With so many people leaving
school, college and university at this time of year we thought we would look at
the right way to complete job applications, to give you the best chance of
landing your perfect job!
Firstly, do not just jump in feet
first! Many job applications will be accompanied with instructions, it is
important to read and follow them. For example you may be asked to ring first
for an informal chat. If you are given this opportunity then take it as it will
give you the chance to pick up lots of valuable information. By asking the
right questions you should be able to find out more about the type of strengths
and skills they are looking for, and then be able to tailor your application
accordingly. On the other hand it may say something as simple as use a black
pen or complete online. It is most likely that the employer will receive many
applications for the vacancy so anyone that can’t follow the most basic of
instructions is most likely to be disregarded at this point.
Remember to write clearly
and precisely, the employer is likely to be a busy person and will not have the
time to wade through page after page of waffle picking out the salient points.
If you are given a copy of the job description and personal specification
follow these to highlight the reasons that show why you are the best candidate
for the job. Do not lie on your application; if you do and you are found out at
a later date then you are likely to lose your job and credibility. However,
there is no reason why you cannot stretch the truth a little, and give non work
based experiences to show that you possess the qualities that the employer
requires. For example if it states that you must be able to work as part of a
team then you can give an example that is not work related. It could be that
you have been part of a sports team, and you can explain why it was necessary
for you all to work together to make the team successful. Similarly, they may
be looking for someone with good budgeting skills. Okay you may have little
experience in the field of employment but I’m guessing all you guys who have
been students for a number of years have a lot of experience of living on a
budget! You see most life skills and experiences are valuable and transferrable
to the world of employment.
Although the picture says that this applicant was hired, we would not suggest being this truthful in your application!
Obviously, you need to complete
the application in draft first. Read and re-read to check the spelling and
grammar are correct. Do not rely on an auto corrector to pick up your mistakes.
Although they are fine for picking up the odd typing error, none of them are
perfect and will sometimes change grammar that does not need changing, and
loses the sense of your work. Similarly they will often try and change your
spellings to the American version. This is fine if you are applying to an
American company but otherwise should be avoided. It is important to spend some
time making sure the application is correct, it displays to a prospective
employer that you take a pride in your work, and are treating the search for
employment seriously.
Lastly, be yourself. If this is
the right job for you and you can show that you have the necessary
qualifications and experiences then be confident in showing the employer who
you are. Let your personality shine through, so that your application stands
out from the others and encourages the employer to invite you for an interview
to discuss your abilities in more detail and learn more about you.
Do not be discouraged if you do
not receive a reply to your first application or do not get asked for interview,
there are many, many candidates applying for each position. Just stick at it
and keep trying. The more applications you complete the more confident you will
become and the whole process becomes easier.
Good luck to anyone on a job
search at the moment!
Next week we will take a look at
tips for attending interviews.
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