How to Apply for a Job - the RIGHT Way

Ever wonder why you were never called after submitting a resume? Do you want to know how to apply for a job so that you will make it through the first cut? There are simple things you can do to get your resume noticed!

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• The job ad/announcement you are applying for.
• A list of the job requirements, skills, education - ALL the details you can get your hands on, whether it's from the ad itself or a copy of the job description.
• A copy of your most current resume that you can edit quickly.
• A good thesaurus.
• A friend to re-read your final copy.

1. Sit down and read the job announcement; make sure you qualify for the job and meet ALL of the educational, experience, availability, and skill requirements. If you don't think you meet the minimum qualifications, don't apply - chances are you will be weeded-out right away - and it's not worth wasting your time and theirs.
2. Identify the position title and make a list of all the traits and skills they are looking for. Circle the ones you have experience with and focus on them! These are what your resume should be built around.
3. Pay attention to the ad and the instructions they list on how to apply. If you are missing one of the required documents, chances are you will be rejected immediately.
4. Pay attention to how they prefer to be contacted; if they do not list a telephone number, do NOT look-up the number and call! Employers these days often prefer to be contacted either by email or fax. As much as HR would like to return all of the calls they receive from applicants, they are often limited on time (& short staffed) and simply cannot call you back, even if you are trying to see if they received your resume.
5. This is worth saying twice:
   Again, use their preferred method of contact, and do NOT stop-by in person or call unless directed to do so. Why is this so important? Because first impressions are crucial, and should be done appropriately (such as in an interview setting).
6. Edit your resume so that it is customized for the exact job you are applying for. Never use a generic resume and submit it over and over again. Employers like to know that applicants have paid attention to the details, and that you are dedicated enough to put in the time and effort to submit a resume worth reading.
   -Start with an objective that lists a specific job title! A good example would be "Objective: To work as an Office Assistance II, where my ability to handle multi-line phones, multi-task, and remain professional in stressful situations will be utilized". A Bad example: "Objective: To work in the clerical field in an office environment".
   -List only relevant job experience, edu, and skills! If you were applying for an I.T. job at Google, you wouldn't list the time you worked at McD's as a cashier. In other words, it's ok to leave jobs and skills off if they don't have anything to do with what you are applying for.
   -In your work history, be clear and brief, use proper tense, know the lingo and verbiage! List your position, company name, and city/State (you can list the other info on the application).
   -Do not list your references, but state that they are available upon request. They will ask you if needed - always have a current list of PROFESSIONAL references (not family & friends)at your disposal.
   -Your resume should be as long as it needs to be, but no more. If it's more than two pages, it's definitely too long and needs to be edited down.
7. If you send your resume via email, be certain to put your last name and position title (of what you are applying for) in the subject line - it's easier to see and print out! Always include a cover letter - this should be your introduction, not too long and not too short. It should contain what you are applying for and why you should be interviewed.
8. Lastly, take classes on how to re-write resumes and do well in interviews. They are often free from EDD, and are worth attending!
   No matter what field you are in, things change over time (whether it's one year or twenty) and you want to be ahead of the curve.

Tips & Warnings

• If you never get a call or get invited to come in for an interview, don't be discouraged. Work on the things you can, like your resume and interview skills.
• Do not try to find out why you weren't hired; even though you may be dying to know the reason, employers often can't tell you (liability) except via a letter in the mail.
• Good luck with your job search!