Few but vital tips on applying for a job

If you read in any books and article on how to apply for a jobs, I would say that that most of them will tell you the same thing. In this post I would like to write something that you need to know on few aspect on job application from the eyes of employer. This was merely based on my experience and also observation on few of my colleagues practices in handling job application.

• Job Requirement : Please full fill the job requirement, recruiter normally ignore those blind application especially if they have hundreds of application to be considered. Eg. If the job require you to have an experience in Audit, please adhere to it. Unless there is no suitable application, we will look into non audit experience application. My 2 cents : Read the ads requirement carefully.
• When to apply ? : If the job need to be filled fast, recruiter always process whatever cv they have in first few days from the date advertise. If they found the candidate that they want, there is no need to process the rest …to bad huh ! My 2 cents : Apply ASAP.
• Coloured cv : It’s true that coloured cv will get high attention, but please don’t choose dark colors. Some recruiter this coloured cv not serious. My 2 cents : use white paper lor
• Creativity : It depend on what position that you are applying for. If the job is related to design etc, of course it’s important to have creativity element on it, otherwise normal cv is just good enough. My 2 cents : Normal cv is good enough
• Language : If the advertisement in English please apply in English ! Please also check your cv thoroughly, I normally rejects poor cv. My 2 cents : Just get someone to check.
• CV Format : Just use simple and commonly use format. No need to be fancy. Jobstreet’s format one of the nice one. For fresh graduates, please emphasis on your practical training, your programme of study and of course you co-curriculum activities. Remember, your leadership skill also must be highlighted. My 2 cents : Ms Word has good cv templates.
• CV attachment : Read the advertisement, they will tell you what to attach. Just attach the important documents only. My 2 cents : Attach your degree/diploma certs and other special qualification. The rest can be viewed during interview.
• Photo : The passport-size photo is needed. But I personally don’t mind a printed photo. If you have money, get a original passport-sized photo, otherwise a printed photo will do.
• Where to send : It is normal to send to HR address/email as per the advertisement, but if you have any contact in the Company better to get their assistance to forward to HR. Sometimes personal contact will gets better attention from HR. You know lah, thousand of applications hit the office daily, sometimes they might overlook. And the worst things is, most of the time only Clerk do the first screening J. My 2 cents : Find anyone in that Company who can help.
• Try this tips : Why not send direct to CEO Office, of which they will send to HR for consideration. If you are lucky, I have experience where HR thought the application is from CEO and get special consideration. Of course it doesn’t means that you will get the job, still subject to you performance and suitability.
• Cover letter : Covering letter is very vital. Highlight your competency, knowledge to suit the job requirement. I normally read it first before go details on the CV. Don’t copy paste from the Graduan’s or Jobstreet template. Use your own write up ! Be original. My 2 cents : Write your own cover letter.
• Staple : Staple all covering letter + cv + attachment together. Just to ensure all documents are intact. My 2 cents : Just staple !
• Envelope : Any envelope is good. Remember only Clerk will do the compilation and open the envelope. Do you think they care ?

The conclusion on the above is so simple, if the recruiter has many applications they tend to be so choosy, any small mistake will be rejected ! So try to avoid such mistakes, otherwise you will waste you application cost.

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Filed Under: Job Hunting

Tags: apply a job, tips