Your resume and cover letter are essentally marketing documents that you are using to pitch yourself and relevant experience to a employer. Therefore, you want to ensure that this document clearly captures who you are and what value you will bring to your prospective organisation.
It can be tricky determining what information you should and should not include, so we've collated some handy information from our Senior Recruitment Consultants to help craft the perfect standout job application.
Top Tips to Nail Your Next Job Application
When getting started drafting your documents, think about your key achievements in both your current and previous positions.
Tip: Your Job Description is not the same as your resume.
Below is an overview of the sections to include within your job applications:
Cover Letters
A cover letter is a one-page document, with the same layout as a letter used to introduce yourself and highlight how your previous experience aligns to the role you are applying for.
It should be kept clear and concise.
A cover letter demonstrates that you have read and understood what the role entails and that you are committed to taking the time to outline why you would be a good fit.
It will also encourage recruiters to read your resume.
Resumes
Your resume should include your contact details: your name, phone number, email address, and personal address.
A personal statement outlining your career objective and soft skills.
A snapshot of your strategic skills and qualifications.
A summary of your career history.
Tip: Resumes can sometimes be briefly read, therefore it’s imperative you format the document in a clear and succinct layout.
Outlining Your Career History
Tip: Keep your career history to a maximum of 5 current and past roles.
Company Description:
Be brief and include information on what the business is, industry and business size.
Highlight how you supported the business, the people you worked alongside and your direct team size.
Tip: A company description is important as it provides the recruiter or prospective employer understanding of the environment you have previously worked in.
Responsibilities and Achievements:
When listing your key responsibilities, make sure you include the most relevant points that align with the role that you are applying for. Keep it to a list of 5 of the most important duties
Achievements can help reflect the impact you have made in a previous role. It can be as simple as implementing processes and procedures that allowed a business to work more efficiently
Tip: Be strategic with the responsibilities and achievements you list in this section. You want to highlight how your previous experience aligns with the role you are applying for.
Resume writing is notoriously difficult, and there is no specific methodology. You may receive varying opinions on the format, and while one expert may recommend a limit of two pages, the next will tell you it should be five. While there is generally no right or wrong answer, you need to decide on a format with which you are comfortable, and that you believe promotes you in the best manner.
Therefore, your resume should not be the same as your job description. You need to spend a lot of time thinking about your achievements in your current and previous roles.
Request a resume example that is specific to your industry and role using the link below.
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