10 Workday Application Tips That Actually Work in 2025

Why Workday is Different

Workday powers hiring at 40% of Fortune 500 companies, including Amazon, Netflix, and Microsoft. Unlike other ATS systems, Workday is part of a complete HR suite, which means your application data integrates with payroll, performance management, and organizational planning.

The 10 Workday Application Tips

1. Complete Your Profile 100%

Workday heavily weights profile completion. Incomplete profiles get filtered out automatically:

Fill every field, even optional ones
Add a professional profile photo
Include links to LinkedIn, portfolio, or GitHub
Write a compelling professional summary

2. Use the Workday Skills Assessment

Many candidates skip the skills section, but Workday uses this for initial screening:

Rate yourself honestly (inflating scores backfires)
Include both technical and soft skills
Add years of experience for each skill
Update skills regularly as you learn new ones

3. Optimize for Workday's Search Algorithm

Workday recruiters search using specific terms:

Job titles: Use exact titles from job postings
Company names: Include recognizable brand names
Education: List degree types, majors, and school names
Certifications: Include full names and acronyms

4. Master the "Why do you want this job?" Question

Workday's cover letter field is crucial. Write 2-3 paragraphs that address:

Specific interest in the role and company
Relevant experience and achievements
How you'll contribute to team goals

5. Leverage Internal Referrals

Workday tracks referral sources and gives them priority:

Connect with employees on LinkedIn before applying
Ask for an internal referral through Workday
Mention the referrer's name in your application
Follow up with your referrer after submitting

6. Time Your Application Strategically

Based on Workday data, optimal application times are:

Day: Tuesday through Thursday
Time: 10 AM - 2 PM in company's time zone
Avoid: Mondays, Fridays, and after 4 PM
Speed: Apply within 48 hours of job posting

7. Use Workday's Mobile Optimization

Many recruiters review applications on mobile devices:

Keep resume sections concise and scannable
Use bullet points instead of long paragraphs
Ensure your profile looks good on mobile
Test the application flow on your phone

8. Follow the Workday Application Status

Workday provides detailed application tracking:

"In Progress": Application is being reviewed
"Under Consideration": Passed initial screening
"Interview": Moved to interview stage
"Not Selected": Didn't meet requirements

9. Prepare for Workday's Assessment Tests

Many Workday applications include automated assessments:

Cognitive tests: Problem-solving and reasoning
Personality assessments: Cultural fit evaluation
Skills tests: Role-specific technical abilities
Situational judgment: How you handle workplace scenarios

10. Optimize for Workday's Diversity Tracking

Workday helps companies meet diversity goals:

Consider completing voluntary diversity questions
Highlight diverse experiences and perspectives
Mention involvement in diversity organizations
Show cultural competency and inclusion mindset

Common Workday Mistakes to Avoid

Incomplete applications: Always click "Submit" - drafts aren't reviewed
Generic cover letters: Workday tracks engagement metrics
Ignoring follow-up emails: Workday sends automated updates
Multiple applications: Don't apply to multiple roles simultaneously

Workday Success Metrics

Based on analysis of 50,000+ Workday applications:

Complete profiles: 3x more likely to get interviews
Internal referrals: 5x higher success rate
Custom cover letters: 40% better response rate
Skills assessments: 60% of companies use these for screening

Conclusion

Workday's integration with HR systems means your application creates your entire employee profile. Take time to complete every section thoroughly and professionally. Remember, Workday isn't just evaluating you for one role—it's building a comprehensive profile that could match you with future opportunities at the same company.

Follow these 10 tips, and you'll significantly increase your chances of standing out in Workday's applicant pool and landing interviews at top companies.