Say hello to Interview invitations not to instant rejection with the following great tips.

1       Email blunders

With the advent of e-mail, applicants rarely give thought to covering letters anymore.  “Please find my Resume attached” is not a convincing enough reason for the employer to consider you.  The cover letter is your first sales pitch to a potential employer. A good one introduces you to the employer and explains why you are one of the best candidates applying for the job.

Another quite common technical blunder when sending your Resume by e-mail is not attaching your Resume, especially if you’ve ranted on about your IT skills.  

2          Know what the recruiter wants

Every employer has a preferred method of application, so it is up to you to find out which one to use when submitting your job application.  For example,

1. A Resume and covering letter either on hard copy or by email.

2. An employer’s application form

3. A standard application form

4. An online application system.

Don’t send anything until you know which one.  Applying in the correct manner shows you can follow instructions and have paid attention to recruiters’ advertisements. 

3       Avoid

Avoid a 14 page Resume with details of every piece of course work since you were 12. If it doesn’t all fit, cut it down to the most relevant and impressive items and tailor it to the specific job in question.  

4       Lack of research

To know what skills to emphasise on your Resume, you’ll have to research the company and the particular position you are applying for. 

5          Spelling Errors

Nothing looks worse on a job application than spelling errors.  It shows the employer you didn’t take enough care or time to look over your application. Common errors include the following – driving license, liase/Liason, independent, confusion between its/it’s, your/you’re, their/there. 

6          Ambiguous/Confused sentences

You must get across 3 simple messages –

1. What you’re applying for.

2. Why you’re suitable.

3. Why this employer attracts you.

To do this, it isn’t necessary to use very long sentences, just clear ones. 

7          Dead-end Contact Details

Only give relevant contact information such as your e-mail, mobile number or home address. 

8          Missing the deadline

Ensure that you submit your completed application as soon as you can. Leaving it as near to the closing date as possible isn’t a good idea. 

9       First impressions at interviews

Arriving late to a job interview, hair unbrushed and wearing a crumpled suit will not land you the job. First impressions are vital and are based on your appearance. So dress conservative and clean cut and wear clothes appropriate to the culture.

Debbie O’Halloran