Job Application Checklist Where Are You Going Wrong

Job Application Checklist Where Are You Going Wrong Job Application Checklist Where Are You Going Wrong 6You’ve done pretty much everything in your job seeking power to get hired for a flexible job. And yet, despite your best efforts, you are still woefully unemployed. Could it be that there are some minor details that are majorly impacting your job search? Go through this job application checklist to see where you are going wrong- and how to fix it: ___ Are you targeting your job search to a specific job that you are most interested in?  When you cast the net wide and apply for any ol’ position, you’re much more likely to get rejections- and feel defeated in the process. ___ Are you half-heartedly filling out job applications?  If you don’t take the time to create quality job applications, your chances of hearing back from a potential employer decrease. ___ Are you applying for too many jobs?  If so, you might be suffering from burnout, which can affect the quality of your application. ___ Have you made a list of large and small companies for which you’d most like to work?  By aiming for companies that you’d like to work for, you’ll help to focus your search. ___ Are you tailoring every resume and cover letter you send out to be specific for each job/company?  If you send out generic job applications, it could negatively affect your chances of getting called in for an interview. ___Have you networked with friends and family to learn more about possible job openings?  They can be a great resource and a way to get your foot in the door at a company you’d like to work for. ___ Are your job applications completely filled out?  If you don’t want to take the time to accurately complete the applications, chances are they’ll get rejected by the Applicant Tracking System (ATS), or worse, tossed in the trash by a hiring manager. ___ Are you proofreading your job application (i.e., the resume and cover letter) to ensure accuracy?  If your job application has any errors, they can be counted against you. After all, no one likes a sloppy speller. ___ Are you following up on job applications?  It’s always a good idea to follow up to make sure that potential employers have received your application. It’s typically best to wait at least one week to follow up. ___ Are you active in professional associations or other networking groups?  Even if networking isn’t your thing, you can still make great connections, particularly if you’re looking to make a career change. ___ Have you asked people in your network, if they work for a company you’ve applied to or know someone at a company you want to work for, to put in a good word for you? ___Are you sure that your enthusiasm for the position is evident?  Beyond applying for the position, you need to show a future boss how much you want the job. Following up after you submit your job application is one way to reiterate your interest. ___ Have you had your resume reviewed by a professional?  Resume styles change more often than you might think. Making sure your info is on point can help seal the deal and get you a job interview. ___ Are you sending a cover letter (or cover email) with every application?  Yes, crafting a cover letter for each and every job application can be super time-consuming, but so can a lengthy job search. Find jobs that you really want, and then take the time to write a cover letter worth reading. ___ What is the tone of your job application? Friendly and professional, or negative and gossipy?  You never know who your potential boss is besties with. Never, ever badmouth a former manager or colleagues. Stick instead to why you want the job and why you’re a perfect fit for the position. ___ Is your contact information correct?  Especially if you’re using an older version of your resume, you might overlook that you’ve listed an outdated email address or contact number. Review your resume to make sure everything is up to date. ___ Is your email address professional?  A potential boss might think twice if he has to respond to hellokitty1212 @xmail .com. Your email address listed on your job application should be professional and also include your name. ___ Are your social media profiles professional?  The vast majority of employers will do an online search of candidates they’re interested in. So make sure  your social media profiles are professional and polished, or better yet, consider creating two separate versions, one personal and one private. ___ Do you have any professional online presence, such as a LinkedIn profile?  LinkedIn is a must-have for any job seeker. Take the time to make sure your profile is up to date and complete (e.g., have a current photo, list your previous employers and positions, etc.). You can even consider writing a blog post that showcases your expertise and experience in your field. ___ Do you have a professional portfolio?  If you have a website that encompasses your work history, be sure to include a link to it in your job application. ___ Are you applying to jobs as soon as they are posted?  If you see a posting for a fabulous job that screams your name, you should apply to it ASAP. You never know the timeline of the person doing the hiring; it might be days or weeks. Getting your application in early means that it will be considered. ___ Do you follow job application instructions explicitly?  The job posting specifically stated that you need to submit three writing samples. But you only submitted one- and never heard back. Try to follow the instructions of the job listing exactly as they appear so that your application passes through the ATS- and gains the approval of the hiring manager. It may seem like an arduous process to go through a job application checklist for each and every job that you pursue, but it’s really not. Once you master what it takes to submit a stellar job application, the process will become easier, faster, and get you that much closer to getting hired. Readers, do you have a job application checklist you follow? Let us know in the comments below!