It is vital to know that a job application is the first impression of yourself that you give to a potential employer, and it is capable of making or breaking your chances. This implies that you should be careful and carry out everything in the right way. The guidelines below will help you to make an excellent and professional job application and raise your chances of securing employment:

Application form

Some job openings require you to fill an application form, and some do not. When an application is supposed to be filled, it asks for the information the employer wants to know such as your work experience or educational background. Do not leave any field blank unless it is optional or you do not have any relevant information to write down. Keep in mind that it is illegal to ask about certain details during the application process, such as religion or ethnic background.

Cover letter

In some instances, entry level positions do not require a cover letter, but each higher level and professional job does. Your cover letter should be specifically tailored to the job you are applying for, and if possible, you should address it directly to the hiring manager. Ensure that your cover letter is brief, usually a single page and never more than two pages and it should be professional. Explain clearly why you think you are suited for the position and the organization. It is paramount that your grammar and spelling are flawless. A single spelling error could take away the chance of you being considered. Go through your cover letter more than once before it gets to your potential employer.

Curriculum vitae (CV)

You should be aware of the fact that your CV is the heart of your application and thus it is the most important detail. It is advisable to tailor your CV to the job, and you should format it correctly. It should be divided into sections that talk about the things that employers look for, such as education and experience. Make sure that you keep all your points brief. Hiring managers usually attracts a large volume of applications to review and little time review each application. If you have the need to add some extra information you can do so in the cover letter but only if the information is relevant.

Email application

Even though emails are regarded as casual communication, an email application is not. You do not require a separate cover letter. The email body can take care of that. Similar rules apply to both email and a conventional cover letter. Ensure that the subject line contains the position you are making an application for.…