Rule of Engagement #3: Cover Letter, Resume, and APPLICATIONS! (Part III)

You know, the good thing about unfavorable situations is that once you've hit rock bottom the only way that you can go is UP; that is, if you choose not to dwell at the bottom.  Don't be surprised if those whom you have helped used you and then threw you away; or those who hide their incompetency by taking it on the smaller player. They are just demonstrating their true character and now you know that the only reason that they were somewhat good is because you were around them.  Now that you are not, well, not so good for them. So, what is your decision?  Will you push yourself up or will you stay at the bottom?

So, let's talk about the third part of our Rule of Engagement #3: APPLICATIONS.

I have so much to say about this, but I promise that I will keep it concise.  

Applications is a recruiting document with which companies extract from you the information that they need when they are screening candidates.  Even if at the beginning they only ask for your Resume or Letter of Interest, you will most probably end up completing an application. Applications are not standard. Some are short and some are long, depending on the company and the information that they need.  

Tips on completing applications:

Tip #1 - Prepare! Have Customary Information at Hand

Don't be unprepared! You know that they will ask you for professional/school references. Have the names, e-mail addresses, and phone numbers ready.  Also, have the right information on your work experience and school dates. Accuracy is important! Use your Resume to help you complete the application.

Tip # 2 - Read the whole application before you start completing it!

All applications have instructions and disclaimers; please make sure that you read them. If you are dealing with a paper application, read it all before you start completing it.  If you are dealing with online application, read the instructions and whatever entry requests the page allows to see at a time. 

Tip # 3 - Do not leave any blanks!

As a recruiter, one of the things that aggravated me the most was to see blank applications with "See Resume". This is a sign of laziness and will not leave a good impression in your potential employer.  If you are looking for a job, why not take the time to complete the application in a professional manner. You may think that the information that they are requesting is repetitive, but you do not know if they have a specific data base that they are populating to be able to find YOU in the future.  If something does not apply, simply enter N/A. That way the recruiter will know that you did not forget to complete it. 

Tip # 4 - Be descriptive!

If the application asks you for your duties, do not just enter "supervisor" or "payroll".  Be specific and descriptive.  How many people did you supervise? Did you have hiring/firing rights? Did you complete evaluations? What is the core are of your work?  Did you participate in cross trainings?  Help the recruiter help you.  Don make it difficult for the recruiter to understand your experience. What if the recruiter only looks at your application and not your Resume?

Tip # 5 - Date it and sign it!

No additional explanation needed, right?

Be careful! The best recruiting practices prevent employers from asking you potential discriminatory questions such as your race, gender, date of birth, etc.  However, the employer can as you to complete the information if you want.  It is you decision to decline or not.  Mos applications ask about your eligibility to work in US (or a specific country). In U.S., YOU DO NOT NEED TO PROVIDE VERIFICATION DOCUMENTATION OF ELIGIBILITY FOR EMPLOYMENT UNLESS YOU ARE HIRED! 

Next time: Rule of Engagement # 4: Be a Strategist (going after the right jobs)