Cover Letters: Get their attention!

Creating a strong and accomplished resume is crucial in order for your job application to be successful.  However, many job seekers underestimate the importance of a well accompanied cover letter. Employers receive large numbers of applicant resumes and each are scanned through in a matter of seconds. In all cases they are swiftly examining whether your experience and skills match what they have outlined as requirements in the position description.

In order to maximise potential success it may be useful to consider these rudimentary yet often unheeded guidelines.

Customise and stylise

Your cover letter should be tailored for the specific position you are applying for rather than a generic recycled template. Explain why you are interested in that company and how your skills are applicable and relevant. If possible find a specific contact to address it to so you can avoid standard greetings such as “To whom it may concern.”

Mention referrals

If you were connected or introduced to the company through an employee at the company or mutual contact you should include this in your cover letter. Make sure, however, that you seek permission from that person before name dropping.

Don’t repeat your resume

While you should be referencing and highlighting applicable strengths on your resume it should not be a direct copy. Instead expand and discuss your experience to tie-in with what you believe to be the vision, strategy and operation needs of the organisation. 

 

Address potential weaknesses

Address any items on your resume that may be considered ‘red flags’ and give explanations to avoid any issues that may give potential employers pause in considering your application. For example, gaps in employment due to maternity leave.

 

Keep it brief & proof read

Employers  and professional recruiters are busy and often have many applications to filter through. Having a concise and succinct cover letter will increase the likelihood of it being read. As a general rule, keep cover letters to one A4 page.

It goes without saying that proof reading is essential, as poor spelling and grammar will deter any employer, no matter how skilled you might be. It demonstrates carelessness in that you didn’t proof-read the letter, nor do you know how to use Spellcheck. Beware of misspellings that will not be picked up by Spellcheck, such as “Exiting New Development." Take the time to read through your cover letter, edit as necessary and maybe ask a friend to review it before submitting!

It’s not about what you know, but who you know

Given the approaching end-of-year and the easing job market, it is essential that you are doing all you can to ensure you have access to 100% of the job market. It is estimated that only approximately 20% of jobs are advertised, this means that 80% of jobs come from the hidden job market. A great way to access the hidden job market is through gaining and maintaining relationships with your network. An employee at a company is always looking for ways in which they may be able to save the company money and if that means hiring a new employee without advertising, then it is in their best interest to inform all their job-seeking connections about an up-coming vacancy.

Networking is simply about forming associations and building relationships with people involved in the profession you are working in/would like to work in. But for some people the term ‘networking’ is enough to send shivers of dread and sweaty palms. Done well, it can set you apart from other candidates and leave a good impression with those who may be involved in recruitment. Done poorly, people may come across as fake or self-serving. The other extreme is not networking at all and sticking with a group of familiar people. This doesn’t help you in the long run.

This article aims to give some tricks to make networking more manageable and natural for the budding networker.

Don’t think of it as networking!

Some people get turned off at the word ‘networking’ because this makes connections seem false and only meant for personal gain. Think of your meeting as making new friendships with people and genuine connections.

Be genuine

Ask friendly questions to build rapport and to show that you’re genuinely interested in what the other person has to say. Such questions may include: “what do you do at XX company? How is the work like at XX company?”

Don’t feel like you need to stand out

You don’t have to be the funniest person or the smartest in the room. Having those expectations on yourself will just reinforce the ‘networking’ fears and again you can end up feeling fake.

Don’t feel like you need to ‘agree’ with everything 

Having an individual opinion and stating so shows that you are an independent thinker. But challenge within reason and be open to other’s opinions – this shows your team work abilities too.

Find like-minded individuals

Begin by find someone who engages at your level (that you feel comfortable with) and spend a bit of time ‘practicing’ your networking questions and behaviour - that can also build your confidence

Don’t aim too high (at first)

If networking is hard in general don’t go to the CEO of your dream company at your first go. Get to know the staff and managers below the CEO – know a bit about that CEO indirectly and gain that initial confidence before you meet them face-to-face and try your networking skills. Getting to know the CEO and the company beforehand would also show that you did your research.

Keep in contact 

This is one tip people generally tend to forget. Just because you meet and had a good conversation with someone once doesn’t mean they’d remember you forever. Share business cards and keep in contact with the person. For example, if you had an interesting discussion about Australia’s financial instability send a follow-up email with a relevant article/paper you’ve read. This not only shows YOU’VE remembered that person but that you are up to date with the latest happenings in your field. Maintaining a genuine connection with the person means validating the conversation you’ve had.

Networking is about getting to know people in your profession. Building these good connections may help you get a job in the company, build new friendships and people who could help you further your career.  The first unmentioned step is to get in and start! A handy place to start would be the Career Exchange website itself, find employers who have advertised in the past or employers who you see frequently advertise and give them a call. You never know, they may have the perfect role for you around the corner in 2016.

Tools and Strategies for Effective Job Hunting

It’s always a toss-up between spending time on an application and applying for more jobs. The truth is that many people miss out on securing employment because they simply aren’t able to meet the application deadlines or do not allow sufficient time to submit quality applications.

There are many tools available to help you manage your job-seeking-presence online. Here are some tools and strategies that you can implement to help you through the stressful time that is job hunting.

Strategy #1: Allocate time
One of the hardest things about job hunting is getting started. One of the easiest places to start, however, is by making lists and scheduling time. Allocate time in your calendar to job hunting and make it a part of your routine. The more you practice applying for jobs, the more it will become like second nature. It is important to allocate time to this task to ensure you give yourself the permission to work solely on job hunting, and not do anything else. In addition to allocating time, set targets and goals to help motivate you and keep you on track.

Tool #1: Subscribe to job alerts
Nowadays, all job seeking websites have tools to help you manage your online job-seeking-presence. Subscribing to job alerts is a great way to get the right jobs, that are relevant to you sent straight to your inbox. This will save you time from heading to multiple places to see what is out there. It will also help you stay up-to-date with jobs as they are placed out into the market.

Strategy #2: Create the best online profile possible
Job boards generally allow you to create a 'Job Seeker' or 'Applicant Profile'. This allows you to pre-upload your resume so as soon as you see a job that you like; making it quick and easy to apply for that job. Creating an online profile also allows employers to find you when they are actively searching for the right candidate. To improve the effectiveness of your application, use key words that are common in your Allied Health profession.

Tool #2: Organise your skills
Each application should be adapted to suit the job role and company, which can be a time-consuming process. Make this process easier by organising your skills (e.g. in an excel spreadsheet) so that you can easily link the skills you have with how you demonstrate them and the type of jobs that require these skills.

These steps will help make the job search easier in the midst of a busy schedule. Remember, it's never too early to start the process of finding your next great role! For more information relevant to you, check out the Career Advice section on Career Exchange.