Knowing how to make your job application stand out will always put you at a forefront in that job search. This is because employers are always looking for that one job application, unique and impressive in all ways, to award the job. Every other ordinary resume that fails to impress most probably ends up in the trash pile. Want to discover unique ways on how to make your job application stand out? Read on!-
How to make your job application stand out
The above guide is a general job application guide. Irrespective of the role or position you are applying for, the guide will sure come in handy. But let’s get more specific and consider how to make your job applications stand out for specific positions.
Most times, the approach to job applications may differ depending on the position or the organization.
Several applications come in for every position advertised and only outstanding job applications get the recruiters’ attention.
Are you interested in any of the positions below or you already want to apply for any of them? Read on to see how to make your job application stand out.
Pet Store job application
A job in a pet store will require you to be involved in the daily management of the store, Depending on the position you will take, you will join other staff, from the entry-level clerk to the store manager in the day-to-day running of the pet store.
Pet stores sell pet supplies such as medicine, food, toys, educational videos and books. So, you will be relating customers who would come in; responding to their questions and offering all the animal care services available.
Again, depending on your position, you may be charged with the responsibility of keeping animal cages and aquariums clean, as well as look after the health of the pets on sale. Also, you’d keep records of products available, make new orders from distributors and ensure proper record of all of these.
- What are the qualifications to Work in a Pet Store?
Before submitting your pet store application, you need to be sure you have the qualifications and requirement for the job.
While different pet stores may have some additional requirements, the qualifications stated here are almost universal.
The major qualifications for a pet store job depend on the position you are shooting for. Managers are required to have a bachelor’s degree and years of experience in a managerial position.
The other jobs in a pet store don’t require as many qualifications as the manager. In some cases, formal education is not required.
However, the organization may insist that you undergo training before taking up the position. For instance, the role of a stocker will require you to lift 65 pounds regularly. Hence, if you are applying for this position, the recruiter may have to test that you’re physically fit.
Pet care providers are the ones who interact with customers often and give suggestions on pet care. If you are applying for this position, you should have expert knowledge of types of pet and other relevant information.
Irrespective of the position you are applying for in a pet store, you must possess great customer service and communication skills.
Knowing all these qualifications and requirements will help you in preparing a job application that would stand out.
- How to make your pet store application stand out
Bearing in mind all the other job application tips, take note of the few additional points below so your pet store job application can stand out from the rest.
Pet stores like to employ those with flexible schedules. And when it’s a management position, they lookout for those with the abilities to long hours. Knowing these and making sure to emphasize them in your application is the first step to a successful job application that would lead to interview invitation.
Also, ensure to show passion for detail-oriented care and commitment to driving sales numbers. Of course, the organization, like any profit-oriented organization needs sales to be up and that’s part of the reasons they want to bring you on board.
Drug Store applications
Working in a drug store or managing a drug store is an important and sensitive job. Your application must reflect that you understand this and that you’re equal to the task.
There are different responsibilities and positions in a drug store, so the role you want to apply for will determine how you approach your application.
First, there is the retail pharmacist who provides general healthcare advice and give prescription and non-prescription medication to the public.
To be a retail pharmacist, you have to be a trained pharmacist.
The other position in the drug store is a pharmacy clerk who basically provides support and clerical services in a pharmacy. Their job includes providing general customer service, carry out administrative tasks and help in dispensing of pharmaceutical medications.
Other positions in a drug store include pharmacy assistant and pharmacy tech (for pharmacies with website and other technological support).
- What are the qualifications to work in a drug Store?
If you applying for the position of retail pharmacist, then be sure to have completed a four-year degree course (MPharm) and at least a year working experience in similar position. And oh, not forgetting the registration exam conducted by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).
Adding a masters degree to the above will sure give you an edge over other applicants, though it’s usually not a major requirement.
Other soft skills to possess and to make prominent in your job application include attentiveness, responsibility, excellent interpersonal skills, commercial awareness, confidence, organisational skills and so on.
- How to make your drug store application stand out
To apply for a drug store job, you may be required to send in your both your Resume and a cover letter. And that’s great as you have double opportunity to be outstanding.
However, try to avoid repetition in CV and cover letter. There is no point repeating the same thing you said in your CV in your cover letter. If you an achievement that’s really outstanding, put it in your CV and do not repeat it in your cover letter. Be creative.
Also, use an active voice when your talking your achievements and avoid passive tone. And similarly, avoid making general statements that could apply to any applicant (the recruiter has probably seen it 20 times already).
Remember; while your CV shows your qualifications, skills and experience, your cover letter is an opportunity to demonstrate it. And you do this with your choice of words and by providing peculiar examples.
