7 Tips for Human Resource Department Job Application

Guidelines for HRD Job Applicants
by: Cielo D. Nadal

Want a career in the HR Department? Check out these guidelines about the qualities you should have before applying for the job.

Be yourself when applying for a job.

Applying for a job is probably one of the mostly feared parts of a young graduate’s journey from the walls of universities to the walls of the workplace. Nobody wants to end up with the jobless group of graduates who struggle to look for other means of livelihood while holding a diploma for a four-year degree course. The common mindset that diplomas will ensure your success in job hunting is expected but true enough, not even a Master's Degree can give you an edge in the arena. What then, are these employers looking for? Here are some tips that can guide you when you apply for a job:

1. Be honest. Somehow, employers can sense if you are exaggerating when it comes to the items that you write in your résumé. Being honest simply means that you only include skills and talents that are really capable with. Being knowledgeable about how to get things done is quite different from being skillfully able to do the tasks. Employers will greatly appreciate honesty at the very start. If you don’t possess the skills that they require, tell them so, but point out that you are willing to learn.

2. Be concise. In writing a letter of application, do not beat around the bush. The letter should contain important information, there’s no need to use high-falluting words and endless repetition to apply for a particular job. Your application letter or cover letter should only contain your background information and / or your intention in applying for the job. Bear in mind that it’s a formal letter, and employers have their hands full everyday so you need to be concise in preparing the body of your letter.

3. Be punctual. Make sure that you submit all pertinent documents on time. Check all the needed attachments in your résumé and submit them on the day required. And if you are lucky enough to be called for an interview, that will be the chance to show your punctuality, make sure that you come to the office ahead of the given time. This will give you the chance to relax and to catch your breath before the interview.

4. Be smart. If you are asked to come for an interview, this is the best chance to showcase your communication skills. Employers expect smart and sensible answers. Since interviews are usually done in English, brush up on your grasp of the English language. Nothing can be more disappointing than listening to an applicant who commits grammatical errors here and there. Even if you are not a Mass Communication Course graduate, you are expected to handle conversational English because this is the language of the corporate world. Needless to say, every mistake in grammar that you commit will be remembered by the interviewer. Basic subject-verb agreement is all you need to master because it is the heart and soul of conversational English. Being smart does not apply to your communication skills, it also boils down to your manner of presenting yourself. Make sure that you dress up for the interview, not for a grand ball. Be familiar with the so called “corporate attire” and “smart casual”. You don’t have to wear a tuxedo or other formal attire, or else, people in the workplace may get the wrong impression.

5. Be respectful. An applicant is expected to show respect in thoughts, words and deeds. How do you show respect in thoughts? Have positive thoughts about the interviewer and the company or organization as a whole? Why do you have to do this? Simply for the reasons that thoughts are carried over to your actions. Pleasant thoughts will brings out the best in you. How do you show respect in words? Address your interviewer respectfully, use Sir or Madame. You are not just acquaintances, he or she definitely wants you to show respect and this is also a sign of humility. If during the course of your interview you find opinions necessary, give them respectfully. If your opinions are far different from your employer’s opinion, don’t worry. You may disagree without being disagreeable. The choice of words will do the trick.

6. Be responsive. It is difficult to talk with someone who does not have the eagerness to communicate. When you asked questions, make sure that you don’t just respond with a Yes or No. What response is expected from you? Explain or elaborate things. Being responsive does not only apply to verbal responses. Show positive gestures, there’s nothing wrong with smiling when there’s a need to. You are not a robot; you are free to show facial expressions. But don’t get overboard. Watch out for mannerisms. For women, guard against frequent touching of your hair or combing your hair with your fingers. When you are nervous, put your hands on your lap so that the interviewer will not see unnecessary hand movements.

7. Be confident. Confidence, indeed makes a lot of difference. It does wonders and a confident applicant doesn't need to be aggressive. There’s a big difference between being assertive and being aggressive. The former is a positive trait, the latter is annoying to a point . Being assertive is having the confidence to state you ideas positively minus the arrogance. Being aggressive is like pushing yourself to the limit.

In general, applying for a job is a tough act but everyone has his share of a good and bad experiences in the world of job hunting. But the bottom line of all these tips is this: Be yourself. If you try to be somebody you are not, this will be reflected in your unguarded moments. Even if you get the job, you will not last long in the field because of pretensions. Be confident that you have what it takes to be a part of the corporate world. Seize the moment, and enjoy the journey when applying for a job at the HR Department.

Good luck on your endeavors!