It seems that, no matter what level we are hoping to work at, whether we are applying for a graduate position or even a retail role with no prior requirements, we are competing for the position against more applicants than ever before. Whether this is because of growing populations, shrinking job markets, or both, the fact remains that applying for a job isn’t as easy as it used to be.
It is especially difficult applying for a job today if you have little to no prior experience. If you have previous jobs to put on your resume then this will help to set you apart from the competition. However, for those who are looking for one of their first jobs, there are several other things you can do to make your application stand out amongst the competition.
Do Your Research
Before you apply for any job make sure that you understand who you would be working for and exactly what the job involves. This is important because if you can demonstrate on your resume that you have a good understanding of the role that you are applying for, it will show that you are committed and are serious about working in the position.
Personalize Your Application
If you hand in a generic resume, it will be obvious to the person reading it. Resumes that have no personalization are far less effective, they create the impression to the reader that the individual who has submitted it isn’t serious about the job. If the business owner thinks that you’re just churning out resumes and sending them to anyone, they won’t take your application as seriously as that of someone who has demonstrated specific knowledge of the job.
Include Relevant and Irrelevant Experience
If you fill in an application form which doesn’t include any room for listing other skills and experience, then you should use your resume to do this. Listing any courses you have completed, awards you have obtained, and any other experiences which demonstrate your character will give the reader a sense of who you are as an individual. Even if the experience seems irrelevant to the position you are applying for, it is worth including as a way of supporting the idea that you are generally a hard working individual.
Don’t Be Afraid to Show Yourself
Try not to make your resume and application all about business. Of course, a potential employer will want to know about that side of you, but it is also important to give them some idea of you as an individual. Again, this is a simple way of making your resume stand out and will allow you to show yourself in the best possible light. You can check jobapplicationworld.com to get an idea of what different employers are looking for.
These are just some of the things that you can do to make your job application stand out. It is always a good idea to try and put yourself in the shoes of the person reading your application, if you were them what would you want to see from candidates? Most importantly don’t be deterred by unsuccessful applications, every application you make takes you closer to finally landing a job.
