Your employment history is one of the most important aspects of your job search. It can potentially decide the course of your job search, so it is essential to get it right!
If you are applying for a job online, you will inevitably have to deal with one of the most frustrating aspects of the job search process. That is, crafting the perfect job application letter.
There are many tips and tricks to help you write the perfect job application letter, and we have put together a list of everything you need to consider. Read on to discover the best tips and advice to help you write the perfect job application letter.
Be Selective
It is well-established that recruiters spend most of their time hunting for suitable candidates, so it is crucial that you make them work for it! Therefore, be careful about applying for too many jobs. Instead, focus on a couple of jobs that you feel confident that you will get and then use the rest of your time seeking opportunities more strategically.
If you have managed to score a couple of job interviews, then put your foot down and turn up the heat! Follow up with a couple of additional phone calls and emails. Finally, after a couple of weeks, make sure you remind the recruiter that you are still interested in their role and that you don’t want to waste their time.
Focus On One Or Two Areas
There is a wealth of knowledge in our field. However, when it comes to creating a competitive edge, many job seekers are better off being selective about the areas they choose to focus on. After all, if a recruiter scans a resume and sees a heavy emphasis on programming, they may assume that you don’t know much else and that you aren’t a versatile candidate. On the opposite end of the spectrum, if the resume is light on programming and heavy on business analysis, the recruiter may assume that you are a strong business analyst with little to no experience in coding.
In some situations, being able to code for a particular platform (e.g., Java, Python, or Ruby) can be a vital skill for a software developer. However, if your main focus is on becoming a business analyst, then developing your skills in this area will make you much more attractive to potential employers.
Dress To Impress
One of the most important things you can do to write the perfect job application letter is to tailor your attire to impress the employer. Regardless of whether you are applying for a programming job or an office job, tailor your attire to suit the position you are applying for. This means that if you are applying for a position in a business suit, then wear a business suit. Similarly, if you are applying for a position in a more casual setting, then choose your attire accordingly. However, it is important not to overdo it and look too flashy.
If a recruiter swipes through your resume and spots a lot of inconsistencies, then it is fair to assume that they will assume you are trying to impress them with your flashy lifestyle. This is likely going to turn out badly, so keep your cool and ensure that your resume is crafted to convince the employer that you are the best candidate for the job.
Avoid Plagiarism
One of the biggest problems that people run into when trying to write the perfect job application letter is that they copy and paste from the internet. This is extremely unethical, and it will likely land you in hot water with the recruiter if you are caught. Avoid doing this. Instead, take some time to craft a unique and compelling letter.
Even if you are applying for the same position, be sure to address the specific details of the job in your letter. For instance, if the job posting mentions that the successful applicant will be required to conduct research, then include this detail in your letter. Similarly, if the job posting mentions that the successful applicant will be required to teach others, then include this detail in your letter. In this way, you will make the employer see you as the perfect candidate, because they will not be able to compare your letter to any other applicant’s letter. Even if you are applying for the same position, tailor your letter to make them see you as the best candidate for the job. This can be done by including details that make you stand out.
Know When To Be Over-The-TOP
Above all else, know when to be over-the-top (OTT). Sometimes, an employer will request that you send a resume that is “over-the-top” with additional materials. Essentially, what this means is that the employer is looking for someone who is aggressive and will “go that extra mile” for the company. While this may sound like an incredible selling point, it can also be a double-edged sword. Specifically, if you are over-the-top in your submissions, then you may come off too strong and scare off potential employers. Moreover, sometimes, an employer will ask that you tone it down a bit. Make sure you understand when and why your resume is being reviewed, and then, tailor your resume to appeal to the employer.
Use Keywords
Another important thing you can do to write the perfect job application letter is to incorporate keywords into your text. If a recruiter is searching for a specific keyword in a database, then they are more likely to discover your resume. Moreover, make sure that your chosen keywords are relevant to the role you are applying for. For instance, if you are applying for a position in analytics, then use keywords such as “analytics,” “pandas,” or “data science” in your letter. Alternatively, if you are applying for a position in Java development, then use keywords such as “Java,” “Spring,” or “MySQL” in your letter. Finally, make sure that your resume is thoroughly optimized for search engines, because recruiters typically look for keywords and phrases in a resume when scanning for suitable candidates.
With all of this in mind, it is time to write the perfect job application letter! Remember to be selective about the positions you apply for, focus on one or two areas, dress to impress, and incorporate keywords into your text. Following these tips and tricks will make you stand out above the rest, and eventually, get you that job you deserve.