How To Improve Your Job Application

How To Improve Your Job Application






Use a cover letter

In our third CV tip of ten we look at the fact that helping the recruiter shortlist you is everything when going through the initial process of applying for a job. Work is the crucial thing, the recruiter has it and you want it so make getting a job your job.

Sending out or emailing your CV to a potential employer is part and parcel of the job hunting - and on the other side - recruiting process. You have to do this to secure yourself an interview and the recruiter or employer has to receive it. They will be getting many and believe it or not the prospect of picking out the most suitable candidates to shortlist for an interview can be a daunting one even for experienced recruiters. Make their job easier and ultimately your job goal more achievable by sending out a covering letter. Unless a job advertisement specifically tells you not to do this you should do it without fail.

You might not think it that important as the CV is the tool that secures you an interview but a covering letter actually ticks a number of boxes. Mainly to introduce yourself and show that you have a basic literacy knowledge and understand how to lay out a letter but also to draw attention to two or three key areas that qualify you for the job. If your CV is your chance to make a first impression then the covering letter is the preamble to that.

It makes it easy for the recruiter to short list you by showing them how your past experience and track record makes you a suitable fit to the job they are trying to fill.

The key challenge with a cover letter is to ensure that it is, at least in part, customised to the vacancy.  This is not just job title, but also the selection of key area that qualify you for their vacancy.  Bland cover letters that look like you have written to lots of recruiters will probably do you more harm than good.  If, therefore you cannot find the time or motivation to produce a customised cover letter it is probably better to leave this out - although it will reduce your chances of success.

Have a look at HireApplications.com which offers a CV and cover letter customisation system, along with an application tracker - allowing you to keep track of which jobs you have applied to.

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