Make your application stand out

Your job application or cover letter is your chance to make a memorable first impression on potential employers. The goal is to get the recruiter’s attention and to convince them that you are the right person for the job.

What makes a good job application

Make sure that your application reflects your motivation and your genuine interest in the vacancy and the organisation. Show them that you understand the requirements of the job and explain how your skills match the organisation’s needs and what value you would bring to them.

Your CV and the application should not repeat the same information but complement each other. While your CV gives a quick overview of your skills and experience, the application is your chance to explain how these are relevant to the vacancy. Practical examples add credibility and make applicants stand out.

Make your application clear and easy to read so that the recruiter can quickly see what your relevant skills are. Keep your application brief, up to one page at most.

Make yourself memorable

Enliven your application by including brief, authentic descriptions of your past projects or work experience. Do not just use adjectives to describe yourself but actually explain what you have achieved.

Structure your application so that it makes a logical and dynamic story and tells the recruiter everything they need to know about your background, competence and interest in the vacancy. Find out as much as you can about the employer beforehand and use the information in your application.

Exercise 1: Contact a potential employer

If possible, contact the employer before you send your application and ask them for more information about the vacancy and the recruitment process. This will give you valuable insight into the nature of the role and the employer’s expectations as well as making a good first impression.

1. Think up questions that can help you to better understand the vacancy. Ask about aspects that are not mentioned in the job posting or on the organisation’s website. You can ask, for example, about

• the objectives of the role
• the required competence and skills
• the workplace culture or
• which attributes will influence the recruitment decision the most.

2. Contact the employer using their preferred method of communication.

3. Edit your CV and application based on the additional information that you learn from the conversation.

Exercise 2: Come up with a dynamic opening line

Try to catch the recruiter’s attention in the very first sentence.

1. Write three different beginnings to the same application:

• Why are you interested in the vacancy?
• What makes you a good candidate for the job?
• What value would you bring to the organisation?

2. Compare the three versions:

• Is this going to get the recruiter’s attention?
• Is this too specific or too generic?
• Ask your friends or colleagues for their opinion.

3. Choose the best option and make it perfect.