What Helped Me Apply For Jobs?: A Guide For First-Time Job Seekers

Table of contents

Introduction

Job application: What is it?

• How to apply for a job?
• Get ready for the job search
• Research potential employers
• Get ready to submit your résumé
• Consider whether a cover letter is appropriate for you
• Online application and resume submission
• Be ready to take additional tests
• Be professional through the entire procedure
• Prepare for a Job Interview
• Dress Code for Interviews and Applications
• Project Confidence
• Follow Up With the Employer
• Be Ready to Face Rejection
• How to use Staph.me to help me apply to jobs

You might be so eager to start working that you haven't given much attention to actually getting one of the opportunities you're so enthusiastic about. But, unfortunately, a job search, especially your first one, can be challenging since you have to navigate the murky waters of resume writing, explore job search websites, and determine exactly what a potential employer wants while avoiding interview traps. So you might wonder, who can help me apply for jobs?

Worry no more because, with our guide by your side, this can be an entirely manageable task. So continue reading to learn how to get started, refine your search, and land the job of your dreams.

 

Job application: What is it?

 

 

A formal job application serves as a summary of your education and experience for a prospective employer. In addition, it contains private candidate data that hiring managers and recruiters can look at.

When you visit a company's website to submit your resume, you could also be prompted to complete a digital application. Some businesses will request that you come in and complete an application by hand, frequently during the interview or onboarding procedure. In contrast to your CV, a job application is a document that may be defended in court. Therefore, the details provided must be complete and correct.

Recruiters frequently include a digital job application in a job application package along with other materials, including a CV, references, and a cover letter.

 

How to apply for a job?

It may be challenging, but it's not impossible to land your first job. You'll get a job soon if you take things slowly. Here are some pointers on how to land your first job.

Get ready for the job search

 

 

Before you ever leave the house, you must take the most crucial measures toward landing your first job. You must get ready for what is about to happen. Making an effort to plan ahead will make everything much simpler. Nearly 80% of candidates, according to Pew Research Center research, utilized the internet as their main source of job search in 2015. Since that study was released a few years ago, that number has probably increased. In either case, it's obvious that conducting an online search is the most typical method of looking for jobs in your industry.

Research potential employers

 

 

If you begin your search for a job rather than a company, research each before submitting an application. Visit the company's "about" page online as a good place to start. To find any news, current affairs, or reviews regarding the business, you should also run a search on the company name.

After completing your online research, start corresponding with individuals who work for the companies you are applying to. You can better understand the general workplace culture by networking with people who work at the companies you are considering applying to.

 

Get ready to submit your résumé

 

 

You should have a document prepared to highlight your qualifications while you network with contacts or meet potential employers face-to-face. Ensuring your resume is current and tailored for the position you're applying for qualifies as preparing it for the application process. But first, updating it entails including your most recent training, experience, and abilities. Each section of a chronological resume should start with the most recent education and experience.

By carefully reading the job description and including relevant keywords that correspond to the skill set in your resume, you can tailor your resume to the position you're looking for.

Applicants tracking systems—have you heard of them? It happens when a company employs a computer program to filter out applicants who aren't a fit — only because they didn't use the correct terms — by going through applications and resumes. That's right; if you didn't include a word the system was looking for, your resume might be rejected before it even reaches a human.

 

Consider whether a cover letter is appropriate for you

 

 

Nowadays, a cover letter is not always required for job applications. Determine if a cover letter is necessary to submit. Sometimes you can tell because the application will make it clear. If you do decide to submit a cover letter, make sure it complements your resume and offers a unique perspective on you.

Even if you don't have much (or any) professional experience, a strong cover letter can help you stand out from the competition and land a job. The following advice will assist you in creating a strong cover letter for your first job:

• Start by researching the business and the position you're looking for. This will enable you to customize your letter to the company and demonstrate that you are aware of their requirements.

• Next, give yourself some time to consider what qualifies you for the position. What qualifications and expertise do you have that would help you succeed in the position? Include any pertinent education, extracurricular pursuits, part-time employment, and extracurricular activities.

• It's time to start writing after you've determined your greatest strengths. Introduce yourself first, then briefly discuss your interest in the position. Then, give specific instances to demonstrate how your knowledge and expertise align with the employer's requirements. Finally, thank the employer for their thoughtfulness and time.

 

Online application and resume submission

 

 

You may need to go online and complete an application where you may connect your external papers after completing your CV and cover letter. To avoid formatting errors, refrain from copying and pasting your resume into the online application. Instead, thoughtfully respond to each question and tailor your response to the company's requirements. Ensure you carefully follow the instructions for each application so that you submit the correct information appropriately. Take your time; if you submit your application in a hurry, an employer will notice right away and will likely reject it.

