Looking for a job can be daunting, but if you want to show that you can promote products and services on behalf of a brand, the first step is to demonstrate your ability to market yourself.
This is according to the senior account executive at Flow Communications, Edwin Reichel.
He outlined some tips to consider when submitting your CV:
1. Read the job specs
Read the job specifications carefully and respond to each in your motivational letter. Change your motivational letter accordingly if you are applying for more than one job because a copy-and-paste approach demonstrates a lack of effort and interest.
Research the company where you are applying and consider its management your target audience – tailor the style and tone of your cover letter to align with the company’s organisational culture.
2. Your email body copy makes the first impression, not the attachments
Make it quirky and gripping – those hiring read through many applications. Think of how you catch a fish – the email is where you hook the fish and then pull it in gently.
The subject line, spelling, grammar and formatting should be clean – one typo could mean the fish would not take the bait. This is your elevator pitch, your one chance to get a foot in the door.
3. Make your CV easy to read
What are companies interested in? Your experience, qualifications, achievements, what you can bring to the table. List the details chronologically from the present backwards.
Check your grammar, spelling and punctuation – and then check again. A multiple-page CV often reflects a lack of experience rather than the opposite.
4. Make your cover letter relevant
Your application should be neither too formal nor too laid-back. Read what the company has been doing lately and refer to this in your cover letter.
Understand the industry and the organisation where you are applying and demonstrate subtly how you are a good fit. A conversational tone is often best – don’t say things you would not say to someone interviewing you.
5. Some words and phrases to avoid
Avoid clichés and statements that say nothing, including:
• “I hope this email finds you well”
• “Dear Sir/Madam”
• “I am a highly motivated individual”
• “I am a hard worker”
• “I pay attention to detail” (especially when there is a glaring typo in the same paragraph)
• “Strong work ethic”
• “Self-motivated”
• “Passionate about”
• Emojis
6. Find the balance between overselling and underselling yourself
No one believes a line like, “I have exceptional web development skills” from an intern (unless you can show you do, with an outstanding portfolio). Similarly, do not give so little information the person reading it questions what is missing.
7. Keep your profiles and references updated
Keep your LinkedIn profile and your reference details up to date.
8. Be authentic
Remember that you never know what an employer may be looking for. Do not make assumptions or try to be something you are not. For example, we value diversity at Flow Communications – there is no one-size-fits-all. We are Kit Kats, Bar Ones, Ferrero Rochers, Lindt, Smarties and Mars bars, all mixed – because being different together works for us.
At Flow, we want to know who you are because authenticity and integrity are important to us. We want people who can work as a team – to put egos and personal ambitions aside and focus on producing the best work possible.
Also Read: Tips to get through job applications and interviews
Also Read: Six tips to make your CV work for you this year
