Help & support

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Applying

We want the application process to be simple.

However, we know that customizing every resume and cover letter while filling out apps for jobs takes time. And your time may be severely limited if you’re working, have family, or are dealing with any number of crises that come up in life.

So at Kelly, we provide different ways to get your credentials in front of our recruiters. And quicker options for getting your applications filled out.

Depending on what type of job you’re seeking and your search timeline, you should consider the differences between these options.

Additionally, the quality of your submissions is critical. Submitting a high-quality resume, CV, or employment summary can dramatically impact your speed-to-hire because it boosts positive impressions for those considering your opportunities.

Keep reading for a list of factors to remember when submitting information to our recruiters.

Application Overview

Your credentials can be made available to our recruiters by applying to a specific job or submitting your credentials to our Open Interest talent pool. Of course, you can do both if you like. Keep reading to learn how each option might impact your job search or timeline.

One: Apply to a Job

Applying directly to a job happens when you click the “Apply Now” button from a job review box or a job detail page.

When the application opens, complete the required fields and as many optional fields as possible. Kelly’s application questions are pretty standard to what you’d expect. However, depending on which type of job you're applying for, variations can occur due to specific selection criteria or job prerequisites.

Variable Questions

Variations can occur in which questions come up on an application. These typically occur because we must quickly identify if an applicant meets minimum qualifications. For example, many applications will contain specific questions determining the presence of certifications, skills, training, licenses, and experience.

Likewise, some jobs involve working or interacting with sensitive information or populations (like children or the elderly), often requiring background and personal history screenings.

Be Thorough

Vague responses or unanswered questions can sabotage your efforts and waste your time. Think about it - recruiters have hundreds, if not thousands, of applications they need to review and sort through. With each job, they’re looking for specific skills, experience, availability, licenses, and other credentials.

If your application demonstrates a lack of detail and you reply with apathy and disinterest, how might that influence a recruiter’s perspective on your application?

The more thorough and specific you are, the easier your application is to process and match with a job that best fits you.

Help from your profile

You can reduce your time to apply for each job by thoroughly filling out your profile information. When you do this, each job application will pre-fill with relevant answers from your profile. So don’t skip your profile questions!

Additionally, if you have already applied to a job with a resume or upload one to your profile, and that resume is current, you can use it for new applications.

Two: I’m Interested - Talent Pool

The other way to submit your credentials [link to open interest] to Kelly does not involve applying directly to a job. We’ve developed this option for several types of candidates. If one of the below statements fits your situation, this method is a good option.

You want to work in K-12 education but don’t qualify for a specific substitute teaching position. For example, many positions within a school district need substitutes, but the opportunity arises on short notice - like tutors, para-professionals, maintenance, cafeteria staff, etc.
You’re exploring and unsure what job you’re a good fit for.
You’re minimally searching and don’t have much time - but you want to see if your credentials match any jobs being offered.
You don’t have a resume, but you want to try and get your credentials in front of a recruiter. In this case, you can use your LinkedIn profile or basic information.

Note:
We advise those using this method to also apply directly to jobs if, during your search, you find a good fit. Do not assume you will be identified as a candidate for a particular position you saw available. Additionally, depending on the types of jobs you selected you’re interested in when using this option, timelines for response or contact can differ significantly.

Your Resume

You can do many things to improve your resume - and you should strive to make it the best it can be. We won’t go through those here. However, we’ve listed a few things to keep in mind that directly impact how recruiters process your resume.

Your resume is a living document, so make sure it’s updated. Sometimes your job search may be extended. You may gain new skills, experiences, or achievements while job searching. Add those to your resume!
Your resume shouldn’t contradict itself. For example, if you list “detail-oriented” on your resume, but make vague, generalized statements without specifics and lots of errors - you’ll appear disingenuous or give the impression that you’re not honest.
Add relevant specifics to your resume. Give details about accomplishments, learned skills, and work experience. For some, it’ll be a challenge to include specifics and limit word use - but don’t back down from that challenge.
Make your resume readable - These days, everyone knows readability is critical. Think about what you do when you open a new web page. First, you scan it - looking for keywords, reading only the first statements of paragraphs, checking out what’s in bold, and so on. Then, you make quick decisions about whether or not the information is what you’re looking for. So, prepare your resume the same way and help recruiters quickly orient to your resume and make the right decisions.

LinkedIn Profile

Most of what is advised for resumes above pertains to your LinkedIn profile. However, there are features you need to pay close attention to as they will help a recruiter assess your fit and better match you with potential jobs.

Keep these sections of your LinkedIn profile in mind.

Identity - make sure your identifying information matches what you give to Kelly.
Headline - use your headline to tell recruiters what type of roles you fit. For example, let your headline answer this question: what is my professional value? Usually, your headline will state what you “do” or who you “are” professionally.
Summary - the summary is your opportunity to speak directly to the recruiter and outline, in detail, how and where you fit in. A recruiter should be able to read your summary and say, “Ok. I understand what they do on the job.” If you’ve had a long or diverse career, you want your summary to be relevant to the jobs you’re currently searching for.
Work Experience - provides the recruiter with a timeline of your experiences and background. You can keep this simple or provide significant detail with each experience you add to this section. Whatever your approach, ensure the information you provide is relevant. If you need to, use the experience summaries to make the case and connect your experience to the jobs you’re applying for.
Education - ensure this is updated and includes licenses, certifications, and other educational credentials.

The main point to keep in mind is that your resume and profiles should be relevant and aligned with the jobs you are applying for.

Checking Status

Contact your recruiter to check your application status (when you’ve applied to a specific job).