How to apply for a job

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Do you get puzzled whenever you apply for a job? Don’t worry we have put together a guide to successfully applying for jobs.

Editor-in-Chief | Résumé Expert

Applying for a job can be an extremely stressful, often humiliating, experience but it doesn’t really have to be the chore we’ve all come to know and fear.

This comprehensive guide includes information on how to fill out job application forms, write application letters, reapply for jobs, as well as follow up. Read on to learn more about what you need to do for a successful job search!

Getting Started

Where can you look for jobs that match your interests and career goals? And when should you apply for a job that takes your fancy?

Where to Look

There are many job search strategies to put in place for exploring suitable vacancies, including:

When to Apply

There’s really no particular day of the week that’s scientifically considered to be the best in terms of applying for a job, although a US survey found that the majority of candidates tend to apply to jobs on Tuesday.

That being said, the earlier you apply, the better your chances of getting hired. And that’s because the first applications received for an opening will set up who the competition is. In other words, if you see a job go up on Monday, don’t wait until Friday – or worse, the weekend – to apply. Your résumé will only get buried!

Filling out an Application Form

Some employers will require you to fill out a form.

Typical sections of an application form include:

Note that there are certain anti-discrimination laws in place which regulate what employers can and cannot ask you in the recruitment process. For example, they can only ask you for your date of birth if you must be a certain age to do the job (eg: sell alcohol). The GOV.UK website has further information about what employers can ask applicants during recruitment.

Writing a Letter of Application

A letter of application, or application letter, and a cover letter are essentially the same thing, with some subtle differences. A cover letter is generally used to accompany any collection of documents or media to describe the reasons for sending them, while an application letter is specifically used to apply for a job, for admission to a school, etc.

In general, it should include:

When writing your job application letter, make sure you take presentation and appearance into account:

Below, you’ll find a couple example letters which you can use for inspiration when writing your own:

Professional Letter Example

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School Leaver Letter Example

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Applying for an Existing Job

One of the first things you should do before applying for an existing job is to call the employer for further details about the position. Any specific information that you’re able to obtain from this phone call (that hasn’t already been highlighted in the job ad) can be included in your application. This will, effectively, give you an edge over the competition who never bothered to learn more about the job before applying for it.

Make sure that you address any selection criteria mentioned in the job ad and that you apply within the specified timeframe.

Sending a Speculative Résumé

If you want to work for a particular company but they don’t currently have any suitable vacancies for you, there’s no harm in sending a speculative application. Remember that it should be written around the company and their needs, and don’t forget to provide examples and measure the results of your efforts where possible.

When signing of your letter, avoid saying things like: ‘I can’t wait to meet you and discuss my new role at your company’. It makes you sound pushy, arrogant and desperate.

Applying in Person

Many, especially small, employers will advertise any vacancies on the shop window. These vacancies are often filled very quickly, so you need to be just as quick and apply for them straight away.

While you won’t be formally interviewed for the job, you’ll still be judged on your appearance and the way you carry yourself. It is, therefore, important to look the part – business casual is the general consensus

Don’t forget to take a relevant copy of your résumé with you to give employers. You should also have a list of your references on standby, as well as any additional information you may need to complete your application (e.g., copies of your qualifications).

Submitting Online

Most positions these days are advertised online, either on job boards or directly on the company’s website (or both). You’ll generally be invited to register an account to be able to begin applying for jobs, and it is absolutely crucial that you maintain online one candidate profile per website as multiple profiles may confuse the recruiter’s system.

Be careful when uploading documents, too. They should meet the system’s size and format requirements. Make sure you’ve given your document a good file name like ‘John Smith Résumé 2017.doc’ and avoid generic names like ‘My Résumé.doc’.

Finally, if you’re applying via email, it’s important to add a great subject to ensure employers open your application. Ideally, it should mention the job title you’re applying for and your name – for example: ‘Office Manager – Jane Smith’.

Using Traditional Mail

If you decided to take the more traditional route and mail your application, along with any supporting documents, to the employer, make sure you use a DL or A4 envelope. It’s important that you address the envelope to the right person, so call the company and ask them who will be receiving the envelope.

Remember to attach your business card. If you don’t have business cards, it’s a good idea to order some. They’re relatively inexpensive (you can get your own custom-printed cards from an online service like Moo or Vistaprint) and they’re an excellent way to stand out from the crowd.

