13 Tried-and-Tested Steps for a Successful Job Application

Preparing for the Job

Take some time to prepare before hitting “submit.” 

A strong application starts with understanding the company, tailoring your materials, and presenting yourself as the ideal candidate. Here’s how to set yourself up for success:

#1. Research the Company and Role 

Firstly, start by digging into the company’s mission, values, and culture. Visit their website, read recent news, and check their social media. This helps you align your application with what they care about.

Check your potential employer’s online footprint even if you’re not applying to a household name or big company. Chances are, you’ll be able to find at least one source to help you understand their values and work culture better.

Next, analyze the job description. This is extremely important, as it helps you identify key skills, qualifications, and responsibilities. For example, if the job posting uses keywords like "project management" and "team collaboration," highlight your experience leading teams or managing deadlines in your job application.

Similarly, if you’re applying for a marketing position requiring "data-driven decision-making," you could mention a campaign where you “used analytics to boost engagement by 30%” in your resume or cover letter. 

Tailoring your application to the job description shows that you’ve done your homework and can help you breeze through any application tracking system (ATS).

#2. Update and Tailor Your Resume 

Your resume is arguably the most important document in your job application. 

And, according to several resume statistics, hiring managers take less than six seconds to decide whether a candidate fits the job. This means you’ve got little time to make a great first impression, so you’ve got to make it count. 

Here are all the elements of an attention-grabbing resume: 

• Proper formatting. We recommend using the chronological resume format in 99% of cases. This format emphasizes your most recent and relevant work experience and is also hiring managers’ favorite worldwide. 
• Well-organized layout. Hiring managers look at your resume before reading it. If it looks cluttered or disorganized, they might throw it in the “no” pile. Keep your resume one page long, and use clear headings, bullet points, and a professional font for an eye-catching resume.
• Relevant contact information. Only include your name and surname, a professional email address, phone number, location, LinkedIn URL, and any other relevant links. 
• Impressive resume summary. An attention-grabbing resume summary is your best chance for the hiring manager to dive into your resume. Highlight your years in the field, top achievements, and most relevant skills to make an impression. 
• Tailored work experience. Highlight experience, skills, and achievements that directly match the position requirements. For instance, if the role requires "customer service expertise," talk about your experience improving satisfaction scores.
• Quantifiable achievements. Quantify your impact wherever possible. Instead of saying, "Managed social media accounts," say, "Grew social media following by 40% in six months through targeted campaigns." Numbers grab attention and prove your value.
• Updated skills section. Include both hard skills (e.g., "Proficient in Python") and soft skills (e.g., "Team leadership") that align with the job. Use keywords from the job description to pass Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
• Optional sections. Add sections like certifications, volunteer work, or hobbies if they strengthen your application. For example, a project management certification or volunteer leadership role can showcase additional qualifications.

The following resume is a perfect example of everything we mentioned above: 

#3. Craft a Compelling Cover Letter

Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and show why you’re the perfect fit for the role. While your resume lists your achievements, your cover letter can bring them to life with personality and passion.

This is also the perfect opportunity to explain a career change or a long employment gap more in-depth. 

Here’s how to write a cover letter that stands out:

• Start strong. Address the hiring manager by name (e.g., “Dear Ms. Smith”) and open with a hook. Mention the role you’re applying for and why you’re excited about it. For example, “I’m thrilled to apply for the Marketing Manager role at XYZ Company, where I can leverage my 5+ years of experience driving innovative campaigns.”
• Show, don’t just tell. Highlight one or two key achievements that align with the job description. For instance, “In my previous role, I led a team that increased website traffic by 50% through SEO optimization and content strategy.”
• Connect with the company. Demonstrate that you’ve researched the company and understand its goals. For example, “I admire XYZ Company’s commitment to sustainability, and I’d love to contribute by expanding your eco-friendly product line.”
• End with enthusiasm. Close your cover letter by reiterating your interest in the role and inviting further discussion. For example, “I’d love the opportunity to bring my expertise in digital marketing to XYZ Company. Let’s connect to discuss how I can contribute to your team’s success.”
• Keep it concise. Stick to one page and make sure it’s well-formatted – or use one of our professional cover letter templates. Proofread for errors; typos can ruin an otherwise great impression.

