Follow these tips to complete effective applications that get you noticed.
Make sure you meet most of the minimum qualifications: experience, education/certificates, and hard and soft skills.
Work history, education, references — create a master application with complete and accurate employment information to have on hand.
Read all directions before completing each section. Follow the date format given (MM/DD/YY vs. MM/YYYY). List employment history as requested.
List all paid and unpaid work: volunteer, charity, community activities, internships, self-employment, and temporary experience. Don't leave gaps in your history.
Include transferable skills and keywords in the availability, education, and work history sections. Online applications use software to filter by keywords.
Always enter the number of references requested. Ask permission first, and verify current contact information for each reference.
Use proper capitalization and grammar. Use a dictionary, spell-checker, or have someone proofread before submitting.
For each application, submit a customized resume and cover letter that match the specified requirements.
Thoroughly review the application and all supporting documents before submitting. Check for errors, missing information, and consistency.
Save or screenshot every application along with the job announcement. This helps when preparing for interviews and following up.