How to Make Your Job Application Pop
Applying for internships and jobs can be a job within itself. Editing your resume, creating new cover letters, and complying with any other requirements can be really time consuming. Now what if you don’t even hear back from the employer? I’m here to spill my years of experience working with the GVSU Career Center to help you make your next job application successful.
Shoot Your Shot
Statistically, women are less likely to apply for jobs where they don’t meet 100% of the requirements. Why take yourself out of the running? Even if you don’t match everything that a recruiter is searching for, your transferable skills and experience are valuable. This job or internship could be an opportunity to learn something new and the job posting gives you a picture of what things you can learn on your own. For example, if a job description requires a certain certification, take it into your own hands and acquire it if possible. Or in an interview setting, mention that you will become certified in order to fulfill the requirement. Besides certifications, the best way to appeal to an employer is by tailoring your resume and cover letter to match what they are looking for.
Editing Your Resume
In this digital age, many jobs and internships are posted online. If you’re applying for a position via the web, it’s very possible that a human at the company might not be the first person looking at your resume. Many employers use ATS software, an applicant tracking system. ATS will scan a resume and pull out buzzwords that the employer is searching for. Applications that aren’t selected will most likely be ignored. Therefore, two things are key:
1. Make your resume simple
Unfortunately, “pretty resumes” won’t always be scannable. Keep it simple by ensuring that your resume can be scanned left to right. Unnecessary columns could lead the system to ignore keywords. Also make sure that your resume is in the right file format (many times PDF is preferred).
2. Include buzzwords
Review the job description and pull out keywords to include in your resume. For example, if an employer is looking for someone that can “Prepare and edit routine and non-routine messages, reports, and presentation materials with the highest degree of accuracy,” include words such as “prepare,” “edit,” and “accuracy.”
To learn more about how to tailor your resume to fit a job description and use keywords, check out this podcast episode of Work Like a Laker that will help you identify your transferable skills.
Writing a Standout Cover Letter
Cover letters are your chance to shine. A good cover letter is company specific, which means that you will have to create a fresh cover letter for each employer. If the cover letter is optional, it is best practice to submit one anyways.
This is your opportunity to show that you have done your research. While still using keywords from the job description, create a cover letter that expresses why you want to work for that specific company. What do you value? What made you apply for this role?
Start by digging into the company’s website and stalk their social media or LinkedIn. Is there anything that stands out that matches an experience you have had or a personal value you hold?
Once you finish researching, make sure to include your personality in your writing and grab ahold of the reader's attention immediately. (Tip: never address a cover letter with “To Whom it May Concern,” swap it with “Dear Hiring Manager”). Keep your cover letter between three to four paragraphs and under one page in length.
This letter is also the place to share a name of a networking contact that you have that works within the company. If that person recommended you apply, include that within the first couple of sentences. It is valuable to make new connections at a company that you are interested in and informational interviews are the best way to learn more about a potential employer.
Still stumped? This sample cover letter will help you get started.
Follow Up
After applying and waiting a fair amount of time without a response, reach out to the company via email or over the phone to reiterate your interest. Avoid spamming the company and allow them time to respond.
Whether you advance in the hiring process or face rejection, it is all a part of finding the best career fit. With these tips, you are sure to catch the eye of your next potential employer.
About Madey
Madey Lutenski is a senior studying Advertising & Public Relations. This will be her second year with GrandPR, serving as the Firm Editor. Madey is currently interning at Experience Grand Rapids as their Marketing Content Intern and at the GVSU Career Center as their Writing & Communications Intern. Outside of school and work, Madey enjoys reading and exploring West Michigan restaurants. After graduation, she plans to remain in the West Michigan area and join an integrated communications firm.