Want to know the right tips for applying stress-free jobs that increase your chances of success? This article explains how to write a resume and cover letter so that your application gets the most attention. You may need to submit several applications until you get the job you want, but don't give up! Use the internet to search for job vacancies every day. You will get a chance to go through a job interview and get hired if you work hard and are dedicated.
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Method 1 of 4: Preparing Applications to Apply for Jobs
Step 1. Find a job that matches your interests and skills
Usually, recruiters post job advertisements through websites, such as LinkedIn, Indeed, and Monster. Search for job vacancies through the website by entering search keywords according to the desired job. In addition, find out whether there are job advertisements by accessing the company's website. Make sure you look for ads according to the category of work that you are good at.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, focus your search on companies that are still operating or are urgently needed to deal with the pandemic, such as warehousing, package delivery, food vendors, and health care facilities. Also, consider working as a contact tracer, telephone operator, or online tutor
Step 2. Look up information about the company's activities before submitting a job application
Use the internet to search for company websites, social media accounts, and new articles. Read articles about the company's mission, ongoing projects, and career opportunities. Record this information so that it can be included in your biodata and job application letters.
- If the name of the employer or recruitment manager is listed on the company website, find out their profile through LinkedIn and social media and use this information to build a connection with them so that you have added value over other candidates. For example, if you read on LinkedIn that the interviewer attended the same college, include this in your cover letter.
- Focus on the mission and needs of the company. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, many business owners set different business performance indicators than usual. Show that you understand the situation by including this in your cover letter.
Step 3. Write a bio that informs your education history, work experience, and skills
Then, have someone check it to make sure you're writing a bio with correct spelling and complete information. Include the following information in your bio:
- Your full name, contact information and email address.
- Formal education or training that has been followed.
- Work experience includes authority, responsibility, and work performance that has been achieved.
- Specific knowledge and skills that you possess.
Step 4. Match the bio with the job description
Maybe you want to use the same bio to apply for different jobs, but your chances of getting an interview are greater if you create a bio that matches the job description. Read the job description carefully and include important words in the bio. You only need to provide skills and education that are relevant to the desired job.
- During the COVID-19 pandemic, make sure you are able to work remotely and master computer technology because lately, there are many job vacancies that demand these competencies.
- Use active verbs to describe activities you have done while working as an employee or volunteer. For example, use the words: "had designed", "successfully implemented", "able to innovate", or "adept at analyzing" when preparing a work application.
Step 5. Ask for work references from 3 people
Usually, recruiters ask for references from people who can explain your job performance. Choose people you've worked with, such as supervisors or coworkers. Ask them to provide references to ensure you can pass on information about them to the employer or interviewer. Then, ask for their contact information to be included in the job application letter.
Make sure you get the required information from each referrer, such as their full name, cell phone number, email address, company name and current title
Step 6. Write a job application letter if needed
A cover letter is a means of explaining why you have an interest in the job being offered and your advantages over other candidates. When writing a cover letter, use enthusiastic words to express that you really want to be hired. Also, write a letter addressed directly to the interviewer to let him know that you pay attention to details. When writing a letter, provide the following information:
- Why are you interested in applying for the job offered.
- The contribution you will make to the company/organization.
- Convince recruiters that you are the best candidate.
- The desire to continue to learn and develop themselves to improve work performance.
Step 7. Upload the latest profile if you have a LinkedIn account
You don't need to open a LinkedIn account to apply for jobs, but recruiters can get more information about you through LinkedIn. Make sure you upload the latest accurate information, especially things that have not been conveyed in the bio because of the limited means of communication.
- For example, use your LinkedIn account to provide information about a project you completed while working as an employee or volunteer, but couldn't include in your bio.
- Provide information about remote working and computer skills if you are applying for a job during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Virtual communication has become a very reliable work tool during the COVID-19 outbreak. Show the latest profiles and build relationships with people of the same profession through social media.
Step 8. Make sure you have a good reputation online
Employers or interviewers often use the internet to find out various things about job applicants. Keep in mind that the negative information they find could eliminate the candidate from the hiring process. Check all publicly accessible content of your social media accounts. Change the privacy settings to hide the things you want to keep private. If necessary, delete posts that are not useful and don't represent who you are today.