#4. Check Your Online Presence 

It’s a digital age and your online presence is just as important as your resume. 

Hiring managers often Google candidates or check their social media profiles to get a sense of who they are. Make sure your online footprint reflects your professionalism and aligns with the job you’re applying for.

Start by updating your LinkedIn profile. Ensure it matches your resume, with a professional photo, a compelling headline, and detailed descriptions of your experience. Use keywords from the job description to optimize your profile for searchability.

Next, clean up your social media. Delete or make private any posts, photos, or comments that could be seen as unprofessional. Employers want a good cultural fit, so keep your online persona polished.

If relevant, create a portfolio or personal website. A portfolio showcasing your work can set you apart in creative fields, tech, or marketing. Include case studies, projects, or testimonials that demonstrate your skills.

#5. Gather References 

References can be a powerful way to validate your skills and work ethic, but how you present them matters. You can list references directly on your resume if the employer requires it, but don’t go out of your way to add them otherwise.

We also recommend skipping the phrase “References available upon request” at the bottom of your resume. Employers already know that and they will ask for references if necessary.

To gather them, start by identifying two to three professional references who can attest to your qualifications. 

These could be former managers, coworkers, or mentors who know your work well. Make sure they’re prepared by informing them about the job you’re applying for and sharing your updated resume. If, for example, you’re applying for a project management role, choose a reference who can highlight your leadership skills, like a former supervisor who oversaw a successful project you led.

Having strong references ready shows you’re organized and confident in your abilities. Just remember to always ask for permission before listing someone as a reference—it’s common courtesy and ensures they’re prepared to vouch for you.

Submitting Your Materials 

Once your application materials are polished and ready, it’s time to submit them. 

This stage is all about attention to detail – small mistakes can cost you the opportunity, so double-check everything before hitting “send.”

#6. Follow Application Instructions Carefully

Every job application is different, and employers often include specific instructions to test your ability to follow directions. Whether they ask for a PDF resume, a portfolio link, or a specific email subject line, adhere to their requirements exactly.

For example, if the job posting says, “Include ‘Marketing Specialist Application’ in the email subject line,” don’t deviate. Ignoring instructions can make you seem careless or disinterested.

Also, ensure all required documents (resume, cover letter, motivation letter, etc.) are included and properly formatted. 

If you’re unsure about any instructions, contact the hiring manager for clarification – it could even prove you’re proactive and attentive to detail.

#7. Write a Professional Email (if Applicable)

If you’re submitting your application via email, your message is the very first thing the hiring manager will see. Use a clear and professional subject line, such as “Application for [Job Title] – [Your Name],” unless otherwise specified. 

Keep the body of the email concise and polite. Introduce yourself, mention the role you’re applying for, and briefly highlight why you’re a great fit. For example:

Double-check for typos, ensure you’ve included all (the right) attachments, and use a professional email address – preferably, a combination of your first and last name (e.g. johndoe@email.com or john.d@email.com). 

#8. Apply Through the Right Channels 

Where and how you submit your application matters. Always use the company’s preferred method, whether an online portal, email, or a recruiter. If you’re applying through an online job board, ensure your profile is complete and up-to-date.

So, for example, if the job posting directs you to apply through the company’s career portal, don’t email your application instead. Being able to follow their instructions is the very first step in the screening process.

If you’re unsure about the correct application channel, visit the company’s website or contact its HR department for help. Applying through the right channels is how you can ensure that your application reaches the right people.

Following Up

You finally submitted your job application, but you’re not done yet. If you’re enthusiastic about the position, you should follow up to stay on the hiring manager’s radar. 

Here’s how to do that effectively and without overstepping:

#9. Send a Follow-Up Email

After submitting your application, wait one to two weeks before sending a polite follow-up email. This shows you’re genuinely interested in the role without being pushy. Keep your message brief and professional.

