Job Application Tips to Help You Stand Out

Getting a new job is challenging right now, so every job application needs to count.

With fewer opportunities and multiple candidates applying, finding a new role can be energy-sapping, dispiriting and stressful.

The tide will turn, but that’s not much comfort when you’ve received yet another rejection – assuming you’ve actually had the courtesy of a response.

Unfortunately, I don't possess a magic wand. All I can do is provide some job application tips to give you the best chance of success.

Target the “right” jobs 

• Each job is unique even if it has the same title as another, so read each advert thoroughly
  

• Ask yourself if the job appears to offer what you’re looking for in terms of responsibilities / location / salary / career progression / culture?
  

• Are you genuinely interested in the role and company?
  

• Is your background a good “fit” for the role? Can you provide strong examples of relevant experience or cross-transferrable skills?
  

• Is the role at the right level? Are you applying for something that you know is too junior or too senior?

  In a different job market, hiring managers and recruiters are more open to considering applicants too junior or senior, but right now they’ve got more choice. This makes them less likely to consider someone they believe isn't at the “right” level

Adapt your CV and Cover Letter

• Have you highlighted your unique strengths for the role and what sets you apart as the ideal candidate?

• Have you removed irrelevant details from your cover letter and replaced them with relevant ones?

• Do your skills and experience match the job requirements and have you used keywords from the advertisement in your documents?
  

• Have you spell-checked your documents and made sure the cover letter is correctly addressed and dated? There’s nothing worse than reading a cover letter that has clearly been written for another role. It shows lack of care and attention, plus you’re not doing yourself any favours by potentially excluding your relevant skills and experience for that position

Keep a copy of each advertisement and create a list of your applications 

• Could you confidently answer questions from a hiring manager or recruiter calling you for more information?  

• Can you immediately remember the job, why you applied and what you know about their company?

• Have you kept a copy of every job advert you’ve applied to alongside the CV and cover letter you used for each one?

Tap into your networks and contacts

• Have you updated your LinkedIn profile, set your job alerts and let your connections know you're looking?
  

• Do you have contacts at companies you'd be keen to work for who could help you get a foot in the door?

I know it take time and energy to submit an application and it's doubly hard when you've faced numerous rejections, but don't give up. Keep focused on every part of your application and you'll give yourself the best chance of success.