Job Application 101: How to Find Your Way Through & Get Hired

Introduction

Finding a job is stressful, especially if it's your first job and job applications are difficult. You are not alone in this.

To begin with, it may seem that whatever you are doing is wrong. Efforts yield little results, leading to disappointments. 

But don't worry. This article provides all the necessary information regarding job applications, such as resume and cover letter writing, setting targets, objectives, interview preparation, etc. 

By the end, you will feel confident enough to complete any job application that fits your skill set and land your dream job in no time. 

Must Know Facts of a Job Application

But before we start, you must know some facts about the job applications, highlighting the level of competition and processes followed by recruiters.

A survey by Indeed highlighted that, on average, a single corporate job application receives 250 applications, of which 4-6 people are called for interviews and 1 person is selected. Competition is high. But do not worry; this article will also provide tips on making your job application stand out in front of employers.

ATS(application Tracking Software) is a type of software recruiters use to streamline the recruiting process. ATS automatically looks for keywords in your resume and shortlists them accordingly. ATS is used by 

98% of Fortune 500 companies and 66% of large companies.

Job boards have become popular for employers and candidates regarding job applications. A survey by CareerBuilder shows that 69% of employers use online Job Boards. The popularity of job boards is due to their ease of use.
So, let's dive into the step-by-step process you should follow for a successful job application.

Self-Assessment and Skill Development

Before you start your online job application, do a self-assessment. Write down your skills, strengths, and weaknesses. Along with it, write your objectives and targets.

If you are unsure about your strengths and weaknesses, there are online personality tests that you can take to find out your personality type. These tests also highlight career paths best suited to your personality type. Many companies nowadays require you to take these along with job applications. MBTI(Myers Briggs Type Indicator), Big 5(OCEAN), and Enneagram are popular personality tests.

After this, translate your objectives into SMART(Specific Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) goals. After defining your goals, identify the skills required to achieve those goals. Identify if you possess the necessary skills and identify gaps where you need to improve those skills.

After doing this, identify the type of companies you wish to target. Identify domains in which you wish to build your career. At this stage, don’t list the names of companies, as it will narrow your focus and efforts. You need to cast a wide net at this stage.

Tailor Your Resume and Cover Letter for Online Job Application

Choose the most appropriate format for the company you are applying to. For example, a text-based resume works best for a tech company, but an infographic-based resume can be made for a marketing company. The use of video resumes is on the rise.

Whichever format appeals to you, make sure your resume looks clean with the same formatting throughout the resume, maintaining consistent font styles, sizes, and spacing.

Include your contact information and a brief, objective statement. Highlight your skills and work experience. 

You can go chronologically ascending or descending to list your educational background and work experience.

Chronologically ascending works best to mention your educational background, but while listing your work experience, choose reverse chronology, mentioning your most recent work experience first. It makes it easy for recruiters to go through your resume. 

You can choose to put whatever keywords or phrases you wish the recruiters to notice in bold. Highlight the skills that differentiate you from other candidates by putting them in bold.

Create a master job application resume first, including everything you can. Then, for each company, tailor that resume to match the skills or type of candidate the company seeks.

If you have previous work experience, use the STAR(Situation Task Action Result) method to write specific points. Explain the Situation and Task assigned to you, what Action you took, and what the Result of that action was. Also, include specific KPIs achieved during your work. Don't be shy about showcasing your achievements and accomplishments.

In your job application resume, use action words like created, designed, analyzed, and reduced, to showcase your work.

Create a compelling cover letter for an online job application by researching the company or job you are applying for. Briefly mention your interest in the position and highlight your skills and experience that would make you an ideal candidate. Use action verbs like Achieved, Developed, Managed, Implemented, etc to highlight your achievements. Tailor your cover letter for each company.

Start Submitting Job Applications 

Job boards are a popular platform for candidates to apply for jobs. Some popular job boards are Internshala, LetsIntern, Indeed, and LinkedIn. These job boards allow you to filter the jobs by location, type, starting date, and remuneration offered.

