Application Best Practices

Congratulations on finding a job  you are interested in applying to! It takes a lot of work to get to this point. Your career coach can help you navigate the specifics of the job application process, but below you can find general tips to keep in mind.

Organize your information

Whether you are applying through an online portal or a fillable document, these formats can be tricky to navigate. It’s best to review the application and make a list of all the information you need to compile (e.g., cover letter, reference information). If you collect, organize, and save this information in a separate document it will make filling out the application much easier!   

Here is a useful tracker to help you keep your information organized. 

Many of the online portals require you to create an account. Be sure to stay organized with any usernames and associated passwords you create.  

Familiarize yourself with the technology

Familiarize yourself with the technology you need to complete the application. Certain online portals require specific Internet browsers or some fillable documents may require specific software (e.g., Adobe). Remember to hit save often -- doing this can help make sure you do not lose information if you experience technical difficulties.

Saving your resume and cover letter

You are almost ready to submit your application. Remember a few details to really make your application shine:

• Save your documents with a concise, informative file name. Under “File” click on “Save As” and create a name for your document. Always include your last name and an identifier, for example, “Smith Resume.” 

• Make sure you proofread—or have someone else proofread—your application before submitting it. Misspelled or grammatically incorrect applications will likely hurt your chances of getting an interview. 

• Triple check that you are saving and attaching the correct files. If you have multiple versions of your resume, you can always add to the name: “Last Name_Resume_ExecAdmin.” 

Informational Interview Best Practices

An informational interview is a great opportunity to advance your knowledge of a field or company while also building your professional network. It is not a job interview, but is rather a meeting with someone working in a field or company that interests you. 

It is a valuable opportunity to learn about the real-life experiences of someone working in a field or company that you think would align with your own strengths and interests. While an informational interview won’t result in a job, it is still an important part of the job application process, so you need to demonstrate the same preparation and professionalism as if it were a job interview. 

Tips for how to make the most of an informational interview 

Have fun! It can be very exciting to speak with someone who has your desired career. The person that is meeting with you is likely passionate about their career and will be excited to discuss a shared interest with you. This experience can provide a great source of inspiration and motivation for your job search process. 

Express genuine gratitude. Unlike a job interview, the purpose of an informational interview is primarily to help you build out your network and give you a greater understanding of the field. The person you are meeting with will appreciate knowing that you value this experience. You’ll want to be sure to stick to the Follow-Up Thank You Email Best Practices throughout this process. 

Do your research and prepare ahead of time. You can gain better insight by learning as much as you can about the contact’s career path, company, and field in general. Read the LinkedIn profile of the person you are meeting with or Google search their career and company . 

Listen to the professional you are meeting with. An important part of the informational interview is to learn the ins and outs of a company and/or field. This is information you likely would not otherwise be able to acquire. The informational interview is less about selling yourself and more about taking in all the valuable information this contact has to offer. 

Build a lasting connection. It’s also important to remember that you are playing the “long game.” Instead of asking this contact for a job opportunity and possibly making this person feel uncomfortable, realize that developing a potential mentor or advocate can have greater impact in the long run. If there is an opening at this person’s company in the future, you might be the first person they think of for it. 

Stay in touch with this contact. You can ask if it’s okay to stay in contact and to follow this person on LinkedIn. If the information from this experience helped you secure a job, let the person know. They will appreciate knowing they were able to help facilitate another person’s success. 

This information has been adapted from the article, “How to Get the Most Out of an Informational Interview.” Click here to check it out for even more information.