We all wish the path to an outstanding career could be travelled with nothing but a sturdy pair of shoes, a head full of dreams and a heart full of courage, but there are quite a few other bits and bobs we’ll need for that journey.
So what goes into the career-seeker’s toolbox? Let’s have a rundown of the essential job application items that should become any aspiring professional’s best friends.
1. Your Application Documents – These documents can be further classified as your cover letter, resumé, and curriculum vitae.
a. Cover letter – Traditionally, the cover letter (also known colloquially as an application letter) is included in any job application. Its primary purpose is to convey the career-seeker’s interest in an employer’s vacant position. For best results, follow the appropriate business letter-writing format (or the employer’s format if they provided one.) Be clear about your purpose and the things you can bring to the table.
b. Resumé – This is the job application document most familiar to us. It’s also the one that unfortunately gets written poorly most of the time. The best way to use a resumé is as a means of showing your professional and academic background. Unnecessary details like personal information (except for contact information) and hobbies can be removed without lessening the effectiveness of the resumé.
c. Curriculum vitae – Literally meaning “course of life” in Latin, the CV is the more comprehensive cousin of the resumé. It covers everything beginning from your higher education background to all the jobs you’ve had, projects and papers, certifications and membership in organizations, and even volunteer work. The CV is mostly used in applying for academic, research-oriented, medical, public service and top management positions. The rule of thumb for writing your CV is “If you’ve done it, include it.” (But do make sure that “it” is relevant.)
2. Your Writing Implements – It cannot be emphasized enough that bringing a pen is necessary. It has so many possible uses at the offices you will be walking into. It also signals to the hiring manager that you’re thinking like a well-prepared professional, which is especially important when applying for your first job. At any rate, bringing a pen can help you avoid embarrassing “May I borrow your pen?” situations. When choosing writing implements, remember to prepare backups and consider the possible activities. If you expect that there will also be sketching or drafting involved (like hands-on tests for arts or engineering positions), bring a couple of pens and pencils with reliable erasers.
3. Your Notepad – Being able to take down notes at a moment’s notice is convenient, especially during very interactive interviews that require you to answer several questions with an essay-type answer. It also signals to the interviewer that you are organized and detail-oriented, which can be advantages for applying to certain industries.
4. Your Supporting Documents – This is a broad classification that includes stuff that can serve as proof of your accomplishments. Training certificates, work portfolios and IDs can show your potential employer that they don’t have to just take your word or resumé at face value. Positions in government and law enforcement, health services and the academe can be very specific about these documents.
5. Your Document Sleeve – Any ordinary folder or envelope in a size that matches your documents will do. A point can be argued for using folders or envelopes that feature your school’s or organization’s signature or logo, but there are much better ways of impressing the hiring manager with where you graduated or where you’ve gained membership.
6. Your Digital Storage – We’re not saying that you have to haul around the massive block of plastic-coated circuitry that you refer to as your external hard drive, but having a pocket-sized drive or even a flash drive filled with soft copies of your documents can help you out of some difficult situations (like applying to companies that observe a paperless workplace policy.) If you don’t have a flash drive, you can ensure the accessibility of your documents by uploading them to your email or social media accounts, preferably professional network sites. Whatever the case, this will also show that you are maximizing the best that technology has to offer in the pursuit of your career.
7. Your Emergency Rations – No, not the kind that you need for natural disasters (though you never know, that may actually happen without notice.) The main purpose of these rations is to keep your energy up in case you’ll be staying at your potential employer’s office for a while. If the next big-meal break is still a few hours away, some candy, crackers and a bottle of water will go a long way. Just try to avoid crazy flavors that might be hazardous to your breath.
8. Your Career-Seeker’s Toolbox – Of course, this is what brings the whole kit together. While backpacks are convenient overall, they convey a sense of not having left behind your schooling years. Sling bags designed to hold folders or even laptops will work really well for both ladies and gentlemen. The ladies may also wish to use shoulder bags of a sensible or conservative design, with enough room to store folders without getting them crumpled.
Stuff like laptops for presentations, extra clothes, and umbrellas are also good to have but are selectively applicable. Remember to check the weather before packing for heavy rain, or to read the application instructions on whether to bring a computer or not.
This kit will serve your career-seeking purposes on most occasions. Adjustments to different interview appointments or walk-ins are easy, all you need is to add or remove a few items and you’ll be ready to go. With this toolbox, the jungle out there won’t seem too wild. Now all that’s left is to blaze that trail.