How to Prepare a Job Application | 8 Key Steps

A systematic approach to preparing your job application will help you to write a resume (or CV) and cover letter that stand out from the crowd. This article explores the key steps in the process of applying for a job, from understanding what the employer is looking for to organizing and storing your application materials for future use.

1. Analyze the job posting

Knowing how to create a resume and cover letter that will get you an interview is all about highlighting your relevant skills, experience, and qualifications. Make sure you read the job posting carefully to determine the aspects of your work history and education as well as the hard skills and soft skills you should foreground in the application.

2. Make a to-do list

Once you’ve studied the job posting in detail, you can make a list of the tasks involved in preparing your application. A traditional cover letter may not be necessary if the employer is using an application portal, but knowing how to write a cover letter will help you to write strong responses to questions that ask you to describe why you’re a great fit for the role.

In addition to preparing a resume and cover letter, the application may include the following tasks.

• Filling out an online job application form
• Writing detailed responses to questions on an application portal
• Completing a specific task requested by the employer to check you’ve read the posting carefully (e.g., following a social media page or sending a short email)
• Converting your resume and cover letter into the requested format (e.g., a PDF)

3. Research the company

Reading up on the organization you’re applying to will help you prepare a job application that reflects its culture and values, strikes the right tone, and includes the specific details that characterize a strong resume and cover letter.

4. Tailor your resume

The purpose of a resume is to give your potential employer an overview of your work experience, skills, education, and qualifications. Adapting your resume for each application to showcase your most relevant credentials will help to persuade the employer that you’re right for the job and enable you to keep the resume to an appropriate length.

When tailoring your resume for a specific job application, you also need to consider how far back the resume should go and which of your past roles are most relevant to the application—those are the ones you’ll want to highlight with more detail.

When it comes to the resume format, you have to decide whether to go with a chronological or functional resume layout and if you should include a resume objective, resume summary, and references.

5. Tailor your cover letter

Some of the content in your resume will be repeated in the cover letter, but a cover letter and a resume have distinct purposes. The purpose of a cover letter is to pinpoint exactly why you’re a strong candidate for the position.

There are established conventions for formatting cover letters.

• You need to be concise and keep the cover letter to an appropriate length.
• Address your cover letter to the right person based on the information in the job posting.
• If you don’t have a name to address your cover letter to, choose a generic salutation that matches the tone of your letter.
• The start of a cover letter typically states the position you’re applying for, gives a brief description of your background, highlights what makes you a strong candidate, and explains why you want to work for the organization.
• The end of a cover letter typically restates why you’re a great fit, thanks the reader, and includes a call to action.

6. Fill out the job application

You may have to fill out an online or paper job application form that asks for your personal details. Job applications can also require a lot of information that is already in your resume, such as your work history, and include questions like “Why do you want to work for our company?” that invite you to respond with the kind of statements typically included in a cover letter.

It’s OK to repeat content from your tailored resume and cover letter when answering a question in the job application, but you’ll probably have to adapt it slightly to answer it precisely—be careful when copying and pasting.

Take the time to answer the questions on the job application carefully as they’re often the first thing that the company will process or read.

7. Update your LinkedIn

Make sure your social media profiles are up-to-date because even if you haven’t included them in your application, potential employers may still look you up. If you have a LinkedIn account, check that your LinkedIn summary aligns with your current career goals.

8. Store the application

After submitting your application, save your resume, cover letter, and any responses to application questions in an organized way. Use a clear folder structure so you can easily find these materials when preparing for an interview or adapting them for future applications.

Frequently asked questions about job applications

Can a resume be 2 pages?

A resume can be two pages long, especially if you have significant experience or a wide range of skills and accomplishments you want to mention. If you have five or more years experience, or if you are applying for a role that requires a detailed overview of your expertise, a two-page resume might be a good choice. However, if you’re early in your career, it’s generally better to keep it to one page.

If the job requires highly detailed information about your qualifications, you might want to consider submitting a CV instead, which tends to be longer and provides a more in-depth look at your career. You can also elaborate on your experience in your cover letter or letter of interest.

How do I list education on a resume?

When listing your education on your resume, create a specific “Education” section to clearly display your academic background. Include the title of the degree you’ve earned, your chosen field of study, the institution’s name, and your graduation date. If you haven’t graduated yet, you can include the date you expect to graduate.

If you have multiple degrees, list them in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent. You can also mention any academic honors, relevant coursework, or extracurricular activities if you think they are relevant to the role you’re applying for. QuillBot’s Paraphraser can help you refine your education section to effectively highlight your qualifications. You can also use it to improve aspects of your cover letter and letter of interest.

How do I list certifications on a resume?

When listing certifications on your resume, create a dedicated “Certifications” section to make them easy to find. For each certification, include the certification name, the name of the issuing organization, and the date you earned it. If a certification is still in progress, you can include the expected completion date.

It’s best to focus on the certifications most relevant to the role you’re applying for to showcase specialized skills, industry knowledge, and commitment to professional growth. QuillBot’s Paraphraser can help you refine your resume, cover letter, or letter of interest.

Do you need a resume for your first job?

A resume may not always be required for your first job, but having one can give you an advantage. Including a resume allows you to describe your skills, education, and any volunteer work or extracurricular activities that highlight your qualifications.

Even without formal work experience, your resume can reflect your professionalism and readiness to take on responsibilities. QuillBot’s Paraphraser can help you polish your resume, cover letter, or letter of interest and make a positive impression on potential employers.

What’s another word for managed on a resume?

Some synonyms and near synonyms of “managed” include:

• Led
• Directed
• Oversaw
• Coordinated
• Supervised
• Organized
• Administered
• Executed 

Incorporating strong action verbs like “organized” or “directed” can help highlight your contributions and make your resume, cover letter, and letter of interest more dynamic and impactful. You can find more synonyms for verbs like “managed” with the QuillBot Paraphraser.