Reapplying for a Job

Should you reapply for a job you were rejected the first time round but which has since been reposted? Well, you’ve really got nothing to lose (other than your time). Worst case scenario: you get rejected again.

It should be noted that your initial application was probably rejected for a very good reason – for example, perhaps the hiring manager decided you wouldn’t be a good fit or you simply didn’t have the right skills, knowledge and experience. That being said, though, it’s possible that your application – and not necessarily you – failed to make it through the applicant tracking system.

The problem here, in this case, is the materials you submitted with your application, so you might want to consider rewriting your résumé and cover letter to better highlight what you bring to the table and make better use of keywords. You might also want to consider using a different email address and telephone number, as many ATSs are designed to filter out duplicate candidates.

If you do decide to reapply for a job, make sure that you refer to your previous application in your cover letter, though this isn’t necessary if you weren’t interviewed for the position the first time round. Mention why you’re convinced you believe you’re an excellent fit for the company and the role.

Generally speaking, you shouldn’t really reapply until at least two months have passed from your initial application.

Following Up

It’s usually best to wait a week or two before you follow up – ideally, you’d have mentioned something in your cover letter about your plans to follow up if you do not hear back from them by a specific date. Also, if the employer explicitly told you when you can expect a reply and they have provided you with a specific date, make sure that you only make your enquiry after this date – never before.

There are many different ways to can follow up, with the most popular being via email or a LinkedIn message. Remember: it should be short, to the point and polite, while it should also reinforce your skills and reiterate your interest in the position. You could also give them a call or even follow up in person.

It’s important to note that if the job listing specifically tells candidates not to follow up, then don’t!

Tips and Warnings

Before you start sending your résumé left, right and centre, we’ve put together some final tips to help you make a successful application.

Do you have anything you’d like to add? Join the conversation down below and share your thoughts and job search experiences with us!

Learn How to Apply for Jobs

Do you need to start a job search, but aren’t sure how to go about applying for jobs? What’s the best way to apply for a job? How you apply for jobs depends on the type of position you are seeking, and how the company accepts applications.

In many cases, you’ll be able to apply online or email your job application. In others, especially for part-time, hospitality, and retail positions, you can apply in person. Here’s information on the best ways to apply for jobs, where to look for jobs, how to apply for jobs, and the best sites to use to job search.

Apply for Jobs Online

Before you start applying for jobs online it’s important to prepare to complete online job applications and to gather all the information you’ll need to apply. Online application systems typically ask for your contact information, educational background and employment history. You will need to know when you worked and what you were paid at your previous jobs. You may also be asked what days and hours you are available to work.

In order to apply for a job online and to complete online job applications, you’ll need an email address to use for job searching, Internet access, an up-to-date resume, a cover letter for some jobs, and your employment history details.

Email Job Applications

When you are using email to apply for jobs, all your communications should be as professional as they would be if you were sending written correspondence. Your email messages need to be properly formatted and should include a relevant subject line and your signature. Here’s advice on how to submit job applications via email.

Apply for Jobs on Company Websites

Applying to a company that hires directly, can be one of the best ways to get hired.

Career information is usually listed in the «Careers» or the «About Us» section of the site. Follow the instructions for searching for and applying to jobs online.

Apply for Jobs In-Person

Before you apply for a job in-person, you need to know what to bring when you apply, the information you’ll need to complete a job application, how to prepare, and how to follow up after you have applied for jobs. It’s not as complicated as applying online, but you will need to be prepared to apply and interview on the spot. If you’re lucky, you may even be hired shortly after your interview.

If you’re not sure what to do or say, review these tips for how to ask for a job application.

Apply at a Hiring Kiosk

In-store hiring kiosks are convenient for both applicants and employers. You’ll be able to apply online directly at the store or hiring center. The store manager or hiring manager will be able to review your information right away, speeding up the hiring process. Here’s what you need to know about applying for a job at a hiring kiosk.

Apply for Part-Time Jobs

Applying for a part time job is a little different from applying for a full-time professional position. Here’s how to apply for a part time job, along with tips and advice for finding part time jobs.

Apply for Summer Jobs

Here’s how to search for and apply for summer jobs, along with the information you will need to apply, summer job search tips, and advice on where to look to find a terrific summer job.

Job Application Guidelines

When you complete a job application, regardless of whether it is a paper application, an online job application, or an emailed resume and cover letter, there is specific information you will need to provide in order to complete the job application and submit your application for employment. The most important rule to remember when applying for jobs is to follow the directions.

