From Indeed: Applying for a job is an important step in the hiring process. Your application shows your interest in the job and informs the employer of your relevant skills and experience. Knowing how to complete a job application well can have a significant impact on your chances of receiving an invitation to interview.

How to complete a job application

Submitting a job application is often the first contact you have with a potential employer, so you better make a good impression. Knowing what to write and what the hiring manager is looking for will help you to submit an application that gets you an interview.

10 tips:

1. Read over the job application

Reading the job application may seem like an obvious step but people frequently skip it. Even if you scanned the job description before you decided to apply, it is still a good idea to go back and read it a couple of more times to make sure you did not miss any details. Employers typically receive hundreds of applications for a position. One of the most common methods they will use to narrow the applicant pool is to eliminate anyone who they think did not read the job description or requirements or has messy cross outs.

2. Use a professional tone throughout

A professional job application calls for a professional tone to your resume, cover letter, application, and other materials you may submit. Make sure your language is not too casual or inappropriate. Ask others to proofread for tone and typos.

3. Follow the instructions

Sometimes a field calls for a full paragraph, a couple sentences or just a “yes” or “no”. There are also fields that require you to spend some time answering in-depth questions. Regardless of what the specific questions requires, make sure you are answering it correctly. Read the question a couple times to make sure you understand and take some time to formulate a thorough answer.

4. Tailor your cover letter to the jo

Draw on the information in the job description and write a cover letter that frames you as the perfect candidate. Keep your sentences concise but impactful. Include as much relevant information as you can efficiently fit into a page’s worth of paragraphs. If the employer likes what they read, they will use the interview process to learn more about the goals or skills you mentioned in your cover letter

5. Include keywords in your resume

Review the description and find words that look like they relate to traits, skills or experiences that the company is looking for. Use them tactfully throughout your resume and cover letter. There is no need to be heavy handed with them; a few subtle references are sufficient.

6. Check your responses for errors

Misspellings and grammar errors show an employer you did not care enough to take the time to proofread or that you are not proficient with written communication. Most jobs require basic communication skills, so not putting in the effort to submit a resume that is free from spelling errors, uses the correct pronouns and follows other grammar rules can hinder your chances of being hired. Ask someone to proofread! Sometimes others see things we miss

7. Track your applications when applying for multiple jobs

Remember to keep careful track all your online job profiles, so you know where you have applied and the roles you have applied to. Keep a spreadsheet or a list of the company names and roles you have applied to, in order to create a quick reference and check in on the process - you can get in touch with employers to let them know you care about the job and hope you are being considered.

8. Tidy your social media profiles