The application process “
application should be treated as any other job application, with a complete CV and a formal (but enthusiastic) outline of why you want to join this workplace and the reasons why you would be an asset there.
Writing the all-important CV and covering leter Plain English and full sentences are a winning formula! You might think now is the time to sound as sophisticated as possible, but trust us when we say no one is expecting anything too poetic! Choose an unfussy font if you are sending a document in Word and traditional layout, with nothing too unconventional, even if you feel it’s a good idea to stand out from the crowd – when it comes to presentation, this could just provide an employer with an excuse to throw your application – one of many – in the reject pile. When recounting experiences and qualifications,
stick to a style. Put dates first or last (neither is right or wrong), followed by roles – or vice versa – but be consistent. The same goes for using italics or bold – keep it simple, foremost. While all of us misspell or overlook convention at
times, there are sticklers for grammar and punctuation in all walks of life, and you never know if they will be the ones reading your application! The traditional format is to list education – schools and qualifications – first, followed by employment history (if any), then a personal statement, plus extracurricular activities that demonstrate desirable qualities. This is no time to reinvent the wheel, and if it means the CV can fit on one page – two maximum – all the better!
Tailor the application and covering leter for each and every job
Tailor-made applications - every time! As boring and tedious as this may sound (and not doing this is a mistake people seeking work at all stages of life make), you should absolutely create a new application and covering letter tailored towards each and every job you apply for. It’s tempting, and much less time-consuming, to cut and paste and fire off dozens of applications, but it will show! Treat each one with individual love and care and your work is more likely to pay off.
Love of the industry It’s important to show an interest in the type of industry you want to be involved in. Having some knowledge of the company you are approaching helps, as well as the latest developments in the sector. There will be a ton of info on the internet in researching the profession you want to work in. Check out a brand’s social media, websites and general messaging, find out what values are important to them. Even an elementary understanding of the company’s products and services is a good start. If you have time and can make a connection, it’s valuable to shadow someone, look for work experience or ask a few questions of someone in the industry. Following trends or news stories relating to the field
will illustrate how passionate you are, and that will give you a great head start.
“In my spare time I...” Mentioning your pastimes can be a huge advantage but you can sometimes feel it’s a bit forced. The opportunity is there, however, to turn hobbies into valuable skills. Taking part in sports demonstrates teamwork as well as sociability; being captain of a team shows leadership. Even solitary pursuits, such as reading, cooking or running, can illustrate, in turn, the ability to self-teach, skill development and discipline, and an interest in the outdoors, or even mindfulness. Your aim is to identify and isolate – and write up – the qualities in everything non- work and school that you enjoy/commit time to, and how they translate into useful tools for life and work.
Before sending Read, read and reread. Have a parent or friend, an older sibling or a trusted family member proofread your application. Ask for feedback and try to take it on board as constructive, sometimes it can help to sleep on it, and come back to it with fresh eyes!
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