Tips for a good job application
Here you will find the most important tips for submitting a good job application. With these tips, nothing can stand in your way. In a good application, it is essential to include a cover letter, your resume, and your diplomas. A cover is optional.
In order to submit a job application and be successful, you should consider the following tips:
TIPS FOR A GOOD COVER LETTER
The first impression is what counts. The cover letter is often the first thing the HR manager will see.
Keep these tips in mind when writing a cover letter
- The receiver’s address must be free of errors
- Your own address must not contain errors either
- Find a specific contact to contact: Avoid formulas such as “ladies and gentlemen.” One of the most important tips is to find a specific person to write to. This shows the responsible person that you have taken the time to research the company and that you are genuinely interested in. If there is no contact person listed in the job description, look on the website or on LinkedIn. If you don’t get any results, you can go to the director.
- The date and address will appear on the left before the subject.
- Take care of grammar and spelling and check the letter once it is finished.
- The letter should not be longer than a page and a half.
- The subject must be in bold and go on the line before the heading. The position you are applying for should appear here, as it appears in the job offer. Do not write “subject” before it. If there is a reference number, you will need to include it here as well.
Case example
Job application for the position of Social Media Manager, ref. 0153-4767
or
Job application for a part-time copywriter position
Content: Important Tips for Writing a Cover Letter
Start with a phrase that grabs your attention and encourages reading on. Avoid outdated phrases like “I hereby request the employment of …”. You have already indicated in the subject that you are applying for said job. Instead, describe your qualities. Here too it is important to have done research on the company. Find out what qualities are important for the position. Most of the time, you will see it in the job description. If not, research the website about the company and its values.
Tips for the first sentence
“What does it take to be a Social Media Manager? Commitment, motivation, and communication skills. I was able to demonstrate this by working from XY to XY. “
or
“Team spirit, organizational, and communication skills. I would be delighted to demonstrate these skills and many more in the XY role at XY. ”
In the main part of the cover letter, you must convince with your soft skills, hard skills, and your motivation. Go into detail about why you are qualified for this position, what kind of experience you have and what is your motivation. Important tips: Any skills and qualifications that you mention, you will have to justify them properly. For this, mention examples of previous work.
In the last part of the letter, include information about your availability (or your notice period) and your desired salary. Pay attention to the conditions mentioned in the offer. If they don’t ask for salary expectations, don’t state them. Always refer to a personal interview. Never use the subjunctive in these types of phrases: “I would like to receive an answer from you”, as they convey insecurity and shyness. Instead, choose: “I am waiting for your answer” or “I am waiting for an interview in person.”
At the end of it all, say goodbye. After “best regards” there is a comma and your signature on the next line. It is a standard formula, but very common and not very original. If you wish, you can opt for something more beautiful and personalized like “Greetings to XY” or “See you soon in XY”.
Even if you send the request by email, you must include your signature. Tip: sign on a blank piece of paper and scan it. You may need to edit or crop the file in order to insert it into the letter.
Additional tips for the cover letter
Let an outsider read your cover letter. As editors, some mistakes can happen to us after working on the document for a while. For every position, you apply for, write a new cover letter, don’t copy-paste. Each company and each position has different specifications that you will have to delve into.
The CV: TIPS FOR A CORRECT CV
The resume is the foundation of your job application. In it, you must present your career in a summarized and pragmatic way. The person in charge of human resources wants to see at a glance what qualities you have for the position. In most cases, the resume is the first thing you see, even before the other documents. You can also mention personal interests and achievements such as honorary positions or associations. The CV should be 1-2 pages long.
Common CV mistakes and tips to avoid them
- Data on parents and siblings. It is not important to indicate that your mother is a housewife and your father is a retired engineer, the center of attention should be you.
- Nor is it important to indicate where you have studied primary education. The important thing is to indicate where you have completed higher or university studies, generally in the last five years. But the exception confirms the rule: if you’ve gone to school outside of your country, where the company may be based and the position may require travel, it could be additional information to mention.
- Indicate the most important and relevant positions in your work experience and detail the functions performed below. So the RHH manager can quickly see what your tasks were.
- Hobbies: List interests and hobbies that are relevant to the competencies required for the position. It is always good to indicate sports interests or hobbies. This shows that you are an active and motivated person. It is also recommended to include team sports or social interests.
- Tip for filling holes: Don’t try to hide the holes, but fill them in. Indicate what you were doing at that time. You can indicate internships, specific jobs, seminars, courses, etc. You can also indicate a time of unemployment as “actively looking for a job”.
TIPS FOR YOUR CV PHOTO
Note: Companies cannot force candidates to include a photo on their CV, as it is not mandatory. A CV can be compelling without a photo, through the skills, commitment, motivation, and interests of the candidate.
Still, a photo is a good way to present yourself and is still a very common practice. It is an opportunity to convince in an open, friendly, and professional way. We, therefore, recommend taking advantage of this opportunity and including a suitable photo on your CV.
Tips for including a photo
- Go to a professional photographer specialized in ID photos, or who at least has experience in it, to take the photo for your CV.
- Choose the right clothes. Consider the industry for which you are applying for the position. In more conservative sectors, decide on a blouse, shirt, jacket, or suit. Do not wear strident colors or very marked necklines, this applies to both women and men. If you wear accessories, keep them simple.
- If your application is in the creative sector, you can also show creativity in your photo. Choose, for example, the corporate colors for your outfit or the background, but also here you must be careful and not overdo it.
- The photo should not be more than 6 months old.
GENERAL TIPS FOR YOUR APPLICATION
- Use the same font, the same size, and the same colors in your cover letter and CV.
- A classic, easy-to-read font will make a more professional impression.
- The recommended font size is 10-12pt.
- Adapt your CV to the cover letter.
- Use the active voice instead of the passive voice. This will show greater confidence in yourself and your potential.
- Less is more: You want to stand out from other candidates, but not in a negative way. Don’t go overboard with creativity. Limit yourself to highlighting specific aspects with colors.
- Signing the CV is not mandatory, but it is a common practice.
- Don’t overload the application by sending diplomas and certificates. Choose the last ones obtained and that are relevant to the position. If a specific diploma is requested in the offer, please attach it.
TIPS FOR WRITING THE EMAIL
If you send your request by email, gather all the data in a PDF file. Take into account the weight of the file. Some companies can only receive documents up to 5MB in size.
Do not send an empty email in which you only attach the file. Go to the contact person and explain what you are sending attached.
Example: „Dear Mr. XY, attached to this email you will find my complete application for the XY offer, including the cover letter, CV, and diplomas. I remain at your complete disposal in case of doubts and waiting for your response. Best regards, XY. ”
Always use a serious and professional email account.
TIPS FOR SHIPPING BY POST MAIL
If you are mailing your application in a binder, the cover letter should be ON the binder, not inside it.
