Application process is a complex activity that requires a lot of time and a great attention to the detail. Even when you have a CV and a sample of cover letter ready, adjusting them to every single position, sending out your application, filing it and following up take a solid effort. Don’t be discouraged by the massiveness of work you will have to do – it will all pay back when you get a job. It will also give you some invaluable skills for the future – being able to file applications will help you throughout your career – whether you will do it to switch jobs, or to apply for grants, contests and scholarships. Remember to be consistent and soon you will tame an uneasy application process.

 
Understanding the rules of the game

 
Before sending out an application, carefully read what is being asked to fill out. You may be asked to complete a job application even if you have already submitted a resume and a cover letter. That way, the employer has a record of your personal and employment history, verified and signed by the applicant. It’s important for your job applications to be complete, correct (no errors) and accurate. There are online applications as well as applications that you fill out in person upon arrival to the company. In both applications, you will be likely to provide the following information (so be ready to have it at hand)

 
Personal Information:

 
• Name
• Address
• Phone Number
• Eligibility to work in the country

 
Education:

 
• Schools/Colleges Attended
• Major
• Degree/Diploma
• Graduation Dates(s)

 
Previous Employment:

 
• Names, addresses, phone numbers of previous employers
• Supervisor’s name
• Dates of employment
• Salary
• Reason for Leaving

 
Position Applied For Information:

 
• Title of the job you are applying for
• Hours/days available to work (if applying for part time job)
• When you can start work

 
References

 
• List of three references – names, job title or relationship, addresses, phone numbers

 
CV & Cover Letter

 
See our tips on writing them here and here.

 
Adhering to the right format

 
• If you have to fill in an application in writing, write slowly, clearly and neatly, using black or blue ink.
• Check for spelling and grammatical errors. Make sure to proofread your job application form before sending it in.
• When completing employment information, list your most recent job first.
• List your most recent education first. Include vocational schools and training programs as well as college and high school.
• Tailor your answers to the job you are seeking. Just as with your CV and cover letter, you want to focus your education and experience to the job at hand. Give details of skills and accomplishments, and avoid framing your experiences in terms of mere duties and responsibilities. Show why you are more qualified than other applicants for the position. Include experience from all sources, including previous jobs, school, clubs and organizations, and volunteer work.
• References don’t necessarily have to be professional. If you have volunteered you can use members of the organizations that you have helped or if you are a student use your teachers. In all cases, ask for permission prior to using the person for a reference.
• Don’t leave anything blank. One of the reasons employers ask you to complete an application is because they want the same information from all job applicants. However, if there are questions that do not apply to you, simply respond with “not applicable,” or “n/a.” Do not write “see CV” when completing the application (but you can certainly attach your resume to the application).
• Don’t provide any negative information. As with job search correspondence, never offer negative information. Your goal with the application is to get an interview. Providing negative information (such as being fired from a job) just gives the employer a reason not to interview you.
• Don’t forget to sign you application.

 
Keeping track of your applications

 
It is essential to keep track of all the applications you are sending around. First of all, it will help you avoid applying somewhere twice (yes, that could happen!). Second of all, it will allow you to understand how many places you have applied to, and systematize your follow up procedures. You can keep track of the official job posting by hanging on to a paper copy, scanning a paper copy to digitize it, saving a webpage as a pdf, or using a program such as Evernote to capture the information. Word processing documents and spreadsheets are also helpful for keeping track of deadlines and to-do items.

 
Following up after a certain time

 
It is often advised that you need to follow up shortly after sending an application. Some companies acknowledge the receipt of the applications and send you a reference number. Some don’t. Selection process usually takes between two and eight weeks. We advise you to wait at least two or three weeks before you call the recruiter. If the selection period takes a longer time, chances are that your application has not been successful. Don’t get discouraged – keep trying.

One final word. Be prepared for all kinds of job applications, from simple one-page applications to multi-page applications; and some will be clean and crisp copies while others will appear to be photocopied a few too many times. Some recruiters make their applications tailored to their particular needs, have questionnaires and appear extremely long. Regardless, take your time and do the best you can, always keeping in the back of your mind the goal of the application — getting you an interview.