HOW TO GET THAT JOB!

Your Application

An application for a position consists of:

• A letter of application
• A curriculum vitae (resume)

Overview

• The purpose of your letter is to excite the reader sufficiently to want to read your resume
• The purpose of the resume is to excite the reader sufficiently to want to meet you at an interview
• The purpose of the interview is to be given the position

The Letter - a "selling" document

Your introductory letter is the first contact you will have with your prospective employer. It should be:

• On A4 paper
• Not too long (preferably one page)
• Individually typed
• Placed in a business envelope

RESPONDING TO AN ADVERTISEMENT

• Read the advertisement carefully to be sure you are not wasting your time or the employer/consultant's time
• Open with a reference to the subject and purpose of the letter; indicate the media and date of the position advertised; quote reference numbers when provided and indicate your resume is attached
• Devote the middle of your letter to brief facts about the experience and accomplishments that will arouse the readers interest and cause them to read your resume NB. Highlight the key issues in the advertisement and "sell" your skills, personal qualities, experience and qualifications against the criteria in the advertisement
• Indicate how hiring you will be an asset, enhance the company and/or increase their prospects to advance profitability, customer service etc.
• Conclude by reinforcing your suitability and indicating your availability for a confidential interview
• Don't forget to sign your letter and enclose a copy of your resume

Most advertisements attempt to attract the ideal candidate:

• Still apply even if your do not satisfy all the criteria, provided:

• you want the job
• the majority of the requirements are met
• you have not responded to the company/consultancy with such frequency that your creditability is questioned

• Read the advertisement carefully and comply with the instructions for application:

• if written applications are called for, only phone if you have something tangible to ask
• don't phone to ask if you should apply - you should know by the wording in the advertisement if you meet the criteria
• unless advertisements call for applications in your own "hand-writing", it is preferable to type your letter
• comply with all instructions in relation to copies of references, qualifications, birth certificates etc but NEVER send originals
• each letter should be unique to that particular advertisement - do not send a general letter to an advertised position

PROMOTIONAL LETTERS

• These are letters written to a person in the company who has the authority to employ a person at your level - a simple phone call can identify the name of the Human Resource person or General Manager
• They are sent to companies etc that you have researched and therefore know they employ people such as you
• Check the name (and spelling), initials and correct title of the person you are writing to
• Open the letter with a strong catchy sentence that would cause you to take notice if you were in the employers chair NB do not be too aggressive or flamboyant
• It is still a "selling document" so the middle of the letter should direct your skills, qualifications, personal qualities and experience to that employer's industry
• The onus is on you to follow-up the letter. Consequently, the final paragraph should reflect when you intend to contact the receiver as a follow-up

DAVID SLADDEN CONSULTING - ABN:  84 737845 845

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