The discussions of the last Triad Job Search Network (West) meeting was all about Applying for a Job.

The points raised were very good based on the groups real life experiences.

Suggestions  included:

• Ask questions when applying in person. It’s a conversation to determine if you are good fit and if the job is a good fit for you
• Be prepared – do some research on the company, the hiring manager (if possible) and the business.
• Have your references, addresses, contact info ready when asked. This means you have to had prompted your references that you are going to apply for a job where they may get called on.
• Have your full resume available while applying for a job online. Regardless of in person on online, have your resume accessible so that you can reference it and/or cut & paste from it.
• Keep track of all site logins – If you spend a lot of time on various recruiting sites, document the login information so that you don’t have to fumble the next time you apply or update an application.
• Keep track of every job you apply for. It’s not a good thing to forget where and what jobs you applied for. Document everything about the companies and jobs you apply for. (Job Description, date applied, where you applied, etc)
• When you can apply in person. Yes, you will likely need to apply on line because the HR department use these tools to manage candidates. However – applying in person, when you know the hiring manager, is the best way to apply for a job.
• Kiosk applications – Retail sites require that you apply online. However, there can be value in meeting the managers of the different retail departments and at least let them know you are interested in working there. A hello, an exchange of names can help you get your resume viewed by the hiring manager, if this is done locally. It’s worth the few minutes it takes to say hello.
• Always dress for a good job – First appearances are real – make it count. Period
• Use LinkedIn & Facebook to find out who works there before applying. Social Media is your friend – get the most out of these tools. Search for the hiring manager or department head. Don’t stalk them or send a friend request blindly, but wouldn’t be great if your best friend is friends with the department head. Find out.
• Spend time working on applying for the job, you do not need (and should not) rush thru filling out an application. It’s better to take your time and double check what you are entering. Mistakes could be costly. Typos may mean the difference between a conversation or not.
• During online Application questionnaires, pay attention to the questions you answer. Online applications sometimes ask the question in different ways to confirm your first answer. Pay attention. Period
• If you find a job on Indeed, Simplyhired, etc, go directly to the company site and apply there instead. Cut down on the hops to submit your resume and while on their site, look around, see if there are other related openings or if you know or are connected to anyone at the company.
• Don’t get so attached to your resume that you are not willing to change it to better reflect who you are relevant to the job you are applying for. Ask a friend to review your resume and make blunt recommendations.
• Use glassdoor.com or salary.com to find the right salary to enter on the online application. What you enter will become the numbers they relate you too. Go too low and you leave $$ on the table, Go too high and you disqualify yourself. And, what ever numbers you enter you should be ready to take that job at that rate if you get an offer.
• Apply for any job at the company you want to work at in order to get the conversation. During the conversation or interview you may find it’s the right job for you, or you could find another job much more relevant to you. However – be careful not to over do this tactic. Be sure of the company and the job opportunities relevant to you and your skills/experiences.
• Take in consideration the benefits that that job has to offer when applying for it. It may not be just about the salary. The job may have good flexibility, vacation, insurance solutions, stock options or just a really cool place to work and grow  professionally.

These tips came from the Triad Job Search Network meeting. Every Wednesday Noon – 2pm @ the Maple Springs United Methodist Church in Winston-Salem NC.

See TJSN West Schedule for more dates and subjects.