An Employers' perspective on the job application
It is my woeful duty as a service manager to recruit staff for vacant positions within our organisation. At the start of my managerial career I entered the process with naive enthusiasm; nowadays I begin the process with dread, tinged with vague hope.
What are employers looking for?
It's simple really. We want super beings who will transform our businesses with their innovative ideas and work ethics, making us overnight market leaders but in reality we will happily settle for human beings; reliable, capable people who will turn up at work when they are supposed to and will do a half decent job for reasonable pay during their prescribed hours of work.
The application form is a multi-purpose document, providing a way for employers to get information from the job seeker and forming a part of the binding contract in the event of a successful application.
How can you make sure your job application at least gets you an interview?
DO make sure that:
The form is completed as per the instructions - if it says use block capitals or black ink then do so.
All required sections are fully completed.
You know the position you are applying for and you have read the person specification and job description for the post. Tailor your answers to the information provided giving specific examples of any relevant experience you may have, even if this was not gained in a paid employment capacity.
You present yourself in the best possible light. Think about all your skills and experience both in work and outside. If you are a homemaker for example you will have experience of time management, multi-tasking, managing a household budget. Your choice of leisure activities could be just what you need to prove you are a team player or an effective communicator. If it is positive it may be worth including, especially if there are gaps in your work experience.
Information is true do not lie on your application, you will be found out. Employers expect you to present yourself in the best possible light and building up positive aspects whilst down-playing the less positive ones is perfectly acceptable (and expected). Lying however is not acceptable and demonstrates that you are definitely NOT the kind of person any reputable business is looking for and if discovered after appointment could lead to you losing your job. This is usually mentioned somewhere in the small print on the application document, read it and take heed.
You sign and date the form where required.
Spelling and grammar are correct and the handwriting is legible typed applications are preferred because they are easy on the eye, especially when a prospective employer may have 100 applications to read in a short space of time. A good tip is to photocopy the application form before you write a single word and complete the draft copy first.
What makes an employer want to scream?
Job applicants are advised NOT to:
Submit illegible documents filled with spelling and grammatical errors and peppered with crossings out. It shows a lack of care and attention.
Ignore the job and person specification when responding to questions on the application Employers do not want to be told what a post holder needs to do, as the employer we already know that. We need an applicant to demonstrate in their application that they have the basic skills, abilities and/or experience to carry out the basic tasks connected to the post and that where relevant skills or experience is lacking, that they have the attitude and willingness to learn. Apply your previous experience and what you know to the job for which you are applying.
Submit generic applications. One size does not fit all, especially when it comes to job applications.
Resort to empty flattery - Employers are on the whole sufficiently aware of their organisational standing.
Resort to wildly exaggerated or empty claims or even veiled threats sweeping statements such as I am exactly what your company needs' or you will be sorry if you don't employ me' will ensure your application is passed round the office and ridiculed, before being passed through a shredder.
Remember an employer is looking for someone to fill a vacancy. They have outlined what the job entails and the kind of person they are seeking. If, armed with that basic information, you believe you fit the bill then take note of the above and give yourself a fighting chance.
If you get an interview you may get the opportunity to impress and secure yourself that dream job or a foot on the career ladder, if you only make it as far as the shredder you have no chance at all.