A Step-by-Step Guide to the Job Application Process

Half the battle in qualifying for a job is completing your job application. Prospective employers want to know that you can follow instructions to the letter and that you don't have a cavalier attitude that lets you believe you follow a set of rules that are different from other applicants. Read the instructions carefully before beginning the application process.

Get Your Resume Ready 

companies require a resume and a cover letter in addition to a job application. When you submit a resume with your job application, it is important that your resume is well organized and polished.

Write a Cover Letter

Save your resume, cover letter, professional reference and work samples in a folder on your computer and label it according to the name of the company to which you're applying. In case you're filling out a hard copy job application, print your resume and other documents so that you can easily refer to them as you write information on your application.

Job Applications

Gather information about your previous employers, certifications, training and details that you might not have at your fingertips or in your head. Save time and effort by obtaining the addresses, phone numbers, supervisors' names and employment dates ahead of time. Some online application systems log out if you're inactive for long periods.

Job Application Screening

Access the company website and review the online application instructions. If you haven't done so already, you'll probably need to register your name, address and other pertinent information. This enables you to come back to the site to check on the status of your application and make any necessary adjustments or corrections.

Select the job you want to apply for and, if the applicant tracking system, or ATS, has this feature, move the job posting into your "cart." Your cart is where you hold jobs you're interested in before you apply. Once you apply, most ATSs remove the posting from the cart and indicate that you successfully submitted your application.

Complete all the required fields in your online application. There may be limited space for you to insert descriptions of your work history, so choose parts of the descriptions from your resume that match the qualifications the company is seeking. For example, if the job posting specifically states that applicants must have five years' experience in server maintenance, data migration from legacy systems and network security, use those precise terms in your description -- don't abbreviate your qualifications by saying your work history includes expertise in IT or computer science.

Upload your resume, cover letter, professional references and work samples to your online application. Even if you've provided detailed information for your online application, still include a cover letter. Some ATSs say cover letters are optional, but it's wise to include one.

Job Offers

When you receive a job offer, you're close to the end of the process. However, you don't need to accept the job, at least right away, if you're not sure whether or not it is the best opportunity for you. It's important to take the time to evaluate the offer carefully, so you are making an educated decision to accept, reject, or renegotiate, the offer. Here's how to evaluate a job offer.

Click "Save" for every page of the online application you complete or you might lose your information. Many online processes ask you to "Save" or "Save and Submit." Save every page and you won't have to worry about having to redo the application process. When you reach the end of the application, wait until you review it at least once more before you submit it.

New Hire Paperwork

Tip

• When you complete a paper application, use blue or black ink; never use pencil. Write legibly using upper and lower case letters. Distinguish your signature from the printed information on your application by using cursive letters to sign your full legal name.