Nine Things to Consider Before You Submit Your Job Application

By Jennifer Mansell, Career Advisor

This time of year is filled with excitement and uncertainty as graduates embark on the next chapter of their lives and search for employment opportunities. If this resonates with you, below are a few tips to consider before submitting your application.

1.  Create a Search Strategy: Your career advisor can assist in creating a search strategy to meet your goals. Students graduating from the James M. Hull College of Business and Augusta University have free access to your career advisor for one year after graduation. Click here to schedule an appointment.

2.  Update Your Resume: Your resume should be tailored to each job description, so it stands out from other resumes. Include key words from the job posting as “skills” on your resume. Remember to support your “skills” with bullet points in the “experience” section to avoid sending red flags. Upload your resume for review in Handshake.

3. Prepare Your References: Reach out to individuals you would like to include as references. Once you are considered for opportunities, provide a copy of the job posting to each reference, so they can prepare for the recruiter’s call. A well-articulated reference can make the difference in whether you or another candidate is hired.

4. Setup Your Voicemail + a Professional Email: Setup and record a professional voicemail on the phone number you provide on your resume. Recruiters and hiring managers will move forward with another candidate if they are not able to reach you. Avoid using a “psych-out” voicemail that mimics a person answering the phone as this could be perceived as immature. A professional email address is a must to portray professionalism. You do not want a recruiter to remember you because of your email address. An example of a professional email address is first name_last name@gmail.com.

5. Review Your Social Media: Update your LinkedIn profile, connect with professionals, and post industry-related content to showcase your knowledge. Remove pictures, videos, and posts from all social media that do not represent you in a way you want a potential employer to see.

6. Schedule a Mock Interview: Schedule a mock interview with your career advisor to prepare for the real interview(s). Provide your resume and a sample job title as this assists the career advisor in creating a realistic interview.

7. Utilize Big Interview: Use Big Interview to hone your interviewing skills, view your recorded practice run, and answer real interview questions tailored to the industry of your choice. Click here to login.

8. Research the Company: Research the company to identify how well your values and goals match that of the company. This information will also be helpful when writing a cover letter and during an interview.

9. Update Your Handshake Account: Update Handshake with an email you plan to use after graduation. A viable email address helps the James M. Hull College of Business and career advisor contact you and promote opportunities after the cap and gown are removed.

Written by
Tim Rausch

Tim Rausch is a Communication Strategist in the Dean's Office at the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University.

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Written by Tim Rausch

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The James M. Hull College of Business is accredited by AACSB International and offers outstanding, highly-engaged business education at the undergraduate and graduate levels.