Top 8 Job Application Tasks You Can Delegate Today

Tired of spending 11+ hours weekly on your job search? Here are 8 tasks you can delegate right now to save time and focus on what matters:

You can delegate these tasks to:

• Resume writers ($100-$400)
• Virtual assistants ($15-$50/hour)
• Job search services (flat fee)

Here's the truth: Most job seekers waste time on tasks they could hand off. By delegating these 8 tasks, you'll free up 14+ hours weekly to focus on networking and interview prep - the stuff that actually lands jobs.

Want to get started? Pick one task, set a budget, and try a service provider for a small project first. You can always scale up once you see what works.

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What is Job Application Delegation

Job application delegation is outsourcing parts of your job search to others. This lets you focus on the most important aspects of landing your dream job.

Here's what it typically involves:

Costs vary. Resume writers might charge $100-$400 per resume. Virtual assistants often charge $15-$50 per hour.

Is it worth it? Leela Yanamaddi from scale.jobs says:

Clients often find that time saved through delegation lets them focus on networking and interview prep, boosting their job chances.

To start delegating:

1. Pick tasks you don't need to do yourself
2. Find helpers or service providers
3. Set clear expectations and deadlines
4. Give them what they need (job descriptions, your current resume)
5. Check their work and give feedback

Remember: weigh the costs against potential benefits before diving in.

Tailoring Your Resume

Customizing your resume for each job? It's a pain. But it's crucial. Good news: you can outsource this task to pros who know their stuff.

Here's how to get help:

1. Hire a pro service Many offer resume tailoring. For example:
   • TopResume: Custom resumes from $149
   • Resumeble: Package with resume and cover letter
   These services often use industry-savvy writers who know how to beat ATS systems.
2. Get a free review Some companies offer free resume critiques. TopResume does this before you buy anything.
3. Give them the goods For best results:
   • Fill out their questionnaire
   • Talk to your writer
   • Share target job descriptions
4. Consider the cost Prices vary, but here's a rough guide:

   Career Level	Price Range
   Entry-level	$100 - $400
   Mid-level	$350 - $750
   Executive	$600 - $2500+

   Remember: A great resume can lead to more interviews and better offers. It's an investment.
5. Look for guarantees Some services back their work. TopResume, for instance, promises to double your interviews in 60 days or they'll rewrite for free.

2. Writing Cover Letters

Struggling with cover letters? You're not alone. Many job seekers find them tough to write. But here's the thing: a good cover letter can make you stand out. If you're short on time or skills, getting help might be smart.

Here's how to get cover letter help:

Hire a pro

Some companies write cover letters for you:

• LiveCareer: $60
• ResumeGo: $100 (14 days of revisions)
• ResumeSpice: $189

These companies use writers who know what recruiters want.

What happens when you hire a writer

1. You fill out a form about your background and the job
2. You talk to a writer about what you want
3. You get a draft in a few days
4. You can ask for changes if needed

Why get help?

Does it work?

Many people say yes. Here's what Hanna said about TopResume:

"It was fantastic. I'd recommend them to anyone. My cover letter, LinkedIn, and resume are way better than I expected."

Is it worth the money?

Experts say you should spend about 1% of your yearly salary on job application stuff, including cover letters. If a good cover letter helps you get an interview, it's probably worth it.

3. Finding and Filtering Jobs

Job hunting eats up time. But you can save hours by getting help with finding and filtering job listings. Here's how:

Supercharge your job search platforms

Indeed and LinkedIn are job search powerhouses. Indeed alone adds about 15 new listings every second. To cut through the noise:

• Set up email alerts for your dream jobs and locations
• Use filters to zero in on the right salary, experience, and posting date
• Save your searches for quick access

Bring in a virtual assistant (VA)

A VA can tackle the grunt work of your job search:

Try niche job sites

Some sites cater to specific job hunters:

• FlexJobs: For remote and flexible work (110,000+ active listings)
• Ladders: If you're after the big bucks ($100,000+/year)

Delegate like a pro

To get the most out of your job search helpers:

1. Be crystal clear about what you want (job titles, locations, salary, etc.)
2. Share your resume and target companies
3. Check in regularly to review what they've found

4. Sending Applications

Applying for jobs can eat up a lot of time. But here's the good news: you can hand off this task and save yourself hours. Let's look at how:

Hire a Virtual Assistant (VA)

VAs can do the heavy lifting of sending out applications. This frees you up to network and prep for interviews.

