With the world becoming more digital, there is an increasing number of online applications being used for job searching. According to Payscale.com, around 40% of American workers now use online applications to look for a job. This is expected to rise to around 50% by next year.
These applications have made it easier for job seekers to search for a job, and easier for employers to screen applicants. However, this comes with some inherent limitations. One of the biggest limitations is the writing requirement of the application.
This is something that requires careful consideration, as poor writing skills can torpedo an applicant at the pre-interview stage, and hinder their chance of being hired. In this article, we will discuss what are the writing requirements when applying for a job, and how you can prepare for job interviews, even if you lack formal training in writing.
The Importance Of Writing
While computers have made life much easier for humans in terms of handling information, written communication is still considered vital. Research shows that around 80% of the information absorbed by the brain during a conversation is processed through the written word. This makes it necessary to have at least a basic understanding of grammar and the mechanics of writing. Knowing how to write an effective resume, cover letter, and applying for a job respectively are all important skills that will give you a competitive edge in your job search.
Why Are The Writing Requirements There?
Even though writing is considered important, there is still a difference between what you might write for a school assignment, and what you will need to write in order to secure a job. The former might be based on a template, while the latter will need to be unique and concise.
To put it simply, your application will be screended upon by a human being, and it is therefore in your own interest to ensure that these screeners can understand you clearly. This means that your application should be concise, to the point, and easy to understand. Your resume should also be easy to follow, and present your skills in a meaningful way. The writing for a job application is not something you might expect to be asked to do, but it is nonetheless helpful to have the basic skills to pull it off.
What Should You Include In Your Resume?
When applying for a job, your resume will be parsed by humans, and it is therefore important that you include only the most relevant information for the position you are applying for. If your resume is longer than two pages, then it might be best to split it into two separate documents – one for the job application, and one for the cover letter. These documents should be concise, and include only the most relevant information for the position you are applying for. You should also ensure that all citations and bibliography are correct and make sense in context.
Include only the most relevant information for the position you are applying for. In the screenshot below, you can see how having more information than is necessary clutters up the page, and makes it hard for the reader to focus on the key pieces of information.
How To Write A Concise Resume?
To write a concise resume, you need to strip away all the excess verbiage and keep only the critical information. There are several easy tricks you can use to achieve this. The first and most important trick is to focus on what you have done, rather than what you want to do. Most people, when asked about their skills, will list a series of tasks, rather than skills. For example, if you are applying for a content manager role, instead of saying that you can edit copy, you should list the publications you’ve been involved with, and include any accolades you’ve received. You can use a tool like MyResume.com to easily create a resume that is concise and easy to read. The second important thing to do is to ensure that your resume is valid. One of the easiest ways to get a resume rejected is by including irrelevant information, or by using language that is not up to date with the position you are applying for.
How To Write A Cover Letter?
Writing a cover letter is a good opportunity to highlight your accomplishments, and tailor them to the position you are applying for. A cover letter is also a good place to introduce yourself to the employer, and give them some insight into your skills, experience, and why you are the right person for the job.
A cover letter should not be an extension of your resume, as the two should serve different purposes. Your resume should outline your experience and skills, while a cover letter should briefly mention the reasons you are applying for the job, and include a small summary of what makes you a fit for the role. Keep your sentences short and to the point, and avoid using fancy phrases or polysyllabic words. Make sure that your references are relevant to the position, and check whether or not they are currently working. You can use a tool like MyResume.com to easily create a cover letter that is concise and easy to read.
In conclusion, learning to write well is not something that happens overnight. It takes practice and effort to learn how to write concisely and effectively, and it is something you should certainly be aware of, even if you are not formally trained in writing. Knowing how to write an effective resume, cover letter, and applying for a job respectively are all important skills that will give you a competitive edge in your job search.