You can also visit your institute's career and development center for opportunities. Networking is another excellent way to look for opportunities. You can apply directly to the company's career page, too. 

These pages provide comprehensive details about the positions offered, job descriptions and responsibilities, and work culture. Relinns Technologies is an excellent tech company with a great work culture. You can explore their careers page and apply for a position that aligns with your goals and aspirations.

Preparing and Attending Interviews 

The most crucial step in the job application process is attending interviews. Before you attend interviews, thoroughly prepare for them. Devote time researching the company you are interviewing for. 

Dress professionally. Don't wear aggressively colored clothes for the interview. Always be on time. It is even better and advisable to arrive before time to avoid unanticipated situations.

Introduce yourself briefly, mentioning your educational background and work experience. Highlight your interests and achievements briefly. Brush up on your technical skills. Prepare general HR questions and practice with your friends or family.

During the interviews, avoid using filler words to sound more confident. If you don't understand a question, ask the interviewer to repeat the question politely. Don't be shy about showing your personality. Smile, but don't show extreme emotions. 

Most interviewers ask the candidates if they have any questions for them at the end of the interview. Prepare thoughtful questions to showcase your interest in the position and company in advance.

These days, many interviews are held over video calls. Follow proper video etiquette during those interviews. Use a well-lit room in a noise-free environment with a clear background.

Evaluating and Accepting the Offer

If you have multiple offers, evaluate them based on salary, benefits, job responsibilities, career growth opportunities, and work-life balance. If you wish to negotiate terms like salary, start date, and benefits, do so professionally based on market research.

If you are currently working, notify your company about serving the notice period. Complete the necessary paperwork to start the onboarding process. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, navigating the job application process can be daunting, especially for recent graduates or those seeking to transition into a new domain. But don't stress too much. Focus on understanding the offline & online job application landscape, your skill development, and interview preparation. 

Leverage the resources available to you to complete your job application. Utilize this article to assist you in finding the right opportunity for you. Be persistent, adaptable, and proactive. 

Even if you are not finding a job that aligns with your career today, focus on upskilling and gaining real-world experience and keep trying to find one in the future. Good Luck.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)

How can I impress recruiters in my job application process?

Research Keywords specific to the position you are applying for and mention them in your job application resume. Create an impressive cover letter for job application indicating your passion and interest. Include certifications and achievements in your resume. Practice active listening during interviews. Be polite and professional in your interviews. Use technical terms and phrases when answering questions.

What are the stages of a selection process?

The selection process starts when recruiters post the job application online, inviting applications. The next stage is the shortlisting of the received resumes. Shortlisted candidates are called for a technical assessment round. Depending on that, candidates are called for interviews. After the interview process, companies conduct background checks to verify your credentials and references. After that is the onboarding stage, where candidates are explained the policies and work culture of the company in detail. 

What are the basic steps in the job application process?

The basic step of the job application process is identifying your objectives. The next step is making your resume. Looking for job vacancies using different platforms. Applying for the position. Appearing for the interview and, if selected, the document submission process.

What are some ‘Don’ts’ of resume writing?

The biggest don’t of job application resume writing is don’t lie on your resume. There are many software and templates available for resume writing. Don't use them. Don’t make general claims like good communication skills or team player without backing them up with examples. Don’t exaggerate your skills or abilities. An ideal resume is of one page. Don't go over 2 pages even if you have extensive work experience. Don’t include long objective statements. Recruiters won’t read them. Remember these things when uploading your resume for your next job application.

Is a CV a cover letter?

No. CV refers to curriculum vitae, meaning the course of one's life, and accounts for a person's qualifications and career. CV and resume are synonymous terms. The cover letter is a brief letter of interest sent along with resume in your job application. A cover letter shows your passion and interest in the company. It briefly tells the recruiters why you should be an appropriate candidate for the job offered.