Fast Food job applications
Eyeing a fast food job? Here are some of the responsibilities you may have to take when you get the job:
Preparation and cooking of food
Receiving food and drink orders
Attending to customers
Welcoming customers
Operating cash registers and taking payment from customers by credit card or cash
Ensuring dining areas and kitchen are clean, and clearing tables, getting rid of trash cans, and vacuuming or washing floors.
It’s very easy to look at a fast food job and conclude that it’s just about “slapping beef patties on the grill”. Far from it. You’d be involved in all aspects of customer service as well as maintenance.
- What are the qualifications for a fast food job?
Preparation for a fast food job usually require only short term education and on-the-job training. In some cases, formal education is not required at all. That explains why the industry has alot of students in his workforce.
However, some fast food restaurants require you have some form of education and work experience. Having those two will sure make your job application for a fast food job stand out.
The fast food industry does not have any recognized professional certification so you don’t have bother yourself about that.
- How to make your fast food job application outstanding
The fact that fast food jobs don’t always require formal education means a lot of people are always applying for them. In other words, the entry barrier is quite low so restaurants get tonnes of application every other day. This is an additional reason to ensure your job application is outstanding.
Make sure you don’t leave out any important information before submitting your application. If you have previous related experience, it’s important to state it and explain how it makes you a fit for the job.
Avoid providing false information as they fast food recruiters have experience assessing applications so they can easily spot falsehood.
Restaurant job applications
Since they are within the same industry, a restaurant job and a fast food job are similar in a lot of ways. Working in a restaurant, your responsibilities revolve around attending to customers as well as serving as link between customers and the business owner.
- What are the qualifications for a restaurant job?
If you plan to get a job in a restaurant as a server, your qualifications requirements include academic achievements, customer service skills, work experience and ability to resolve conflict.
Other skills and qualifications to have include:
Previous experience in similar role
Great communication skills
In-depth understanding of the different cuisines types and winery
Top-notch interpersonal skills
Foundational bookkeeping knowledge
Know how to operate point-of-sale (POS) systems
High level of physical fitness to work on feet for long period
Ability to work well under pressure and limited time
Discipline to arrive on time for shifts
Willingness to work different hours, days and shifts, weekends inclusive
Polite and accommodating
- How to make your restaurant job application outstanding
Where a lot of people get it wrong in applying for any job is obeying the instructions in the job ad. A lot of people don’t read the ad properly so they end up missing important points when sending their application.
To avoid this, make sure you read the job advert carefully and understand all the instructions.
After reading the job ad carefully, then go on to update your resume to reflect the main requirements stated in the job ad. Be sincere though, and avoid the urge to exaggerate because the recruiters can tell.
Before you submit, carefully read the application again and get rid of all spelling and grammatical errors. They can decrease your chances of being invited for interview.
Don’t forget to stress your relevant past experience and explain how it makes you a fit for the role. Recruiters love applicants with experience so make sure to use it to your advantage.
Retail industry job application
As a retail sales associate, you’d be involved in all sales activities which begins with welcoming customers down to receiving cash and handing customers’ orders to them. In between that, you’d have to provide information about different products to customers, including the price.
You’d have to provide opinions and offer advise on brand decisions.
You also have the responsibility of keeping stock of all goods in the store and recording sales.
- What are the qualifications for a retail industry job?
Below are some of the requirements and qualifications to note when applying for a job in the retail industry
Basic knowledge of sales principles & customer service
Excellent communication skills
Understanding of of customer & market dynamics
Telephone etiquette
Multi-tasking skills
Ability to work as part of a team and take initiative independent of direct supervision
Enthusiasm towards the job and friendliness towards customers
Willingness to work different hours, including overnight shift
High school diploma or its equivalent; college degree is preferred
A degree in Marketing, Communication or other related field would a plus
Problem Solving
- How to make your retail industry job application outstanding
When applying for a job a job in retail industry, here are the four major things employers are looking out and you include them in your job application:
Your personality and customer service skills
Your communication skills and appearance (are you well presented?)
Your ability to relate with people
A related job experience (even if it’s volunteer roles)
Grocery store job application
Your job as a grocer store attendant is to maintain the store and see to its day to day running.
To succeed on this job, you have to show great commercial awareness, organizational skills and courtesy.
- What are the qualifications for a grocery store job?
The major requirements for this job include:
High school diploma or its equivalent
Not less than 2 years’ experience in similar position
Proven retail experience or customer service is a plus.
Ability to pay attention to detail
Good people and communication skills
- How to make your grocery store job application outstanding
To make your grocery store job application outstanding, pay close attention to the job ad and make sure you include most of the requirements there in your job application.
