Write a good application
Whilst an application - comprising both a CV and a covering letter -will never be the sole factor in a candidate's successful appointment, it is an opportunity to tick an employer's boxes and thereby move onto the next stage - so should be treated extremely carefully, with a high level of thought and attention to detail.
Curriculum Vitae A good CV (Curriculum Vitae), can be used for several positions but may need to be tailored for different opportunities to reflect relevant factors for a given role.
Covering Letter A covering letter is an opportunity to demonstrate enthusiasm, relevance and understanding for a role, effectively encouraging an interviewer to take the application forward. Consequently, covering letters must be tailored to each application.
Although many candidates apply for positions by email rather than the traditional mail format, a high attention to detail must still apply to all documents and will reflect well on the application.
References
Whether references are included in full or are offered as available, the presence of relevant references indicates both forward planning and confidence in achieving a positive outcome.
Three tips for a good application
1. Tailor the application to the job specification/advert
2. Retain copies of each application and mark each clearly to identify the specifics of the role applied for, to help with tailoring future applications
3. If applying for a job whilst still in a position, consider your current employer, in terms of discretion and confidentiality. Bear in mind that indiscrete and/or negative applications may reflect negatively on the application
Three tips for a good application
1. Always bear in mind the job specification/job advert when you are drawing up your application documents.
2. Take copies of the advertisements for jobs that you have applied for, and also make copies of the application documents you send in. Copies enable you to go back and refresh your memory as and when you are invited for an interview.
3. If you are applying for a job while still in a position, you should consider your current employer. For example, you can finish your personal letter by stating that because of your current work situation you would like to ask for discretion in the handling of your application.
