As applications for internships and graduate schemes are looming, I've decided to collate my top tips for the initial application stage into a blog post to ease you at this time of distress.
KEEP IT CASUAL
Although many recruiters look for professionalism in applications - being too professional can sand the edges off your personality and put you in the category with 'all those other applicants'. Don't forget to be yourself!
SHOW, DON’T TELL
There's no holding back when it comes to sharing how many great things you've achieved to a recruiter - do not stay modest, blow your own trumpet and don't stop. Instead of telling a potential employer that you’re “a hardworking, analytical people person,” give them a story that prove
DON'T BE A ROBOT
The whole application process whether it is a specific form, CV or skills test is impersonal. To say the field of hiring is called 'human resources' - it's not very humanly. Look for ways to make your application sound like it was written by a human, not a robot who has attended many CV and Application skills workshops.
DON’T BE WEIRD(EASIER THAN IT SOUNDS)
If you wouldn’t say it in person, don’t say it in online. Being quirky is good, but being strange/weird/creepy/demented is just wrong. You know the saying there's a fine line between “confident” and “arrogant.” Same goes for “eager” and “psychopathic.”
BE AWARE
Nowadays, employers often research potential employees before hiring them, so make sure your social media accounts are in tip top shape.
I WILL...NOT
If possible, try and limit the use of “I am… I will…I did…I want….” It’s best if you talk to recruiters, not at them. The genuine conversational approach often works well.
DON’T RAMBLE
One of my biggest weaknesses. Every time I fill out a application I have to tell myself to be concise. Write the way you talk. The more you ramble, the less recruiters are likely to pay your application any attention.
DON'T FALL AT THE FIRST HURDLE
Get the company name right(I know people that have called the company they are applying to by their competitors name). Avoid typos and spelling mistakes. Also, keep it relevant.
Good luck
Mx
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