Job Applications

Application Process and Documents

Application Process

  • Read and follow the application directions implicitly or you may not be selected from the pool of candidates.
  • Applying online is the most common means of applying for a position. Make sure your resume is either pasted, attached, or uploaded correctly.
  • When applying via US mail make sure your resume and cover letter is on quality resume paper. Ideally your documents should be sent in an 8 ½” x 11” envelope so they aren’t folded.
  • Keep records of where you have applied with a copy of the job description so you are prepared to speak intelligently about the job when you are contacted.
  • Try and find an “insider” at the company to give you advice and support. Connect with a friend, family member, networking contact, Notre Dame alumnus, or contact The Career Center for additional ideas.
  • More and more employers are utilizing pre-employment assessments to help screen prospective candidates. Make sure that if you need to take a pre-employment assessment as part of the application process that you do so or companies will not consider you for an interview.

Application Documents

  • Writing/Work Samples – if possible select samples that relate to the organization. Unless otherwise specified, choose something 2-5 pages. If your samples are longer, you can submit a portion of your paper, but should include an abstract indicating that it is part of a longer document.
  • Transcripts – contact the Registrar’s Office to obtain official and unofficial copies
  • Standardized test scores – if needed, electronic copies of your scores can be requested from the testing facility

Your Reputation and Privacy Online

The internet is a powerful tool that should be used cautiously.

  • Employers have access to social networking sites such as Facebook, MySpace, etc. Ensure that your site is not providing any information that would be detrimental to your job search. Check your friends’ sites as well to clean up digital dirt.
  • If you keep a personal website and release it to employers make sure the website is also appropriate and relevant to an employer’s visit.
  • Be selective as to where you place your resume online and keep track of the locations.
  • Never put your social security number or other specific personal identifiers on resumes or other documents you place online.
  • You should never release your social security number to a prospective employer until you are hired and need to do so for payroll purposes.

http://www.job-hunt.org/privacy.shtml
http://www.collegegrad.com/press/myspace.shtml

Following up on Job Applications

One of the areas to make an impression that others fail at is job application follow up. There is of course that fine line between professional persistence and pushiness. After you have applied for a position – be proactive with a short email to the contact reiterating your interest, asking if there is any further information you can provide, and possibly see if there is a timeline they are working with.

  • When applying through Go IRISH locate the contact information in Go IRISH and follow up within 1-2 days of submitting your application
  • When applying to a personal email address wait for a week and follow up with an additional email to the recruiter
  • When applying to a website or generic email follow up a week later by either calling or emailing the HR department (you can locate that information on CareerSearch or see if there is contact in Go IRISH)
  • Another avenue is contacting Notre Dame alumni who work at the organization, utilizing Irish Online or the Alumni Clubs, and asking for tips on how to follow up on the application or a name within the organization to contact

Sample Follow-up Letters/Emails