Job Application Tips
This section serves as a quick reference on how to make your application stand out.
Job applications are made in three main ways through
• Written (including e-mail)
• Verbal (through the phone)
• In-person
In many cases, job applicants respond to a request for application from the prospective employer. Every employer has preferences on how they wish to receive applications. Bear in mind that it is important that you follow their instructions closely as some employers frown upon candidates who are unable to follow simple instructions.
Put Yourself In The Employer’s Shoes
Your application is not the only one that an employer will receive. Therefore, try to cooperate with the employer and see things from their point of view. Some employers want applicants to fill out application forms at their office even if the applicant has already sent them his/her résumé. These may be requirements that the employer’s company may have to fulfill as part of their human resource policy.
Think about what they are asking for and how they are asking you to apply. This may give you clues on what is important to the employer. Occasionally, some employers ask to see a handwritten letter of application. Do not send a typewritten one instead. If you are going through the trouble of applying for the job, why not do what the employer asks?
Keep An Open Mind
Do not prejudge any opportunity without considering the possibilities. Use your job search process as a chance to discover yourself. Some employers require job applicants to undergo personality tests, whilst others may consider you for opportunities that you may not have considered. All the same, it is about what someone else may see in you.
Dollars And Sense
The money you want to earn has to make sense. Sometimes, certain employers want to pay too little and there are also employees who want to earn too much. Do not compare salaries with your peers. Sometimes the job title may be identical but the job scope may be very different. Be sure to think about the career path and opportunities that the position offers. A good place to find out what you can possibly earn is the job pages in the newspapers as some employers advertise salary levels. Read the job description which may be included in the advertisement carefully. You can also get accurate salary information from a reputable Human Resource Consultancy like Kelly Services.
Develop A Strategy
Take a strategic approach to your job search. Study the market on opportunities available and your competition. Who are the people who are likely to compete with you? What is their profile? What strengths or weaknesses are they likely to have? Also think about your own unique selling proposition – what do you have to offer?
Make The Effort
Finding a job is easy but looking for a great job always requires effort on the part of the applicant. Go the extra mile, treat the job search process as a learning opportunity and challenge. No one loses out by putting in the effort. So if you are asked by an employer to do some ‘homework’, do so. Some employers tend to set tasks for prospective employees to do. Usually they are not testing the applicant on the content of the project but on their willingness to try something new. Such an employer is actually saying “I am interested in you, I am willing to make the time for you but are you willing to make the time for our company?”
Questions to consider before applying for a job
1 Are my qualifications and experience suited for the job I wish to apply for?
2 Do I have a particular skill or qualification that may be utilised fully in this job?
3 What type of career prospects does this job offer?
4 Does this job meet my overall career objective?
5 Is this job congruent to my beliefs and values?
6 What are the learning opportunities offered by this job and company?
7 Does the work environment suit me?
The above article has been extracted from the latest issue of Best Foot Forward. To receive a soft copy of Best Foot Forward, email us at info@kellyservices.com.sg