Targeting your applications
To beat the competition at this most difficult stage you need to be specific. We look at the ways you can ensure your application ends up on the coveted 'invite to interview' pile.
The written application stage of the job seeking process is the most important and competitive of all. The number of applicants that reach the first interview is a mere fraction of the number that apply. Your application form or CV will be one of many and if it fails to stand out it will very quickly find itself sitting on top of the pile marked 'regret to inform you'.
Quality not quantity
The critical issue here is quality rather than quantity. Fifty rushed and sloppy application forms will always be less successful than ten that are well planned and structured. You should never sacrifice quality by churning out piles of unprepared applications. Every application should reveal a well-researched and well-thought out approach to its completion. Knowledge of the job and the industry will demonstrate a commitment to that particular field of work.
Target your CVs
Similarly, CVs must be targeted for specific employers and tailored for specific jobs. This way you can demonstrate and give examples of relevant skills. A general purpose CV will undoubtedly head for the bin. Make sure the content of your covering letter doesn't sound like an undiscriminating standard letter. The 'Dear Sir/Madam' approach stands no chance against a candidate who has made the effort to phone the relevant department and find out the name of the person to whom the letter will be directed.
Golden opportunity
Devote one paragraph to explaining why you are interested in the job and/or organisation. This is a golden opportunity to target the letter and to demonstrate that it's not one of thousands issuing from your printer. Try to say something original about the organisation, but if you know very little about it concentrate on the factors that attract you to the work. The key is to stand out from the other candidates and to get noticed. If you make a favourable impression you will be asked in for an interview and all that hard work will have paid off.
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