In the increasingly competitive job market, you may be tempted to simply stop by a local company or business and drop your resume, but it may be a very risky tactic and could actually hurt your chances of landing the job. Learning the best practices for applying for a job will set you up for success.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Deciding if you should apply in person
Step 1. Read the ad carefully
In today's digital world, the vast majority of job applications are accepted online. Similarly, the job posting for the position is typically posted on the company website, as well as on some popular job posting sites, such as Monster, Indeed, and Glassdoor (nonprofits tend to use Idealist and Opportunity Knocks).
- Always check the company's website to make sure they are currently hiring. You can usually find this information on labels that say "Careers" or "Job Opportunities." Don't just approach a company if there are no job openings.
- Review the job posting to find out how to apply. If the ad indicates that you must apply in person at the store or office, then it is acceptable for you to do so.
- If the ad says "Calls not accepted," you can assume they don't want you to show up in person either unless they ask.
- Businesses that typically accept applications in person include restaurants, supermarkets, and other retail businesses. These employers often have an immediate need that they must fill and are therefore willing to speed up the hiring process.
Step 2. Look for a sign
Some companies post a sign at the entrance that says "Staff Needed" or something similar. If you see a sign like this, it will clearly indicate that you can apply for the position in person.
- Make sure you look presentable when you walk in, even if you only plan to ask about the position rather than submitting your resume or cover letter. You must have clean, combed hair, fresh breath, and wrinkle-free clothing.
- While you don't have to wear a full suit just to apply, you should look neat - dress pants, a skirt, an executive jacket, and a button-down tucked in would be fine.
Step 3. Don't show up unannounced
If you have applied for a job, you may think it will give you a competitive advantage to stop by the office. You may think this will show your sincere interest in the job. However, the hiring manager could easily find it inconvenient or disrespectful.
Keep in mind that when a hiring manager has to carefully sift through dozens or hundreds of applications for a single position, they will look for candidates who can follow directions and respect their hiring system. If you break the rules, chances are you will be remembered for the wrong reasons
Part 2 of 3: Apply for the job in person
Step 1. Bring your resume
You must provide the necessary documents so that they really take you into account when applying for a job. To apply for most positions, you will need a resume, which is a catalog of your professional experience, and a cover letter, which is a letter explaining your interest in the position and the reasons why you are qualified to perform. the job.
- To make your resume, list your relevant work experience in chronological order. Include the name of the employer, the job title, and the dates you worked at those locations. When describing your roles in each location, use an active vocabulary, such as "created", "executed", "achieved objectives", "designed", "produced", and so on. for each description of your history.
- Include your transferable skills. If you are applying for a job in a new discipline or field, focus on skills from your previous experience that may relate to this position. This would include things like conflict resolution, customer service, verbal and written communication, problem solving skills, etc.
Step 2. Bring a cover letter
A cover letter is an opportunity to make yourself known to the employer as a person and let him know the reasons why you are interested in the company. You shouldn't just restate all of the experience you detailed on your resume.
- The cover letter should only be one page long and should have a clear organization. Most examples include approximately three paragraphs, and each paragraph should focus on one main idea.
- In the first paragraph, you must introduce yourself and explain what the position you are applying for. Include a sentence or two about why you are a good fit for the overall company.
- In the second and third paragraphs, you should include a specific example of once you've accomplished something in your career that makes you a good fit for the demands of the job. Provide details in the examples. Did you organize a seminar at your most recent job? Did you find some creative ways to meet your quotas?
- Make sure to thank the reader for their time, and also include contact information, such as an email address or phone number.
Step 3. Bring some additional documents
They may vary depending on the requirements of the position, but you could include a writing sample or a portfolio of creative work.
- You should also include a list of references or even letters of recommendation if requested.
- Keep these documents in a folder or portfolio so they won't wrinkle when you carry them with you.
Step 4. Dress appropriately
If you are leaving your resume and cover letter, you must look professional and competent. Although you don't need to dress like you would for a full interview (suit and tie), you should look like you can truly represent the company professionally.
- For men, business casual wear such as dress pants or khakis and a button-down shirt and jacket would be appropriate. Women can also wear dress pants, a button-down shirt or blouse, a pencil skirt, or a more professional dress.
- Make sure your footwear is professional too. Leave your sneakers and high heels at home.
Step 5. Be nice
As you enter the office, smile and introduce yourself to the administrative assistant at the front desk. Explain that you want to submit your application documents for the position. The administrative assistant may be able to receive them or direct you to the appropriate person to present these documents.
Don't be rude or talk haughty to the person at the front desk. Often times, the boss will ask this person about their impressions of the candidates, so you don't want to stand out for the wrong reasons
Step 6. Be brief
Do not ask to take an office tour or meet with your potential boss, as this will be seen as an imposition on office workers.
In the same way, do not torment the secretary about the status of your application after it has been submitted. If the company wants to interview you, they will contact you. Don't try to contact them
Part 3 of 3: Conduct Informational Interviews
Step 1. You can request an informational interview
If there is a business or industry where you would like to work, but there are no current openings, you can request an informational interview.
- An informational interview is an opportunity to speak with someone who has a career that you admire. Maybe this person works in an industry where you are interested in making a transition or maybe they work for the company of your dreams.
- Remember that an informational interview is not a job interview. It's an opportunity to receive recommendations from someone you admire to learn more about their career path and to add yourself to their professional network.
Step 2. Search your network
You may have someone in mind that you would like to talk to, but if not, you can start searching your network. Consider people who have graduated from your high school, college, or graduate school. You will automatically have something in common with this person and they will most likely want to help you.
- Although you can search your school's alumni directories, you can also search professional networking sites like LinkedIn.
- You can also request an informational interview from your friends' friends or contacts that other colleagues may have.
Step 3. Request it properly
Send the interviewee an email or LinkedIn message to request an informational interview. Tell him that you are interested in learning more about his job and his career path. You can offer to invite him for a cup of coffee or to meet him in his office.
You may feel a bit uncomfortable contacting someone you've never met before, but the interviewee will likely be flattered to receive a request like this
Step 4. Arrive prepared for the interview
Although the informational interview is an informal meeting, you should prepare yourself with different questions. Ask a few things like: "What is one of your normal days like?" or "How did you get into this profession?"
- If the interviewee has a more advanced or specialized function in your profession, you can ask him for details of his career in that position or ask him what kind of responsibilities he has.
- Having questions prepared will show the interviewee that you respect their time and want it to be a productive conversation.
- Keep the interview short. You should schedule between 20 and 30 minutes, unless the interviewee sets a longer time.
Step 5. Thank the interviewee
After the interview, be sure to send a thank you note or email to the interviewee. It is very important that you let him know that you appreciate that he took time out of his schedule to share his wisdom with you.
Step 6. Stay in touch
Informational interviews are very useful because they allow you to expand your network. If you see the interviewee at an industry event or conference, be sure to say hello and keep in touch.