In one of the toughest job markets in 13 years, with an average of 100 applications being received for each graduate-level vacancy and over five million people on out-of-work benefits,* Manchester-based Human Resources consultancy P3 People Management is advising job seekers to take positive and practical steps towards making a successful application.

With few job vacancies currently available, particularly in the 16 to 24 year-old age group and a scramble for roles that are advertised, P3 is advising candidates to look closely at tailoring CV’s and covering letters for each application in order to attract the employers’ attention – and with current trends meaning recruiters spend just three seconds glancing at a CV, it’s crucial that they get it right.

P3 People Management’s Charlotte Gallagher said, “Recruiters often have to sift through hundreds of applications so it’s essential that your CV stands out. Take time to format it correctly, ensuring lots of white space, rather than trying to squeeze too much text in, with easy-to-read contact information. It should feature a short profile of three or four lines listing proven experience and the role sought and don’t be afraid to repeat key words used within the advertisement, to show how experience and skills match requirements.

“Candidates need to use their CV to really show off their key achievements in their current or previous roles – recruiters are interested in how you achieved results and the benefits brought to the organisation. Academic qualifications should be listed at the end of the CV and ensure that it’s no longer than two pages or it just won’t be read.”

Charlotte also stresses the importance of using just a handful of paragraphs in a covering letter, stating why you are applying and how your career achievements could bring value to the organisation.

According to P3 People Management’s recent client survey, employers tips for successful applications are:

Don’t use photographs - this does not strengthen your CV unless it was specifically requested

Don’t state marital status and date of birth - these should not be relevant in an equal opportunities environment

Don’t tell lies! Stick to truthful facts as employers may check up, or quiz you at interview and this could lead to any offer of employment being retracted

Do provide a personal statement at the top of your CV, outlining your key qualities and aspirations

Do include compelling facts - for example; perhaps you might explain how you helped increase sales for a company and back this up with the details

Do use keywords that are relevant - ie. easily-recognized job titles and buzzwords for the particular sector, so that when you upload your CV to a job site, these will help search engines pick your CV out from the rest

Do ask someone to proof-read your application for you - a simple spelling or grammatical mistake could prevent it being read

Do follow up with a call to ensure that your CV has been received, which will ensure that your name stands out.

Details

• Author: Anna-Louise Gilhooley
• Company: Rejuvenate & DivaLilly
• Tel: 07590 829 532
• E-mail: info@rejuvenateonline.co.uk
• Web: http://www.rejuvenateonline.co.uk

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