1. Read the job specifications; always read the job description and make sure you address each of the essential criteria for the job. Then tailor your cover letter, CV and also prepare for the interview with this specific information. List and be specific how you fulfil the requirements of the job.
2. Ensure your application is neat and accurate without spelling mistakes, and has a good layout. Presentation is very important the font in the cover letter and CV should be easy to read and your hand writing when you are filling a form should be legible and written in black ink as other colours look fuzzy and pale when they are photocopied.
3. Sell yourself in the CV, make it easy for the recipient to pick out the key requirement in your CV. Try to make your CV easy to read you may list all the requirements of the job. Make sure your writing is clear and concise saying how you are a good fit for the job, making them think they cannot do without you. Do not lie or enhance the truth. Don’t be afraid to use headings such as, Relevant Experience – Customer Service Skills and Communication Skills.
4. Follow instructions, quote the reference number and pay attention to the closing date. If you are asked to send in a hand written application use black ink, rather than sending your CV. Heed the closing date. Follow instructions that given when you are shortlisted. Being late, missing appointments or answering pre-interview question forms without taking time to prepare does not make a good impression. Give yourself enough time to make it to the interview location. Know how to get there before the day and be there early.
5. Explain why you are applying for the job by writing a good cover letter tailored to suit the job. Do not make comments about your previous employers and why you wish to leave your job. Do not use general comments, “I am a good communicator and work well in a team”. Instead you may write “ I improved communication in my team by introducing daily review of workload”
6. Lengthy CVs/applications that are too long, with the details not in any particular order make it difficult to ascertain if you are suitable for the job. Ideally CVs should be at least 3 maximum 4 pages. Do not attach any documents (thesis, research papers) you have not been asked for. If you fill an application form with all the details required, you do not need to attach your CV.
7. Always ensure you supply all your contact details, P. O. Box, telephone numbers and email addresses on your application. If you don’t do this it makes it very difficult for the recipient to get in touch with you for short listing.
8. Be concise. Make sure the application is not too short, not to wordy but short, concise and uncomplicated. The longer and more difficult your CV is the less likely your prospective employer will be to read through it.
9. Provide full referee details. Complete the application fully; provide full referees addresses (name, position, company, P. O. Box, phone number and Email.) If you don’t give full addresses the recipient will be forced to spend a lot of time to get these details.
10. Put yourself the place of the person reading your application. Would you be happy with it? Does it tell you everything and is it legible? If you’re not happy with it, then why should they be?
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