Engineering a good move

In previous articles I have discussed the shortage of good candidates for technical security jobs, and how employers can best attract the right candidates. I shall now address the matter from the jobseeker's position, which on the face of it would appear to be a strong one.

There is a danger, however, that in what may be perceived as a 'seller's market' candidates do not take enough care with their job applications.

A career move is one of the most important events in your working life, so your prime objective must be to get it right and land a job, which provides the desired mix of job satisfaction and financial rewards. To achieve this you must ensure that your application is at the top of the pile and that you get that all-important invitation to the first interview. I frequently see written applications that fail to do justice to the applicant, and indeed one of the services, which we offer to candidates registered with us, is advice on how to improve the presentation of their CVs.

These days employers use a variety of media to advertise, the most common being either press or web-based advertising. Whilst there are some differences in the recruitment processes, the same basic rules apply for candidates. Don't adopt an informal style just because you are applying by e-mail, and don't mail a job application from a frivolous e-mail address! You are trying to create a good first impression, and you'd be surprised how small details can influence the initial assessment. Also, when you are expecting calls from prospective employers change that amusing voicemail to something a bit more conventional?

Some common mistakes
Quality and accuracy: The number of errors in applications is far too high. As well as spelling mistakes the most common errors are incorrect employment dates, unexplained gaps in job history and incorrect answers to questions on pro-forma applications.

Some other common mistakes are: Over-use of jargon and abbreviations; Over-claiming previous career achievements to the point of incredibility; Failure to highlight a career pattern and define the desired direction; Insufficient effort to relate skills and experience to the job for which the application is being made; Lack of reasons for loss of a previous job. For example, many will experience redundancy at some point, usually as a result of events beyond their control. Being open about this avoids giving the impression of having something to hide.

Key facts: An application cannot be fully assessed without current / desired salary, notice period and, if relevant, willingness to re-locate.

Presentation: The best way to present a CV is on a well laid-out Word document, which can be kept on file and updated as necessary. It can be attached to an e-mail or sent in hard copy form with a covering letter, and will project the professional image which is likely to make a good first impression. Use bullet-points to clearly present key facts – if they are thrown together in the same paragraph they lack clarity and impact.

Follow up: Employers advertising on the web are likely to move quicker than those using press advertising, so make sure that you check your e-mail daily and respond promptly. At the time of your application advise any times when you will be unavailable for interviews.

I see dozens of job applications every week, and never cease to be surprised at the difference in presentation quality between the best and the worst. I can absolutely guarantee that by taking extra care and time over your application will greatly increase your chances of getting to first base, i.e. an interview, for the best jobs.