Job Application Archives - Page 5 of 5

5 Secret Job Application Tips That Will Win You The Recruiter’s Attention

by sincera | Dec 3, 2015 | Career, Job Offers, Managing Yourself, Recruitment, Resume, World of Work

This post comes from our experience as recruiters, and as an attempt to tell all the potential job-seekers out there about what it is that always makes a positive difference in a candidate’s application. We’ve seen some really great applications and some not-so-great ones. Whether or not you are a star performer, here are some job application tips that we would personally recommend which will help you get an edge over the other candidates (and make our lives much easier too!)

Job Application Tips #1 – Express Interest

The first and the foremost thing. Remember that the recruiter will probably be screening through dozens of other applications for the same job. What is it that will make the recruiter ascertain that you are the likely candidate? How interested you seem to be in the job. Express your interest adequately, however, not in a desperate manner. Mention the name of the company in your cover letter/email. Tell us what excites you about the job and why you are looking forward to it, it is a sign of how passionate you are about that particular job.

Job Application Tips #2 – Proofread your Resume and Cover Email

It is appalling how people seem to think it is okay to send in an error ridden resume/ application (unknowingly or deliberately) and that they would get away with it. The applications outnumber the positions available, and in such a case we need to shortlist. One or two typos won’t send your resume to the trash, but any more than that or other errors (inconsistency, insufficient information) obviously will, in the first round of shortlist itself, irrespective of how deserving a candidate you might be. Be sure to read, re-read and then read your resume and cover letter again for any mistakes or inconsistencies.

Job Application Tips #3 – Check your Online Presence

It is not a myth that recruiters and employers check the internet for extra information regarding the candidate. We actually do. And remember it is not just your LinkedIn profile we will be scanning. When you are getting ready to apply, make sure you assess how your online presence appears, yourself. The best way to do it is to Google yourself and see what information appears. You could then start filtering as per what you would want to be visible. Do look out for any inappropriate photographs and information that contradicts the information you have sent you in your application.

Job Application Tips #4 – Be Patient

Remember that the recruiter is most often not the decision maker and that (s)he is looking into the application process of several other candidates. While it is understandable that you would be anxious regarding the progress of your application, it is impractical to expect immediate feedback on your resume or interview. Send a polite thank you email after each interview, and if you don’t hear back from the recruiter, let a few days pass before asking for an update. Be careful with the tone and frequency of your follow up, sounding angry or impatient is never a good idea.

Job Application Tips #5 – Be Transparent

Remember that when you choose a recruiter, you expect him/her to be pitching your case. It will always help to disclose full facts about your career, expectations and limitations, so that your recruiter can help you to the best of his/her ability. Discuss any worries you have about the job role, location, compensation, benefits with the recruiter frankly so that he/she can either allay your concerns or let you know if the job is not a good fit for you. It is best to sort these things out right at the outset – saves everyone’s time and energy.

These are the simplest things you can do to help speed up your own job application process because you will getting the attention of the recruiter by paying attention to these details. Surprisingly, none of these tips are unusual or some form of hidden wisdom. They are just common sense, and yet we rarely ever see a candidate scoring well when it comes to these aspects. And when we do, the candidate remains high on our “favourite” list for all open job positions. Remember, it is a team effort, you need to help us for us to be able to help you.

Before You Click ‘Send Your Resume’! Cover Letter Basics

by sincera | Dec 25, 2014 | Resume

You might spend days and even weeks preparing that perfect resume. However, the manner in which you send it over, which includes the cover letter, is very important. This determines if the prospective employer is even going to get to the stage of reading your resume. In this post we have tried to put together most of the things that you need to tick off the checklist before you send in your resume for the dream job.

Cover letter basics while emailing your Resume

1. Pay attention to the guidelines –

Most companies have detailed guidelines about how to send them a mail. Find and read these instructions carefully to avoid getting rejected despite having a great resume. If you know someone who works in the organization, get in touch with him and take his advice. If there is a referral system in place, see if you can get your resume submitted through it.

2. Address your email to a specific person-

Find out the name of the person you are mailing your resume to. Even if the organization has a generic email to send resumes, they sometimes mention a contact person who handles all recruitment requests. It is your job to scour the organization website to find out the person and address the email to him/her. It gives the reader a sense that you genuinely care about joining the organization.

3. Be thorough with your cover letter –

The mail should have a cover letter stating your interest in the organization and your intent behind applying for the job. Introduce yourself briefly and clearly state why you are writing the mail. In case the person you have sent it to is not the right person, then he/she can forward it to the person in charge instead of having to read all of it.

4. Be VERY thorough with your cover letter –

The rest of the cover letter needs succinctly describe your skills and experiences, as required by the organization. Be careful not to copy as is from your resume: it shows you are lazy. Try to include important experiences and skills pertinent to the position you are applying for. Write in complete sentences. You also have to explain briefly why you would be a valuable asset to the organization if they hire you.

5. Find out about their referee policy –

If required by the organization, mention the name of your referees and how they are related to you. Give correct contact addresses for these people and make sure you notify them in advance regarding your application. Also include your own contact information at the end of the cover letter as well as in the resume so that the recruiters can easily get in touch with you.

Make sure the cover letter is not generic. The reader should feel that you have read about their organization before mailing, and not simply sent a generic mail to all companies that you are applying to. Browse the organization website and get to know about their work culture, ethics and history. You should write how these qualities match your own beliefs, and how this would help you thrive in the organization. Customizing the cover letter according to the organization grabs the reader’s attention and gives you a definite edge over other applicants with generic letters.

And finally, before you click “send”, send it to yourself first so that there is absolutely no margin for error. This would be your final step in proof reading!

All the very best!