Application Etiquette
Applying for your first graduate position can be an overwhelming experience. The
choices you make now will affect the rest of your career. We are not trying to
scare you, but your next move needs some careful consideration.
Once you have done some research into the type of role and industry you are
interested in and found some positions you would like to apply it is time to
move on to the application stage. Here are some helpful tips to ensure you get
over that first hurdle and don't miss out on that perfect job because of silly
oversight during the application process.
Applying for a job is a skill that should be taught whilst at university. It is
like one of those life skills that everyone needs such as setting up a bank
account, balancing your cheque book and developing good communication skills. If
you have never been taught how to do it or given any guidance chances are you
won't get it right first time.
Covering Letter
If the application requires you to send your CV to the employer always attach a
covering letter. Your covering letter is the first contact you will have with an
employer. This is an important opportunity to persuade the reader to read on!
Your CV should always be accompanied by a Covering letter and your covering
letter should be tailored to each position and recruiter, just as you would with
your CV.
A covering letter should be no longer than one side of A4 and strike an
appropriately enthusiastic but professional tone; remember this is a business
document that demonstrates to an employer that you can be taken seriously.
Content of a Covering Letter
Greetings
Always try to find a name, rather than a job title, as it demonstrates to the
employer that you have done your homework and have researched the organisation;
Dear Ms Smith is much better than Dear Sir/Madam.
Introduction
Introduce yourself briefly (recently graduated with a 2:1 in Business from
University of Nottingham) and, if appropriate, tell them which job you are
applying for and where you saw the advert. "I wish to apply for the position of
... as advertised on the Gradplus website".
Why them?
Use this paragraph to explain why you are interested in the job and/or the
organisation. This is a golden opportunity to target the letter and to
demonstrate that it's not one of thousands issuing from your printer. Try to say
something original about the organisation, but if you know very little about
them concentrate on the factors that attract you to the work.
Why you?
Now it is your chance to really impress upon the employer why you are just right
for this job, in terms of skills, experience and personal attributes. Illustrate
your unique selling points with three or four excellent examples, rather than
try to cover everything. Try not to duplicate information on your CV but rather
use this opportunity to complement the skills and experiences you have
highlighted on your CV. Make sure you always bare in mind the requirement of the
recruiter.
Concluding comments
Reaffirm your interest in the role and include the standard "looking forward to
hearing from you". It is also a good place to state your availability for
interview and to end on an optimistic and polite note "Thank you for taking the
time to read my application, I am available for interview anytime... I will
contact you shortly regarding my application"
Finally, don't forget the correct method of signing off: Yours sincerely if
addressed to a particular name, Yours faithfully if you use Dear Sir/Madam.
Check Check and Check Again
Before you send your covering letter of get it checked. - A careless spelling
error or common grammatical mistake can be lethal for a covering letter.
Application Forms
Employers often use an application form as a way of comparing candidates as
there is a standard format and it is easy for them to find the information they
are looking for immediately rather than sifting through lots of CV that are all
formated differently. Employers will be scanning through the application forms
for relevant information and will filter out weak candidates that do not fit
their requirements at this stage so make sure you identify what they want and
tailor you application accordingly. Here are some other useful tips:
- Read the instructions - read the application form throughly and
take note if your are instructed to complete the form in black ink or use block
capitals. If you can't get the application form right the employer might not
read on.
- Time is on you side - You should spend a generous amount of
time on your application form. Consider all your answers carefully. This form is
actually like a mock interview but you have time to think through all the
questions and prepare really good answers. You can also ask others for tips and
get them to check your answers before you sent it. It maybe an idea to take a
few days to complete the form and go back to it with fresh eyes the next day.
- Relevant information - As with your CV and covering letter
tailor each application to the specific requirements of the position you are
applying for. Space will be limited so only list relevant information. If an
employer reads anything they think is unrelated they are likely to turn off and
not even look at your CV. Try to highlight the acheivements and experiences that
you have developed and describe how they will be of use for the position you are
applying for.
- Keep a copy - As with your CV and covering letter make a copy
of the application form for your own records. It is always useful to remind
yourself about what you have included on your application. You are likely to be
quizzed over statements you have made so be ready for this and anticipate the
question you might be asked (always have examples ready). It is also an idea to
fill out a rough copy of this form to avoid messy crossings out which will be
noticed. Make an effort with your handwriting. If the form is difficult to read
you have made the employers life difficult. They may be reading hundreds or
thousands of applications and will not have the time to waste on elidgible
handwriting.