying. Then, highlight on your resume and during interviews how your personal values and passions align with theirs. This connection will help position you as a cultural asset.
Ask three individuals to serve as your references. Many employers request references who can vouch for your job performance. Choose people who are familiar with your work, such as previous supervisors or colleagues. Before listing them, reach out to ensure they’re comfortable providing their details. Verify their contact information so you can accurately add it to your application.
- Collect each reference's full name, phone number, email address, current position, and employer.
Draft a cover letter if requested by the employer. A cover letter is your opportunity to explain why you're passionate about the job and why you're the best fit for it. Write with enthusiasm to convey your excitement. If possible, personalize the letter to the interviewer to show attention to detail. You might include the following points in your letter:
- Why you are interested in the role.
- What makes you a valuable addition to the team.
- Why you are the ideal candidate for the job.
- What you hope to gain from the position.
Refresh your LinkedIn profile if you have one. While not essential to get a job, having a LinkedIn profile can provide employers with more insight into your qualifications. Ensure all information on your profile is up-to-date and accurate. Use this platform to share details about your experience that don't fit on your resume due to space limitations.
- For example, you might elaborate on projects or volunteer roles that are too extensive for your resume.
- Virtual networking is increasingly important in today’s job market. Strengthen your profile and connect with professionals in your field.
Ensure your online image is spotless. Employers and recruiters often search the web for information about potential candidates, and any negative findings could lead to your disqualification. Review all public content across your social media accounts and adjust your privacy settings to hide anything you don’t want visible. If needed, remove outdated posts that no longer reflect your current self.
- For example, consider hiding or deleting photos from wild nights out. You may also want to remove old posts where you vented about work or made lighthearted jokes that could be misinterpreted.
- It might be a good idea to have a few friends review your profiles and point out anything that might be off-putting to a potential employer.
Submitting Your Application Online
Carefully review the job description to ensure you’re a good fit. Go over the job listing at least twice to make sure you fully understand what the employer needs. Highlight the specific qualifications and skills that match your own. Be on the lookout for the key phrases the employer may want to see in your resume.
- For example, you might encounter terms like “remote work,” “self-driven,” “innovative,” or “collaborative.” The job might also require certain skills like “Zoom proficiency” or “teamwork ability.”
Verify the application instructions directly with the employer if using a job site. Job boards are great for finding opportunities, but sometimes the information on these sites may differ from the employer's official listing. This can lead to submitting the wrong documents or leaving out crucial details. Before applying, check the original job posting on the employer's website to ensure you’re following all the required steps.
- For example, the employer might want you to email your resume and cover letter directly to the hiring manager, or they might ask for specific details like your prior salary.
Complete every field in the application form. It can be frustrating when the application asks you to re-enter details already listed on your resume. However, this step helps the employer’s software process your information accurately and makes it easier for the interviewer to review your details. Ensure you provide full and correct responses to every question for the best chance at securing the job.
- Consider drafting your answers in a word processor first so you can proofread before copying and pasting them into the application.
- If you want the employer to know something specific, like job responsibilities that match the role you’re applying for, include them in the relevant fields instead of relying on your resume.
- Avoid using auto-fill options, as they might fill in incorrect information.
Upload your resume and cover letter if required. Many employers ask for both a resume and cover letter, even if you're submitting an application through their site. Look for an 'import' or 'upload' button on the application page. Select your document files to send to the employer and ensure they upload correctly before submitting your application.
- Make sure you upload the correct file for the specific job. It might be helpful to label your documents clearly so you know which is for which position.
Double-check your application to avoid mistakes. Errors in your application can give the impression that you're not detail-oriented, which could hurt your chances of landing the job. Carefully review all your responses to ensure they're error-free. Correct any mistakes and add more information if any answers seem too vague.
- Check for typos, spelling errors, and grammatical mistakes. Some employers might disregard your application if they spot these, especially if they’re sifting through a large volume of candidates.
Submit your application via the website if you're applying online. Once you're ready to send your application, look for a 'submit' button, usually located at the bottom of the page. Click it to send your materials to the employer.
- After you click 'submit,' you likely won't be able to make changes to your application, resume, or cover letter, so ensure everything is perfect before hitting that button.
