How to apply for a job.

Applying for jobs can be time consuming and emotionally draining. There is so much effort in searching for jobs, adapting CV’s, cover letters and filling in application forms for each job found.

I have been on both sides of the boat with applying for jobs and getting CV’s/ cover letters from people looking for jobs. Therefore, I have created this post in order to help those who are struggling in the job market.

Searching for a job

You can look for a job by having a walk through your nearest shopping centre and looking at shop windows. Usually there is a sign in the window that informs of any vacancies or you can always ask a member of staff. If you have purposely gone in to look for jobs make sure you have some CV’s handy with you.

If you are searching online have a look at job websites and narrow down your search by choosing options such as job title, location, distance, full-time/part-time and expected salary. This helps whittle out ones that are not suitable to your needs. Once the job adverts have popped up, click on the ones that tickle your fancy. Make sure that you read the advert carefully to see if you have the skills needed and will be able to fulfil the role. You do not want to waste time applying if you cannot meet their essential criteria.

When you are looking at a job advert and you have found one you would like to apply for, I would then research the company and check out their website. I never apply for through the job website but directly with the company website. I previously used a couple of job websites and created a profile with a CV and cover letter, but I never got any responses after applying for jobs. I ended up getting a lot of spam instead.

Instead, read the website and do some background research on them. This will become handy when writing a cover letter and if you manage to get an interview, The majority of websites nowadays have their own page for job vacancies or careers which supplies with all the information that you need. A lot of job adverts have a designated person who will accept applications whether with their own form they want you to fill in or where to attach a CV or cover letter or which email address to send the information over.

How to write a cover letter

Firstly, read the job advert carefully and note down any essential criteria. The cover letter needs to have your selling points, yet concisely written and properly structured. You need to be able to answer all their needs in no more than one side of A4 paper.

Start with your details and the date aligned to the right and the employers’ details aligned to the left. If you have a name of someone address the letter accordingly, if not then address “Dear Sir/Madam”. You will need to state what job you are applying for e.g. RE – Administration Assistant. Followed by the top 3 or 4 of the essential criteria you noted earlier, and how you are an asset in this role, but make sure not to waffle. About 2 or 3 paragraphs should suffice. Then end the letter with “Yours sincerely” if you know who you are writing to, or “Yours faithfully” if it is addressed to Sir/Madam. Do not forget to sign the letter.

How to write a CV

All CV’s will look different as everyone goes through different experiences and gains different skills in the process. Make sure when typing up the CV and cover letter to us a sans serif font like Arial and not Times New Roman. This ensures that it is easy to read.

My main recommendation is to have a well structured layout and your newest accomplishments towards the beginning – as long as it is relevant to the job. The way to begin is to start off with your name, address, telephone number and email address. Followed by a bullet pointed list or a small paragraph listing your best skills. A CV should be no more than 2 pages long and should list all of your greatest achievements, skills and qualities. Make sure to list the most recent jobs or qualifications, company or university name, dates corresponding with time at each and a brief summary of what tasks you dealt with.

Everything should be tailored for each job applications whether adaptations are made to content or moving the different topics showing the most relevant qualification or job skills.

Checking the documents

This is paramount in making sure everything is saved in the correct and requested format. Updating all relevant documents to suit each job application is time consuming but essential for standing out from the crowd of others applying. Triple check all spelling and grammar in all documents, even get someone else to have a check and glance over everything if it helps.

Applying online

When applying online please make sure all documents you are submitting are correct as requested or have your name and title of document. Check how to apply before you submit anything. You may be required to fill in an application form and then attach documents or just add a cover letter and CV to a webpage. Just make sure you triple check everything before submitting. You cannot go back once it has all been sent through or applied on the website.

Applying in person

If you applying in person aka handing out CV’s, please make sure you are dressed casual/smart. First impressions make a big impact when applying for jobs and request to speak to the manager if you can before handing over documentation. This way you can ask questions in relation to the job application as it helps in building a rapport and appear presentable. Please bear in mind when there are job vacancies, there are always more people applying for the role than there are vacancies. Therefore, it is key to create a memorable, friendly and open conversation.

I hope these tips will help those out there looking and applying for jobs. You are not alone with the process and I will be making more posts following the processes through different types of interviews, interview tips and feedback.

Keep an eye out for those in the future.