If you’re in the market for a new job, you know the first step is having an outstanding job application. Job websites make it easy to apply, but people have to be able to stand out to their potential bosses. Here are just seven of the best ways to stand out on your next job application.
1. Grammar and spelling
One of the most important aspects of your application is making sure the grammar and spelling are perfect. Even if it’s not your strong suit, there are many helpful resources on the internet that you can use. Have a family member or friend take a few minutes to read it over. A potential employer would assume you don’t take them very seriously if you don’t do a quick spell check before submitting your application!
2. Readability
You’re going to want to make sure your application is easy to read. Your future employer has to go through hundreds of applications, so the chances of them taking time to read something that could take a good chunk of their time is fairly low. Make sure you break things down. This means use headers, bullets, short sentences, and small paragraphs. Whatever you need to do to put as much information as you can without costing the person reading it too much time.
3. Hobbies and Interests
A job application is a great time to talk about your hobbies and interests. From puzzles to volunteer work, you can make a great impression by using what you love as a way to communicate why you’d be a great employee. A great way to get insight on this is by checking out sales coaching. This is a free way to look into sales coaching and also how you pitch these hobbies as something that would benefit your employer.
4. STAR Technique
If you’ve never heard of the STAR technique, it is basically a way to keep your information concise and understandable. It allows your potential employer to read the necessary information you want them to gain with a good level of organization. STAR stands for situation, tasks, actions, and results. So you’d use this by starting with your situation (your job), then your task (what you needed to do), followed with your actions (how you did it), concluding with your results (how it turned out, what you learned, how you’d do it next time).
5. Know What They Want
If you see the job listing and they give you the traits they are looking for, use that to your advantage. For example, if the listing says they need someone who can be on their feet for a couple of hours at a time, then you can talk about the previous experience you’ve had being on your feet for a long period of time. If they want someone communicative, maybe you could talk about a speech you had to give in the past. Use those traits and run with them with your own life experiences.
6. Know What You Want
It’s important to note you shouldn’t just apply to any job because you’re qualified. Know what values and positions are right for you. If you love to be creative, you shouldn’t apply to an office job with little creativity. Make sure you are investing in yourself by applying to job openings that you will enjoy working in. Being stuck in a career that you don’t enjoy is bad for the employer and employee!
7. Cover Letters
Some employers don’t require them, but if you’re really wanting to make your application stand out, spend time on your cover letter! Many people skip them, but it tells your employer something your resume doesn’t. It tells them why you want to work for them, your story, and gives them a better understanding of who you are. A popular job search website, Indeed, has even put out an article about the importance of your cover letter.
There are our 7 best ways to stand out on your next job application. Following these seven tips will land you your next job. Above all, it seems the smaller technicalities are the most important. Make sure you are paying attention to all the details and you’ll be getting calls back soon enough!
