So far, we\u2019ve covered putting together a winning resume, navigating the confusing terrain of a cover letter, and talked success points for making a great impression at your interview.<\/p>\n
While these are the \u2018Big Three\u2019 as it were of getting ahead with your job search, you\u2019re also likely to come across the need to fill in online application forms or work through an application process.<\/p>\n
We know it all seems<\/em> pretty straightforward – how hard can filling in an online form be, right? We\u2019re with you, but we also know from experience that while it seems easy peasy, there are a few tiny things to be conscious of that can often make the difference between scoring an interview or receiving one of those awful rejection emails.<\/p>\n Below are five mistakes that may seem small but make a big<\/strong> difference when trying to secure your next dream job opportunity:<\/p>\n When the application instructions tell you to address each point in the selection criteria, make sure you address every single<\/i>\u00a0point listed in the selection criteria. If it asks you to do this in no more than two sides of A4 – make sure you stick to two sides of A4! <\/em>If it asks you to write 200 words in response to selection criteria – stick to the word limit!<\/em><\/p>\n Not following the instructions exactly as they advise is one of the surest ways to get your application in the bin, regardless of how perfect you might be for the role. Make sure you read through everything in full and note the essential details. Print the job description if you need to and highlight key information.<\/p>\n There\u2019s nothing wrong with having a well-drafted cover letter ready to go; however, there is something wrong with using this draft for every job you apply to without aligning it with the specific role and company.<\/p>\n Refer back to the job description, person specification and make sure you do some research on the company, both on their website and in the local media. See what information you can find, use this to demonstrate your interest in them and how you\u2019re a good match. This is important when you\u2019re applying via online job portals which often generate a generic opening paragraph to send over with your CV. Do NOT use these! Make sure you edit it and tailor it <\/em>to match the job and your specific skills\/experience.<\/p>\n Putting together a comprehensive application takes time. When you\u2019re staring at the same information for a while, it\u2019s easy to lose track and cut corners. One of the things that\u2019s off-putting for employers is when they see inconsistencies across your employment documents.<\/p>\n Mismatched job titles, work dates, qualifications are all red flags – it might not be deliberate, but this lack of attention to detail will get your application straight in the bin. Make sure you spend some time ensuring that your representation of your career is not only accurate<\/strong> but consistent<\/strong>.<\/p>\n This applies to both your cover letter and your overall application. It\u2019s easy to talk about how a job will benefit you, but the employer is most interested in how you\u2019re going to help their business and add value to their existing team.<\/p>\n When crafting your application, keep the emphasis on what you<\/strong> will bring to the organisation. Why does the employer need your specific skills and experience? How are you going to add value to their existing team? Incorporate the company research you\u2019ve done and use this to detail why you\u2019re the one they\u2019re looking for.<\/p>\n It is so important to ensure you check your spelling and grammar. Make sure when you\u2019re writing an application to a deadline, you give yourself 1 or 2 days buffer and set those days aside specifically for editing, proofreading, and checking your application with the fine-tooth comb of a grammar nerd!<\/p>\n You can use software such as Grammarly to help with this – but keep in mind Grammarly doesn\u2019t necessarily pick up on every error or misspelling you may have made. Ask a trusted friend to proofread for you and read your application out loud (the best way to pick up on any missing commas!). An application that hasn\u2019t been proofread sticks out like a sore thumb and will go straight in the reject pile.<\/p>\n Developing applications takes time, and it\u2019s a skill you\u2019ll also build the more you do them. We\u2019re sharing these small mistakes because they\u2019re the ones we see time and again – and they\u2019re totally avoidable!<\/p>\n The most important thing when it comes to getting your complete application together is not to fear making mistakes hold you back. Get stuck in, and keep moving forward!<\/p>\nGetting the Application Right<\/strong><\/h4>\n
1. Not following the application instructions to the letter.<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n
2. Using a generic cover letter<\/strong><\/h3>\n
3. Mismatched information across your employment documents<\/strong><\/h3>\n
4. Only talking about how the job will benefit you.<\/strong><\/h3>\n
5. Spelling and grammar!<\/strong><\/h3>\n