With Covid restrictions lifting, employers are looking for ways to bring back their workforces and are doing so by revising their recruitment procedures. One area of concern for employers is the writing sample demanded from job applicants. While there is no exact figure available, it is estimated that 55% of job applications are thrown away before even reaching the recruitment stage because of poor writing skills. This does not necessarily mean that your organization’s work is being rejected because of your organizational factors, but it might just be that your cover letter and job application materials are not up to scratch!
So, to help your organization stand out from the crowd, this blog post will advise you of the best way to write your job application materials. We will cover five crucial areas that an employer might judge you on, based on your writing alone.
The Cover Letter
Your cover letter is a crucial part of your job application, so it deserves your utmost attention. The cover letter is used to introduce yourself to the reader and to hook them into reading the rest of your application. A cover letter should be no more than three or four sentences, concise but comprehensive. While the employer may not read your entire application, they will definitely read your cover letter, so make sure that you keep it short but sweet.
To get the ball rolling, simply state your name, a short bio, and the email address you can be contacted at (if you are emailing your application). Make sure that you write “Dear Sir” or “Dear Madam” at the beginning of your letter, and end it with a neat and concise “Thank you”. A self-interpreting cover letter is the best kind because it allows the employer to discern your actual meaning from your own words and to relate your letter to their specific needs. For example, if you are applying for an accounting job and your cover letter mentions “experience working with X”, the employer will know exactly what you are referring to.
A cover letter should be tailored to the job you are applying for, but it also needs to reflect your individual skills and expertise. For example, if you are applying for a sales position, your cover letter should reflect your previous sales experience as well as how you will fit into the organization. Tailor your cover letter to the position you are applying for so that it is relevant to the needs of the employer. Writing a cover letter that is too generalized is likely to annoy the employer, as it does not provide them with any value add.
The Resume
The resume is a detailed document that lists your work history, responsibilities, achievements, and skills. In general, a resume should be no more than two pages, making it shorter than usual. It is essential that your resume is concise and to the point.
A well-written resume will provide the reader with all the necessary details they may need to assess your skills. The most effective way of writing a resume is by following the “top-down” approach. This means starting with an overview of your education and then moving on to your work experience (including projects you have led). When writing your resume, you need to keep in mind the job for which you are applying. Therefore, make sure that your resume is as relevant to the position as possible. Include details such as any awards or honors you have received, as these will make you stand out from the crowd. Keep your resume short and sweet.
An effective resume must contain only the necessary information for the employer. If you are unable to list all your responsibilities, include only those that are relevant to the job in question. This will make your resume more concise whilst preventing any irrelevant information from appearing. Ensure that all the information you provide is accurate and up to date. Be professional but do not lie on your resume. If you are asked about any discrepancies during the hiring process, you will be placed in a very bad light.
The Portfolio
A portfolio is a collection of your work that is saved in some form (often in either a hard copy or PDF format). A portfolio is usually used to show off your work to potential employers. While showing off your work is certainly an advantage, your portfolio should not be used to brag about the amount of work you have done. Portfolios should also not contain any information that could identify you as an individual, as this could lead to trouble. Finally, make sure that the information within your portfolio is relevant to the position you are applying for.
A good portfolio allows the employer to see your work in a variety of situations, meeting various criteria. This makes it much more useful to the employer and decreases the likelihood of your application being thrown away. A portfolio is often used in combination with a resume, as a showcase for potential employers. When applying for a job, your portfolio should be attached to your application, either as a separate document or contained within the body of your email. Include a detailed explanation of why you are the best person for the job.
The Interview
An interview is a conversation that you have with the employer, either in person or over the phone, to discuss your qualifications and suitability for the job. In some instances, the interview may be a short formal session, whilst in others, it could be a longer conversation. Either way, an interview is an important part of the application process. It allows the employer to get to know you better and to find out more about your skills and work ethic.
During an interview, the interviewer will undoubtedly ask you questions about your background and experience. Make sure that you are prepared for these questions and have all the necessary answers ready.
An interview is often difficult for those who are not used to giving them, so take some time beforehand to practice talking about yourself. Think of questions that you might be asked and prepare answers to those questions. This will make you look prepared and confident.
The Final Word
With the information provided above, you will have a good idea of how to write the perfect job application. Remember to be concise, relevant, and honest. If you want to stand out, you should consider preparing for a series of interviews rather than applying for just one or two positions.