3 Simple Tips for Successful Job Applications - FlexJobs

3 Simple Tips for Successful Job Applications - FlexJobs3 Simple Tips for Successful Job Applications -163 Simple Tips for Successful Job Applications1) Customize every resume and cover letter. We cant stress this enough if youre just sending in the same old documents for every job posting, youre essentially throwing your application away. Because many companies (small, medium, and large) use application screening software to weed out applicants who dont qualify, its vitally important to include key words and phrases in your documents, and to change those key words and phrases for EVERY job application. Heres how to customize your resumes and cover letters using keywords. CEO Sara Sutton and 15 other small business owners sounded off recently on how they screen job candidates for RecruiterBox and this was one of their biggest complaints. Says Massimo Baldini, the president of Livio Radio, If they dont have the time to craft a cover letter tailored to the job opening, it means that they are not committed and you can immediately strike them out.2) Follow the instructions explicitly. Like we said before, everything is fast-paced today. But dont speed through a job application without following every instruction given because one of the biggest ways to get your application tossed in the trash is to not follow directions. Says Sara, I specify that applicants need to provide ALL information requested in my job posting, and any of those that dont follow instructions will not be considered. Its amazing how many people weed themselves out.3) Listen to your high school English teacher and proofread. It doesnt matter what type of job youre applying for employers want to know that their employees can communicate effectively in writing, and that includes grammar, sentence structure, spelling, and punctuation. No, you dont need to bury yourself in writing guides and learn exact APA or MLA style, but you should pay attention to your writing and make it as good as you possi bly can. Says Scott Cowley, head of SEO for Zagg Inc., If people cant write complete, coherent, grammatically correct sentences in their resume, I screen them out automatically.These tips dont require an advanced degree to figure out, and were sure that rocket scientists make these same mistakes just like any other job binnenseeker. But if you take the time to follow these three basic rules for your job applications, youre sure to see an increase in job interview invitations. And isnt that the whole point? For even more tips, check out these 10 ways to increase your job search success.Readers, how do you create successful job applications? Share your tips