The Importance of Effort
Stand out from the crowd with your next Job Application
The importance of effort can go a long way in life, not just in the context of landing your next dream role with a company that shares the same values and ethos as you do.
So you have seen a job advertised that you like and you want to go ahead and apply for it. Most application processes are reasonably standard - submit a resume and cover letter, answer some pre-set questions and hit send.
Boom! Your application is off and away.
When a recruiter reviews your job application, it is always good to keep in mind you may very well be competing with several, and sometimes hundreds or potentially thousands of other people who all have the same objective as you … to land their dream job.
When it comes to standing out from the crowd, there is in fact a lot you can do to get noticed.
Some recruiters will use software and CRM tools to help with their search for the ideal candidate, others simply just read them (like your average Joe). These tools will assist in reading key details within your digital resume and are particularly useful when reviewing applications in the tens, hundreds and thousands.
Failing to have a well scripted and laid out resume as a starting point can send you to the back of the line, without so much as getting a look from the hirer.
Even moreso, failing to read the basics for the application (e.g. the hirer has requested a resume AND cover letter be submitted) requirements will also put you to the back of the line.
While it may seem insignificant, meeting these basics of your job application can impact your success. Meeting the bare minimum that has been asked shows effort and attention to detail (along with the ability to follow a basic instruction).
Your Resume
Starting with your resume, a well presented, formatted and scripted resume that hits all the key criteria a hirer is looking for is an excellent start. It should capture your skills, experience and achievements while showing a summary of why you are a good match for the role - and capture the hirer’s attention quickly.
Your resume should include the following sections
Your objective: this is your opening statement to the potential hirer your career direction and objective while setting the tone with your goals in mind. This should be no more than 3 - 4 sentences.
Your work history: ideally, this is a summary of your most recent (maximum 10 years) work history of relevant work roles to the job you are applying for. Did you work a second job in a bar while working your corporate 9 - 5 to make ends meet in your 20’s? If it’s not relevant for your specific job application, leave this information out. This section should include an easy to read format, listed reverse-chronological that shows your job title, name of the company, location and a brief summary of role duties and any achievements related to the job. This is a good opportunity to back up your skills.
Education / qualifications: again, this is important really, only if relevant to the role you are applying for. There is also no need to list high school education levels (unless you are new to the jobs market) or detail grades, enter scores etc.
Skills: your skills should capture your abilities in you that demonstrates why you will succeed in the role you have applied for. This section can include a mix of hard (technical, marketing, analytical or any job specific duty related) and soft (character traits, communication, mindset, social and emotional characteristics) skill. It is important to understand the difference in these and only list truthful skills that relate directly to you.
Awards / achievements: this is another only if applicable to the job criteria or significantly relevant section. Only include awards and achievements if they are particularly relevant.
Activities and interests: this is a personal choice if you choose to include this information on your resume. It can also show a little on your personality and who you are as a person … keep it short, succinct and truthful, steering away from the generic ‘cooking, reading and catching up with friends’ line.
Referee details: this is a section we recommend that you don’t actually include on your resume! This can lead to unsolicited reference checking (which is not an ethical practice) by hirers. You should always be given the opportunity to provide references relevant to the role applied, and those that will give you a glowing recommendation!
Your personal details: include your current, up to date contact details such as mobile number and email address. There is no need to include a full street address (we recommend you avoid this for personal safety reasons - you never know where your resume will end up!). We also strongly recommend you leave off your birthdate for personal safety reasons (think hacking and easy to guess passwords) and to also avoid age discrimination.
When it comes to setting up a beautifully presented, easy to read resume, there are hundreds, if not thousands of online templates out there and tools you can use to support you. Microsoft Word, MAC Pages and Canva are all great resources where you can download templates and input your own information. Ensure your resume is ATS friendly.
What to leave off your resume
Your detailed personal contact details such as birthdate, full home address, passport / drivers licence numbers etc. This is purely for personal safety reasons. There has been recent reports in the media regarding hacking and misuse of personal details. This is never information you should share with strangers, let alone uploading to cyberspace.
A happy snap of yourself. Unless relevant to your job application, we recommend leaving photos and headshots of yourself off your resume. While relevant for some applications (and this will be requested during the application process), this is another personal safety reason - you never know where your data ends up! If you are to include a photo, ensure it is a professional headshot, with a minimalist background.
Reasons for leaving an employer. This can be viewed as a gripe and a sticking point to your next potential employer. You can save this as a discussion point for when you reach the interview stage if asked.
Every job you have ever worked. This is not necessary or relevant. As with our points above, we recommend sticking to relevant roles to the job you are applying for. A long-dated work history can also leave you open to age discrimination. A job history of a maximum of 10 years is recommended.
Your cover letter
An area that is often neglected by many applicants is including a well-crafted and to the point cover letter. Even if not requested, it is a good idea to still submit one - this shows you are going the extra mile for your application. Submitting a cover letter in many instances will put you well at the front of the line of the crowd.
A well crafted cover letter also gives you the opportunity to introduce yourself and convey why you are an ideal fit for the role you have applied for. While your resume talks straight facts to the reader, your cover letter allows for personalisation, shows you have done your research and demonstrates your interest.
Your cover letter should be no more than one page in length. Avoid rehashing your resume and focus on a personalised approach detailing why you are the ideal fit for the role, along with showcasing what you can bring to the table and give them a taste of who you are as a person.
Read the Job Criteria - all of it!
Reading the job criteria, or position description that comes along with the advertisement you apply to is critical. This will help you better understand the role at hand and the company as well as help you figure out whether or not you are qualified for the role.
So, what should you be looking out for?
Read the full post: rather than applying to anything and everything that looks exciting, give the ad a thorough read and self evaluate whether you should apply.
Review the qualifications and responsibilities: A quick way to rule out if the job is for you, is to read this part of the job criteria. Words such as “required”, “minimum”, “essential” mean these aspects of the role are non-negotiable for the hirer. Evaluate these sections and decide if the role is for you - if it doesn’t sound like something you would want to do everyday, perhaps it is not the job for you.
The job title: Is the title a match to the role description? If you feel as though the job title does not quite match what is published in the job description, that can demonstrate the company’s level of professionalism and awareness around what they are seeking.
Check the tone of the post: You can learn a lot about the company and its culture through the tone of the job description. This can also help you craft a well scripted cover letter to align better with the hirer.
Focusing on the importance of effort with your next job application will help you stand out from the crowd with your next career move.
