Job applications require personalized attention
Your job applications shouldn’t look like clones of each other. When you’re
applying for jobs, each application should be tailored to the position to which
you are applying. Why go through the trouble of tailoring your applications? You
must spend time on your application because it is the only thing about you that
the recruiter will see. The recruiter may not even take the time to look at your
resume.
Applicant should qualify jobs before applying; Important for
careers
Imagine how many careers have been shut down
because somebody wrote, “See Resume, attached.” on their application instead of
taking the time to fill out the application itself. Copy the application and use
that as your practice copy to cut down on the number of errors and scribbling on
the application that you do submit.
Thankfully, with the advent of the Internet, you can fill out many applications
online. This speeds the process for you because you can have much of the text
that you use over and over again saved as files. It’s easier to fill out a job
application when you have all the information you need in front of you. You
might find it easier to fill applications when you keep a master application
with all of your professional information captured in one place.
If you’ve qualified the jobs that you’re applying for, then the job application
that you fill out should be worth your time to fill out for all its worth. One
note of warning, make sure you read the small print in the application before
you sign away your rights. Companies will commonly put in an “arbitration
clause” as part of the job application; this clause limits your legal rights as
an employee should you sign it as part of your application.
Cover Letters
If you’ve seen a job you want advertised, underline the skills in the posting
and make sure you have shown you have them in your letter to the employer.
What to say:
- summarize your skills and experience - keep it brief, factual and try not to
oversell yourself
- if you have been unemployed for a while say how you spend your spare time -
perhaps you do voluntary work or are studying education
part-time
- include a reference number if provided in the job details - enter it below the
opening line e.g. Dear Mrs....... Re: Job Ref 345/94
- try to find out the name of the person you need to write to - if you start
with: Dear Sir/Madam, end with - Yours faithfully; or if you start with: Dear
Mrs. Smith, end with - Yours sincerely
- say when you will be free for an interview
- double check your spelling and grammar before sending the letter
- be sure to include your name, address and phone number (if you have one) and
the date
The end product:
- be neat - whether hand written or typed - leave plenty of space around the
edges and a clear space between each paragraph or section
- use decent quality plain paper and envelopes
- check against your rough copy to make sure you've not missed anything
- sign the letter and print your name underneath to make sure it can be easily
read
- make sure your letter arrives on time - if it is late it might not even be
considered and your time will have been wasted
Application letters
Some employers may ask you to complete an application form before offering you
an interview. Here are some tips to improve the chances of your application
being read.
Preparation:
- read the instructions carefully
- photocopy the form if possible and practice on a rough copy first
Filling it in:
- use a black pen (it is easier to photocopy) and write clearly and neatly -
keep the form clean and unfolded
- follow the instructions exactly - so, for example, complete fully in block
capitals if asked to do so
- answer all questions which apply to you, keeping your answers short and to the
point
- make sure you include any relevant experience and give examples where required
- if you need more space, attach a separate piece of paper - don’t try and cram
everything into the space provided
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