If the employer tells you to apply in person, don’t call. If the job posting says to mail your resume, do not send it via email. When the job listing says apply via a form on the company web site, don’t email your application directly to Human Resources. There is not much more annoying to hiring managers than job seekers who don’t follow the rules!

How to Compete a Job Application

When you’re applying for jobs, the details are important. Leaving off information or submitting too much information can hinder your chances of getting hired.

Here is the information you will need to complete an application for employment and tips and suggestions for writing applications that make a great impression. Review the list for step-by-step details on completing and submitting employment applications.

Sample Employment Applications

Job applications are lengthy and detailed. Review these samples so you will know exactly what the employer is going to want to know about you.

The best way to prepare to complete job applications is to download a sample job application or two. Complete the application and bring it with you when you are applying for employment.

This way you will be able to copy the information rather than having to remember dates of employment and education, contact information for previous employers and other information your prospective employer will need to know.

How to Follow Up After Applying for a Job

You have applied for a job with a company you’d like to interview with and you haven’t heard back right away. What do you do next? You can either wait patiently, presuming the employer will contact you if they are interested, or you can choose to follow-up with the employer.

Here are tips on the best way to follow up after submitting a job application.

How to Reapply for Your Job

It is not unusual for companies to formally their employees to reapply for a job after a merger or acquisition. It can also happen when a company is downsizing and layoffs are planned. Here are tips for how to reapply for a job with your current employer.

Where to Find Job Listings

Here are the best sites to find job listings including job search engine sites, job boards, company websites, niche job sites, social media and professional networking sites, jobs listed by type of job seeker and location, and more top job listing sites.

What Not to Do

It’s important to know what you shouldn’t do, along with what you should do when you are applying for jobs. Review these things not to do when you’re applying for a job, to up your chances of getting and interview and a job offer.

A Step-by-Step Guide to the Job Application Process

When you’re in the middle of it, the job application process can seem both mysterious and frustrating. What should you include in a job application, resume, or cover letter?

How many interviews should you expect to participate in—and how many interviewers will be at each one? Is there anything else you’ll need to do as part of the hiring process? And finally, how can you know when you’re approaching the end of the process and a possible job offer?

It’s easier to deal with the waiting—and the possible anxiety—when you know how the job application process works. While every company does things a little differently, most employers use some variation on the standard. This step-by-step guide will tell you everything you need to know about the job application process, including:

The length of the job application process (from applying to accepting a job offer) varies based on the role and the employer. It can be a lengthy process, so don’t get discouraged if it takes longer than you expected.

Follow these steps to help organize your job search.

Get Your Resume Ready

Many companies require a resume and a cover letter in addition to a job application. When you submit a resume with your job application, it is important that your resume is well-organized and polished.

You also want to be sure that your resume is a match for the job you are applying for. Personalize your resume for every job application.

Write a Cover Letter

A cover letter is a document that explains why your skills and experiences make you a good fit for a job. This document may be required as part of the job application process. If it’s optional, including a cover letter is the best way to pitch your case for an interview.

Again, make sure that your cover letter is tailored to the specific job listing. Learn how to write a cover letter and what to include, plus review cover letter examples and templates.

Apply for Jobs

You can apply for jobs online, via email, or in person. No matter what job you are applying for, be sure to follow the company’s specific directions for filling out the application.

Learn how to write a job application letter, how to apply for a job online, how to fill out a job application, and tips and advice for applying for jobs. Plus, see a job application sample letter to use when you’re writing your own customized document.

Screening Your Job Application

Companies often use applicant tracking software (ATS) to recruit, screen, hire, track, and manage applicants for employment. Therefore, your application is likely to be screened to determine if you are a match for the job.

The software will match up the information in the job applications that are submitted with the position requirements for the job. Those candidates who are the closest match will be interviewed.

Employment Tests

Employers often use pre-employment tests and other selection procedures to screen applicants for hire. The types of tests and selection procedures utilized include talent assessment tests, cognitive tests, personality tests, medical examinations, credit checks, and background checks.

Some tests are conducted as part of the job application process, and others will take place further along in the hiring process, after the interview and prior to a job offer.

Interview Process

If you are selected for an interview, you will be invited to talk to a recruiter, hiring manager, or employer on the phone or in person (or both). The company may conduct several interviews prior to offering the leading candidate the job.

Some interviews are one-on-one, while others are in small groups. Learn more about how the interview process works at most companies.

