Job applications, for many openings, are the primary instrument utilized for screening job applicants. For job openings requiring resumes, the application collects information not normally included within a resume.
Your application tells the employer more about you than you think and in ways you probably do not realize.
- Follow instructions. If you can’t follow instructions on something as simple and as important as an application, how will you perform on the job?
- Be thorough. You are being asked for information in order to compare your skills, background, and history against other applicants – your competitors for the same job. Avoid writing “ See Resume” as it can be interpreted as laziness or disinterest.
- Usage of upper/lower letters with best grammar. Interviewers will judge you by your application and the thought you put into completing it. A well thought-out application reflects intelligence and a driver to succeed.
- Include Detailed Job History. Your job history should include your duties and the skills you used on a daily basis to accomplish your tasks. Applications are stored in application databases. Hiring authorities will search for applicants by keyword that interest them. This is why including job duties and skills you used on the job are so important to you. Do not skimp or rush through these descriptions.
- Tailor Your Answers to the Job Opening. As much as possible, your answers and information should address the skills, talents and experience that complement the types of positions you want.
- Avoid listing too high of a starting salary. Enter a range instead, but do not price yourself out of consideration. Listing Open or Negotiable after the range is not a bad idea.
Every step in the hiring process helps create the hiring manager’s impression of you. A neatly written, well thought-out application will win consideration over a poorly written, hap-hazard resume every time. Job applications provide additional information which will either help or hurt your chances for consideration. Follow this guide for best results.
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The Art of Leadership
Need new ideas, alternative methods, and perspectives? Trying to get associates more involved or invested into a project? All of these areas involve leadership. By practicing asking questions, you can more easily accomplish your goals with efficiency and assistance never before enjoyed – if you listen.
Asking questions engages the other person in a way instruction does not. When people see that their opinions are not only sought after but valued, their level of involvement increases. There are many answers to the same question, some are even wonderful. However, to get at these alternatives you have to discover what ideas and reactions are in other people’s minds. Asking questions is the only way.
Asking questions is a great management and leadership tool. Asking questions lets people tell a different story than the one you’re expecting. Questions mean people have to make their own case for the way they want things to go. Making their case places them in the position of answering the big questions:
- How do you see this problem?
- What are we missing?
- Is there another way of tackling this? Why are we trying it this way?
- How would we solve this if we were the customer?
- This task is addressing what audience? Applicants? Clients? Prospects? Everyone?
- How will we capture that audience?
- What picture do we want this experience to paint? How do we accomplish it?
- What is your plan?
By asking questions you are doing two things: You’re making them aware they should have a plan, and they are in charge of their portion of the plan.
Your questions can quietly transmit values more powerfully than a direct statement
What an injustice! It was my turn for that promotion! What’s the deal? Most people can’t fathom their own lack of quality contributions may be contributing to their lack of success. However, successful people realize this fact and learn how to effectively position themselves for promotion.
As a business owner, there are many factors that set you apart from others. You may not agree with my advice, but it works:
1. Look outside for value, not in
It is important to spend time observing external factors that can or will affect your company. Look at trends, news articles, and any other information that is relevant to your industry based on your research. Begin to work this into your conversations with management. Become known as a knowledgeable person who has a genuine interest in the business and industry.
2. Be the connector
Work on building relationships by involving yourself with groups relevant to your business. Keeping an eye out for market intelligence is an excellent habit to build your career. This will enhance your relevance, relationships and networking opportunities. Your personal business network can never be too big. Business views this non-public information as an asset.
3. Work for respect, not popularity
Respect translates into promotions – period, but you must earn it. Be the person with viable solutions and new ideas. Stay positive and maintain a level head during adverse conditions. You will start finding management coming to you for ideas.
4. Always be gracious
No matter how important your role is, it is not who you are. It is just a temporary position on your life. The world of business is not always fair and your reaction to defeat is often the best test of your character and people are watching. Be the first to congratulate your friends and adversaries on their good fortunes. It is almost guaranteed to help you in the furture. Your reputation is forever – so have a good one!
Apply these principles, and sooner or later your opportunity will come – maybe inside or maybe outside your present company. Business, like life, is all about learning. Learning is knowledge, but wisdom is how we use it.
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