Applying for Jobs

Saturday, 19 July 2008 8:14PM

Applying for Jobs

APPLYING FOR JOBS

Which method you use to apply for a vacancy will depend on the Recruiter or Employer and how the vacancy you are applying for has been advertised.

There are several ways of applying to vacancies, including:

Online Job Board Applications to Employers or Recruitment Consultancies
Email Applications to Employers or Recruitment Consultancies in response to an advert
Postal Applications to Employers (Usually only when required to complete a specific Application Form)

Depending on the method of your Application, it is likely that you will have to write some form of Covering Letter or Introductory Email to present your CV/Application.

Covering Letter

Covering Letters are usually associated with job applications direct to Employers, particularly where a specific Application Form is required or where you are submitting your CV speculatively.

The main reason for writing a Cover Letter is to add value to your Application. If you have produced a CV that 'Sells Yourself' and shout about your skills - the Cover Letter ensures the Employer will be tempted to thoroughly read your CV/Application.

Benefits of a Cover Letter / Introductory Email

Provides you the opportunity to;

• Promote your Application.
• Secure the Recruiters/Employers interest in your Application.
• Demonstrate your knowledge of the vacancy and why you are interested.
• Highlight your key skills and experience relevant to the vacancy.

Follow our guidelines on producing a Cover Letter / Introductory Email

• Ensure the Cover Letter is addressed to the correct contact responsible for the recruitment of the vacancy to which you are applying.
• Ensure the Cover Letter is dated.
• Ensure that you clearly indicate where you saw the vacancy advertised, the vacancy name and when provided vacancy reference for the role to which you are applying.
• Clearly indicate any contact details for ease of reference for the Employer
• Ensure the content is Professional, not Personal
• Ensure that you are clear and concise about;
Your relevant skills.
Your reasons for application.
Your availability for interview.
• Be clear about why you are suitable for the job rather than why the job is suitable for you.
• Ensure you make reference to any documents enclosed in the Application so if anything goes missing they will know what it is.

Introductory Email

Much in the same way a Cover Letter is used to add value to an Application, an Introductory Email should contain all the same information as listed above.

Particularly with email, it is important to be informative yet very succinct in order to ensure your CV/Application will Stand Out from the Crowd.

Online Job Board Applications

When applying for vacancies online via a Job Board there will often be a pre-defined Application facility. Usually these Application facilities are pre-defined and you are unable to alter the content. On these occasions remember that it will be the initial impact of your CV that secures the Recruiters/Employers interest.

Application Forms

Completing Application Forms is not a common process these days although some Employers do still adopt this method of managing Applications.

From an Employers point of view the Application Form is a useful tool in accessing an individual in addition to using the CV.

Things to remember when completing Application Forms

1) Always take a photocopy of the original Application Form and create a draft Application

2) Read the whole Application Form and instructions before you fill in the form

3) If you are unable to type the Application Form ensure you write clearly and legibly. These forms are designed to save time for Employers, if they cannot read your application they will discard it

4) Use black ink – always easier to photocopy if required

5) Answer all questions concisely and in the third person i.e. ‘responsible for’ and ‘undertook this’, rather than first person i.e. ‘I did this or that’.

6) Do not leave any questions unanswered. If a question is not relevant you should say so

7) Do not feel like you have to fill every page with prose. Strong Application Forms are normally clearly written and succinct

8) Always include a CV with your Application Form

9) Re-read your completed form or get a friend/colleague to read through it, checking for grammar and spelling mistakes

10) Take a photocopy for your records before you send it off

Below you will find a convenient Applying for Jobs Factsheet to enable you to read the full document and print it out as required.