5 Tips For Efficient Job Applications

Most employers expect prospective applicants to complete a lengthy application process, in some cases without even acknowledging their application.

As frustrating as this is, employers will continue to request the completion of these extensive job applications to ensure they invest their time and resources in only the best candidates.

Therefore, it is crucial that you limit the time taken to complete job applications without compromising on their quality to increase your efficiency and allow you to apply for more jobs, which this guide should help with.

1. Multiple CVs

Most people at the threshold of their careers don’t put all their eggs in one basket and instead apply for lots of jobs in different sectors to maximise their chances of employment. Each sector demands a different skill set which should be highlighted in your CV. Because of this, it’s a good idea to have a

Because of this, it’s a good idea to have a separate CV for each sector in which you’re applying for jobs instead of spending time tweaking your CV each time you apply for a different job.

2. Copy and paste online Q&As

In addition to sending your CV, most employers will also require candidates to complete a set of questions on their website. Questions such as ‘describe examples where you’ve shown teamwork/leadership skills’ and ‘what are your weaknesses?’  feature in most job applications.

Consequently, instead of typing out the same answers for each application, prepare a word document with your answers to generic questions from which you can simply copy and paste straight to the online application.

Consequently, instead of typing out the same answers for each application, prepare a word document with your answers to generic questions from which you can simply copy and paste straight to the online application.

3. Draft cover letter

The third thing most employers ask for is a cover letter. To combat this, prepare a generic draft cover letter as a base upon which you can build to specify it for the particular company you’re applying for a job with. This will save time as you won’t be starting from scratch with each cover letter you write.

4. Sign up to a job seeker’s website

There are many websites, such as Reed and Indeed, which employers use to advertise their available jobs. These websites allow you to search for prospective jobs using keywords and locations more efficiently than via a broad search engine like Google.

An additional feature allows you to upload your CV and specify your career aspirations meaning potential employers can come to you rather than you seeking them out.

5. Don’t hand out CVs

There used to be a time when walking up and down your local high street handing CVs out was an effective means of gaining a job, however, times have changed. Most, if not all, employers now require an online CV in order to process your job application, meaning a paper copy is useless.

In addition, if they have a job available they’ll advertise it – they would be very unlikely to create a new vacancy upon receiving your CV. The time spent handing out CVs could be better used searching a recruitment site for vacancies.

If you follow these tips you should minimise the time wasted on job applications and maximise your chance of actually securing a job. Good luck with the job hunt!

Josie Clarkson writes for Inspiring Interns, a graduate recruitment agency which specialises in sourcing candidates for internships and giving out graduate careers advice. To hire graduates or browse graduate jobs, visit their website.