One of the more challenging tasks for job seekers appears to be how to apply for a job.
Your job application package is the very first way you introduce yourself to a potential new employer, therefore it is necessary that you do it correctly. Again, your application demonstrates your interest in the position and tells the company of your relevant skills and experience.
This article will explain some procedures and tips for effectively completing and submitting a job application.
A job application is a formal document that summarises your educational and work experience for a potential employer. It includes confidential candidate information that recruiters and hiring managers can see.
Submitting a job application is frequently the first point of contact you have with a potential employer, so make a strong first impression.
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Understanding what to write and what the hiring manager is looking for will assist you in submitting an application that will result in an interview.
Check Also: Why many don’t get hired after job application – 6 Reasons
How To Apply For A Job
There are several important steps that you should follow when completing your job application. You should:
1. Read over the job application
Reading the job application may seem like an obvious step but people frequently skip it. Even if you scanned the job description before you decided to apply, it is still a good idea to go back and read it a couple of more times to make sure you did not miss any details. Employers typically receive hundreds of applications for a position. One of the most common methods they will use to narrow the applicant pool is to eliminate anyone who they think did not read the job description or requirements.
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2. Use a professional name and email address
A professional job application calls for a professional email address. Some employers might disqualify an applicant for having an unprofessional email, even if the rest of their resume shows they are perfect for the job.
If you need to create a professional email address, you may want to use a free email service to create an email account that you will use specifically for your professional life.
3. Tailor your cover letter to the job
Before writing or editing your cover letter, look through the job description and pay attention to the kind of employee they are looking for. The job description has information that includes the required educational background, what type of personality fits the position, and the skill set they would prefer a candidate to possess.
Draw on the information in the job description and write a cover letter that frames you as the perfect candidate. Keep your sentences concise but impactful. Include as much relevant information as you can efficiently fit into a page’s worth of paragraphs. If the employer likes what they read, they will use the interview process to learn more about the goals or skills you mentioned in your cover letter. How To Write an Application Letter-Tips and Examples
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4. Include keywords in your resume
Review the description and find words that look like they relate to traits, skills or experiences that the company is looking for. Use them tactfully throughout your resume and cover letter. There is no need to be heavy-handed with them; a few subtle references are sufficient.How to Land Your First Job: A Step-by-Step Guide
Make sure to include keywords that portray you as capable of fulfilling the job requirements. 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 coworkers, mention your interpersonal and communication skills.How to Get a Job With Little or no Experience
5. Check your responses 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.
Take your time when filling out the application. If you are not sure of how well you have done in terms of error correction, ask someone to look at the application for you and make corrections if they find anything wrong. An error-free application is far more likely to at least be looked at than an application that is full of easily-avoidable mistakes.
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6. Upload your resume
It may seem counterintuitive to submit the resume after you have entered all the information it contains into fields on the application. However, the applicant tracking system typically does not collect the information you have provided into a printable document and the employer may want to have a paper copy of your resume for reference. Resumes are also easy for the hiring manager to keep on file in case they decide to contact you about a job opening at a later date.
Make sure to name your resume file concisely and efficiently. Include your first and last name and the keyword “resume” for easy searching.
7. Review before submitting
Even though you may have already reviewed the application for errors and checked that you followed the instructions, you need a final review of your entries before hitting that submit button. Remember: once you have submitted it, you cannot make any changes. Once you are satisfied that you have done your best, click the submit button and leave the rest to the hiring team. How To Apply For A Job
Read Also:
What to put on your CV or resume
How to Make the Best CV | Tips/Guidelines and Sample
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How to Apply for a Job – FAQs
Q. What are the common shortfalls of most jobseekers’ applications?
Answer: lack of specific details, and general CVs that are not customized for the specific job application. Others are bogus claims, late application, and ignoring instructions.
Q. What roles do CVS play in a job application?
Answer: The CV is the backbone of your job application. CVs provide employers with key points about jobseekers’ work history in a comprehensible form.
Q. What should one include and exclude in their CVs to make it more relevant?
Answer: Eliminate superfluous words; eliminate skills for basic software programs. Most employers today expect you to be familiar with basic computer programs.
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Q. What are some of the right approaches to applying for a job in Ghana?
Answer: There’s no single right way.
- Read/understand the Job description well – You can gain unimaginable insight by doing this
- Research about the role. Look for pointers and clues about what it takes to do the job.
- Create the role specific CV & cover letter. Generic CVs are like shooting in dark.
- Apply as quickly as possible – Remember, first come, first serve
- Repeat these steps over & over again. For every job you seek, 30 other people deserve it too.
- Pray! We are not alone in this world.
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Q. Is it smart to apply for jobs in companies where there are no vacancies?
Answer: If you have insider information or anticipate they’ll hire soon, go ahead and give it a try. Be careful how you go about this, as employers do not like unsolicited applications.
Q. How do you increase the odds of getting an interview?
Answer:
- Make your CV compelling,
- Only apply to jobs you are qualified for. Employers are very picky cos they know what they want
- Your CV should match the job and contain important keywords related to the job description
- Use your network as leverage.
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Q. What compensation can you give employers in case you don’t meet the experience requirements?
Answer: You must show qualities and skills that will help make up for a lack of experience.
Q. How do you make your application more compelling?
Answer: Focus on achievements more than responsibilities, avoid typographical errors, Write a summary and keep your CV updated. Say things like, “I reduced turnover time by 20%.”
How to Follow up on a Job application
Conclusion
Now you have all the information you need on how to apply for a job and get called for an interview. The ball is in your court; follow all the instructions and complete your job application. Don’t forget to pray after submitting your application. Best Wishes !
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