Your first impression of a potential employer is crucial. Although the experience can be daunting, it is also important to remember to be yourself and ensure that your confidence and knowledge radiate from you.
I’ve set out some top tips for applicants when they are approaching the recruitment stage:
Ensure your cover letter is up-to-date and reflects the role you are applying for.
Applicants often need more than one cover letter for numerous applications. However, to make a lasting impression, you should apply areas of your cover letter to the job advert. For example, suppose you are applying for a marketing role, and the job advert states that you should have at least two years of experience in web development. In that case, you should provide a sentence or two that demonstrates your experience in this field and why that would make you a suitable candidate for this specific role.
Be clear and concise in your application.
If you imagine yourself in the employer's role, think about whether they would have enough time to go through a CV that is four pages long. Chances are, they do not, and many employers would actually say that the best CVs are around 1-2 pages long. To ensure you capture the employer’s attention, make sure that your CV is no longer than two pages and that each paragraph covers what you want to say clearly and concisely.
Make sure all spelling and grammar is correct.
Nothing will put off an employer like misspelling words and making grammatical errors in your application. It can look as if little to no effort has been made to ensure your application is the best it can be. So, it is essential that you double-check all spelling and grammar before you send your CV and Cover Letter to employers. You can use platforms such as Grammarly to assist you in this process.
Clean up your social media platforms.
Believe it or not, employers actually do use social media platforms to do a lot of their research on applicants. That's why it's essential to make sure that there is nothing "inappropriate" on them. If you wouldn't want your employer to see it, then don't post it.
Be prepared!
Regarding the interview stage, there is no such thing as being too prepared! Make sure you do your own research, learn everything there is to know about the company and understand how you will fit in at the organisation. Be sure to explain why you are interested in the role and the company as a whole, and ensure your personality is showcased throughout.
"You never get a second chance to make a first impression" couldn't be more true when it comes to the hiring process, so be sure to follow these five steps to stand out in your application!