This simple step can help make your application more memorable.

#10. Prepare for the Interview 

Once you’ve landed an interview, start preparing to make a great first impression. Here’s how to get ready:

• Practice common interview questions. Prepare responses for questions like “Tell me about yourself,” “What’s your greatest strength?” and “Why do you want to work here?”
• Prepare examples of your achievements. Have two to three stories ready that showcase your skills and accomplishments. For example, “In my last role, I streamlined a process that saved the team 10 hours per week.”
• Use the STAR method. The STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method is a great way to structure your answers to behavioral interview questions. This lets you drive the point home by providing the interviewer with context and details that can back up your achievements.
• Dress appropriately. Choose an interview outfit that matches the company’s culture. When in doubt, lean toward business casual. 
• Plan your questions. Prepare thoughtful questions for the interviewer, such as “What does success look like in this role?” or “How does the team collaborate on projects?”
• Do a mock interview. Practice with a friend or record yourself to refine your answers, body language, and tone.
• Bring copies of your resume and portfolio. Even if you’ve already submitted them, having physical copies shows you’re prepared.
• Arrive early. Aim to be 10-15 minutes early for in-person interviews or log in five minutes early for virtual ones.

#11. Stay Organized 

Job hunting can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re applying to multiple roles. Stay on top of your applications by creating a simple tracking system. Use a spreadsheet or a job application tracker to log details like:

• Company name and job title
• Date of application
• Contact information
• Follow-up dates and notes

Or, save time by using our professional job tracker. It helps you stay organized, avoid missing deadlines, and follow up at the right time.

#12. Continue Networking 

Don’t stop expanding your professional network just because you’ve applied for a job. Reach out to connections at the company or in the industry for insights or referrals. Attend networking events, webinars, or industry meetups to expand your professional circle.

For example, if you’re applying for a marketing role, connect with current employees on LinkedIn and ask about their experience at the company. A strong network can open doors and give you an edge over other candidates.

#13. Be Patient and Persistent 

Searching for jobs can take time, and rejection is part of the journey. Stay positive, use any feedback to improve your applications, and keep applying to other opportunities while waiting for responses.

Just remember that persistence pays off. Every “no” brings you closer to a “yes.” Stay focused, keep refining your approach, and trust that the right opportunity will come your way.

4 Bonus Tips  

Even with a solid application strategy, small details can make a big difference. Here are some extra tips to help you stand out and avoid common mistakes:

• Proofread everything. Typos and errors can leave a bad impression. Use tools like Grammarly or ask a friend to review your resume, cover letter, and emails. A polished application shows you’re detail-oriented and professional.
• Show enthusiasm. Employers want to hire candidates who are genuinely excited about the role. Let your passion shine through in your tone, whether it’s in your cover letter, email, or interview.
• Be authentic. While tailoring your application is important, don’t lose your unique personality. Authenticity helps you connect with hiring managers and stand out from the crowd.
• Leverage technology. Choose an ATS-friendly resume template to save time and take advantage of AI (Artificial Intelligence) tools like ChatGPT to perfect your resume to give your application a competitive edge. 

Key Takeaways 

You’ve made it to the end! 

Now, you’re ready to craft a job application that stands out and lands you the interview. Before you go, let’s do a quick recap of what we covered:

• Tailor your application by showing that you understand the company’s mission and by analyzing the job description for keywords you can add to your resume.
• Use a clean, professional resume format, highlight your relevant work experience, and quantify your achievements. Percentages, amounts and timeframes give you more credibility. 
• Write a compelling cover letter by showing enthusiasm, connecting your skills to the role, and keeping it concise. Use a strong opening line to grab the hiring manager’s attention.
• Update your LinkedIn profile, clean up your social media, and create a portfolio if it’s relevant to your field. A professional online image can make or break your application.
• Prepare for interviews. Research the company, practice answering the most common interview questions, and prepare thoughtful questions you can ask during the interview.