Hiring Process

From the time you apply for a job until the time you accept a job offer, you will go through a series of steps as you progress through the hiring process. Learn more about each step in the hiring process, including what happens after the job interview if you’re a contender for the position.

Job Offers

When you receive a job offer, you’re close to the end of the process. However, you don’t need to accept the job, at least right away, if you’re not sure whether it is the best opportunity for you.

It’s important to take the time to evaluate the offer carefully, so you are making an educated decision to accept, decline, or renegotiate the offer.

New Hire Paperwork

Once you have accepted a job offer, it’s time for the new hire paperwork you’ll need to complete to get on the payroll, which may include eligibility to work forms, tax withholding forms, and company-specific paperwork. Learn what information you’ll need to provide to your new employer, so that you can have your materials ready to go.

How to Apply for a Job In Person? Job Application Tips

As the competition grows, need to have a job also grows and sometimes it tempts you to go to company directly and drop your resume to make sure they have your resume, but is it a proper way to apply for the job? Or is there any other way you can apply for the job like online? There are so many questions about how to properly apply for a job in person. Everyone wants the job and to get the job, you have to start applying but with the right method.

Is it Better to Apply for a Job in Person or Online?

Applicants may wonder many times, is it better to apply for job in person or online? And sometimes without proper knowledge chances of getting job becomes nil. So to apply for a job check first what company wants? Check the advertisement carefully and read all the information or you can check company website under career column.

Most of the companies specify clearly what they are looking for and by reading Ad carefully you can decide if you should apply in person or online. To apply online go through company website or the job portal and apply there directly.

So the question is how to properly apply for a job in person?

Going In Person to Apply for a Job?

1. First decide is it okay to apply in person:

A person needs to decide first that is it okay to apply in person and to decide you have to check few details because as we enter in the world of globalization most of the tasks are done through mail or company website.

There are possibilities that company do not want offline application and by applying in person, you will jeopardize any chance of getting job so checking first that what company wants is necessary.

Check job websites or company website and read all the terms and condition carefully and check the criteria of applying for the job.

2. Notice for sign:

Sometime it happens that local businesses, stores, shops, retailers and other small enterprises post a sign outside of their property or on the main gates when they have vacancies for the job. If there is a sign outside then you can go inside and inquire about the job and hiring process with other details like pay and working hours.

a) It is necessary to look presentable enough to check inside and if you are not wearing proper dress, shoes and combed hair with clean appearance then avoid going. First appear presentable then go and inquire about the job.

b) You don’t need to be dressed in formal business attire but a proper dress is must to receive application for the job.

3. Don’t pester Hr manager:

By applying for the job you do not have authority to pester Hr manager. Do not go unannounced it may look bad on your resume or you may go noticed for totally wrong reason. It often happens when candidate apply for the job in person and go unannounced to know about the application.

It may look like you are giving good impression but in reality it may show you like some desperate candidate or lack of patience who can’t follow simple rules. It can cause you to lose the chance of job.

How to Apply for a Job in Person?

There are some rules and regulation followed when you apply for job in person. These rules help you in submitting your application without hitch. The common process for applying in person is.

1. Resume:

Resume is an important document you need when you apply for the job. It is the first document you submit when you apply for the job. This is the document that contains all the information about you and provides necessary details to the company when you apply for the job.

When you prepare your resume keep in mind that it has all the necessary details without any mistakes or false information in order to be considered for the job you are applying for. Attach a cover letter with your resume which describes your interest in job and how qualified you are for the job.

2. Cover letter:

Your cover letter is the page that describes you and your interest in the job you are applying for and why you are qualified for this job. Cover letter helps you in specifying what you want and how you deserve it.

Cover letter is a one page document but plays important role in selecting your resume for the job. Your cover letter should be neatly organized. Do not make your cover letter lengthy or crowded with all information just describe everything in 3 paragraphs. At the end of your cover letter, thank the reader for their time.

3. Additional document:

Additional document you can bring with you when applying for the job, the letter of recommendation and any other document relevant to your work or reference. These additional document can increase the chances of selection. Bring a folder to keep your portfolio in arranged order and avoid any wrinkle caused by your travel.

4. Dress:

Always dress properly and carefully as your appearance is your first impression. It is necessary to dress appropriately as it shows how interested and dedicated you are for the job and work. Poor dressing, wrinkle clothes, unfit dress, unmatched shoes and bad hair can ruin your whole appearance so dress smartly when you go to apply for job in person.

