(Not so??) Common Practice, when applying for a job....??

I recently advertised a really important job opportunity, to come work with me at #UKYouth and I am sitting here, still truly overwhelmed with how many applications we received. It’s certainly a sobering reminder of the economic challenges that so many are facing now. Knowing that there is no way I can respond to over 300! people, I felt compelled to find a little way to share some feedback. My hope is that this may reach even one person who might benefit from it. 

I’m sure there are websites and organisations with far more in-depth, high quality information and support on this topic. This is simply me, sharing some of the expectations I have and how I used the absence of them to whittle down a very large volume of applications into a manageable short list. So here goes.

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Dear applicant, considering the significant volume of competition right now, the worst thing you can do is make avoidable errors that allow those assessing your application to easily sift you into the “no” pile.

In no particular order:

• If the job advert requests it; please include a cover letter.  It was requested, so not sending one, is an immediate signal that speaks to a lack of attention to detail. (Our HR team didn’t even send me any of the applications that didn't have the requested cover letter.)
• Cover letters should be well structured. Please show that you know how to format a formal letter. (E.g - date, address the recipient, use paragraphs, make sure it is grammatically sound - do not title it "Dear Sirs" or anything else that you can't be sure is the right title for the recipient) 
• Don’t just list out and repeat the same information from your CV in your cover letter. The cover letter is where you can show how your experiences are relevant to this role and why you are the right candidate for this job.
• You cannot afford to have grammatical errors in your CV or your cover letter. This is the only impression of you that the prospective employer has. It’s a sloppy look. Ask others to read (and even re-read! your application.) Sometimes we can miss things in our own work. It’s prudent to ask someone to proof read for you.
•  Your CV shouldn’t be longer than 2 pages long. 3 max! (I saw one that was 6 pages long?!) I promise you, 2 pages is enough. You can’t say everything in a CV. Think about the most critical (and relevant) pieces of information and describe them concisely.
• Show why you want “this” job at “this”organisation. Especially if you’re applying to a charity. First and foremost we’re looking for a values fit and passion about the work we’re doing. It’s really clear to the employer when you’ve just used the same standard cover letter for all applications.
• If you have no experience that matches what is asked for in the JD, consider whether that is a job worth applying for? But if you do think your skills are transferable (which is perfectly possible!) at least acknowledge that fact and explain why you’re applying and seeking to make this pivot. Otherwise it can feel disingenuous. 
• Personally I like CV’s and covering letters that show your personality and creativity - they definitely stand out to me. But be careful here. Do your homework and know your audience. As others may prefer a less personality driven approach.
• Please title your application documents with your full name and/or be consistent with the naming across both the CV and the covering letter submissions. You can use initials and surname but be consistent and don't just use your first name.
• Consider linking to the websites of your past employers. It helps to provide valuable context. And/or at least include a sentence explaining what that organisation does.
• If you have had a series of short term roles, make it clear if they were contract/temp roles. As otherwise it can read as if you’ve been unable to commit to a role for a long time. Or worse, that you’ve been let go repeatedly.

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That’s all! Nothing fancy and again it seems like the above would be common enough knowledge, but from reading applications this weekend, sadly not. This has made me reflect a great deal on the employment preparation support that is available for people and how we can better support on these things. I can only imagine how many amazing people may be locked out of job opportunities because of avoidable errors that mean they can’t even get through to an interview....

I’m going to go on my own personal research hunt for these websites and organisations that offer guidance to people. Please if you’re reading this and you know of any, please do share!

Again, thank you to everyone who took the time to apply to work with us at UK Youth. I don’t take that interest for granted and I wish everyone the very best in their pursuits. ????

#JobApplications #CV #CoverLetter #Jobs #Feedback