Review the best sites to look for jobs, how to upload your resume and cover letter, the information you’ll need to provide, and tips on how to streamline the application process. Also, as part of the job application process, you may need to take an online employment test and be prepared to provide employment references. Make sure your resume includes your current contact information and work history. Save your resume as yournameresume.doc, rather than with a generic file name like “resume.” This way, the hiring manager will connect you with the resume when they review it. Here’s how to name your resume and cover letter. Have a basic cover letter ready that you can customize for each job you apply to. You should always include a cover letter when applying for a job unless the job listing specifically says not to. Some sites let you upload an existing resume from Microsoft Word on your computer with the click of a button. Sometimes you will be asked to convert the document to a PDF or other kind of file. On other sites, you may need to copy and paste your resume into an online profile or use a resume builder that is incorporated into the job application system. You may need the full address of your previous employers, along with the phone number of the company and your supervisor’s name. Use the completed sample job application as a guide when you’re completing your job applications. Also, review this list of questions asked on a job application to prepare to fill out applications. To create an account, you’ll need to register with a current email address so that your account can be confirmed. Your username will either be your email address or a name you select. You’ll be able to choose a password for your account. Some sites allow job seekers to register with their Facebook or LinkedIn information. On those sites, you’ll able to use your Facebook or LinkedIn username and password to access the site. You may also be able to import your employment history from the site you use to connect. Depending on the site, you’ll be able to make your resume viewable for employers which will give your job search extra exposure. Keywords can be more effective than using the predefined search options in the job banks because they search the entire listing (job description, job title, contact information, etc.) for the keyword(s) that you use. Create a list of job search keywords that reflect your job interests, including the location where you want to work, type of position, industry, etc. Also, review these lists of skills for resumes so that you can match your skills to the job requirements. For example, the job search engine Getwork searches for jobs on company websites, so all the listings you get will be current openings. Indeed.com searches jobs on job boards, newspapers, associations, and company websites, including most of the Fortune 1000 companies. Search using the job search keywords list you created and you’ll get a list of job openings that match your specifications very quickly. When you click on a job opening, you’ll get instructions on how to apply and/or be directed to a company website to apply. Apply directly on the company website whenever possible, even if you find the listing elsewhere. Your application will go directly into the company’s applicant tracking system and you’ll be able to monitor its progress. If you are flexible with your schedule, be sure to emphasize this in your job application (and later in your interview). Employers appreciate job candidates who are willing to work flexible hours and work shifts that others might not want to take (such as night, evening, or weekend shifts). Regardless of how you apply, it’s important to follow the company’s application instructions, to submit all the required materials, and to carefully proofread your application before you click the “Submit” button. Keep track of the job site accounts you create so you can track your applications, apply for more jobs, and keep your resume updated. Here are the best ways to organize your job search. Some employers, especially smaller companies, don’t have systems in place to handle online job applications. There is a right way – and wrong ways – to send your resume and cover letter. One important thing to do early in the job search process is to set up a professional email account for your job search. Avoid unprofessional email addresses like partyperson@email.com. Stick to addresses that simply include your name and some numbers. Here’s information on how to apply for jobs via email, including how to attach your resume and other documents, what to include in your email message, what to put in the subject line, and what information you need to include in your email signature. There are many other kinds of pre-employment tests, including cognitive tests and emotional intelligence (EI) tests. Read here for more information on the kinds of tests you might be asked to take online, and how to handle them. After sending your application, check LinkedIn for contacts you may have at the company. If you have a contact, ask for a referral or an introduction, if a contact person is listed in the job posting. If there is no contact person listed, ask if your acquaintance knows who is on the hiring committee, and ask for an introduction. If you’re a college grad, check with your career office to see if they can provide you with alumni contacts at the company. Here’s more on how to find contacts at companies.
