Applying for a Job

How to Apply for a Job

In order to get a job, you have to know how to navigate the application process. To apply for a job, follow these instructions.

Steps

1. Write a resume.

Even if the particular job you're looking for has an application process where a resume isn't necessary, the process of writing a resume can help sort your thoughts and prepare you for an interview. Having a written record of your work history makes filling out an application much easier, too. Tailor the resume to the type of job for which you are applying, emphasizing related skills and coursework.

If you’re submitting a resume electronically, be sure to include keywords from the job listing so that your resume doesn’t get skipped over by a computer. One discrete way to do this is to include a “Summary of Qualifications” near the top of the resume that hits a few of these keywords (which might be skills, personal achievements, known software programs, etc.). However, do not repeat anything verbatim or it you won’t look like a trustworthy candidate. (http://oxforddictionaries.com/words/writing-job-applications)

2. Call the employer.

Ask about the application process: "Good morning. My name is John Doe. I was wondering if you had any positions open and, if so, how I might apply." You will usually have your call routed to the hiring or human resources manager. If they have any openings, they'll either ask you to come in and fill out an application or they'll ask you to send a resume and cover letter by mail or e-mail, in which case you should inquire, "To whom should the letter be addressed?" They will give you a full name, which you should write it down (asking for help with the spelling if necessary).

3. Write a cover letter if necessary.

Make sure it is specific to the job, with the company name and address and, if possible, the name of the person who will be receiving it. (Including a real person’s name in your application is not only professional, but also shows that you bothered to track that information down and are not simply mass-emailing every employer you can find.)

4. Get a second (or third) opinion.

Ask friends or family members to read over your resume and cover letter for typos, as it's often difficult to see our own mistakes. If possible, get advice from someone in the same field as your potential employer or who has experience recruiting or hiring.

5. Apply.

Visit the employer to fill out your application form. It's usually best to go during the mid-morning lull (when they're not too busy, but before the day has worn them out). Ask to speak to the hiring manager and try to hand the form to them personally: "Hi, we spoke on the phone yesterday about the (job title) position. Here's my application. Let me know if you need anything else!" This will give the employer a chance to see you (so dress professionally and present yourself well) and put a face to a name.

Send your cover letter and resume as instructed.

6. Follow up.

If you filled out an application but the hiring manager wasn't there at the time, call three days later, ask to speak to the manager, and confirm that the application was received: "Hello, this is (your name). I filled out an application on (day you came in) and I just wanted to confirm that it was received."

If you sent a cover letter and resume by mail, call a week later to confirm their receipt. If you sent them by e-mail, call the day after.

Tips

Ø  Always thank the employer for their time and consideration.

Ø  Always be honest when filling out a job application online.

Ø  If you get an interview, follow up with a thank-you letter.

Warnings

Ø  If you try to be someone who you are not, most likely, they will decline.

Ø  If you have not been accepted for the job then you might as well start the application process again (if they will allow you) or consider trying to obtain another job with a different employer.

Ø  Note that refusing to contact a previous employer, refusing to take criminal background or drug tests, having unusual gaps in previous places of employment, not having proof of legality to work, having blank spaces in an application, and lacking non-relative references are usually red flags to employers.

http://www.wikihow.com/Image:Apply-for-a-Job-Step-1.jpg