Job application tips

Is it best to apply in writing?

First of all, you must remember that a job application is an act of selling yourself. Even if you do not enjoy that type of activity, and would never choose a sales job, you must still sell yourself in the application process.
You should always do what the employer wants you to do. Many will require you to use their on-line application package, because this enables them to manage the applications more efficiently.

If the ad invites you to make an enquiry by telephone or email, then by all means do so IF you have something sensible to ask. This is an opportunity to introduce yourself briefly, highlighting your key strengths for the job, and so encourage your employer to keep an eye out for your full application.

By the way, be careful what email address you use – the cute name you have on Yahoo or Gmail might not look very professional in an employment context. Set up  a more suitable one.

Some on-line packages don’t allow me to write a covering letter – what should I do?

If you are allowed to upload only one file, combine your covering letter and CV into one file.

What should a covering letter include?

There are many views on this, but in general the covering letter is your opportunity to highlight your specific strengths in relation to the job you are applying for, in a manner that also summarises your career. Remember to talk about what you have to offer the employer, and less about what you want. Writing funny or quirky covering letters is dangerous, as senses of humour differ.

Make sure you get everyone’s name right! If no name is given, address your letter to “The Human Resources Director” and refer to “Dear Sir or Madam”. If the recipient is in fact a mere HR Advisor, they will appreciate the promotion!

Research the employer before you make your application – you might find some topical detail that resonates for you, and you can use it to demonstrate to the employer that you have done the research. It can also help you to “shape” the sales pitch you are making for the job.
Use the covering letter to give the reader a sense of who you are, without becoming too chatty.

It is often a good idea to reflect back the words used in the advertisement. For instance, if the advertisements states “We are looking for a committed team player…”, you might say “I enjoy working in teams”. It is better, however, to say “I am a committed team player”. The person assessing the applications has a mental checklist, and you are making it easier for them to put a tick in all the right boxes.
A covering letter should be no more than a page.

What is the difference between a CV and a resumé?

Nothing, really. In New Zealand, we use the terms interchangeably, although CV (short for Curriculum Vitae) is more common.

I have heard that a CV should be only one page long – is this true?

Well, it depends. If you are contacting an employer to ask about potential opportunities, but not about a specific advertisement, then one page is probably about right. You can’t expect them to read more than that just for fun!

If you are applying to a specific advertisement, then more information might be necessary. You should take as long as you need to sell yourself as effectively as possible. Thus, not too long either!

When you prepare your CV (and you should revise it for each application, highlighting some things at one time, and others at another – no two jobs are identical), put yourself in the position of the person reading it. What they think of it is more important than what you think of it.

Should I include my age or other personal details in my CV?

Under the Human Rights Act 1993, employment discrimination on the basis of gender, age, political belief, religion (or no religion), marital or family status, non-relevant disability or sexual orientation is forbidden in New Zealand. Include your age if you wish, but be very surprised if you are asked for it!

In New Zealand, it would be most unusual for an employer to ask you to include a photograph with an application, as they risk allegations of discrimination if apparently suitable people don’t get hired. However, you might choose to attach one. If you do, ask yourself if it really enhances your application.

Which is better, a functional or a chronological CV?

A functional CV is structured according to the nature of the work you have done, and a chronological CV is structured according to your years of work. Generally, employers prefer chronological, because it means they can see how your career has developed over time.
If you have an extensive career (time wise) you can summarise the earlier stages in the interests of economy and readability.

Of course you can adopt a combination of both approaches by using your covering letter or an opening section of your CV to highlight the key competencies the advertisement requires, and how you meet them.

Should I include names of referees with my application?

Definitely, if the employer asks you to. But it is legitimate to ask that referees not be contacted until you reach shortlist stage. This is because your referees might find themselves contacted rather more often than they had intended. This is particularly important if you are applying for many jobs at once.

Remember to make sure that your referees have agreed to speak on your behalf. They will expect that they are speaking in confidence, so don’t ever ask them what they said.

How should I behave at interview?

Well, first of all don’t be late! Inspect the route the day before so you know how to get there, where to park, and what the traffic will be like.

Make sure you know who you will be meeting, and write their names down.

Dress formally. Even if the people interviewing you are dressed more casually, it is better to err on the side of formal rather than casual.

When you arrive, be polite to the receptionist – the interviewers might well ask what that person thought of you. If you are rude or brusque, it will be noted.

Arrive a few minutes early so you have time to compose yourself. Accept a glass of water if one is offered. When we are nervous our throats often tighten and our voice can go strange – a sip of water helps.

If you are being interviewed by a panel, remember to look at everyone as you answer questions. Remember to smile.
If you cannot answer a question, don’t pretend. Say you cannot answer it and explain why.

Plan some standard answers to common questions. These answers should include examples of when you were successful in doing something and how you did it, how you persuaded your colleagues and bosses to accept your proposals, and how in one instance you failed but what you learned from it. If you do not have a long career, or if you are just starting your career, it is OK to have examples from your personal or school life, especially if they are to do with organising things.

Prepare some sensible questions to ask before interview. Some of them at least should come from your research into the organisation.
At the end, remember to thank everyone for their time. Common courtesy is surprisingly uncommon!