In this increasingly competitive job market, you may be compelled to visit a nearby company or place of business, and leave your application there. However, this method may be quite risky and potentially ruin your chances of getting a job. Learn the best ways to apply for jobs to ensure your success!
Step
Part 1 of 3: Deciding Whether to Apply Directly
Step 1. Read the job advertisement carefully
In today's digital world, most job applications can be sent via email. Similarly, job advertisements for a position are usually posted on company websites and job advertisement websites such as Jobstreet, Jobsdb, and Glassdoor (nonprofits tend to use NGO Work and NGO-Work).
- Always check the company website to make sure they are still accepting applications. You can usually find it on a page labeled "Careers" or "Jobs." Do not just approach a place of business if there are no job vacancies.
- See job advertisements for information on how to apply. If the job ad says you have to apply in person at their shop or office, this can be done.
- If the job ad says "no calls," it's a good idea they don't want you to appear in person either unless asked to.
- Companies that usually accept applications in person include restaurants, supermarkets, and other retail establishments. These companies often have positions that need to be filled immediately and are therefore willing to expedite the hiring process.
Step 2. Look for signs
Some businesses will put up a sign at their entrance that says "Urgent Required" or something. If you see a sign like this, you can log in to inquire about a position directly.
- Make sure you look presentable when you walk in, even if you just want to ask for a job and haven't submitted a cover letter. Tidy your hair and clothes, and freshen your breath.
- While you don't need to be in a full suit to simply submit your application, you do need to look presentable: trousers, a work skirt and blazer, and a button-down shirt tucked in will look decent.
Step 3. Don't come suddenly
If you've already sent in your application, you might think that actually going to his office would make him feel competitive. Maybe you believe this will show your true interest in the job. However, hiring managers may view it as a nuisance or even rudeness.
Remember when hiring managers have to sift through dozens, if not hundreds of applications for a single position, they are looking for candidates who adhere to guidelines and respect their hiring system. Breaking the given rules is likely to spoil your impression in their eyes
Part 2 of 3: Apply Directly
Step 1. Bring a resume
You must submit the required documents in order to be seriously considered when applying for a job. Most jobs will require a resume or curriculum vitae, which is a summary of your professional experience, and a cover letter, which is a letter stating your interest in the position and why you are qualified to fill it.
- List your work experience related to the position applied for chronologically on your resume. Enter the name where you worked, the name of the position, and the length of time you worked there. When describing your tasks in each place, use active language for each task sequence in your experience such as “create”, “execute”, “meet targets”, “design”, “produce”, etc.
- Enter skills that you can reuse in new places. If you are applying for a job in a new field or scope, focus on skills from previous experience that you can use in the position. This includes conflict resolution, customer service, problem solving skills, etc.
Step 2. Bring your cover letter
A cover letter is an opportunity to let the company know more about you as an individual and why you are interested in the company. However, there is no need to re-explain all the experiences listed on the resume.
- Make a one-page cover letter very neatly. Most job application letter samples contain approximately three paragraphs, with each paragraph describing one main topic.
- In the first paragraph, you need to introduce yourself and explain the position you are applying for. Include a sentence or two about how you are the right person for the company in general.
- In the second and third paragraphs, you need to include specific examples of career accomplishments that make your skills match what the job requires. Give details in examples. Do you organize seminars at your current job? Are you coming up with creative ways to reach your quota?
- Be sure to thank the person reading for taking the time and include contact information, such as your email address and phone number.
Step 3. Bring additional materials
This material may vary depending on the requirements of the job, but may include writing samples or a portfolio of creative work.
- You will also need to include a list of references or even letters of recommendation if requested.
- Keep this document in your file or portfolio so it doesn't get wrinkled when you take it with you.
Step 4. Dress modestly
If you come to deliver resumes and cover letters, you want to appear professional and competent. While you don't have to dress like you're going to a full interview (suit and tie), you should look like someone who can represent the company professionally.
- Business casual attire such as trousers or khakis and button-up shirts and blazers are appropriate for men. Women can also wear work trousers, button-up shirts or blouses, pencil skirts or more professional dresses.
- Make sure your footwear looks professional too. Leave sneakers and very high heels at home.
Step 5. Be polite
When you enter the office, smile and introduce yourself to the clerk at the front desk or reception. Explain that you want to submit application materials for a job position. Administrative staff may receive materials from you, or transfer you to the appropriate person to submit the documents.
Don't be rude or condescending to the person at the front desk. Often the boss asks the receptionist about his impression of the applicant. Don't let them remember you for a bad reason
Step 6. Use time concisely
Don't ask to look around the office or meet your potential employer. You will be considered as giving a burden to the workers in the office.
Also, don't harass the secretary about the status of your application after submitting it. If the company really wants to interview you, they will definitely contact you. Don't contact them
Part 3 of 3: Undergoing an Informational Interview
Step 1. Consider asking for an informational interview
If there is a place of business or industry in which you are building a career, but no vacancies are available, consider requesting an informational interview.
- Informational interviews are opportunities to talk to people whose careers you admire. Maybe they work in an industry that attracted you to switch jobs or maybe they work at the company of your dreams.
- Remember that an informational interview is not a job interview. This is an opportunity for you to take advice from people you admire, learn more about their career paths, and place yourself in their professional network.
Step 2. Search within your network
There may be someone on your mind you want to talk to, but if not, you can always start by searching your network. Consider people who are graduates of your school, university, or graduate school. Automatically, you have something in common with the person, making them more likely to help you.
- While you can search for alumni addresses from schools, you can also search for alumni data on websites like LinkedIn.
- You can also ask friends of your friends or contacts that other coworkers may have for an informational interview.
Step 3. Ask politely
Send an email or LinkedIn message to the person you want to interview and ask them to have an informational interview. Tell him you're interested in learning more about his job and career path. You can offer to take him out for coffee or ask him to meet at his office.
It may be awkward to contact someone you've never met before, but the interviewee may feel flattered when they receive a request like this
Step 4. Prepare for the interview
Even though an informational interview is a casual meeting, you should still be prepared to ask questions. Ask things like "What's your typical day like?" or "How did you get this profession?"
- If the person you are interviewing works in a higher or specialized position within the profession, you may want to ask for details about the path he or she took to get to the position or what responsibilities he or she held there.
- Preparing questions will let the interviewee know that you value their time and want this interview to be a productive conversation.
- Keep the interview time short. You should set aside between 20-30 minutes unless the interviewee is willing to spend more time.
Step 5. Thank the interviewee
After the interview, be sure to send a thank you note or email to the interviewee. Make sure that the interviewee knows you appreciate the time he takes to share advice with you.
Step 6. Stay in touch
Informational interviews can be especially helpful because they can broaden your network. If you see the person you're interviewing at at an event or conference in their industry, be sure to say hello and keep in touch.
The most important thing is that when there is a job vacancy at your dream company, you already have contacts there
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