Applications, Resumes and Interviews — Why They Go Together

It is time to apply for jobs again. You might be fed up with your current job, unemployed, recently graduated, or in any number of situations, however you have decided it is time to start looking for employment and you are just beginning to realize that it takes hard work and dedication to find a good job.

You will almost always need to submit an application for the particular position, a current resume, other information like transcripts, and then you simply wait for the interview. However, does your job application and resume have any effect on whether you are called back for an interview or not? The answer is absolutely! If you are truly interested in getting a job then you need to be able to make it through the first round which is simply reviewing applications and resumes. If your application and resume do not make a good impression then you can forget an interview. So, read the following information on job applications, resumes, and interviews and you will be better prepared to apply for jobs and more than likely increase your call backs.

Job Applications

What job are you applying for? With which company? What is your experience level? And how much do you want to get paid? These are all questions that are frequently asked on a job application. Additionally, your full name, address, phone number, social security number, past employers, and other questions appear on job applications. The big question here is how well do you fill out these job applications? Do you answer all the questions? Or, do you leave a couple blank or many? No matter what you normally do you will learn now what you should do.

All questions on job applications should be answered fully and correctly. This means that every question must receive a response even if it is simply to write “not applicable.” If you leave a question blank then potential employers will wonder why. They might assume you did not understand the question, wanted to hide the answer, or simply rushed through the application. None of these assumptions, even if they are just that, win you any points with future employers. So, what can you do to avoid this? The answer is as simple as responding to all the questions on a job application. Doing this will show the potential employer that you understood all questions and are interested in making all information known.

Amazingly, many job applicants continue to only partially fill out their job applications and wonder why they are not getting called back for interviews or job offers. The reason is because if applicants cannot properly fill out a job application most employers toss the application in the trash because they are showing they don’t take the job seriously or that they are not qualified for the position. As a result, if you are applying for a job and must fill out a job application as the vast majority of individuals will be required to do make sure that it is filled out correctly, honestly, and completely.

Resumes

In addition to job applications many employers will request a resume. Basically, a resume has your personal information including contact information, skills, educations, past jobs, and even a salary history. Of course, there are many types of resumes and you will be required to submit the type that is requested by the potential employer. Make sure you are aware what type this is because if you submit any old resume and a specific type is requested then you can be sure you won’t win any points with the potential employer. So pay attention to the application requirements, the type of resume you need, and how to submit it. All of this information is important and should be paid close attention to.

For example, if an employer is accepting resumes via email and you send one in the mail, by fax, or drop a copy off then the employer will feel as if you don’t know who to follow directions or don’t care about them and will probably toss your resume and application. Submitting a resume and application is just as important as how you submit them, so keep this in mind. Also, submitting your resume and application properly will be the best way to ensure you get an interview. Many times individuals won’t get an interview after they have submitted everything properly just because they don’t meet the requirements for the job, however you can forget getting an interview if you don’t properly submit the information requested.

Interviews

If you manage to get an interview then you should be pleased because you made it through the first round. That means that your application and resume were submitted correctly and that the potential employer found something in the information you provided that was of interest and possibly qualified you for the position. However, once you get called in for the interview you can plan on lots of questions and a personal evaluation to see how you measure up.

All of the questions in the interview will be used to see how you respond under pressure and your answers will be compared to the job requirements as well as the other applicants. Then, if you make it through the first interview and are the best applicant you might be offered the job, or else invited for a second interview.

As you can see, the entire process of applying for a job from submitting your application and resume to going for the interview has a direct impact on whether or not you are considered for the job. So, if you are really serious about getting a job make sure you take all of the processes seriously and you will increase your chances of getting that job you have been dreaming of.