Over recent months there has been an upsurge in the Arras People Career Clinic bookings – the fresh trend for my clinics is tending to be based around making an application for a specific role rather than general CV advice, feedback and careers guidance. As the market tightens and competition for new roles becomes tougher, a realisation that more work is required to achieve interviews; candidates are looking for ways to strengthen their approach to securing that next position.
Here are a few tips on how to ensure your application is a strong one:
1.First step – read the job advert, don’t just skim read either! Most candidates fall at the first hurdle by not following instructions correctly. For example: recently I was asked to review a CV against a job description – the point of the exercise was to ensure the CV would be attractive to the CV reviewer and hopefully be put into the shortlist for interview. On reading the job description I noted the instruction to apply was in fact an application form (to be downloaded from the employer website) and a covering letter stating why you are interested in the role. This may amuse but it is a very common trend for applicants to not read instructions when applying and automatically be put in the “reject” pile for clearly demonstrating an inability to follow simple instruction and poor attention to detail.
2. Once you have gathered information about how to apply take the next step of preparing the necessary information. If the requirement is a CV and covering letter; look to revisit your CV and ensure that all the competences listed in the JD are demonstrated in your CV (if you haven’t done it, and don’t meet 90% of the criteria then don’t apply). The same applies for application forms – ensure you complete them thoroughly and look to address each area of competence listed in the JD. The Arras team receives calls from candidates asking for further feedback having been rejected for a role – the case put forward by the candidate is frequently; “but I have all the competences listed in the JD, I do not understand.” When opening the CV and running through it with the candidate it becomes quickly apparent to the candidate that they may well have done these things but it does not state this in the CV. Common sense I know but it is very common for candidates to assume that recruiters and HR staff know how XXX PLC work and the candidates’ specific involvement in the project.
3. Before sending the application off; read and re-read the JD and your application form / CV / cover letter etc. Make sure you are covering all aspects of the role requirements and fulfilling the application process necessities. Once you are happy with the finished article – apply.
All very standard advice but often overlooked as human nature tends to lead to rushing applications and callous approach to securing your next role – look at it from the employers perspective; at a time when organisations require exceptional personnel to progress are they likely to contact someone who half heartedly applies for the position?
Careers clinics are bookable through the Arras People website. This part of the service is also covered by our free service to job seekers currently signing on at Job Centre Plus under the Job Search Support Service.
