At UCPath, we’re always looking to hire the best possible candidates, and that process starts with an application. Our goal is to have every candidate put their best foot forward so we can properly evaluate their strengths and weaknesses.
Your application is often the first step in creating a memorable first impression. To help you increase your chances of landing an interview, we’ve put together some essential job application tips to guide you through the process.
1. Review the Job Description
This may seem obvious, but it’s important that you take the time to understand fully the job you’re applying to.
Thoroughly reviewing the job description is one of the simplest but most crucial job application tips. By doing so, you will ensure you understand the responsibilities of the position, the required skills and any necessary qualifications. This will not only confirm if you’re a good fit for the role, but also enable you to ensure your application directly addresses each requirement.
2. Gather All Necessary Documents
Next, prepare your resume, cover letter and any additional documents requested (like references, portfolios or transcripts).
Double-check if specific formats or naming conventions are required for each file. Then, find out if there are any unique requirements, such as writing samples or coding challenges, and have those ready to submit.
3. Customize Your Resume and Cover Letter
A top piece of advice among job application tips is always to customize your resume and cover letter for each position. This is your opportunity to highlight your relevant skills and experience.
It’s also a great idea to use keywords from the job description somewhere in your cover letter and resume. That helps improve your chances with recruiters and boost your application in automated application tracking systems.
4. Focus on Quantifying Achievements Where Possible
On your resume, application and cover letter, try to use numbers or specific metrics to highlight achievements (e.g., “increased sales by 20%,” “managed a team of 5”).
These kinds of direct and provable claims are attractive to employers who value results.
5. Maintain a Professional Tone and Format
The next thing to check is your language use. You’ll want to keep your written documents respectful and relatively formal. Avoid any slang or overly casual language. You’re aiming for friendly and open without being too familiar.
Make sure your formatting is clean, consistent and easy to read. Bullet points, headings and clear fonts can help with this.
6. Update Your Contact Information
Depending on when you last updated your resume, you may want to double-check your contact information. That means:
- Phone
- Website
- Address
At the same time, make sure these details are also updated on any online portfolio or personal website you include.
7. Check for Accuracy
Before you submit anything, do one final check for accuracy. Review your resume, cover letter and all fields in the application form for:
- Typos, grammar and spelling errors
- Accurate names
- Correct dates
- Job titles
- Consistent details across all documents and fields
8. Ask for Feedback from a Trusted Source
One of the most valuable job application tips is to get a second opinion before you hit submit. Another set of eyes can be a great help with your job search. They can help you spot issues you might miss on your own.
Ask a friend, mentor or colleague to review your application. Ask them to check for errors as well as suggest any improvements they can think of.
9. Submit Early and Confirm Submission
Once you’re satisfied that your application is accurate, complete and professional, it’s time to submit.
Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. Early submission gives you the best chance to work around unexpected technical issues or requests for more information.
After you submit, check for a confirmation email or message to ensure your application was received. If necessary, follow up with the employer after a couple of days to ensure receipt.
BONUS Tip: What Employers like UCPath Look for on Job Applications
What does reviewing an application look like from the perspective of an employer?
At UCPath, our recruitment team asks themselves questions like these before asking a candidate for an interview:
- Does their application reflect the information on their resume?
- Does their resume match the content on their LinkedIn profile?
- Has a candidate claimed a bachelor’s degree on an application, but does their resume say that their bachelor’s degree is “in progress,” for example?
Regardless of which job you’re applying to, the most important thing you can do to improve your chances of getting an interview is to ensure your application is professional, accurate and complete.
By following these job application tips, you’ll give yourself a strong foundation for a successful job search. The steps listed in this guide are designed to help you respect the employer’s time while also showing your career achievements in the best light. If you follow the steps we listed in this guide, you’ll guarantee these three elements are met.
Applying for jobs? Check out our free guide with expert tips from recruiters on how to land more interviews.
