Job application tips Archives

How To Answer Salary Questions On Job Applications

You may be asked salary information on an application form, or be faced with a âcurrent salary" or âdesired salary" field on an online application. Or you may be asked the same question by a legal recruiter. The answer you provide may be used in the screening processâanswer too high and you may not be considered for the position at all.

This number will also likely come into play at the interview/offer stage. It can establish the range for the offer the employer makes. And if you're underpaid and undervalued at your current employer, then there's the risk that your low level of pay will follow you when you move on.

On a paper application formâor if the online form allows you to type in whatever you wantâyou can write âNegotiable." This gives you the opportunity to discuss your salary history and expectations later on.

How To Answer Salary Questions On Job Applications

If it's not a required field on an online form, leave it blank. If the "desired salary" field requires you to enter a figure, however, you have a couple of options. Each has its own benefits and drawbacks:

Enter $0, $1, or $10 (the minimum number you can). It will be clear you're not answering the questions (most employers will know you aren't offering to work for free).
Enter $999,999 (or the highest number you can). Like answering $0, this shows you are purposely avoiding the question.
You can enter your desired salary, based on not only your personal needs and wants but also on your market research of your value and salaries. But know that it may lead to you being screened out (if it's too high) or being offered a lower salary in the interview.
If you can, enter a range. Some online forms will allow you to enter two numbers. Entering a salary range is often the best option because it reduces the chances of you being screened out, allows room for negotiation, and recognizes that some of the most valuable compensation (vacation time, signing bonuses, tuition reimbursement, insurance, company cars, travel, child care, insurance, and more) isn't included in the salary.

How you answer the salary question on a job application will depend on your situation and what format is allowed on the online form. But if you can, entering a salary range is always the best option.

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This article was originally published at an earlier date.

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How To Fill Out Job Applications Correctly

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How To Fill Out Job Applications Correctly

We all make mistakes—that’s what makes us human. But when you’re looking for a new job, it’s important to minimize those job application mistakes because they may cost you the position.

Here are some of the biggest application mistakes candidates make (and how to avoid them):

1. Spelling/Grammatical Errors

These types of errors, although they seem small in nature, can be a major red flag to employers. It shows you lack attention to detail, and many hiring managers or recruiters will think you rushed through your application.

How to avoid this mistake: Take your time filling out job applications and have someone else look them over if possible. This includes having someone proofread your resume and cover letter. You can also read your resume, cover letter, and other job application materials aloud to catch anything you may miss while scanning through on the computer.

2. Not Following Directions

This is something everyone learns in grade school, but it’s amazing how many people STILL don’t read directions! Every application you fill out will be slightly different or require a different response—so it’s important to read through each step.

How to avoid this mistake: Pay attention and slow down during the job application process. If you’re feeling rushed, it’s probably because you’re applying to too many openings that you may not be qualified for (or genuinely interested in), so you may want to rethink your job search strategy.

3. Submitting A Resume You Haven’t Tailored To The Position

Man writes his resume for a job application

This is a big no-no. It shows you don’t really understand what the employer is looking for and are just hoping your resume fits some of the criteria. Not tailoring your resume also makes it harder for it to get past the ATS.

How to avoid this mistake: Carefully read through the job description, qualifications, and education requirements. On your resume, show the employer how you're qualified through your previous experience, skills, and expertise. Quantify your work experience and accomplishments, and make sure your resume is optimized with keywords so it can actually get past the ATS and into the hands of the hiring manager.

4. Writing A Generic Cover Letter

Woman thinks about filling out a job application

Your cover letter should tell a compelling story and make the hiring manager interested in moving on to your resume. It should also address the hiring manager by name and describe exactly why you are the best candidate for the position. Not doing these things will communicate to the hiring manager that you're not that interested in the position you're applying for. You won't stand out from the other candidates and will be less likely to land a job interview, even if your resume is tailored to the position.

How to avoid this mistake: Write a disruptive cover letter for each position you’re applying for. Although there may be similarities between positions, always customize your cover letter for each job opening. Focus on your connection story. Why do you want to work for this specific employer? What part(s) of this company are you passionate about? Why do you feel connected to their products or mission? Your disruptive cover letter should answer these questions.

5. Not Going Beyond The Job Description

It’s imperative that you research the company you’re applying to. You need to know what they do, how the company is structured, and their mission, values, and goals in order to determine how you fit in. Should you move on in the hiring process, these things will be vital to a successful interview—and you’ll be one step ahead. Failing to research the company before submitting your job application will result in an ineffective resume and cover letter. If you do manage to land a job interview without conducting research on the company, you'll be scrambling trying to prepare for interview questions, and you might fumble your answers if you don't do enough research.

How to avoid this mistake: Perform a simple Google search on the organization. Look through their company website and social media profiles. Also, read reviews of the organization and its products, and browse recent news articles that mention the company.

What are some other major job application mistakes you’ve made and/or witnessed?

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This article was originally published at an earlier date.

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