Wow! I haven’t written in so long, how are all of my HerCampus collegiate women doing on this frigid cold Friday? I thought today’s blog could focus on acing your application; at some point in our college career we are going to have to apply to an internship, job or even school (Nursing, Business, Journalism and Mass Communication, etc.) and so, I have come up with several ways to make your application fabulous!
Provide a Resume
Most applications will ask for a resume; a resume is basically your way of briefly explaining your work experience and skills to your employer. Providing your job history, experience and other skills will make you stand out from other applicants.
I recently created my first resume and found it very fun designing a resume from scratch! Expand your creativity and have some fun with creating your resume…as dorky as at it sounds, I truly enjoyed designing my own!
Neat Penmanship
Try your hardest with your penmanship when filling out parts of the application form. My boyfriend has kindergarten, chicken-scratch handwriting and it makes me cringe every time I see him write things down…hope he doesn’t see this, sorry Josh! Anyway, although an employer may not notice your clear, concise penmanship, they definitely will notice cruddy looking handwriting…perhaps turning them off from hiring you. Keep it classy and you’re on the right track!
Cover Letter/Personal Statement
Most applications will not only ask for a resume, but also a cover letter/personal statement. Cover letters are a one-page typed statement on why you are a perfect candidate to be worth hiring. You basically brag about yourself in the best possible way to win over the peoples’ hearts who are reading your application. I find it most effective to begin your cover letter by introducing yourself and explaining what you are applying for. Then, provide specific reasons as to why you are the perfect candidate; this may include past experiences, classes you have taken, leadership positions or your work ethic. Conclude your cover letter with a precise, intriguing sentence or two that will leave a lasting impression on those viewing your application.
White-Out!
Even though I know I would just start over with a new application, if you miswrite a word or spell it incorrectly instead of scribbling it out, make sure to white it out! It looks extremely unprofessional if you leave a word/phrase scribbled out…when in doubt though, just start over with a new application form.
Revise
Practice makes perfect. This is just the case for applications; if you finish it, go back and reread it. Then go back again and reread it, and then give it to someone else to read and edit. You can never edit an application too much. You will want it to look just perfect so revising is a must!
My Own Experience with Applications
I recently applied to the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Journalism and Mass Communication. My application consisted of an application form asking me to include basic personal information, a resume, a personal statement and two writing samples of my own. For the application form, I had a friend of mine fill it out because she has waaaaayyyyy better penmanship than I do! My aunt, who is a copy editor for Aurora Health Care, helped me tremendously with my resume and personal statement by editing and revising them. I ended up getting into the SJMC and am so ecstatic! If I can do it, so can any of you ladies! Work hard on your application and it will without a doubt pay-off in the end.
Have a fabulous week!