The Job Application Process

We all go through the same frustration when applying for a new job...employers don't call us back, we don't get second interviews, sometimes we can hardly get resume read, let alone get a foot in the door for an interview! So if you're looking to change jobs in the near future, check out the tips below.

1) Conduct Unsolicited Calls and Emails

Just because a certain company is not advertising a job opening on monster.com or craigslist, that doesn't mean they're not hiring. The best advantage you can give yourself is to contact a company for a job BEFORE that company begins soliciting applicants. Using this method, you will be the first one in the door-and that not only makes the hiring manager's job easier, it also shows that you are a go-getter who doesn't wait around for opportunities, but finds them!

Unsolicited calls and emails can also be made to a company's employees directly. Don't feel shy about calling employees directly as long as you remain very courteous towards them. Simply request a phone interview, not regarding a job opening, but just to discuss the company and the field at large. This chat could help you get an in at the company when a job opens up.

2) Perfect your Resume & Cover Letter

The quality of your resume and cover letter will really dictate whether or not you are given a first interview, so should never be taken lightly. First of all, remember that cover letters should ALWAYS be written (or edited) specifically for a particular job. Never send the same cover letter out to multiple companies for different jobs-this looks sloppy and employers can tell when you've cut corners. Tailor the cover letter to the hiring company and the job opening in particular-make sure you highlight your own work experience and how you fulfill their current needs.

You should also work on your resume until it is as perfect as possible-make it look simple, readable, without extra bullet-points and clutter. Microsoft Word has some great Templates for Resumes that you can utilize, as does the interet as a whole. Generally, it is recommended to keep your resume to 1 page, so go ahead and expand the margins and change the font size (but don't go below 10pt). Your resume should be written clearly and concisely so that employers can scan it and locate the important details.

3)Follow-Up After your Initial Application

After applying for a job by sending your cover letter and resume, don't wait forever for a response. If you haven't gotten a response in 2 weeks, go ahead and send a follow-up email about the job opening. Sometimes hiring managers just need a little nudge and will then contact you for an interview-so it can't hurt to follow-up on a job application.

4) Practice Talking about Yourself

One annoying aspect of interviews is that interviewers always tend to ask the same annoying questions-What are your best qualities? What are your weaknesses? What would you like about this job? What kind of work environment do you excel in? These questions are just meant for interviewers to get an idea about who you are-so you have to give it to them. Don't be shy and try not to be awkward when these questions come (its hard, I know). If you have a tendency of getting quiet in interviews, prepare your answers to these questions ahead of time so you aren't stumped. Many times, interviewers aren't looking for a particular answer but are simply trying to find out who you are.

5) Do your Homework

Once you get an interview, if you're so lucky, make sure you don't walk into it cold turkey. Make sure to do a substantial amount of research about the company you are interviewing with before you go for your interview. This way you can ask intelligent questions about the job and the company as a whole (remember, interviewers always ask if you have any questions about the job, and if you just shake your head 'no', you look like a dim wit).

6) Send a Thank You Letter

After meeting with someone from a company for an interview (or more than one person), be sure to send that person(s) a thank you email. While this seems like a small gesture, not sending a thank you email really makes you look ungrateful and disrespectful (I know from personal experience). Graciously thank your interviewer for their time and interest in you, and let them know you look forward to hearing from them. It's that simple!