"I used Magic, a VA service, to apply to 100 jobs in just over 4.5 hours for $55", one job seeker reported.

Other options? OKRelax offers VA services starting at $7.49 per hour. They can manage your entire application process.

Try Specialized Application Services

Some companies focus solely on submitting job applications. The Babb Group, for example, offers packages where they handle the whole submission process for you.

Give Clear Instructions

To get the most out of delegation, be specific:

Consider scale.jobs

Scale.jobs goes a step further. Their human VAs not only apply to jobs for you but also create custom resumes and cover letters. This means you can:

• Cut down on repetitive tasks
• Focus on networking
• Keep all your applications in one place

5. Managing Application Status

Juggling multiple job applications can be overwhelming. But here's the good news: you can delegate this task and save yourself time and stress.

Here's how to offload application status management:

Use an Applicant Tracking System (ATS)

An ATS can streamline the tracking process. Have a virtual assistant (VA):

• Set up and maintain the ATS
• Input application details
• Update statuses
• Set follow-up reminders

Create a Custom Spreadsheet

Prefer a simpler approach? Have a VA maintain a spreadsheet like this:

Use Job Board Features

Many job boards have built-in tracking. Your VA can manage these for you on platforms like Indeed and LinkedIn.

Set Up Email Filters

Have your VA create filters to organize employer responses:

• Sort emails into specific folders
• Flag important messages for your attention

Get Regular Updates

Ask your VA for weekly status reports. This keeps you informed without drowning in details.

6. Updating LinkedIn

LinkedIn is a big deal for job seekers. With over 500 million users, it's a goldmine for opportunities. But keeping your profile fresh? That's a job in itself. Here's how to get help:

Profile Optimization

Get a VA to spruce up your profile:

• New headshot (400x400 pixels)
• Catchy headline
• "About" section that sells you
• Add your resume or portfolio

Content Creation and Posting

Let your VA keep your profile buzzing:

• Regular posts
• Thought leadership articles
• Industry news shares

Network Management

Hand off these tasks:

• Connect with potential leads
• Engage with your network
• Join and chat in relevant groups

Performance Tracking

Have your VA keep an eye on these:

Outsourcing this stuff? It's a game-changer. You get a strong LinkedIn presence without burning your time.

"It's like a search engine that comes up in search results." - Jade Allerby, Founder of Focus SME

A well-managed LinkedIn profile? It's your ticket to getting noticed by employers.

7. Company Research

Researching potential employers is crucial for tailoring your application. Here's how to make it easier:

Delegate the basics:

Have your assistant gather:

• Company mission and values
• Recent news and press releases
• Key leadership profiles
• Industry standing and competitors

Use smart tools:

Set up:

• Google Alerts for company mentions
• Twitter lists for updates
• LinkedIn company page follows

Dive deeper:

Ask your helper to find:

• Employee reviews on Glassdoor
• Financial health reports
• Corporate social responsibility initiatives

Create employer profiles:

Have your assistant make easy-to-read summaries:

Use library resources:

Many job seekers miss this goldmine. Ask your assistant to check:

• Standard & Poor's Corporation Records
• Business Source Complete
• ABI/INFORM Collection

These databases offer info you won't find on Google.

Prep for networking:

Have your helper identify:

• Alumni at target companies
• Potential informational interview contacts
• Industry events to attend

8. Basic Admin Work

Job hunting comes with a ton of admin tasks. Here's how to delegate them and free up your time:

Email Management

Get someone to handle your job search inbox:

• Sort messages
• Trash spam
• Draft common responses
• Flag urgent emails

Calendar Organization

Let an assistant manage your schedule:

• Book interviews
• Set deadline reminders
• Coordinate meeting times

Document Prep

Outsource job search docs:

• Format resumes and cover letters
• Write thank-you notes
• Organize references

Application Tracking

Use a VA to track applications:

Time Saved

Execs spend about 16 hours a week on admin work. Outsourcing could save you:

• 4 hours on emails
• 3 hours on scheduling
• 5 hours on docs
• 4 hours on tracking

That's 16 hours for networking, skills, or interview prep.

