Improve your job search success with our quick and easy guide.
In today’s fast-paced job market, your application is your first (and sometimes only) shot at making an impression. It’s not just about listing your qualifications; it’s about communicating your value, attitude, and potential in a way that resonates with both hiring managers and applicant tracking systems (ATS).
The good news is that you now have more tools at your disposal than ever before. Grammar and spelling support software, such as Grammarly, and generative AI tools like ChatGPT can help you carefully craft the perfect application and increase your chances of submitting a successful job application.
Let’s dive in…
The Do’s of an Effective Job Application
Read the job description carefully, then read it back again
- Develop a strong understanding of the role, the developmental opportunities, the organisation, and the associated challenges.
- Most job descriptions will also include a person specification, a list of qualities the successful applicant is expected to bring to the role. Typically, this will be either a short list of bullet points or a separate document detailing the various characteristics.
- Write a checklist of the required characteristics and think about how your CV can be formatted to meet each criterion.
Pro Tip: Remember, most companies rely on ATS technology to help screen large volumes of candidates. It is tempting to assume that a human will review your application. However, this may not be the case. Identify keywords from the job description to increase your chances of passing through the ATS software filters. There is nothing wrong with carefully mirroring the language in the job description.
Stay professional
- This one could go without saying. Nobody wants to receive a job application from drunkpoppartyprincess@mail.co While this might be less of a problem when it comes to ATS technology, it pays to set up a separate professional email account that can help you manage all of your career-related correspondence.
- Similarly, ensure that you follow all instructions when applying. Features such as word count and file format requirements are included for a reason. While a human reviewer may use these as a basic test of rule-following and attention to detail, it is more likely that the organisation’s ATS may be unable to review exceptions to the rule. So, unless you want to dramatically increase your chances of getting lost in the mix, be sure to look out for any instructions when applying.
Tailoring in key
- Adapt your resume and (where required) cover letter for each job you apply for.
- I know, this sounds incredibly tedious given that the average job applicant will submit dozens of applications throughout their job search.
- However, it is essential to align your experience with the role’s specific needs, not just the general field.
Pro Tip: Many highly popular job boards offer services like one-click apply. The logic is simple: speed up the application process, increase the number of applications one can submit, thereby increasing their chances of success.
Sadly, this is true for everyone, and jobs that may have once received a few dozen applicants who closely fit the role requirements now find themselves inundated with thousands of applications from across the internet, usually of much poorer quality. AI tools that scour the internet and automatically submit applications for candidates exacerbate this problem.
Your best bet is to tailor your approach and apply for jobs that truly align with your experience and motivations.
Show the numbers
- Quantify your achievements as best as you can. This is easier for your school, college, and uni grades.
- Think about some of the metrics you can include that relate to your extracurricular and work experiences.
Track Your progress
- Keep a spreadsheet of applications sent, follow-up dates, and outcomes. It’ll save time and stress.
- Add a column to your tracker with a contact email address for the recruitment team handling your application.
- Be sure to drop them an email if you haven’t received an update in the timeframe stated in the application.
Pro Tip: Remember to seek feedback on your application, regardless of which stage you are at. Companies may state explicitly that they cannot provide feedback (particularly in the early stages). With this exception, it is always worth asking.
The Don’ts of Job Applications
- Don’t Use Cringey Emails - Keep it simple and professional. drunkpoppartyprincess looks better as an Instagram handle anyway…
- Don’t Submit a Generic Application - Tailored approaches are worth the time investment.
- Don’t Waffle - Be concise and purposeful. Avoid unnecessary details and keep resumes to 1–2 pages.
Pro Tip: Remember, recruiters are people too (honest!). If you were a recruiter and you were looking for five things in a CV, wouldn’t you be much happier if those five things were right at the top and easy to find?
- Don’t Include Irrelevant Information - As above. If it doesn’t align with the job, consider omitting it or mentioning it briefly in the “Other Experience” section of your CV.
- Don’t Add a Photo to Your CV - It’s unnecessary, can interfere with ATS, and may invite preconceptions and cognitive bias.
Speculative Applications & When to Go Off-Script
Sometimes the job you want isn’t advertised. A speculative application is where you pitch yourself for a role that may not exist yet, to a company that you have a particular interest in.
Times are changing, and speculative enquiries may not be suitable at an early-career level, particularly to large organisations that have set graduate and apprenticeship schemes throughout the year. That said, it never hurts to engage in outreach and find suitable internal contacts within the organisation.
When making a speculative enquiry:
- Keep it short and focused on how you can add value.
- Demonstrate you’ve researched the company and understand where you could fit in.
- Follow up after a week to show enthusiasm and explore opportunities for networking and/or introductions with the talent team.