Now that introductions are over; I’ll equip you with tips to submit an A1 application experienced or not. During my time as a Career Consultant, something that really puts people off going for opportunities starts with the initial application process. So, it’s time to get to the practical details of submitting your interest for that dream job.
First thing is first, don’t lose your head if you’ve seen the perfect job. It’s a fantastic opportunity but the job is not yours until you’ve got your offer and contract. Stay positive but be mentally prepared for anything.
For experienced application forms
If you need to submit an application form which is typically a long form asking you for your details and to state how well you meet the person specification criteria.
If you have recent industry experience for the role you’re applying for, this should be straightforward. It’s about communication and detailing specific examples that demonstrate how well you’ve understood the company, the job description and the person specification. If in doubt, read the job description and advert aloud several times until you are beyond the shadow of a doubt, that you could do the job in your sleep.
If you’re struggling to get started, get a job-searching buddy or accountability partner to help you. If you have a job coach, rely on them fully to get you going if the thought of submitting applications makes you nearly break out in hives.
For inexperienced application forms
If you have limited experience, expertly laying it on thick about your transferrable skills will be critical, as well as stating how eager you are to learn. If you’re not sure how to develop these skills, have a look at Skills builder to get you started asap! If you’ve volunteered, now is the time to say how you demonstrate those person specification skills, but only if it’s relevant to the role/industry. Read the advert and job description again, and mainly include similar examples to demonstrate how you meet the person’s specifications.
Submitting a CV and cover letter
Although it’s similar to submitting an application form, jobs requiring you to submit a CV should include a cover letter. These will require more research of the company and job before sending your CV. Even if this is through a Recruiter, don’t skip this step.
For experienced cover letters
For those of you experienced in the sector of the role you’re applying for, you are advised to tailor your CV for every role.
Spend 30 minutes to 1 hour researching the company, team and job, to thoroughly understand what you may be walking into with this role. Watch videos from employees of the company via YouTube or Glassdoor reviews if they have any. Pay particular attention to any topics covering the values of the interested company, as this can allow you to figure out if working at the company is right for you.
Use this as the starting point to update your CV (especially the candidate summary/profile section) to reflect what the company is about while demonstrating your unique skills. Use similar language that they use on their corporate website/LinkedIn or other social media accounts.
Having researched the company, use this to inspire your cover letter. A cover letter should be a condensed version of the application form. Your writing needs to be concise and inviting to both hiring managers and recruiters. A cover letter is another opportunity for you to encourage hiring managers to want to know more about you, and what you can bring to the role immediately, and potentially in the long term. Depending on the role, you may want to address examples that are essential first, and then the desirable criteria later on. Tie this all together in your closing text, to leave your cover letter on a good and confident note.
For inexperienced cover letters
Similar to the application form process, use your cover letter to highlight those transferrable skills and why this job is interesting to you (in other words instead of what you have experience for).
If you’re a graduate, specifying how you have developed corporate skills will be important as what extra-curricular activities you’ve done. If there is a number or email address for someone to contact for more information, you will need to embrace boldness here and come prepared with questions.
You can put your cover letter and CV in the same file. I would recommend putting your CV first, then the cover letter second. But it’s up to what would work for the job and the seniority of the role.
So that’s all for now folks, I hope these were helpful to applying for jobs and take some of the pain out of the process.
I will be back next week with more job-hunting tips. Book your free consultation call now if you would like support on how to get started.
Ciao!
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