Applying process and tips
Applying for jobs is an enormous pain in the ass. To do it well you have to dedicate time and effort. It's not very fun and much like college applications, it's a huge crapshoot. You could be the perfect candidate, but you submitted yourr resume one day too late. Or the recruiter had a bad day and lost your application. Countless things can go wrong, even when you put in the effort. But I digress.
Here's my strategy for applying for jobs, step by step!
Write a baseline resume
If you don't have one, write one. You'll need it. Here are a few guides for your baseline:
Write a baseline cover letter
If you don't have one, write one. You'll need it. Here are good guides for your baseline.
- Harvard Business Review (opens in a new tab)
- Indeed (opens in a new tab)
- The Muse (opens in a new tab)
Gather job description details
Start from the top of your job priority list, do the following for each position you're applying to.
Investigate the process
Click through the apply process and see what information is required. Usually it's just a form and a resume, and occasionally a cover letter
Gather details
Carefully read through the job description. Highlight / note the specific skills that the job is asking for. Right now we don't give a shit if they want a "hard worker" or a "self-starter" or a "ninja/wizard/whatever". We want to find the specific skills and capabilities they're looking for.
Make a list
Based on your highlights and notes, you should be able to generate a list of 10 - 20 specific skills, traits etc. that are required to be a successful applicant for this job.
Customize your resume
Take the list you just created and cross-reference it with your resume. As much as possible you need to customize your resume to match the job description.
A few notes:
Don't lie. Massage.
Never claim something you can't back up, but don't be afraid to reposition your skill. For example: My default resume might say something like:
Collaborated with small, medium, and enterprise clients as well as local and global team members to ensure project goals were met or exceeded on schedule.
But the job description says:
Collaborate with technical support team in customer issue diagnosis and resolution.
I can massage this to match like this:
Collaborated with global team of developers to ensure project goals were met and satisfied customer requirements.
By shifting my description slightly, I've shown that I work with technical team members (check) and that I've worked with customers (check).
It's okay if you don't have every skill.
But you need to make sure that if you have the skill, or have a closely related skill, you mention it. You will not get an interview if you don't make yourself look as close to the job description as reasonably possible.
This isn't just to smush the right keywords in to get past Skynet filters. Do not overoptimize for keywords. Optimize your skills for what they want.
Now repeat the same process with your cover letter.
A few notes...
- This time, if you want to, you can include some of the soft skills.
- You should also use this as an opportunity to fill in gaps. If you don't have X skill / accreditation that they want, try to fill it in with something in the cover letter.
- Research a few facts about the company and slide them in eloquently. Showing that you know even a little bit about the company you're applying to can be the difference that'll score you that sweet sweet recruiter phone screen.
Submit that application!
Now that you have a resume and a cover letter that are optimized for the job you're applying for, submit that application!
Update your tracker.
I like to use the stages:
- Open
- Applied
- Interviewing
- Rejected
- Offered
Start your followups
If available, find the recruiters information. It is often listed on LinkedIn.
If it is, after submitting your application, wait 2-3 business days and send them a note. Something like this should work:
Hi So and so, I recently applied for the _________ position and I saw that you're the recruiting manager for this role. When you get to my resume, please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or if you need any additional information. I'm available to jump on a call to discuss later this week or early next week. Thank you, Joe Smith
If they reply great. If they don't, set a reminder to follow up in 5 business days.
If they reply great. If they don't set up a final reminder to follow up in another 5 business days.
Often times this means you've struck out on the job. But sometimes recruitment takes a long time. Regardless, you've done what you can. Update your tracker and move onto the next one!