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A job application is an official form that employers ask all applicants for a position to fill out. You may fill out the application through a third-party job listing site or by visiting the website of the potential employer. Some employers may ask you to fill out a paper application.
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Employers use job applications because they provide a consistent format with the same questions that must be answered by each person who applies for an open position. Employers can easily compare the background and work experience of each applicant.
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Here's how you can apply for a job that helps you achieve your career goals:
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Be clear on the type of job you're seeking and write it down. You are 10 times more likely to accomplish your goal when you do this. Not only that, but this information will influence many other aspects of your search, from the types of employers you target to how you prioritize your networking activities.
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Consider all aspects of the job, from the work environment and industry to your commute and desired salary. The better defined your goals, the more efficient your job search will be.
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Research by the Pew Research Center suggests that almost 80% of applicants in 2015 used the internet as a primary means of locating jobs. That number has likely grown in the five years since that study was published. Either way, it's clear that the most common way to search for jobs in your field is to do an internet search.
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Readying your resume for the application process means making sure it's up-to-date and optimized for the job you are applying to. First, keeping it up-to-date means adding your most recent education, experience and skills. In a chronological resume, most recent education and experience should be listed first in each section.
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You can optimize your resume for the job you are applying to by reviewing the job description and using relevant keywords that apply to your skillset through your resume.
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If you started with a job search rather than a company search, make sure to research every company that you are considering applying to. A strong starting point is to go online to the company's "about" page. You should also perform a search query on the company name to look for any news, current events or reviews about the company.
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Once you've exhausted your internet search, move on to connecting with people who work at the companies you are applying to. By networking with people who work at companies you are considering working for, you get a better feel for overall company culture.
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In modern job applications, a cover letter is not always expected. Decide if you need to submit a cover letter. Sometimes you can tell because it will say so on the application. However, if you do opt to include a cover letter, make sure that it accents your resume and tells an interesting story about you.
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After preparing your resume and cover letter, you may need to go online and fill out an application where you can attach your external documents. Avoid copying and pasting directly from your resume into the online application because that can lead to formatting issues.
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Hiring managers may need time to sort through resumes and applications. While you may be tempted to follow up soon after applying, wait about two weeks before reaching out to check the status of your application. This gives hiring managers adequate time to sort through candidates and makes you look more professional.
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You can submit an application follow-up letter in the form of an email to the hiring manager if you have that information. If not, you can call the company and ask to speak to the hiring manager for the position.