How to apply for jobs | A 6-step guide to landing your dream job!

How to apply for jobs?

The job application process if not approached efficiently can be very tiresome. You will constantly have to write monotonous cover letters and emails to send them to their respective destination. Nevertheless, if approached systematically, the entire process of submitting a job application can be very simple, incorporating several fundamental steps. In this article, we will guide you on how to apply for jobs regularly until you get the desired opportunity!

Step 1: Job application

A job entreaty is a troupe of different paper works that you consign towards any particular organization or company if you are interested in working for them. The documents included in job applications are- a cover letter, resume, your previous work experience or portfolio, a list of references (if applicable), and any other type of document that can give you an edge over other potential candidates for the job. Most of the time your job application targets a specific position mentioned in a job description.

Whenever you think of how to apply for a job, the first thing that often comes to your mind is the job application. After you submit your job application, you may receive an invitation for an interview process. Additionally, you may also receive an assignment as the first step toward the recruitment process. 

Although the hiring process of every company is different, mostly you will be asked to express who you are, why you are interested in working for the company, and where you have previously worked. This process is mostly completed by initially submitting a cover letter, references, and resume.

Where to search for jobs?

In this digital age, most people are using the internet to find different jobs. There is a multitude of job search websites and software applications such as Indeed, Monster, and LinkedIn available. Notably, LinkedIn has turned out to be a great platform where both recruiters and job applicants can get easily noticed. All you have to do is create an account on these platforms with proper credentials. After that, provide a proper resume for the recruiter’s reference.

If you are interested in working for a specific company, you can take a look at their official website. You will be able to get information about its recruitment process. Additionally, you can specifically scan the jobs, careers, or ‘work with us’ pages of the company’s websites. If you have any connection within the company, then you can also approach them to find information on vacant positions.

How to research companies before applying?

1. Gathering basic information

There are multiple ways you can research a company. An excellent way to initiate the process would be to gather basic information about the company; such as, what it does, where the headquarters of the company is located, what is the actual size of the company, etc. You can also visit the company’s official website where you will be able to find this specific kind of information.

2. Talking to employees

Another way you can learn about these companies is by asking the people who are working in the organization. If you are acquainted with someone working for the company, then you can schedule a meeting with them or directly ask them about the organization and what it is like to work for them. 

While you are at it, you can also ask them if there are any vacant positions or soon-to-be-released positions in the company. If you are familiar with someone through an online medium, then you can also reach out to them for valid information about the company and a few other questions regarding the same topic.

3. Mass media

In order to conduct in-depth research about the company, you can follow different news articles and stories where the organization has been featured. This kind of approach can be specifically helpful if the company you want to work for (or apply for) is in a critical situation. In case the company is about to file for bankruptcy, you will likely find this particular information in the news or the internet rather than referring to the company’s official website.

Another effective way to perceive the employee experience and company’s work ethics is by referring to the leading job portal and platforms such as Indeed and LinkedIn where you can encounter reviews penned by existing or former employees of the company. These reviews can give you an insight into what are the potential advantages and drawbacks of working for a particular company.

Step 2: Create a proper resume for your job application

Creating a proper resume is an important part of how to apply for a job. If you already have previous work experience, then you probably have an idea of how to get yourself a proper resume. 

While there are multiple books available in the market about the same topic, here we will cover some basic pointers that you must have in your resume. If you want to go through a more detailed approach, then you can buy the books on how to create a proper resume.

Tips for the perfect resume-

• Currently, as the job application process has become increasingly digital, you need to keep the same in mind while creating a resume.
• It would be better if you keep the whole thing in a digital-friendly format. Try out digital resume formats that can effectively attract the recruiter from different companies.
• You can also provide hyperlinks through which recruiters can find out about your previous works.
• A lot of recruiters use applicant tracking systems to shortlist the number of candidates. That is why it is also important to ensure that your resume is compatible with an ATS (applicant tracking system).
• You also need to include keywords in the work experience and education section of your resume. By doing so, you can showcase that not only are you knowledgeable enough in SEO or search engine optimization, but you also have the perfect skill set to apply the same in your work.
• Once you have completed constructing a digital-friendly resume, then you will be ready to upload it to any job-seeking platforms to get noticed by recruiters.

Step 3: Preparing a cover letter for a job application

Experts discussing how to apply for a job usually suggest that adding a personal touch to the job application guarantees better prospects for job seekers. While the curriculum vitae (CV) is a universally standard document for job applicants, the cover letter is an addition that boosts the applicant’s CV, thus increasing their chances of shortlisting.

What is a cover letter?

A cover letter gives a job applicant a medium as well as a chance to demonstrate his/her technical, professional, and soft skills more broadly by outlining, underlining, and detailing work experiences. The CV or resume is more of an official document for work experiences and qualifications but the cover letter is what adds a personal touch by letting the job seeker expand on his/her key strengths, traits, and projects.

