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This section serves as a a quick reference on how to make your application stand out. Job applications are made in 3 main ways - they are written (including email), they can be made on the phone or in person. In many cases, job applicants respond to a request for application from the prospective employer. Every employer has preferences on how they wish to receive applications. If they ask for you to write in, then do exactly that. Some applicants tend to call instead when they are asked to write in. Some employers frown upon this and feel that the prospective applicant can't follow simple instructions. It can be perceived as putting pressure on them. They may find it inconvenient.
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Put Yourself In The Employer's Shoes |
Yours is not the only application that an employer will receive. Therefore, try to cooperate with the employer and see things from their point of view. Some employers want applicants to fill our application forms at their office even if the applicant has already sent them his/her resume. These may be requirements that the employer's company may have to fulfil as part of their human resource policy. Think about what they are asking for and how they are asking you to apply. This may give you clues on what is important to the employer. Occasionally, some employers ask to see a handwritten letter of application. Do not send a typewritten one instead. If you are going through the trouble of applying for the job, why not do what the employer asks? |
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Keep An Open Mind |
Do not prejudge any opportunity without considering the possibilities. Use your job search process as a chance to discover yourself. Some employers require job applicants to undergo personality tests, whilst others may consider you for opportunities that you may not have considered. All the same, it is about what someone else may see in you. |
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Dollars And Sense |
The money you may want to earn has to make sense. Sometimes, certain employers want to pay too little and there are also employees who want to earn too much. Do not compare salaries with your peers. Sometimes the job title may be identical but the job scope may be very different. Be sure to think about the career path and opportunities that the position offers. A good place to find out what you can possibly earn is the job pages in the newspapers as some employers advertise salary levels. Read the job description which may be included in the advertisement carefully. You can also get accurate salary information from a reputable Human Resource consultancy like Kelly Services. |
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Develop A Strategy |
Take a strategic approach to your job search. Study the market on opportunities available and your competition. Who are the people who are likely to compete with you? What is their profile? What strengths and weaknesses are they likely to have? Also think about your own unique selling proposition - what do you have to offer? |
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Making An Effort |
Finding a job is easy but looking for a great job always requires effort on the part of the applicant. Go the extra mile, treat the job search process as a learning opportunity and challenge. No one loses out by putting in the effort. So if you are asked by an employer to do some 'homework', do so. Some employers tend to set tasks for prospective employees to do. Usually they are not testing the applicant on the content of the project but on their willingness to try something new. Such an employer is actually saying "I'm interested in you, I am willing to make the time for you but are you willing to make the time for the company?"
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About the Author
The article is extracted from a publication by Kelly Services' called "Best Foot Forward". It is a 52 page guide for job seekers on job search tips. To obtain your very own copy of "Best Foot Forward", please send an email to marcom@kellyservices.com.sg.
Kelly Services, Inc. (NASDAQ: KELYA, KELYB) is a world leader in human resources solutions headquartered in Troy, Michigan, offering temporary staffing services, outsourcing, vendor on-site and full-time placement to clients on a global basis. Kelly provides employment to more than 750,000 employees annually, with skills including office services, accounting, engineering, information technology, law, science, marketing, creative services, light industrial, education, and health care. Revenue in 2007 was $5.7 billion. Visit www.kellyservices.com
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