Start Delegating

Try a service like scale.jobs for job search VAs. Their Standard plan covers resumes, cover letters, and tracking. Premium adds a dedicated assistant and personalized strategy.

How to Delegate Successfully

Delegating job application tasks can save you time. But you need to do it right. Here's how:

Set clear expectations

Be specific when assigning tasks. For a resume update, tell them:

• What job you're after
• Skills to focus on
• How you want it formatted
• When you need it done

Use the right tools

Use tech to work together better:

Provide resources

Give your helper what they need:

• Job listings
• Your work history
• Writing samples
• Job board logins

Check in often

Stay in the loop:

• Daily: Quick updates
• Weekly: Short calls
• Monthly: Big picture talks

Give feedback

Be helpful, not harsh. Don't say "This is bad." Try "Let's highlight these wins in the resume."

Trust, but double-check

Let them work alone, but keep an eye on things:

1. Ask for a task summary

Make sure they get it. Like this:

"I'll make a resume for the Marketing Manager job at TechCorp. I'll focus on your digital skills and include numbers from your last three jobs. You'll have a draft by Friday."

2. Set time limits

Keep costs down. You might say:

"Spend 2 hours max on this cover letter. If it's not done, we'll talk and adjust."

3. Look it over

Always check the final product. This keeps quality high and helps your assistant improve.

Picking a Service Provider

Choosing the right service provider for your job search is crucial. Here's a look at some options and their costs:

Resume Writing Services

Want a standout resume? Here's what you might pay:

Many of these throw in extras like cover letters and LinkedIn profile tweaks.

Virtual Assistants

Need help with the nitty-gritty? Virtual assistants (VAs) on platforms like Upwork and Fiverr can handle scheduling, emails, research, and social media. Prices? They're all over the map, depending on what you need.

Comprehensive Job Search Services

Want the whole package? Companies like scale.jobs offer:

• Custom resumes and cover letters
• Human VAs submitting your applications
• Application tracking

They charge a one-time fee, with basic and premium options.

Picking Your Provider

Here's how to choose:

1. Set your budget
2. Figure out what you need
3. Read reviews on independent sites
4. Ask about guarantees

Don't just go for the cheapest option. Think about what you're getting for your money.

"EP Advisory was worth every penny. I doubt I'd have landed a job at Carlsberg without them. They really got what I needed - it was a great investment in my career." - George Pay, Digital Marketing Manager

Getting Started

Ready to outsource your job hunt? Here's how:

1. Know what you need

Figure out what parts of your job search you want help with. Is it your resume? Applying to jobs? Or do you want someone to handle it all?

2. Set your budget

Decide how much you'll spend. Prices can vary a lot:

3. Find good providers

Look for companies or freelancers with solid reputations. Check out reviews on independent sites.

4. Talk to potential helpers

Set up calls to discuss your needs. Ask about their experience and how they work.

5. Share your info

Once you pick a provider, give them:

• Your current resume
• Job descriptions you're interested in
• Industries and locations you're targeting
• Any other key details

6. Be clear about what you want

Tell them your goals and how you want things done. Discuss how often you'll communicate and how involved you'll be.

7. Start small

Try a short-term project first to see how it goes before committing long-term.

8. Stay in the loop

Keep an eye on progress and give feedback. Regular check-ins help keep things on track.

Remember, outsourcing doesn't mean checking out completely. You're still a key part of your job search.

"The hardest part of job hunting is finding the right people to contact each week. Effective networking takes time, creativity, and discipline." - Nicholas's case study

Next Steps

You've learned about delegating job application tasks. Now, it's time to act:

1. Pick your strategy

Choose between a virtual assistant, an automated platform, or both.

2. Set a budget

Costs vary:

3. Start small

Begin with one task, like resume tailoring or job searching. Try MyJobHunter.com for $39.95/month to automate applications.

4. Track progress

Use a job tracker to monitor sent applications and follow-up times.

5. Refine your approach

After a week or two, evaluate and adjust your strategy.

Stay involved in your job search. Use your saved time for networking and interview prep.

"The hardest part of job hunting is finding the right people to contact each week. Effective networking takes time, creativity, and discipline." - Nicholas's case study

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