So You want the job. But so do hundreds or even thousands of others.
Wanting it is not enough.
I’ve put together some useful tips that have helped me land jobs I really wanted.
1. Don’t rely solely on positions advertised in the media. Target companies You would like to work with.
2. Find who the relevant person is to approach at the company you’d like to work. Unless you’re responding to a position advertised in the media never randomly send your CV to an HR Department. Ever. Always look for the hiring decision maker for the position you’re looking to fill, then email them directly.
3. Before you start sending out your resume ensure that it reads great. Always have a Cover Letter accompanying your proposal.
What most employers want to know is largely about your experience. (Which is why it’s crucial for young people to gain some experience in whatever field they hope to get into as early as possible). The number one question any company wants to know from potential employees is: What do you bring to the table?
Remember No One is looking for You. No one is wanting to do you a favour by hiring you- companies will hire you based on only one thing: How you will add or improve to their offering.
Your cover letter needs to show them how you’ll do this.
Your cover letter is the body of your email. Your CV will be attached to this email.
The things you need to pay extra attention to are:
– Who your email is going to. Address it to the decision maker.
– Subject line of your Email:
For Example: Proposal to work with Your Dream BIG Production Team
Be specific about which division you’re applying for.
In the body of your email never ever write: “To whom it may concern…” Not Ever.
This is why it’s essential to know who your mail is going to. Address that person accordingly. Be sure of what gender they are and address them accordingly: Dear Ms… or Dear Mr….
For Example:
Dear Ms Viviers,
I trust this finds You well.
Ms Viviers, I currently work as a Senior Content Producer at 1TV…
Always be formal in your address to your potential employer.
Now for your cover letter,
Keep it short and straight to the point. Usually only three paragraphs at most. No one cares for lengthy emails. Especially in business.
In the first paragraph briefly explain:
– Who you are
– Your responsibilities at the company you’re working at currently
– Highlight what has made you efficient and successful in your current role. This is important because it instantly shows your value to the potential employer.
In the second paragraph give reasons for wanting to move to the company you’re applying to. Never say it’s because you want more money and by Goodness don’t ever say it’s because “you’re not happy” in your current job. All that’ll say to the person reading your job application is that you’re a whiner and they cannot trust to hire you.
Make your desire to move from your current position ALL about your desire for growth in your career. Be very specific about how you see the company you’re applying to as superb to spur on that growth.
It helps very much to have researched the company you’re applying to because then you can be specific about the role you see yourself playing at the company and also how you envision them encouraging and nurturing the growth you desire.
In your third paragraph briefly put everything together: Your experience, your desire for growth, the opportunities you see in the marketplace and how you want to be a part of what the company you’re applying to is doing to be a market leader.
End your cover letter with:
I look forward to hearing from You regarding my proposal to work with you.
Yours Sincerely
Joe Blog
OR
Warmest Regards
OR
Kind Regards
PART 2: Your CV
The truth is, for the most part, no one really cares which primary school, high school or college/university you went to.
So please do not start your CV with your past educational qualifications. No one really cares.
Start with your personal details.
Be brief and neat.
Right after your personal details include your current employment details i.e. where you work and your job title there. This should be followed by your work experience at other companies.
After your work experience you can now cite your academic qualifications. Always start from most important and highest qualification going backwards. Stop at your most past academic qualification after high school. Again no one cares which high school you went to so don’t include that.
After that cite at least three references with reachable contact details. Cell numbers are best. Include land lines and email addresses as well.
Your CV is your very first interview with a potential employer. Treat it as such.
Best Wishes!
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