Email your application materials directly to the employer if you're applying by email. Some employers prefer you send your resume and cover letter directly to the hiring manager or HR department. Input the correct email address, craft a subject line that aligns with the job posting’s instructions, then attach your documents. Write a brief message expressing your interest in the role and letting them know your materials are attached.
- Examples of subject lines: “Application for IT Position,” “Resume and Cover Letter for Gallery Attendant,” or “In Response to Job Posting.”
- Your message might read: “I’m excited to apply for the Gallery Attendant role at your museum. As a frequent visitor, I believe I would be a great fit. Please find attached my resume and cover letter detailing my qualifications.”
Submitting Your Application In-Person
Dress as though you're preparing for an interview. The way you present yourself on your first encounter with a potential employer speaks volumes. Dress professionally, regardless of the job type, to demonstrate that you’re serious about your job search.
- A button-up shirt, slacks or skirt, and dress shoes can make a great impression. To elevate your look, consider adding a blazer or cardigan to your outfit.
- If you're applying for a job in retail or hospitality, be ready for a possible on-the-spot interview.
Politely request to speak with the hiring manager. Smile and greet the person who first approaches you. Let them know you're looking for a job and would like to speak with the hiring manager. Wait calmly for them to meet with you.
- Say something like, “Hi, I’m here to inquire about job opportunities. Is the hiring manager available for a brief chat?”
- If they’re unavailable, ask when it might be a good time to return. You could say, “When would be a convenient time for me to come back?”
- If the business seems particularly busy, it might be better to come back later to avoid inconveniencing the staff and customers.
Let the hiring manager know you're interested in available positions. Take this opportunity to briefly explain why you want to work there. Express your enthusiasm for the company and ask if there are any open roles to apply for. If so, inquire about the application process.
- You might say, “Hello, I’m Taylor Evans. As a regular customer, I’m very familiar with your products and believe I’d be a great fit here. Are there any open positions I could apply for?”
- Keep in mind, some companies don’t require formal applications; they might just take your resume instead.
Present your resume to the company representative. It’s always wise to bring your resume to demonstrate your commitment to securing the job. Give it to the hiring manager for review when they have time. If they look it over right away, be ready to answer any questions they may have.
- Bring just one or two copies of your resume to avoid giving the impression that you’re indiscriminately applying everywhere. Even if you are applying broadly, ensure they know you’re specifically interested in their company.
- Don’t expect the hiring manager to read it immediately if they’re busy, but maintain a positive attitude, even if they put it aside for later.
Complete a job application if the company provides one. If the hiring manager offers you a paper application or directs you to fill one out online, make sure to provide thorough and accurate answers to all sections. Double-check your entries for any errors. If it's a paper form, hand it back with a smile to show your enthusiasm for the job.
- You might say, “Thank you so much for the opportunity to apply!” as you return it.
Express your gratitude to the employees before you leave. Take a moment to thank everyone you interacted with, showing appreciation for their time. Be sure to smile and speak from the heart so that your thanks feel sincere.
- Say something like, “I really appreciate you taking the time to speak with me today,” or “Thank you for all your help and assistance.”
Following Up on Your Application
Reach out to the employer a week after submitting your application. Following up shows your enthusiasm for the role and ensures your application reached the right person. You can call, email, or even connect with the interviewer on LinkedIn to ask about the status of your application and the hiring process.
- Keep track of your application dates so you remember when it’s time to follow up.
Maintain a friendly and positive tone when communicating with the employer. While it’s natural to feel anxious for a response, don’t let nervousness or impatience affect how you come across. Be polite and professional with everyone you interact with at the company. Ask questions respectfully and be ready to accept any answer.
- Avoid sounding demanding by saying things like, “I haven’t heard back yet,” or “How much longer until you decide?” Instead, try asking, “Has any decision been made yet?” or “Could you give me an idea of the hiring timeline?”
What Are Some Ways You Can Apply for a Job?
Sample Email, Resume, and Cover Letter
Email to Inquire About Job Opportunities
Sample Annotated Resume for Job Application
Sample Annotated Job Cover Letter-
Rather than applying to a multitude of jobs with generic applications, focus on crafting a strong, tailored application for a select number of roles that match your expertise.
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While hunting for job opportunities, invest time in enhancing your skills. Explore free online training or join affordable classes and workshops to boost your qualifications.
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If you anticipate a virtual interview, test your computer's webcam and microphone to ensure they work properly.
