Top ten dos and don'ts when applying for a job

Applying for a job properly and effectively is all about making sure your covering letter and resume are the best sales documents about you.

The following dos and don’ts will help you prepare your application:

Do follow all instructions
If the job advertisement says to send three copies of your resume, send three copies! It may seem puzzling but an employer has reasons for asking you to do this - they just haven’t said why in the advertisement.

Do make sure your application is received on time
Getting your application in before the closing date is essential. Many employers will refuse to look at any late applications, not interested in interviewing candidates with what they consider to be poor time management skills.

Do include all documents in the one application
If you are emailing your application, make it easy for the reader by including your covering letter, resume and any other relevant information in only one attachment. When posting your resume through the mail, secure all your pages together, so that one doesn’t accidentally get separated from the rest.

Do include a resume in your application
Employers do not always request a resume and unless stated to the contrary, attach it to your application. An application letter is simply not enough detail.

Do customise each job application
A new covering letter should be created and your resume reviewed each time you apply for a job. In your letter, focus on describing skills that are required for the particular role and tailor your resume to prominently display the most relevant skills required.

Don’t include written references in your application
Unless asked to do so, don’t attach any written or electronic references. Whoever is reading your application at this stage is only interested in seeing factual evidence that you have the skills and qualifications needed to perform the vacancy. If interested, a recruiter or employer will ask for these written references later.

Don’t assume your application has been received
Get confirmation from the employer or agency. Documents can be misplaced or not received at all, including electronic ones.

Don’t be daunted if you lack some of the skills asked for
A perfect candidate may not exist. If you have what is essential and most of what is required, it is worth applying.

Don’t apply without getting all the facts
Unless there are instructions not to, ring and ask for more details. Get as much information as you can and tailor you application accordingly. With a greater understanding of the role, you may even find it is not suitable and a waste of both your and the employers time.

Do find out why an application was unsuccessful
Learn from it – don’t let it be a waste of time. Knowing your weaknesses will help in the preparation of your next application.