As you start searching for roles you will encounter a range of different application processes, whether you are applying for a job, internship, placement or further study, the main things to bear in mind are the same.
There are some common mistakes so here are four things to avoid when writing an application.
Don't apply to everything.
Applying for lots of opportunities does not increase your chances of being successful. Instead, you should research the role or course and the company or university it is with to find out whether it is a good fit for you.
Consider using online tools for this such as LinkedIn and where possible make use of new or existing contacts to better inform your decision. Based on this research, prioritise which roles or courses you want to apply for.
Don't be vague.
Avoid generic statements in your application as this could give the reader the impression that you are not really interested in their opportunity.
Instead, identify the skills qualities and experiences they are looking for and give specific examples of how you meet these, using the STAR technique. Don't forget that all experience counts including coursework, extracurricular activities, volunteering, and working at your family business.
Make sure you link all your examples back to the job description and the person specification.
Don't be lazy.
Most employers and universities will immediately reject any applications that have mistakes. Use spelling and grammar checks to avoid this and also ask a friend or family member to read through your application before submitting it. Make the most of the word count by using strong impactful language and avoid waffling.
Don't wait too long. Where possible, give yourself plenty of time to write your application. Bear in mind that advertised closing dates can sometimes change, so don't leave your submission to the last minute.
If you're running out of time, go back to your prioritised list of opportunities and decide which is best to apply to first. Once you have drafted your application, remember you can send it over to Careers Network with the details of the role or course you are applying to, to receive feedback from a careers advisor.
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