The best way to apply for employment is the way that gives your application the most positive attention without generating anything negative. The exact way to go about this, however, will be different for each job. A few ways to successfully apply for employment are listed below.
First of all, use your contacts. Contacts are people that you both know and have a decent opinion of you. Is one of them in a position to hire people? Do they know someone that is hiring, and can ask that person to give you an interview? Whether it is a father getting his child a job at the family law firm or a fraternity brother in human resources hiring one of his buddies, using contacts is one of the most effective ways to gain employment.
Next, go in person if possible. Many companies now use the internet to screen job applicants; a few, however, still accept applications in person. Feel free to go to a place of business and ask someone at the information desk or an assistant manager if the company is currently accepting applications. If they are, ask if you can fill out an application or give them a copy of your resume. Actually meeting the people that might hire you gives you the chance to make a lasting first impression, and can separate you from other job applicants. Do not attempt to submit an application during peak activity times such as a restaurant at lunch hour; instead, go when business is slower so that your application is not just pushed aside in the rush and forgotten.
Use a hiring service or a human resource company. Some companies don’t directly hire employees for many of their positions – they go through a hiring service. Submitting your application to a hiring service associated with the job or company you want is a great way to gain employment. Hiring services generally do not get paid unless someone from their company gets a job, so they have an incentive to help you find work.
Another way to apply for jobs is to go to the company’s website. Most companies have a website, and some will post job openings on them. These openings can usually be found in the “careers” section if they are posted online. Applying for a job in person is usually better than applying via the internet, but many companies no longer accept applications “at the door.”
Use an employment website. Employment websites are the modern-day version of the help-wanted section of a newspaper. Many job openings are posted on employment websites that you won’t find anywhere else, so they are definitely worth using. To apply for a job via an employment website, the job seeker is usually prompted to create an online profile that includes a resume and an e-mail address. Each job posted on such a website will usually have specific instructions for how to apply, and these should be carefully followed.
Check the help-wanted section of the local newspaper. Some employers still only use the help-wanted section of their local newspaper and a sign on the door to indicate that they have job openings. Following the directions of the job listing to maximize your potential to get hired.
In addition to the above-mentioned ways to apply for employment, the following tips may also be useful in getting a job.
Dress to the level of the job. You should always be presentable and well-groomed when you apply for employment; what you wear, however, can make or break your chances. Going to a billion dollar corporation and interviewing in ripped jeans and a t-shirt will count against you. Likewise, if you apply at your local fast food restaurant for a grill job wearing a three-piece suit, the manager may think that something is a little off. Dress to the level of your desired pay rate.
Customize your resume for each job that you are applying for. Each job is unique, so try and make your resume unique as well. There are many ways to do this, but a few possibilities include: emphasizing similar job experiences that you’ve had, clearly displaying that you meet the qualifications for the job, and including information about yourself that might be applicable to the position you are applying for. Also, include a cover letter that relates to the job and your specific ability to succeed at it.
Try and follow up on each application. A week after an application has been submitted, it is usually all right to contact a prospective employer if they have previously listed their contact information. Call, e-mail, or stop in to the employer’s office and ask about the status of your application. If a company has specifically stated that applicants should not e-mail or call the company, then do not attempt to follow up.
