Job applications
Job Descriptions
Before completing a job application, it's important to read and fully understand the specific job description. Job descriptions will include a brief summary of the job duties/responsibilities, preferred qualifications, and company information.
Summary of job duties
The job duties section entails both the broad spectrum of job responsibilities as well as specific job duties. Typical responsibilities included often relate to universal job phrases such as organizing, administrative duties, or providing excellent customer service. Other, more specific responsibilities might also be included. For example, for a supervisor role, a specific responsibility may be: complete all interviewing and hiring practices for new employees.
Qualifications
Employers will explain both required and preferred qualifications. If the position requires a specialized educational degree, such as a bachelor’s degree, employers will always detail this requirement. Similarly, employers will mention qualifications that are preferred but not necessarily required, such as the ability to speak Spanish or 10 years of experience in the field. It is important to note the required qualifications, but not be deterred from applying because of a possible lack of preferred qualifications. If you meet the required qualifications and possess the skills, abilities or traits mentioned in the job description, forge ahead with confidence and apply for the position, since there is some degree of flexibility with the preferred qualifications.
Note: If you have qualifications that are similar to those listed under the preferred qualifications, be sure to note these in your application materials.
About the company
Most job descriptions include a portion with company information. This section explains subjects like mission statements, values, and organizational goals, and companies frequently explain their business philosophy, value system, and customer service approach. Reading and fully comprehending the nuances about the company will enable you – the applicant – to discern if the company is a good match for you, regardless of specific position. If so, speak to these values in your cover letter by connecting them to specific examples in your resume.
Note: Have questions about the philosophy or mission statement? Research the company. Being educated about the company benefits the applicant in multiple ways, from appearing dedicated and conscientious to creating clarity in personal and professional goals. You might:
Sample job description
COMPLETING A JOB APPLICATION
Most job applications entail several components, including an application, cover letter, resume and perhaps other documents such as academic transcripts, letters of reference, or answers to supplemental questions. Ideally, the information included in your cover letter and resume are reflected in the job application. Your goal is to enable the potential employer to envision you as a potential employee through work history, statements of purpose, acknowledgement of skills and abilities, and specific references. Thus, knowing how to complete a job application in a timely, efficient, and professional manner is a crucial step in any job search.
When beginning the application, have the following info:
Your past three employers (more if you've changed jobs frequently within the last five years)
Employer names, addresses, phone numbers, contact name of supervisors, and specific dates of employment
A brief summary of the job responsibilities held during that position and specific reason(s) for leaving
Having this easily accessible can expedite the application process. Need ideas for keeping records? Try this:
Create and regularly update a digital file of each employer's name, dates of work, addresses and other potentially useful content
Keep an updated list of employers in a journal, notebook, or planner – any place you might keep other school or work information
Keep your LinkedIn account updated
Other tips
Be clear and concise: Use specific words that strengthen you as an applicant to describe your past job responsibilities, especially using verbs from the job description itself. (For example, "support" is used many times in the job description above.) This shows the employers that your past jobs have included similar duties to the one for which you are applying; in essence, you are highly qualified. Words such as managed, supervised, facilitated, created, or developed are also strong words to use.
Be honest: It's good to celebrate strengths and skills, but only if they can be proven with work samples, references, etc. Every piece of information provided in the application is completely accurate. This means detailing specific dates and data relating to previous jobs.
Contact your references beforehand: Most applications require one or two references, so choose people who can truly speak to your ability as an employee, who have known you for an extended amount of time, and who know your strengths and character. Then, be sure to ask your potential references if they are open to serving for you.
Proofread: Revise for spelling, grammar, punctuation, and word choice errors. The application is the first opportunity for you to present yourself to a potential employee and perfection, in this case, absolutely counts. Need support? Ask a friend, spouse, or instructor to review the application before submitting it.
Allow time: Once you begin applying, try not to rush through the process. Some applications have specific deadlines, but most jobs have a several week window between which the job opens and closes. Many will provide you with a username and password, allowing you to begin and continue an application at your own pace. Take your time, save your work as you go, and submit the application only when you feel prepared.
Read the instructions: Most employers will refuse to review incomplete applications, so get it right. While many job applications share similarities, each will differ slightly. For example, applicants for educational jobs must often submit academic transcripts and teaching licensure, but other jobs may only require an actual application and a resume. However, most online applications will require documents to be uploaded. These documents commonly include a resume and cover letter, but make certain to upload all document required.
Be organized: Demonstrate the universal skill of organization. This skill can first be practiced with organizing all the necessary contact information mentioned above- knowing where this information is and how to most easily access it will expedite the process.
Have access to reliable technology: Most job applications require an online application to be submitted first, followed by the corresponding resume, cover letter, and supplemental materials, so access to a reliable computer with reliable internet is important. This can be either a home computer or one in a library; however, note that many applications require specific computer programs in order to upload the necessary documents (examples: PDFs, Word). Your college often has software available for cheap if needed.
Want More Career Coaching?
Head over to your college career center. For Aims Students, find more career resources here.