When you find a job listing that you’re interested in applying for, it can feel both exciting but also a little daunting. When you’re looking at something on one of the most popular platforms, you know that many other qualified candidates are probably also looking. You want to get your application in as soon as possible, but you also need to take care to ensure that you’re presenting yourself as a strong applicant. Here are some essential things that you need to do in advance of applying.
Revise Your Resume
If it’s been a while since you’ve reviewed your resume, you should definitely take some time to give it a once over with a fresh set of eyes. First and foremost, be sure that you don’t have any oversights or grammatical errors on your resume. Second, check if all of the information is accurate and current. Lastly, consider how well the way that you’ve represented your experience translates to the position that you’re applying for. It may be a good idea to emphasize certain responsibilities over others or highlight certain achievements.
Check Your Credit
A growing number of employers look at job applicants’ credit scores. Some people think that an employer shouldn’t really care if they have good or bad credit. After all, it’s the employer who pays the employee and not the other way around. However, strong credit is a trait that employers like to see. It shows financial responsibility and general dependability. Furthermore, if you’re applying for a role that involves working with a company’s funds or customers’ accounts, poor credit could be a serious red flag. Do a credit check as soon as you determine that you’re on the hunt for a new job so you can know where you stand. If you find that you need to resolve individual line items or just give your score a boost, take some proactive measures to start moving your credit in the right direction.
Line Up Your References
If you get called in for an interview, you’ll need to have three references ready to go. Not all employers will check references, but you should definitely expect someone to reach out to the people you list. Make it a point to check in with anyone who you’re going to list as a reference in advance of providing their information. When they know to anticipate a call or an email, they’ll be more likely to respond quickly. When you speak to potential references, be sure to let them know how excited you are to apply for a particular role. More specifically, try to share a little insight about what’s appealing about it to you or why you think you’ll be a good fit. By sharing this with them, you’re giving them some useful information to share with a hiring manager. You may also get the wheels in their head-turning about why your experience makes you a good candidate and some of the positive things that they can say about your work.
Create a Professional Sounding Voicemail
With a well-written cover letter and resume, you can hope to get an email or call from a hiring manager. If someone contacts you by phone, you’ll want to make a positive first impression. Your voicemail greeting may be the first way that a person interacts with you over the phone. Listen to your greeting and make sure it sounds clear, calm, and professional.
Some smart preparation can go a long way when you’re applying for a job. It may make the application process a little less stressful and improve your chances of landing the role that you want.