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Career Readiness

Just another university of memphis blogs site, applications.

When seeking an entry level position, the first step is to complete a job application. In the last module, we have already touched on asking for a job application.  Many big companies already have these applications available online.   In fact, some stores like Target have computers set up for you to complete your application on site.

If your preference is to complete your job application online, do some research to see if there is an application available.  Make sure that you are on the genuine corporate site.  Since you will be entering sensitive information like your name and social security number the best idea is to go to the corporate site and search for career opportunities.  A quick search for McDonald’s job application took me to a site that has nothing to do with McDonald’s, so be careful!

First if you are going to ask for a copy of a job application in person, do it yourself.  Do not have a friend or family member get it for you.  The job market is competitive, and a potential employer will respect you more if you ask for the application personally.  Make sure that you are polite, groomed, and dressed appropriately.  Business casual is an appropriate way to dress for an entry level position.

Secondly, whether you are completing an application in person or online you will need to have some information at your fingertips.  Prepare yourself by having:

• your professional email address
• days of the week and hours that you are available
• your social security number
• the name of your high school
• company name
• telephone number
• dates worked
• name of your supervisor
• reason for leaving
• a list of references–people who can speak positively about you.  Have their telephone numbers and email addresses with you.
• 2 pens if you are applying for the job in person

If you do not have this information, get it before attempting to fill out an application.  Once you have gathered all of the information you are ready!  It is extremely important to be honest when filling out an application.  If you have been dishonest on your job application your employer can fire you.  Many applications can now be found online.  Some link’s to popular entry level jobs include:

For your convenience, I have provided the links to some companies who offer opportunities to young people:

Gap/Old Navy

Dollar General

The next step is to complete the application.  There are a couple of quick tips that I can offer you for this process.  Complete the application carefully.  You want to make sure that you fill in all of the information that is requested of you.  Unfortunately, incomplete applications typically wind up in the trash.  If I were a store manager and someone came in for a job and they were able to complete the application in one sitting it would be impressive to me!

Also make sure that you write neatly.  You want the employer to be able to read all of the great qualities about you and to be able to contact you.  If you are completing your application online double check your spelling.  Once again, your application speaks to your personal branding.

Never leave any questions blank, except for the experience question if  you do not have any experience from other jobs.  Employers who have entry level positions available understand that you might not have any work experience yet.   If you are asked a question about why the job should be given to you, or if you have any special skills or talents never leave that question blank.  Make sure that you have a sentence or two why you are the right person for the job.

If you do not have any work experience think about your soft skills and how you can use them to your advantage.

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Cover Letter Writing Guide

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Write your first cover letter by downloading the template below and following the step-by-step guide for overall formatting and what to write in each paragraph.

Download the cover letter template in a Microsoft Word document

Step 1: Add Your Contact Information

• Use the same heading as on your resume with your name and personal information below it. You can copy and paste the contact information portion of your resume into a new Word document and start from there.

Step 2: Add the Date, Employer Contact Information, & Greeting

• Underneath your contact information, add the full date, the employer’s contact name and address, and your greeting
• Examples : Dear Lorraine Jimenez,  Dear Dr. Phillips, Dear Hiring Manager, Dear Hiring Committee

Step 3: The Intro Paragraph

The opening sentence should be an enthusiastic reference to your interest in the position. Talk about what led to your discovery of the position and your unique interest in the role. If someone referred you to the position, mention them by name in the first paragraph.

For a more personal or creative letter, you can add in a very brief (2-3 sentences) anecdote or explanation of why you’re interested in this particular employer or job or feel connected to their values. Regardless of how you organize it, your introductory paragraph should include these four things:

• The specific position title
• The organization name
• Why you’re interested
• Why you’d be a good fit

Step 4: Body Paragraph(s)

Cover letters typically include 1-2 body paragraphs that show employers examples of your previous experience or times when you’ve put your relevant skills to use. These examples should be specific, detailing actions you took, things you learned, and the impact of your work whenever possible.

Everyone’s writing style is unique, but each body paragraph generally includes:

• An opening sentence that introduces what experience, skill, or qualification you’ll be explaining in this paragraph.
• Clear example(s) of what you’ve done or accomplished–be specific! Show, don’t tell.
• A sentence that connects what you’ve done with what you can contribute if hired.

Step 5: Closing Paragraph

Your closing paragraph will be shorter than your body paragraphs. It should be a concise wrap-up to your letter that…

• Optional : You can include one more additional fact or expression of unique connection to the role or employer that you haven’t mentioned in the body paragraphs
• Thanks them for their time and consideration of your application

That’s all there is to it! The process may seem overwhelming at first, but if you write to a specific job description and explain your skills and experience with detail, you’ll be off to a great start.

See Examples

• View Cover Letter Examples
• See more cover letter templates from The Muse

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Cover Letter Samples

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Here are three great examples of cover letters that each demonstrate different ways of formatting and tailoring your content to fit your position of interest.

The classic style is often what you may think of when you imagine what a cover letter may look like. It is also the formatting that you will see most often when looking up examples and guides online. It allows you to tell your story in a simple format that works wonderfully for putting your best professional foot forward.

Bullet-Pointed

The bullet-style letter allows you to share your main skills, achievements, and qualifications for a role in succinct bullet points versus fully fleshed out paragraphs. One thing to keep in mind if you decide to write a bullet style cover letter is that you should not simply copy your favorite bullet points from your resume, but instead write new thoughts about tasks and skills that relate to why you will be a good fit for the role you are applying for.

Skills & Results-Centered

The skills and results centered style allows you to have a hybrid approach. By focusing on a few relevant skill areas (titled in bold), how you’ve gained them, and the results of your work, you can share your fit for a role in a concise and easy-to-read way. Consider naming skill areas directly listed on the job description.

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Raneem Imam is a singer/songwriter and producer from Memphis. (Brad Vest/Special to The Daily Memphian)

While her childhood consisted of standing on tabletops and performing for family and friends, a singing career was initially just an afterthought for Collierville native Raneem Imam.

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