Having trouble applying for a job? Here are seven easy steps that you should consider following to apply for a job position.
Applying for a job can be one of the most frustrating processes that a college graduate or former employee can participate in.
From the countless hours spent looking for the job to getting no response from employers, it’s easy to see why.
As you might know, I’m a bestselling author, award winning designer and happiness researcher. I wrote a book called Happy Habits.
In my research, I learned a lot about how to make sure you develop positive habits which lead to your best life – by embracing specific principles of “habit formation.”
In this article I will be sharing the specific habits needed to apply for a job.
Many candidates struggle with aspects of the job application process, including the resume, cover letter, and cv. Fortunately, it becomes easier when you understand how the job application process works.
Additionally, it is essential to do it correctly. The following is a step-by-step guide that will help you apply for a job in 7 easy steps.
The first step in the job application process involves a search for jobs that you are interested in. Today, there are many ways of looking up jobs. However, the most popular method by far is through the internet.
According to the Pew Research Center, approximately 80% of applicants used the internet to look for work in 2015. So, an excellent place to start would be the internet. In the process, remember to set up job alerts for those positions that you find interesting.
You should also consider other means of looking for work, such as networking and referrals. According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, 70% of all jobs are often found through networking.
Additionally, that survey was backed by a Yale University report that showed only 15% of jobs were filled through job boards. This means that you have a better chance of getting a job from a person you know instead of looking online.
After looking for the jobs that you are interested in, the next thing you should consider doing is researching the company of interest. Contrary to popular opinion, similar positions might have different descriptions.
So, research about the position’s roles, responsibilities, and functions in relation to the company in question. Additionally, taking time to research about the organization will allow you to know whether you are a fit.
Different companies have different cultures. You might be a perfect fit in one company and a ‘bad’ fit in another.
After identifying the employment opportunity and the company of interest, the next step in line would be to prepare your resume and cv. Many applicants overlook this process, and it might be the most important one.
Is your resume up to date? Is it tailored to meet the specific job that you are applying for? Does it have grammar errors? Is resume or cv well structured? You must ask yourself all these questions before handing in your application.
Many candidates are disqualified on the grounds of poor structure and grammar errors. According to a study done in 2012, the average recruiter spends about six to 30 seconds skimming through a resume.
Additionally, Brite recruitment reported that 59% of all recruiters reject resumes or CVs because of grammar errors. So, you should do your best to structure and proofread your resume, however long it will take.
If that is not an option, consider using professional help from resume writing services. There are many such services but look for the best resume writing service online to match your needs. Such services are fast, reliable, and increase your chances of getting that position.
After polishing your resume, the next thing that you’d want to do is submit your application. Luckily this is the easy part throughout the entire process.
Find out what avenues the company of interest has availed when it comes to the submission of resumes. Most businesses require applicants to hand in their submissions online.
Some would prefer submission of the application on-site, i.e., on company grounds. Don’t assume, do your homework and find out the ideal way of handing in your application.
Not to sound overly optimistic, but preparation involving interviews is key. After submitting your application, you should strongly consider preparing yourself for an interview.
You might be called or receive an email scheduling you for an interview on short notice. It would be frustrating if you got a chance to impress your future employers, and you were not ready.
Mind you, a typical post attracts over 250 resumes, but only 4 to six candidates get called for interviews. So, it would be in your best interest to stay ready at all times.
As mentioned above, a typical post by a firm attracts more than 250 resumes. This means that corporations need time to sort through resumes and applications. As much as it might be tempting to contact them shortly after submitting your resume, you should probably wait for a couple of weeks before you do so.
Making a follow-up shows your interest and determination to get the job. You look more professional when doing so. You could either submit an email or call the company and ask to speak to the hiring manager.
Lastly, don’t give up when weeks have gone by, and you haven’t gotten any form of response from the corporation. According to Zety.com, only 2-3% of all job applications are successful.
That doesn’t mean that you should give up. Consider submitting your resume to many organizations. Zety.com reported that it might take you over 30 to 50 job applications before you finally land that job.
So, be patient and resilient as you apply for as many jobs in your field as is possible.
The onboarding process is long and often frustrating, especially for entry-level applicants with little to no experience. Hopefully, with the above tips, the process can be a little easier.
All in all, remember to research a position before applying for it. Not all posts have the same descriptions. This way, you get to make the necessary adjustment to your resume and cover letter.
It’s only a matter of time before you land the job of your dreams.
Learn how to make sure you develop positive habits which lead to your best life.
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