As mentioned in a previous post I received 100’s of applications for a recent position that I advertised. I am sad to say that the majority of these applications were impossible to consider due to the lack of information that the applicant provided when applying for the position. I am sure that these applicants could have been very good candidates that perhaps warranted an opportunity to be considered for the position. I am also of the opinion that some of them could have had the required expertise and experience but it was not possible on my side to determine whether this was indeed true. Many companies and recruiters will regrettably do what I did and not give the application a detailed look as there simply was not sufficient information to do so. Let me give you a few examples of why this is so:
- There is no subject line and the applicants do not inform the recruiter on the email what position he/she is applying for
- There is no cover letter indicating the strengths and abilities of the applicant nor are there any reference by the candidate to there expertise and qualifications related to the advertisement placed.
- The Actual CV lists a number of places where the applicant worked but do not mention any duties and responsibilities related to the positions that he/she held at the places he worked at
These are but a few examples of the difficulties that recruiters and companies have in determining whether an applicant is suitable for a position or not.
The lessons for an applicant on the job search is very clear from the above and this is:
- Make sure that when you send an application through you mention clearly in the subject line of your email what position it is that you are applying for
- Include a cover letter – look at the advertisement that you are reacting to and make sure that you understand what it is that the recruiter and their client is looking for. Then address these requirements clearly in a short and concise cover letter which you attach to your email. You can even include this on the first page of your CV which will make it easier for the recruiter to read
- Take a good look at your CV that you are sending out. Remember what the recruiter has posted in the job advertisement and then include your relevant experience under a section called duties and responsibilities at every employer that you have previously worked at.
Just taking these three steps to improve your application will make you stand out better from all the applications received by a recruiter and just maybe, give you more than an opportunity to stand a chance to be considered for the position that you are applying for.
Applying for a new job is not simply sending a CV through – it takes some work and thought in preparing your application letter and your CV that you will be sending through for consideration.
Happy job hunting!!!