Write a Job Application like a pro! Here are some quick tips

Introduction

Companies often get flooded with applications from prospective individuals seeking jobs. This is an everyday practice and companies have gotten better at identifying the correct individuals for the job they offer. One of the ways in which they make this important decision is by having individuals fill out a job application.

What is a Job Application?

The majority of the job openings often resort to the traditional means of using a CV to judge any applicant. Some companies take a more comprehensive path to judge the ability of people applying for jobs. They do this through applications for applying for jobs. A job application is a basic part of the hiring process that is undertaken by companies. These companies often ask prospective applicants for certain information. This information may not always be listed out in the different CV’s they receive and accept. This information may involve aspects such as: 

• Contact information of past workplaces
• A detailed background of the applicant’s education
• Personal and professional contact information. It can help companies better understand the working habits of the individual.

Types of Job Applications

• Paper-Based Application for applying for a job:

The most common form of application for applying for the job is paper-based. Job seekers visit different companies to fill paper-based job applications. The contents of these different application forms remain the same. Although the method is different for each of them.

• Email Application for applying for a job:

Often many individuals reply back to mails they receive in their inbox on possible job leads. These emails often include a description of the job, also known as a JD or Job Description. Individuals also receive an attachment of an application for applying for a job. A job seeker should fill this document with the same sincerity as he would fill a paper-based application.

• Online Application for applying for a job:

The digital age is growing into society at an incremental rate. As a result, tasks that were once only possible by in-person visits can now be done with a click of the button. This online application for applying for jobs works along similar lines. People here have the opportunity to seek a job on some of the platforms that offer such jobs. Some of the platforms are Monster.com, Naukri.com, and even LinkedIn.com. Individuals can also fill these online applications from the company websites.

How to write a job application?

Until now we have seen that what is a job application and why do companies use it. We have also learned about different types of job applications. Now, the next step is actually filling out one such application.  Before one starts, it is always a good idea to prepare a copy of your CV beforehand. This helps reduce any inconsistencies between these two documents. Always remember, that a job application is just some extra information you provide to companies. It help them to better understand the information that you have already provided in your CV. Now, onto the tips.

Contents of a job application

People often assume that job applications are like CV’s and thus, simply copying the document will be enough. However, this is the biggest mistake one can make while filling out an application for applying for a job. Companies find it frustrating when candidates use their job applications to reiterate their CVs. This might reduce your chances of getting that job. CV’s only are a one-page document. So people find it hard to fit all information about themselves onto that small space. Thus, companies actually present an option for candidates with more space to talk about themselves. Thus, it often helps to prepare a checklist for the information that must be a part of the job application.

Information to be provided in a job application

• Personal: This section must include basic data such as your full name, email, address, and phone numbers.
• Education: This section must include the detail of all the institutes where you have studied. It should also include a breakdown of all the courses you opted to take. One can also add details about various academic achievements secured during these periods.
• Work Ex: Work Ex, or work experience, lists your employment history with different companies in a presentable format. The idea of this section is not just to mention the different companies you have worked at. Rather it gives the employer knowledge of skills you put to use and the skills you gained during your time there.  Remember to add information that is most relevant to the job you are applying for.
• Statement of Purpose: This document is a type of essay which details the different skill sets that you aim to bring to the workplace. It presents your skills in a structured way such that presents you as an ideal candidate for the job offer.

Keep it relevant

One of the most frustrating things for employers to see on the applications is generic hobbies and information. It has no relation to the need or the skill set for the job. Many people often write about their love for reading, cycling, swimming, and other hobbies. They do so in a bid to impress employers with their all-round development. While this thought is great because so many people end up going down this path. Though the employers have to sift through many job applications that all read the same. The key to gaining attention through your job application is by keeping it direct and to the point. Sure, if your hobbies help you in further developing the skills related to the JD. If you still feel you need to paint a picture of yourself to the employer, you can add this in a separate document. Add all this information on a separate document, known as the cover letter. You can write about your goals, dreams, and aspirations with their company and more.

Prepare a cover letter

This is one of the most important parts of your application. It should also be the most well thought and time-consuming part of the entire process. A cover letter or a personal statement is a document that gives one a chance to present themselves in a personal manner. Here individuals use the space to talk about their passion for the job and the company. They also highlight their aspirations for the role. It is one of the most effective ways to differentiate yourself from the ocean of candidates. It actually encourages the employer to pick up your application and give it a read.

Following things to keep in mind while structuring your cover letter

1. Be Yourself: This is the whole purpose of your cover letter, to have a chance to present yourself as you are. Of course, this does not mean you should go on talking about the negative aspects of your life. Instead, you must use this short space to make the reader understand why you will fit well for the job at hand.
2. Research about the company: It is always good to read a little about the company. Understand what are the values it stands by and what is its mission in the long run. Align yourself to these aspects of the company. This may make you seem like a candidate that is already in tune with the ethos of the company. Research also about the person in charge of the hiring process. Mostly all letters are addressed to the HR representative of the company. However, researching their name adds a bit of a personal touch to your personal statement.
3. Write custom cover letters for every job: Reusing the same cover letter for all the different companies may make the task a little less tiring. But, the true essence of the cover letter is in its personalization to that particular job. It should highlight your passion for that job and this passion must be different for every job.

Command language

One of the biggest skills one should invest in is effective writing. Persuasive writing has won unlikely candidates’ roles as the President of an entire country. Securing your next job may seem like a cakewalk next to that. This skill is important not only to persuade your employer but also to present yourself as a learned person. A person who is in command of their language on your application for applying for a job. Companies seek confident people who can show their skills to the best extent of the application. For this, one can try to:

1. Use power words including inspiration, transformation, dedication, etc.
2. Use words that highlight positive aspects of yourself like efficient, productive, adaptive
3. Write with passion, using sentences that describe your love for the job and the task
4. Describe anecdotes from past work experience that highlight you navigating through difficult situations
5. Be direct in the response. Flabby writing or adding words, just to extend the word count may soon switch off the reader from continuing.

Upon completion of your job application, read your document, and re-read it after that. There is a common saying that writers never stop writing and correcting. Thus, schedule enough time to write the first draft organizing your thoughts. Then, build on those with the use of persuasive language. After you have read your application, hand it over to a different person to understand their viewpoint. This activity improves on some faults that you might have missed when reviewing your application.

Final Thought

In this article, I tried to highlight the description of what a job application is, how to write a job application, and give you some important tips that will help you write these important documents with some ease. But, the most important tip is to be truthful in all of the information you provide. Companies can go to the extent of blacklisting you from applications if they sense some sort of foul play. So, always remember to be correct, true, and persuasive.

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