15 tips on making a shortlist
- Be clear on what you are selling – what have you achieved, not what you have done! Use achievement bullets, the best way to describe your strengths.
- Make sure your CV and letter are error free – errors will lead to the reject pile! Check the spelling, and get someone else to read it through.
- Include a clear summary, the powerful opening statement.
- Take the focus off you, and move it to the company. You have to sell yourself. Make sure they know how you can help them.
- Follow reply instructions – if it says to include a hand written letter, do so.
- Do not be afraid to phone the recruiter or company to chat about the vacancy.
- Always get a name for the cover letter. If it’s not in the advert, use your initiative and phone and ask.
- List skills and experience, gained from hobbies plus languages that relate to the job.
- If seeking to change sectors, look for common cultural links between the two work environments, such as comparing the fast moving nature of retail with that of information technology.
- Display good judgement by selecting the right, relevant information. Make sure the CV and letter are fully focused on the job.
- Don’t let a mail shot approach, look like it is. Personalise all letters. If you can’t use mail merge, learn!
- Do not send photocopies.
- Explain your current role. Do not assume people will know what your responsibilities are.
- Describe how your work has led to measurable outcomes, benefiting your organisation.
- Send a follow up letter to re-emphasise your enthusiasm.