Your job application should tell a prospective employer why your education, skills and experience make you suitable for the job they are advertising. It may consist of a covering letter and a CV, or an application form.
When you apply for a job, you should consider how well your education, skills and experience match the requirements of the job. So the first thing you need to do is read the job advertisement carefully. If you think you are right for the job, write a covering letter that covers all the points in the advertisement. Adjust the content of your CV so that it targets that job. It is better to send 10 carefully targeted applications than 100 general covering letters and CVs.
Application forms
Recruiters use application forms so they can control the information gained. This makes the screening process fair as they ask everyone the same questions and can make direct comparisons between the answers. If you are applying for a job by application form, you should still send a brief covering letter. Here are some tips to bear in mind:
- Never send your CV instead of filling in the form
- Read the whole form carefully before filling it in
- Allow enough time to complete the form
- If you are handwriting the form, always photocopy the blank form first
- Write out a rough version before filling the form in
- Always ask someone to check what you have written
- Never leave blanks
- Be honest!
- Photocopy or save a version of the completed form
- Use the 'other information' section as an opportunity to sell yourself - emphasise achievements, skills and strengths.