My tips for application questions
A couple months ago, I wrote about my general tips for aligning your application materials to effectively tell your story to recruiters. I went over the basics -- resume, LinkedIn and the cover letter -- and promised a follow-up on this topic.
So today, I want to talk about application questions. More and more organizations are ditching the generic cover letter, and I’m willing to bet that my five-year-old will never have to write one by the time she starts looking for a job. Instead, employers are asking applicants to respond to specific prompts related to the organization and job. I think this is a welcome change, because it forces candidates to really think through the role and organization.
Here are my tips for how to write the best possible responses to application questions:
Write your responses in a Word/Google doc. You’re far less likely to make obvious typos and grammar mistakes in a spell-checked document than if you just write directly on the organization website. Once you’ve written and proofed your answers in the doc, you can upload as part of the application or copy/paste into the required fields.
Write long, thoughtful answers. When I'm trying to hire 100 people in four weeks, I will often skim the responses and move the candidates forward who provided more text because that often means they put in more of an effort.
Answer the questions that are asked. It’s easy to tell when candidates pull directly from their cover letter, so don’t do that. The point of the application questions is for me to learn more about you. Tell a specific story that gets at your skills, and let your personality shine through!
Here are the top three jobs we’re featuring this week:
VP of Campaigns at The Outreach Team; $130,000-$300,000; Remote.
Assistant Principal at La Cima Elementary Charter School; $90,000+; Brooklyn, NY.
Director of Development and Solidarity Philanthropy at Grassroots International; $66,000-$90,000; Remote (East Coast).
Now, onto housekeeping!
NRG Consulting is offering coaching programs to folks on the job hunt, whether you’re an entry- or senior-level candidate. Check out the programs we’re offering on our website, and get in touch with us.
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