How To Make a Job Application Get Noticed

Introduction

Hiring employers become overwhelmed at times when the company advertises that there is a job opening. These ads may appear in print, on television, on the radio or via the Internet. Every person who discovers the ad can potentially put in a job application, which sounds like a positive development for employers who want a large and diverse pool of candidates. Unfortunately, this is not the case for some human resources departments who may be understaffed and who get flooded with job applications from dozens, maybe even hundreds of interested job seekers.

The onus and burden of applying for jobs shifts more heavily on job seekers, going beyond just filling out the requested information. First of all, the information has to be complete and correct. Additionally, job seekers should consider and apply techniques to help the job application stand out and get noticed.

 

Step 1

Read the hiring company's job advertisement and job description with serious intent before filling out the job application. If you are in person, such as at job fair or at the actual place where you might be employed, ask the hiring manger or HR representative for a description of the job opening. If you are browsing jobs using employment websites on the Internet, it is almost obligatory that an employer post a job description in the ad.

Step 2

Fill out the job application according to the requirements set forth in the ad. This may include your full name, physical address and phone number. But also pay attention to the where the job application asks for your employment history, maybe going back five, ten or even 20 years. In some cases you might need to properly document and show proof that you have a state certification or security clearance to work in a specific industry. Ignoring these details will get your job application tossed into the virtual recycle bin.

Step 3

Revise your existing resume document or create a new document from scratch if the employer asks for this document on the job application. The resume is the story or chronological summary of your professional experience and knowledge. This is almost like free-form job application, vs the fill in the blank application provided by the employer.

If you are filling out a paper-based job application, then your resume should be completed on paper. Use a stapler or paper clip to attach the resume to the job application. If you are completing a Web-based job application, the resume upload function that most employers include on the website will automatically link the two documents together.

Including a resume, whether the employer asks for it or not, shows that you know how to be a professional during a job search.

Step 4

Write a cover letter to accompany your job application and resume. Write this document in accordance with what the employer wants based on the job description, but make it more personal. The cover letter puts your writing and communication skills on display, potentially impressing the employer.

Step 5

Verify that the information in your job application is current, factual and complete. If the app asks for the address and phone number of previous employers, but have since gone out of business or merged, then you need to make sure that you thoroughly research the current information. Hiring employers don't want to do the extra work of hunting down contact information.

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