- For example, hide or delete photos that show you having fun with friends late into the night. Another example, delete old posts that contain complaints about work or jokes about office activities.
- Have a few friends check your profile and let them know if they find anything that could make the recruiter eliminate you.
Method 2 of 4: Submitting Job Applications Online
Step 1. Read the detailed job description to make sure you meet the qualifications
Take the time to read the job description at least 2 times so that you understand the criteria that must be met. Then, write a history of education and skills you master. Also, look for keywords that make your bio worth considering.
Examples of keywords: "capable of performing well without supervision", "proactive", "innovative", or "supportive". Maybe you read information about the skills needed, for example "can communicate via Zoom" or "able to work with colleagues"
Step 2. Find out the requirements for applying for a job by accessing the company website if you are using a job vacancy website
Although this site is of great help to job seekers, the information provided may not be the same as the information on the company's website. This causes job applicants to send the wrong documents or do not convey important information so that they lose job opportunities. Before submitting your application, please review the information listed on the company website to make sure you are applying for the job according to the instructions given.
For example, the company's website says that you must send a cover letter and bio to the interviewer. Another example, a recruiter may ask you to include certain information in your bio, such as your last salary
Step 3. Complete the job application
Maybe you are annoyed if you are asked to fill out a form so that you have to write down the information already listed in your bio. However, this step increases your chances of getting hired if you fill out the form by answering each question completely and accurately because it is easier for recruiters to read the information and determine candidates who meet the criteria simply by scanning the form using software to select job applicants.
- Use the Word program when filling out forms to make it easier for you to check and edit information or answers. Then, copy paste the typing on the form.
- If you need to provide the recruiter with additional information, such as achievements relevant to the desired job, please include this in the form in the space provided. Don't assume the recruiter will find out the information by reading the bio.
- Don't use the autofill feature when filling out forms so you don't give wrong information.
Step 4. Upload your bio and job application letter if requested
Usually, recruiters ask job applicants to upload their biodata and job application letters even though they have filled out the application form. Look for the button that says "Import" or "Upload" on the website, click the button, select the requested document, then send it to the recruiter. Make sure the documents have been uploaded to completion before you send the application form.
So that you upload the correct document for a particular job when submitting the application form, save the document with a specific file name so that you do not send the wrong document
Step 5. Check the filling in the form to make sure it is typed correctly
Error filling out the form makes job applicants seem careless so they lose job opportunities. Read your information or answer thoroughly to make sure there are no typos. Correct any errors and provide additional information if needed.
Check again when filling out the form to correct any typing, spelling, or grammatical errors. The recruiter may ignore your application if he encounters the error due to the large number of incoming applications
Step 6. Submit application via website if you use one
After filling out the form, look for a button that says "Submit" which is usually at the bottom of the screen. Click this button to submit the application and upload the documents that need to be sent to the recruiter.
After clicking the "Submit" button, you may not be able to correct your application, biodata, or job application letter. Make sure the information and typing are correct before sending the file
Step 7. Email the document to the employer if you are applying for the job in person
Usually, employers recommend that job applicants send their resume and cover letter to the hiring manager or personnel manager. Type the email address on the email form to find out if it's correct or not. Type the subject of the email according to the instructions in the job advertisement and attach your bio and job application letter. Type a short letter to the recipient of the email to let them know that you would like to apply for a job and that you have attached the required documents.
- Examples of email subjects: "Job Application as Information Technology Manager", "Biodata and Job Application Letter for Health Clinic Supervisor Position", or "Submitting Application to Fill Job Vacancies".
- Example of a short letter draft: "Through this letter I submit a job application to fill the Supervisor position at the clinic that you manage. Referring to the job vacancy advertisement on the clinic website, I meet the specified requirements because I have attended the Bogor Nursing Academy and have work experience as a nurse at _ Clinic, Jalan _, Bogor since _ until now. With this letter, I submit my biodata and job application letter for consideration".
Method 3 of 4: Applying for Jobs by Meeting the Hiring Manager
Step 1. Dress the way you want to go to a job interview
The first impression you make on recruiters is very important. Whatever job you want, you should wear formal attire when meeting recruiters to show that you view this job opportunity as very important.
- You can wear a shirt, trousers or skirt, and loafers. Wear a blazer or cardigan as outerwear for a more professional appearance.