 

Be ready to take additional tests

 

 

Sometimes, applying for a job involves more than just submitting a form or your resume and getting called in for an interview. Companies may add additional phases to the application process before speaking with you face-to-face because they may receive hundreds of applications for a single position.

For instance, if you apply for a position as a Junior Software Developer, the employer may ask you to do a few technical tasks to see whether you have the necessary foundational abilities.

Similarly, if you submit an application to work as a copywriter for a marketing firm, your potential employers might require you to finish several writing assignments.

Whatever assignment you are given, take your time, think it over thoroughly, and don't be hesitant to ask the company any questions if you run into trouble.

 

Be professional through the entire procedure

 

 

Although it may seem intuitive, when looking for your first job, make sure that you write and talk professionally. Avoid using informal language in both written and oral discussions, and proofread all written material for grammar, spelling, and punctuation.

Before you click "submit," make sure to have someone else read through everything for a second viewpoint or to catch anything you might have overlooked.

 

Prepare for a Job Interview

 

 

You will probably be asked to an interview if your first application and post-application assessments were successful. So it makes sense that you might feel anxious going into your first interview. But the best defense against this is preparation and practice!

When you apply for a job in person, you can be requested to interview right away or given the option to return at a later time. Of course, you never know when you'll be doing an interview, so it's always a good idea to give yourself plenty of time to be ready.

Plan your route to the interview site so that you may arrive with sufficient time before the scheduled interview time (ten minutes early is about right!).

If the interview is conducted online, make sure your computer or other electronic device is completely charged, your internet connection is strong, and the space you choose for the interview is calm and distraction-free. Try to relax and enjoy the moment!

 

Dress Code for Interviews and Applications

 

 

When you step out the door, make sure you are well-groomed and dressed appropriately. Don't worry about dressing sharply; simply seem presentable. A decent rule of thumb is to ensure your grandmother likes what you're wearing. Ensure you:

• Wear clean, organized clothing
• Avoid wearing flip-flops, shorts, and worn-out footwear
• Avoid wearing a cap
• Your phone should be on silent

 

Project Confidence

 

 

Employers look for specific traits when a job applicant walks through the door. So, maintain eye contact, provide a solid handshake, keep your head up, and show confidence.

The candidate's communication skills are foremost among these attributes. Show your eagerness to get the job when speaking with the manager.

Follow Up With the Employer

 

 

The most crucial aspect of landing a job is definitely following up after an interview. Employers look for applicants who can follow up because it demonstrates an eagerness to participate and a sense of responsibility.

Always call the potential employer again or contact them in some other way. It's usually better to wait about a week before calling, and when you do, try your best to speak with the person who will be hiring on the phone.

If you'd truly like to work for the same employer, don't be scared to see them again in person. For example, you might express your desire for the position while mentioning that you are reaching out to inquire about the status of your application. Employers frequently reward enthusiasm when all other factors are equal.

Be Ready to Face Rejection

 

 

Being rejected for a job is disheartening, and it might be especially so if it's your first time applying for a position. It's important not to take this personally because, as was previously noted, competition is tough, and employers frequently receive hundreds of applications for a single position. Nobody's employment application is accepted everywhere they submit it. 

There are proper and improper ways to respond when a company or business owner tells you that they don't need you. To show management that you are devoted to and competent in doing your job hunt, you should, for example, reply to someone who says, "No, I'm sorry," with, "Well, if you need someone in the future, please contact me. I'll leave you a copy of my CV. Thank you for your time." 

Some businesses that you apply to will offer comments on your application and/or interview; make sure to take any suggestions seriously so that you can use them in future interviews and applications to increase your chances of being hired.

It's possible that other organizations receive a large number of applications, making it impossible for them to provide you with personalized feedback. Nevertheless, it's always worthwhile to inquire about what you can do the next time.

A failed application should never be considered a waste of time because everyone you submit is useful training and expands your experience. If, at first, you are unsuccessful, try again, again, and again!

 

How to use Staph.me to help me apply to jobs?

 

 

Staph.me is the number 1 Job application service that can help you apply for your dream job. Whether you're just starting out in the job market or you're an experienced professional looking for a new challenge, Staph.me can help streamline your job search and make the process of applying for jobs much easier. 

They really apply for jobs on your behalf, just like you would. You may think of them as your own private job search assistant. And for a first-time user like you, they offer a 20% discount that will be sent to you within a few minutes. So why wait? Sign up for Staph.me and get started on your job search today! It's the best way to make sure you're maximizing your chances of getting the job of your dreams.