Applying for a Job
Some employers want you to contact them by telephone; others want you to send them a written job application.
Most employers will want to see your resume.
More and more employers want to receive your applications online.
Here are some tips on how to apply for a job online, on the telephone and how to write a job application letter.
Applying Online
Applying on the Telephone
Appliying in Writing
Applying Online
Increasingly, employers are using the internet as a convenient way of advertising jobs and taking applications.
Employment agencies rarely take applications or registrations on the phone, they will ask you to complete an online registration.
Employers advertising on job boards like seek.com and careerone.com.au want to take your application online.
Applying for a job online is quite an easy process and you will be guided through it as you go. Follow instructions carefully and have your resume in a handy file on your computer as you will be asked to attach it at some stage through the process.
If you miss entering key information, you will be prompted.
Most job boards will send you a confirmation email to confirm that they have received your application. Keep this email as a reference for your job seekers logbook.
If the employer or employment agency wants to interview you will receive a telephone call or email to confirm and interview date and time. It is important to check your email regularly.
If you are not selected for interview, you may receive an email or letter advising that. Some employers or employment agencies only contact people that they want to interview, but they will tell you this in the online advertisement.
Applying on the Telephone
When you call an employer to discuss a job opportunity remember, this is your chance to make a good impression.
Before you call, write down a list of questions that you want to ask, like what the job involves, and the skills required. Make sure you have all your paperwork in front of you, including your resume and the job advertisement, a pen and paper to write down any important information.
Ask for the contact person mentioned in the job advertisement. If they are not there, ask when they will be available and call back at that time.
Speak clearly, be polite and listen. If you don't understand something, ask the person to tell you again (or you may miss something important). Tell the person you are speaking to that you are interested in the position and eager to come in for an interview.
If the employer asks you to send them information, such as your resume, ask for the correct spelling of both the person's name you are writing to, the company name, email and postal addresses before you end the call.
If asked to go in for an interview, make sure you get the correct address, time and date before you end the call, thank the person you have been speaking to.
Applying in Writing
Your written job application is a brief introduction of yourself to employers. It is often the first contact you will have with them. An employer will use the application to help them decide if they will interview you for the job.
The application letter says that you would like to apply for the job and the reasons why.
It is important to take time and care with your application to make it look good and to make sure that all the information is clear and easy to read. Make sure you print your letter on white A4 paper, unless the employer asks for a handwritten application.
Your address, phone number and the date must be on the letter.
Always address the letter to the person named in the advertisement. If no name has been mentioned, take the time to call the employer and ask for the name of the person you should address the application to.
Include the following information:
- Refer to the job and where and when you saw it advertised
- Put in any information about work you have done before
- When you describe the sort of work you have done, don't use vague words like 'fairly', 'reasonably' and 'slightly'; use 'I' words, and positive words and phrases such as: -
- I have - I can - I am experienced
- I have completed - I am capable of - I am able to
- Close your letter by saying that you are available for an interview
- You can end your letter with 'Yours sincerely' if using a First Name (Dear Mary, Dear Bill etc.) or 'Yours faithfully' if using a title and last name (Dear Mr Smith).
- Attach your resume.
Following is an example of an application letter.
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(Example) Re: Clerical Position (include a job number when one has been supplied) My name is Jane Jones. I am applying for the position of administration assistant |