You already know that the grocery store is within the retail industry so you can refer to the retail industry job guide above for further help on making your grocery store job application outstanding.
Shoe store job application
As a shoe sales associate, your job is in shoe stores and you have the responsibility of helping customers find the best pair for them.
From welcoming customers to making recommendations, you need a high dose of customer service skills to succeed on this job.
- What are the qualifications for a shoe store job?
May be you should start by reading Shoe Dog by Phil Knight to better understand your this. By the way, Phil Knight is the Founder of Nike, the popular shoe brand.
That said, here the major skills and requirements for a shoe store job:
Working experience in a shoe company
A strong background engaging with customers as well as proven records of hitting sales targets
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
Excellent oral and written communication skills
A results-oriented individual who has the ability to work flexible schedules
Ability to work with a team
- How to make your shoe store job application outstanding
The most sought after skill for a shoe store job is communication. Make sure to stress this in your application.
Others inlcude the ability to sell, attention to details, organizational skills and computer literacy. Try to acquire these skills, especially computer literacy, before sending your job application. And don’t forget to stress them in your job application.
Sporting Goods job application
Your sporting goods job is to sell sporting wears and other sporting goods. Also, to advise customers on athletic equipment.
- What are the qualifications for a sporting goods job?
Here are the popular requirements for a sporting goods job:
Flexible availability – including nights, weekend, and holidays
Ability to adjust priorities and manage time wisely in a fast paced environment
Passion for Team Sports
How to make your sporting goods job application outstanding
Tailor your resume to include relevant experience, starting with the most recent
Review the job description on the company’s career site and be ready to discuss why you’re the best candidate for the role
Research the company. Be ready to answer the question: “Why are you interested in in us?”
Practice! Put your game face on and prepare for common interview questions, such as: “Tell me about yourself.”
Familiarize yourself with behavioral-based interviewing. Be ready with specific examples reflecting the key requirements for the role.
Speciality Retail job applications
To some extent, your duties in a specialty retail position depend on what product you are selling. In addition, knowing your customer base well will ensure that you'll reach your sales goal at the end of the month.
What are the qualifications for a specialty retail job?
High school diploma or equivalent
Significant experience in a retail sales setting is strongly preferred
Basic reading, writing, math, and computer skills
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Positive and friendly attitude
Reliable and punctual
Basic bookkeeping skills and able to run the cash register
Familiarity with POS software is a plus
Commitment to accuracy during all transactions
- How to make your specialty retail job application stand out
The Specialty Retail industry job application process varies exponentially depending on where you’re looking to apply. That being said, if you’re looking to land a role in an industry area you’re genuinely interested in, you need to ensure you communicate your passion from day 1.
And this doesn’t mean reeling off fact after fact about the products. Be ready to talk about why it is your passion and what it is in particular that draws you to it.
Plus, make sure you can speak at length about how you would benefit the company and not how working there would make you happy—it’s not all about you!
Transportation industry job applications
There are different roles in the transportation industry. But let’s focus on transport/logistics manager.
In this position, your job is ensure that haulage and public transport get to their destinations safely, on time and in the most cost-effective way.
What are the qualifications for a transportation industry job?
Below are some basic skills and qualifications needed for a transport//logistics manager position.
Ability to appraise and use IT packages and electronic communication methods.
Tact, diplomacy and calmness, especially when dealing with tired drivers and disgruntled customers.
An analytic mind and good numeracy skills.
Excellent geographical knowledge.
Good people management and coordination skills.
Excellent financial acumen.
Excellent negotiation and communication skills.
Extensive knowledge of the transportation industry.
Good intuition to make crucial judgment calls.
- How to make your transportation industry job application stand out
Gain relevant industry knowledge; positions are rarely granted to those without this.
Business industry job application
Your job as a business manager is to develop business management goals and objectives, and design, implement business plans and strategies towards attaining the set goals.
- What are the qualifications for a business industry job?
Proven experience as business manager or relevant role
Excellent organizational and leadership skills
Outstanding communication and interpersonal abilities
Thorough understanding of diverse business processes and strategy development
Excellent knowledge of MS Office, databases and information systems
Good understanding of research methods and data analysis techniques
BSc/Ba in Business Management or relevant field; MSc/MA will be a plus
- How to make your business industry job application stand out
Carry out your research prior to applying and make sure you know all you need to know about the organization.
Numbers are important when talking about previous experience. Your job involves growing the business the employer would be keen to see how you have done it in the past.
And there you have job application guides for different industries. Simply choose the guide that suits the industry you’re applying to and work with it.