Further, a good cover letter must include the most relevant and specific skills of the job applicant that endorse his/her suitability for the job profile. By and large, CVs are more general while cover letters are more personal. 

Therefore, cover letters must demonstrate applicants’ genuine qualifications, experiences, interests, and knowledge about the job profile they apply for. In cases where job seekers are applying for their dream job or dream company, they can also add more about the company to establish that the particular organization has been a key driver in improving their performance so far.

How to prepare an exceptional cover letter?

When you have done in-depth research on how to apply for a job perfectly, you will understand the significance of crafting a good cover letter. Notably, a good cover letter can be prepared by looking at the job description carefully to jot down what specific skill set is required for the job. Next, the applicant can add how his/her skills are relevant to the job responsibilities he/she has applied for, what motivates him/her towards applying, and how he/she would be the best fit for the particular job role.

However, not every job application requires a cover letter. The CV is mostly more than enough for applying for a job. Cover letters help when the applicant feels his/her credentials speak better than a usual listing of his/her qualifications in the CV.

Step 4: Professional references and recommendations

Don’t forget to add your recommendations or references, along with the CV and cover letter. Notably, recommendations or references are testimonials from your professional network, people you have worked with before, acquaintances who are integral to your professional circles, and so on. 

The good words about your professional skills and abilities from such references can further increase your chances of getting shortlisted for the job you are eyeing. 

Hence, before you board the train of job applications, remember to chalk out a plan reserving some time to speak with your past or present colleagues who you are confident will provide strong references for you.

You must include the current contact details, email ID, job title, and designation of your references.  A minimum of at least three references that demonstrate your different skills can enhance your credibility for the job. Further, you can tailor your references depending on the number of roles you are applying for in various companies. Generally, these are some people who can prove to be great references:

• Your former teacher/professor
• A former work colleague
• Your former employer
• An academic supervisor/advisor

Step 5: Submitting your job application

While job applications were submitted by post or in person decades back, the digital age has brought in a far easier job application process. Thanks to emails! A lot of recruiters welcome job applications through the company’s official website and even their organizational email IDs. 

The most common route nowadays is the company’s official website which requires applicants to manually enter their contact, qualifications, profile, and other job-related information.

Some job applications do require in-person submissions and even sending by post. However, this is usually in addition to forwarding the CVs through email first. Most online job search platforms like Monster and Indeed enable job seekers to upload their CVs and constantly update it. It is so that recruiters can contact and hire them directly through these portals. 

Thus, job applicants do not have to physically travel afar but simply email their documents. When applying through job portals, emails, or even company websites, do not just blindly send your CV, cover letter, or documents but highlight your professionalism by thanking the recruiter for the opportunity, greeting them, and so on.

Step 6: Following up on your job application

If you have received an immediate response to your job application through an interview, congratulations you have cracked the concept and do not need to browse further. However, if you are still waiting, then this is the section for you.

Many of us have waited for days, weeks, and even months for a response despite giving the best job applications. So, here is what can help. If you haven’t heard from the recruiter for a week or two, then shoot a quick reaffirmation email to express your interest in the role. This is a polite way to check the status of your job application.

When you do not receive any updates from the email, you can contact the official hiring manager or the company email with a paragraph or two, reiterating your genuine interest in the job role and inquiring about available job roles and next steps. Make sure you keep your words polite and enthusiastic.

A job application process is your first step toward getting a job. Even if you don’t receive responses, it doesn’t mean you should doubt your credentials. Maybe they found someone else better suited for the role. In that case, stay open to reapplying for other vacancies in the coming months by rebranding yourself with a fresh CV, upskilling your previous experiences, etc.

Read more: 5 Ways to Boost Employment Success for International Students

Key takeaways

• In this digital world, it is better to create a digital-friendly resume.
• You can directly apply for a job on the company’s website.
• For more detailed insight about different companies, you can search about them on the web.
• Properly scan the job profile and job description before applying for the job.

We hope you enjoyed reading this blog. In case of any queries, reach out to us or drop a comment below.

Liked this blog? Read Next: Home-based jobs | Top 15 jobs that you should know about! 

FAQ

Q1. What is the best way to apply for jobs?

Answer- You can search for jobs on different websites such as Indeed or LinkedIn. You can also check out the company’s official website and apply directly.

Q2. What are the five ways to get a job?

Answer- The 5 ways to get a job are-

• Networking
• Company websites
• Job boards and career websites
• Referrals
• Job fairs

Q3. Should I apply for a job even if I don’t have experience?

Answer– It is always good to apply even if you don’t have enough experience. You need to show off your skills and abilities, making recruiters understand why you are the best candidate for the job.

WRITTEN BY

Aastha

Sr. Content Writer

Aastha Arya is a Senior Content Writer at iSchoolConnect who writes about topics covering study abroad trends, exclusive news updates and prolific college courses. She has a 4-year of experience in this field and also likes to keep tabs on recent events, visa policy changes, and many other concerns that affect international students.

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