Things you NEED to know when applying for jobs large

Things you NEED to Know When Applying for Jobs

December 2, 2019
When doing any type of job search, make sure you have your plan in place prior to completing any application whether it be paper or online. The more prepared you are the better off you will be in making a first good impression. 

The biggest mistakes made applying for a job are:
  1. Not being prepared.  
  2. Not being specific.  

Tips:

  • Know what type of job you want.  Apply for jobs that appeal to you and match your current skill set.
  • Have an updated summary of your skills and experience.  It is fine to post this kind of personal information on websites.
  • If you stop by a business and fill out a job application, it is important to:
    • Know what days and hours you can work
    • Write skills that match the job opening.  
      • Read the job posting or classified ad several times prior to applying for the job.
      • Make a list of your skills that match the current opening.
      • Make a list of your transferrable skills that match the current opening.  Transferrable skills come from past jobs, volunteering, hobbies, and other past experiences.
      • Create your resume and cover letter based on the skills the employer is seeking and the transferrable skills that make you a qualified candidate.
    • Have an error-free resume.  Proofread your resume and cover letter several times prior to submitting it online or in person. Errors on your resume and cover letter can keep you from being hired.
    • Make sure the dates you have on your resume match what you have entered into online applications.  Most employers want your exact date of hire. Always answer questions truthfully. Be aware that many applications ask why you left your last job. You should try to be as positive as possible. Even if you were fired or the company downsized! You can leave longer explanations for the interview. Some experts suggest writing "job ended" as the reason you left your last job.
    • Some jobs may require you to take a quiz. Quizzes may assess one or more of the following:
      • How you handle workplace scenarios.
      • Math skills. 
      • Reading writing skills.
      • Computer skills.
    • Be ready for a brief on-the-spot interview.
    • Know that you are not required to tell employers about wages you earned with previous jobs you have held. On September 29th, 2019, Illinois passed the "No Salary History" law. This law was passed to address the gender wage gap. Learn more information about this law.

Interviewing Do's and Dont's:

Be specific. Let the potential employer know what you want.

Do – You need to let the potential employer or hiring manager know how to direct your job application and/or resume when it is received to the proper department or person. Do your research in regards to the skills needed for the job you are applying to as well as the expected salary or wage.

Don't - Don't write on your job application that you will take "any" job or "any" position.

 

Follow job posting directions.

Do - Do your own research on the company if needed. Read the job posting again to make sure you have all the information provided.

If the employer states complete an online application, then follow all steps in the application process, this might include online submission of your resume and cover letter.

If the employer wants you to copy and paste your resume into the application, have a text resume prepared and copy your information into the space available.

Don't - If the employer states "no walk-ins", do not walk into the business and ask for an application or ask to leave your resume.

If the employer states "no phone calls please", do not call the business.

 

Read the job application in its entirety before you begin the process.

Do - Making mistakes on a paper application can be a huge turn-off to a potential employer. 

In order to keep your errors to a minimum or your application error-free. Make a copy of the paper application.  Practice filling out the copy before you fill out the actual application.

If you make a mistake, put a straight line through the error and put your initials out to the side.

Don't - DO NOT use white-out on the application or make scribble lines over an error.

 

Complete the application in full.

Do – Fill each section in as it pertains to you.  If a section does not apply, put N/A in the section. This will help you when you are reviewing the application to notice any section you might have passed over.

Don't - DO NOT leave blanks on your application.

 

Keep an eye on the time when completing online applications.

Do - Make sure you have all of your documentation in front of you or easily accessible before you start an online application.  Have at least four references that you can include if needed. 

Don't - Some, not all, online job applications are timed.  Taking too much time may cause it to time out and will not be considered for the job.

 

Make sure your resume is customized and current.

Do – Customize your resume to match the job opening. If there is more than one opening at the company, create a resume for each opening.  Before you upload your resume, make sure the format is transferred over properly.  Make sure there are no changes to the overall resume document.   

Don't – Do not use a generic resume.

 

Get to know the different file types for uploading your resume.

Do - When an employer wants a .docx file this is a Word file, .pdf is a printing document file, and .html is a hypertext markup link (webpage) file.

Don't - Don't send the wrong file type to an employer.  Make sure you follow the instructions.

 

Dress appropriately when applying in person or picking up a job application.

Do – Remember (always remember) you only get one chance to make a first good impression. So if you are delivering your resume in person or picking a resume up, dress like you are going on a job interview.

Dress APPROPRIATELY. There are times when you pick up an application or drop one off you might get an interview on the spot, so be prepared.  

Don't - Dressing in your pajama pants with flip-flops or your pants down around your thighs is not a good first impression.

 

Keep your word.

Do – If you pick up an application in person and tell them you are going to bring it back the next day, do it. Make sure you take the application back when you said you would.

Don't – Do not give them a reason to think that you are not reliable.

 

Be careful what kind of personal information you post on websites.

Do – It is fine to post a summary of your skills and experience.

Don't – Do not post your social security number, opinions, or photographs that go against the image that you want to show.

 

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