Tailor your application
- Prioritise the selection criteria the employer has specified.
- For each point on your list, brainstorm examples of how you have used that skill in past situations. (Examples can come from part-time employment, course placements, university projects, extra-curricular or volunteer activities.)
- Select your strongest examples.
Allow plenty of time. A good application always takes longer than you expect.
Use examples of real situations
Show how in the past you used the skill similarly to how it will be used in the role you now seek.
For example, the skill 'professional oral communication skills' is general. Consider how the role will require you to use that skill. Will you be negotiating with clients? Explaining policy? Training others? Making presentations to groups?
Tips:
- Build up a record of important events, achievements, qualifications, and work experience. Add to it regularly.
- Don't be modest. Highlight the challenges involved and your efforts in reaching your target. Give specific examples of your actions.
Before submitting an application
- Check the spelling and grammar. Use spell check on your computer, but also ask someone else to read it.
- Keep a copy of each application. Review it before the interview.
In very competitive fields - for example, performing arts, publishing and journalism, advertised vacancies can be very rare. As part of your job search strategy, plan also to make speculative applications, also known as cold calling.
Use this technique for organisations:
- that rarely advertises positions. You may be expected to write in and enquire.
- you have heard are expanding and you feel that your experience will be of benefit to them.
- that you would like to work for and want to introduce yourself to them.
- where you are willing work as a volunteer in order to gain valuable workplace experience.
Many vacancies may be filled by people who are already working in the area in a lower position or in a voluntary capacity. Demonstrate how keen you are by initiating contact.
What do I do?
As there is no advertisement, you need to think about why the organisation should want you, what you have to offer and in some cases, why they should create a vacancy for you.
- Don't send a 'generic' resume and cover letter, show your genuine interest and enthusiasm
- Write about your strengths specific useful to that particular organisation.
- Address your letter to the appropriate person in the organisation.
