How do you behave during a recruitment process?
I have read so many articles about how to write a good cv, a covering letter and how to come across in an interview … and I have written quite a few myself.
But I never get bored of this subject because I like it and I think it’s useful for many people. I recently read an article with a title that grabbed my attention “Red Flags to Avoid during your job search this fall”.
Cynics, including the ones who posted comments to this article on the internet, will always tell you that the problem lies elsewhere.
In actual fact I can give you countless examples, one of which is very recent and concerns a person I am working with.
He’s a top manager that has done loads of wonderful things (so he thinks …) but he makes more than one of these mistakes and is not good at listening.
A cv and a letter are just the start, just like a needle and thread are when it comes to making a dress …
Fabric is important for a dress: you may have already chosen it and have the colour and form you like, but there’s still a long way to go before your dress is ready.
The same applies for a cv and covering letter and what you say to the recipient.
So let’s take a look at some of the details you should consider for a “bespoke” job application.
A made to measure candidate Grammar
In a world of social media, emoticons and superficiality who thinks about these things? You’d be surprised!
At the end of the day you write to – the recruiter – knows that sooner or later you’ll be doing some writing on the company’s behalf. Grammatical errors and incorrect terms will tarnish a company’s image.
Honesty
The things you have done are the starting point and you can talk about these by summarising some bits and focusing on certain others. The key thing is consistency and the "logical thread " which should focus on what the recipient is interested in.
A summary
Two pages that can even be sent by email.
I have written and revised hundreds of CVs, even for people with very long careers.
Two pages are enough.
Speaking to the world
You are not addressing the world in a covering letter. You are communicating with a person to arouse their interest and convince them that you could be the person they are looking for. Make sure you don’t get their name wrong, mix up men and women, get the wrong company, in other words try to avoid simply copying and pasting! You might also receive marketing letters (non-profit associations or publishers still send these by normal post).
What would you think if you received a letter talking about disability in old age when you are still fit and healthy, or letters about children if you don’t have any?
Only that which is relevant
Many people write letters consisting of the same 3 or 4 sentences which talk about what they have done even if it doesn’t match the request or the sector in question. This demonstrates you are not really interested in the person or company you are writing to so you are likely to be discarded.
And what if you’re not a great fit?
You can try to convince prospective employers about interests and skills you have that could be useful to them. You should start this process in the covering letter.
People often overlook that we do have your resume in your application, so there’s tons of additional information there that doesn’t need to be re-explained. Detail the reasons you would be good for the role and highlight the experience that makes you qualified. If it’s a role that is different than your work experience, the letter offers a chance to show us why you’re interested.
– Angela Ritter
Speed
Why are they not getting back to you? And what if it takes you days to get back to them once they do try to contact you? Believe me, if you are interested in a position you should check your phone and email more than once a day. That applies for me and for everything you are interested in. Even stuff that is not related to work.
Gratitude
The world does not owe you anything.
Why are they not choosing you if you’re so good?
Have you ever thought that the person on the other side is like you and there’s simply trying to do their best? Saying thanks one more time isn’t such a bad idea. I’m a "tough cookie" but I have learned that honey is more attractive than vinegar!
Sometimes a career coach that looks atthe small details can really make the difference in terms of getting the result you want!
