How to Apply and Get Results!

Job openings today may seem few and far between.  With fewer available jobs, applying for work today may not be as simple as it used to be.  It is important to get a leg up on the competition.

Here are some simple tips and advice to follow while applying:

  • Apply right away
    • Job postings often have a closing date. Do NOT wait until the very last day to apply, or even the day before for that matter.  Apply for the position as soon as you see it.  Employers receive a lot of applications and often find the right candidate even before the closing date.
  • Speak with someone in person
    • If you are dropping off a resume in person, always ask to speak with the person in charge of hiring.  Leaving your resume behind the counter or at the front desk may mean that your resume will not make it to your desired destination.  When addressing cover letters or emails, always address them to a person directly.  If there is not a name given on the job description, call the company and make a general inquiry as to the person in charge of hiring.  This demonstrates initiative and is more personable.
  • Follow up
    • While the internet is a great invention and many employers chose to post job openings on electronic job boards, simply emailing an application to an employer is not enough.  You MUST follow up.  This goes for any job you apply for.  After you submit your resume, allow two or three days before you make a follow-up phone call.  By this point you should know the person’s name that is in charge of hiring, but if you don’t you can always ask to speak to the human resources department.  Prepare a script ahead of time so you will know what you are going to say.  Keep it short, polite and to the point.
  • Be persistent…but not pushy!
    • As mentioned before, employers receive many applications at once.  If you aren’t able to reach someone directly for follow-up, leave a message.  If you haven’t heard back within a day or two call again.  Being persistent and following up is a good thing, becoming a nuisance to the person hiring or even the receptionist answering the phone is a BIG negative.  Give them time to respond to your message and always keep conversations polite and to the point.
  • Mind your manners
    • I must stress this point.  The number of job seekers who are rude and impatient never ceases to amaze me.  It is human nature that we will like someone who is polite and accommodating and will be more likely to help them.  If you are having a particularly bad day or are getting frustrated that no one has responded to you, wait to contact them again until you have calmed down.  If you call and are impolite, chances are the employer will not be in a rush to hire you.
    • Please and thank you really does go a long way!
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