We believe in the potential of every Lift-Off Community member, and we want you to present yourselves in the best possible light, so employers can see how talented you are too. Some rejection is inevitable when applying for jobs, but we’d like you to have the best chance possible for success.
With that in mind, here are a few tips to polish up your applications.
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Be sure to be clear and concise – employers probably won’t skim over more than one page per candidate.
- Make sure your name and contact details are stated at the top, as well as the location(s) you are available to work in.
- Do list your academic qualifications, but this shouldn’t take up too much space.
- Other qualifications like Driving Licence and First Aid certificates are useful too.
- Experience is the most important part of your CV, so save the bulk of your page for this section.
- Experience that is directly relevant to the role you are applying to should be presented first.
- Read the job description carefully, and present your experience in a way which highlights your suitability for the role.
- If you have experience that isn’t directly relevant to the job you are applying for, tailor your wording to emphasise transferable skills.
- List specific and relevant skills, e.g. programs, technology, and equipment you are familiar with.
- References always strengthen your application, but be sure to always check with the person first before you use them as a referee.
Cover letter
- A cover letter is the first impression a potential employer will get of you as a candidate, so it is crucial that you represent yourself well.
- Write a different, specific cover letter for each role you apply to. Tailor it according to not only the role you are applying for, but also the company you are applying to. Do your research!
- Be concise and relatively formal, but be careful not to come across as generic. Let your passion and personality shine through!
- This is also an example of your written communication skills, so make sure it appropriately showcases your writing ability.
- Demonstrate your knowledge of the industry and what the role requires, then set out why you’re an ideal candidate.
- Confirm your availability and location.
Double and triple check your spelling and grammar before you hit send, and make sure you have the appropriate subject line in your email (if one has been specified). Make sure your formatting is consistent and easy to read. Get someone else to cast a quick eye over both your CV and your cover letter if you can, just in case you’ve missed something!
And that’s it! Following these simple tips will help your application showcase your strengths in the best possible way. Now it’s time to check our Jobs page and get applying! Good luck!
Written by Sneh Rupra