Applying online - this is how to do it!
This may seem to be the easiest option – fire off a load of CV’s or applications to different job platforms and wait for something to happen. It is the line of least resistance – a brief written communication. But it is often the toughest. You wait for a reply and then you wait some more. Self-doubt creeps in and soon you become disheartened.
In fact, applying online is the most difficult option in my view – it takes effort to be successful. In that short-written communication you must create something that stands out above the other 200 people who applied!
So where do you start?
If you haven’t already got a CV – just something simple for a first summer or part time job will do fine – and don’t agonise over it as potentially you might miss some opportunities!
Here is a link to microsoft with instructions on how to get started:
Sometimes the job platform will have a template you just fill in which makes it easier for that one site but be prepared to have to do it all over again on another job website. Always best to have your own which is saved on your lap top/phone which you can update quickly if something comes along.
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CV
1. Make sure your CV relates to the job advertised – you will need to tweak it each time. Don’t say you want to be in clothes retail when the job is for a barista!
2. Check the job ad - what skills, qualities, experience are they looking for – make sure your CV includes these where possible! 3. Pretend you’re the employer. Ask yourself why is your CV/application different from all the others? Tell them a bit about you – make your CV into a human being! Talk about hobbies, charity work you have done, personal projects you have going at the moment.
4. Have you hooked them in yet? Be the employer - will this CV get you an interview – get someone else to look at – that can be helpful but don’t take it as a criticism, use it to learn!
4. Use a standard email address - nothing wacky or anything else - employers usually don't like it as it can show a sense of immaturity.
Covering Letter
1. Check whether there is a space to add some additional information or add a covering letter. If there is use it. Employers use this as a measure of commitment. No covering letter – can’t be bothered, neither can we!
2. Create a letter that gives the employer a bit more detail and examples of some of your skills and qualities such as reliability, team worker, good communicator, problem solver – these examples can relate to things you do at school, hobbies, interests and any previous work experience you have had. Examples might be:
Playing in the school football team – shows team building and understanding the importance of your role in the team,
Drawing and painting as a hobby – shows attention to detail and overall presentation,
Regularly go to the gym – shows commitment to a goal
Repairing cars – shows a desire to problem solve
- Your availability - when can you start
- Why you want the job and how they will benefit from recruiting you
- References (not parents or relatives but people who know you in an outside interest or at school)
3. Finally, check the closing date – give yourself time to complete your application with thought and check spellings, grammar and general presentation. Then click “apply”!!
4. Once you’ve applied keep the momentum going - have a list of those you are going to apply for and steam ahead. When applying online, in my experience, it is always a numbers game!
Elaine Latchford
June 2022