Careers: The application
There are various ways companies can ask you to apply for a job. Some offer online application forms or the opportunity to email your application and CV while others will prefer you to send in a paper copy.
Regardless of the way the application is done, this is your chance to sell yourself to the employer. The expression first impressions are everything certainly applies to job applications. Employers are busy people and may have to deal with a large number of applications, so it is important yours stands out for all the right reasons keep it short, professional, to the point and make sure spelling, grammar and punctuation are in order.
If you are required to complete an application form use it to your advantage.
- Always follow the instructions
- Stick to the point
- Present it well
You may be asked to submit your CV instead of or as well as an application form. Always include a cover letter with your CV. The cover letter can be as important as your CV, which is why the same criteria should apply to the letter as to your CV.
A cover letter tells the employer for what type of position you are applying and how you are qualified for that position. It highlights the features of your experience that are most useful to the potential employer. Employers can get hundreds of applications when they advertise a position so, often, the person screening applications skims each for only a few seconds. A cover letter can call attention to the skills, talents, and experience for which the employer is looking and make you stand out from the other applicants.
Websites
You can get help and advice for writing your application from the following online sources:
- Career Services
- New Zealand government funded web site, containing job outlines, vacancy links, advice, funding, training and industry information.
- Seek
- A New Zealand website offering job vacancies. Research company profiles, utilise career resources and apply for jobs online.
- University of Otago Careers Advisory Service
- The Careers Advisory can assist with a wide range of enquiries from the exploration of career ideas and course advice, to information about specific jobs, employers and further study.
Books
The library also has a range of books you can use to improve your application. Click on the subjects below to see what is available.
CVs
The CV (curriculum vitae) is a summary of your training, qualifications, skills and experience you have. Basically, it is the best you have to offer and should convince a potential employer you are the right person for the job.
There are many different ways to write a CV. You can get advice and examples from websites or from books. To find books full of sample CVs try searching the library catalogue or clicking on the subject below.
Word processing
You can type and print your CV for a small charge in any of our libraries.
