If you’ve recently left college or have suddenly been made redundant it’s easy to panic and fire off applications in all directions. Now is the time to reflect and think clearly about what sort of positions you really want to apply for. What did you love about your last position? Is the location important to you, are you looking for particular hours? Are you looking for opportunities for promotion? Cutting down the amount of positions you apply for will leave you time to focus your energy on producing brilliant applications for those dream jobs. 

Sign up for jobs by email to make sure you receive all the latest vacancies, straight to your inbox. And get back to contacts that you’ve made during your career. If you’ve impressed them in the past they may have something for you.

Filling in application forms

A bit of preparation goes a long way. Have your basic details to hand, and an idea of the personal strengths and professional experience you want to get across to the employer.

When submitting a handwritten application make sure you do a trial run first so you don’t have any scribbled out errors on the real version. This will also help you avoid common problems like running out of room. Make sure you use a decent pen too, not an old biro that’s likely to run out halfway through. It’s good practice to take a copy of the application too, in case you’re asked about it at the interview.

Electronic applications are often easier as you can cut and paste information from your CV. But this means it’s also easy to make mistakes. And beware copying CVs off the internet; you may not be the only one doing it!

If you are asked to complete an electronic application form online you may be able to copy sections from your CV, but make sure to answer the questions in full.

Writing a covering letter

A recruiter may received hundreds of applications and will be looking for quick ways of reducing the pile – don’t make it easy for them by addressing it to the wrong person, spelling the company name wrong or getting your apostrophes in a muddle.

You need to introduce yourself and explain briefly why you are applying for this job. Mention any relevant skills and experience and perhaps a few of the achievements in your most recent position which make you the ideal candidate for the job.

But they don’t want your life story – your CV is there to flesh out these details. You should end by pointing them in that direction and requesting an interview. After all, that is why you’re writing to them in the first place.

Improve your CV

Once you’ve won them over with your brilliant covering letter, your CV is the place to offer supporting information providing the recruiter essential facts about your experience and skills.

Ensure you keep it to two sides of A4. If it’s longer than that, it’s too long. Keep the layout consistent, always starting with the most recent job or qualification first. Bullet points will help you cut down on the waffle.

What does the employer want? Whatever the industry, they will be looking for evidence of good organisation and communication skills, the ability to work in a team and in some way help them be more profitable.

One other point – don’t lie. You will be found out!

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