- You may be interviewed right away when you meet a recruiter if you are applying for a job as a store or restaurant employee.
Step 2. Ask for an opportunity to meet the hiring manager
When you meet the employee who greets you, say hello with a smile and then convey that you would like to meet the hiring manager to apply for a job. Wait patiently for him to see you.
- For example, say to him, "Good morning. I'm looking for a job. I'd like to see the hiring manager if he has time."
- If the hiring manager is out of the office, ask him what time to see him, for example, "When should I come back?"
- Come back another time if the employees are very busy. You don't make a good first impression if you insist on prioritizing, thus ignoring the employees and customers who are transacting.
Step 3. Tell the hiring manager that you are looking for a job
Take this opportunity to explain why you want to work and choose this company and then ask if there are vacancies. If so, ask for the opportunity to fill out the application form.
- When you meet a hiring manager, you might say, "Good morning. I'm Tagor Evans. I shop here regularly and know the company's products well. So I'm ready to contribute and be an asset to this company. application form."
- You can simply submit your bio if the company does not provide an application form.
Step 4. Submit the bio to the hiring manager
Have a bio to take with you when looking for work to show that you really want to work. Submit the bio to the hiring manager and wait for a response. If he is directly interviewing you, answer the questions asked.
- Prepare only 1-2 sheets of biodata. You seem like you want to apply for jobs to many companies if you carry too many biodata. Even if this is true, give the impression that you want to work only for the company you're visiting.
- Don't expect the hiring manager to read your bio right away because he's probably very busy. Show a positive attitude even if he doesn't read your bio.
Step 5. Fill in the application form if prompted
The hiring manager may provide an application form even if he or she asks you to fill it out via the company's website. Answer all questions correctly then check to make sure you filled out the form correctly. If you are filling out a sheet of paper, don't forget to smile when you submit the completed form to show that you are enthusiastic about your work.
Hand over the completed form saying, "Thank you so much for this opportunity!"
Step 6. Thank the employee who greeted you earlier
Meet the people who helped you to thank them for their time and help. Make sure you speak with a smile to thank them sincerely.
For example, you could say, "Thank you for taking the time to help me." or "Thank you very much for the help."
Method 4 of 4: Follow Up Job Applications
Step 1. Contact the recruiter a week after the application is sent
Keeping track of the progress of your application shows that you really want to be hired and helps you ensure that your files are accepted by the right people. Contact the employer or interviewer by phone, email, or LinkedIn account to inquire about the status of the application and the subsequent hiring process.
- Make a note every time you send a cover letter so you don't forget to monitor the progress.
- During the COVID-19 pandemic, many hiring managers and personnel staff are overwhelmed with processing job applications and working from home. Consider this and wait a few days before contacting them. Also, make sure you send messages that are short and friendly.
Step 2. Use a friendly and positive style of language when talking to recruiters
Even if you want to hear back soon, you give off a negative impression if you seem nervous or impatient. Be nice to all employees you talk to. Ask questions politely and don't dispute the answers given.
For example, don't comment, for example, "No one has contacted me so far" or "Usually, how long does it take for job applications to process?" You should say, "Has a decision been made on my application?" or "I want to find out the schedule for the announcement of the results of the recruitment of new employees."
Step 3. Tell the recruiter that you understand the impact of COVID-19 on company conditions and work schedules
Many companies reduce employees because of financial problems. Right now, maybe he is working from home and his responsibilities are bigger. Explain that you can understand the current situation and are ready to adapt to the needs of the company. This way shows that you are the right candidate and can adapt if you get hired.
For example, say to recruiters, "I understand that employee recruitment is affected by the pandemic. Please let me know, does your company have any job vacancies?" or "I understand that the hiring schedule is affected by the pandemic. I am currently looking for a job. Do you need a new employee?"
Tips
- Submit high quality applications specially prepared according to the skills required for each desired job. Don't just deploy the same app to multiple companies.
- When looking for work, learn new skills that increase your chances of getting hired. Look for free online training or sign up for low-cost courses/workshops.
- Take the time to test your computer's camera and microphone in preparation for a virtual interview. During the COVID-19 outbreak, many recruiters conduct interviews via the internet.
- Honesty plays an important role when filling out job applications. So make sure you provide the correct information in the job application.
