申し込みます vs 応募します (to apply)


Good day folks,

Basically been studying for 3 months already here in Tokyo. Using minna no
nihongo book in our school. I am just wondering because I stumbled upon
`もうしこみます` which means `"to apply"`.

When I was playing with google translate, I wanted to say something like "I
want to apply for your company", and the word `おうぼする` came up. I tried
searching the net for their differences, but couldn't find any. if anyone can
help, please do so. Any output is much appreciated. Thank you very much.




The kanji 応 in 応募 means "to respond", and 募 here means 募集 ("recruitment",
"public request for application"). Therefore, 応募 is used only for something
that is publicly "called for", such as a job recruitment, a competition, an
audition, a volunteer activity, or a magazine sweepstakes. There is usually a
selection process, and you usually don't have to pay just for 応募.

申し込む has a broader sense. You can use 申し込む for all the examples above. You can
use only 申し込む when you start an ordinary business transaction, such as buying
a cell phone, reserving a hotel, claiming for insurance money, or issuing a
passport.

Note that there are some specific and better words in some fields, such as 出願
(for applying for admission to a school) and 投稿 (for submitting a manuscript).