5. Way of speaking:

The way you talk and respond affects your chances of getting job so when you go for job application submission, use polite and firm tone. Be respectful and don’t show aggressiveness or nervousness through your gestures and state clearly that you want to apply for the job that’s why you are here. Way of speaking always affects your appearance. Never use rude behavior or harsh words while applying for the job.

6. Showcasing:

Avoid showcasing yourself as it may look bad on your resume. Generally, candidates think that by showcasing unnecessary details you can impress your potential workplace or the people who work there and it will increase your chance of getting job but it is completely wrong and it will give a total wrong impression.

When you apply for job in person keep these points in mind and prepare well because good preparation in advance comes handy when you apply for the job in person. These are the basic qualities you will need at every step of your career whether you are a fresher or an experienced employee.

What to Wear When Applying for a Job in Person?

Your first look and appearance is your first impression to your potential work place or potential boss and dressing poorly can damage your image and ruin your chances of getting job. What to wear when apply for a job in person is great concern for the candidates who apply for job in person because poor dressing can work in their disadvantage.

Dressing according to need and requirement can give a positive impression to your application but the question is how to dress or what to wear when applying for the job in person?

1. Business casual:

Business casual is the right attire to wear when applying for the job in person. It makes you look professional enough and broaden the chances of resume selection. Wearing right cloth is important and business casual combines everything you need in your attire. Full sleeves button down shirt with pant or khaki for men and skirt or trouser with blouse or shirt for women.

2. Color:

Do not wear bright colors while carrying business casual as it will make you look like an idiot and chose color and clothing according to the weather as jacket in summer and simple shirt in winter looks like a joker. Blue, khaki, white, black and gray is the appropriate color for business casual as they are some neutral colors that work on both men and women and looks good with all skin type.

3. Shoes:

Wear proper shoes to match with your business casual. Leather and microfiber shoes are the best option to match your business casual. Funky shoes, sports shoes or sandals gives impression like you do not care about dressing protocols and it may look bad on your application so be careful when choosing shoes to match your business casual. For women wear something comfortable and classy as well as something according to your dress. Avoid wearing uncomfortable shoes.

4. Accessories:

Do not carry unnecessary accessories. Business casual do not need so many accessories; classy watch can do and it makes you appear more serious about job and sincere. You can carry a bag with you to keep your document inside but nothing over the top or extravagant.

While dressing, do not try too much as well as never dress poorly because in both cases, the way you dress affects your impression negatively.

Applying for a Job in Person, What to Say?

When you apply for job in person it is necessary to use right selection of word, majored tone and the way you speak. They all leave a long lasting impression on your potential company and can increase or decrease your chance of getting job.

1. Be polite:

It is as important as your application to be polite when you applying for the job in person. You can’t be rude or use harsh word for your recipient as it may get you noticed for wrong reason and for a very long time. Ask questions which are necessary or relevant to your job, do not talk back, do not berate or insult any low division worker and use polite gesture with everyone.

2. Ask properly:

If there is no opening in the company or organization and you really want to work with the company then you can ask for informational interview. Informational interview gives you insight about the job you admire and can help you in learning. Informational interview is just an opportunity to know more about the work you want to do; this is not the actual interview so you have to ask nicely to get informational interview.

3. Prepared for interview:

Nervous talking never looks good in your interview or when you applying for the job in person, so be prepared. It is better to be prepared than sorry because you may never get the same chance again, so prepare well. Generally, it happens when you applying for the job in person and your potential Hr manager asks a question about your application then you start nervously talking or stuttering it make you look unprepared. So rehearse common asking question and practice well in advance.

4. Confidence:

Be confident; it is the first step towards success. Speak with confidence as no one is going to like a nervous and hesitating candidate. A confident candidate has more chance of getting job than someone who has confidence issue.

While it is good to have confidence, overconfidence can work against you so keep your confidence level in check when you applying for the job in person.

Conclusion:

It does not matter how you are applying for the job. The thing that matters the most is to apply through right medium and satisfy company policies. Different organizations have different selection procedure so read Ad carefully and be sure of terms and conditions. Do a little homework before you apply for the job as you may have to answer some question while you apply for the job.

Applying online is easier than applying in person as applying in person has more challenges than applying online. But applying in person can get you job faster as you can know firsthand that how many percent chances you have to get selected. So be prepared if you are applying in person and check all necessary details specified by the companies.