ARTICLE:

What signals are you sending?
by Tara West

Last month I waded through 400+ applications for our new Resume Writer position that we had available.  I’d forgotten what it was like!  It’s been years since we have needed to formally advertise for a Resume Writer position at Aussie Resumes and it was quite a mammoth task.

It was also a reality check on what most hiring managers go through these days. I must confess, I was very frustrated at what the majority of applicants were submitting – and the way they went about it. Not frustration for me – but frustration that the applicant was doing themselves an injustice. All I could think was “No wonder these people don’t get an interview.”  I know that sounds harsh.  But it’s true.  Mediocrity was the order of the day.  Not a very good signal that an applicant is sending me.

When you submit an application you should be looking at everything from the employer’s point of view.  Is the application tailored?  Are there any mistakes?  Have you followed their instructions in the job advert?  Do you demonstrate a genuine desire to work for that company?  Does your application jump out and scream “Hey, I’m passionate about this type of work!” What makes you better than everyone else?

Our past newsletters and articles on our website delve into some of the points I have raised above; however, keep an eye out on future newsletters for more advice on submitting your application.

So what signals did I receive from applicants?  Lack of attention to detail.  Couldn’t follow instructions.  Informal application.  Not interested in the primary objective of the role.  Not interested in the work, full stop!  Couldn’t take the time to find out more – no research skills. Only want the position until something else comes along.  And the list goes on.

Here’s some things which really bugged me – or things which jumped out at me as a no-no when submitting a formal application:

1. Addressed as “Dear”.  I’m not their loved one.

2. Addressed as Sir / Madam.  The advert clearly stated who the application should be addressed to. 

3. Addressed as Sir. Tara is a female name, not male. 

4. Addressed as “Tara”.  It’s a formal application and should be treated as such.  They don’t know me personally.  This may seem a little fuddy duddy; but at the end of the day, you are presenting yourself for future employment – formal is best.

5. Spelling mistakes.  Did the person even read the application before submitting it?  Or indeed, put it through a spell checker?  Silly mistakes which would have been picked up if it had.

6. Poor punctuation – actually, very poor. Commas in the wrong spot or none at all, and so on. 

7. Receiving cover letters that said something like “… apply for the position of Data Entry Operator”.  Hello?!  Hmmm.  The role was advertised as Resume Writer / Admin Support.

8. Receiving applications where the applicant had quite obviously not taken the time to read the position description. Their application was geared toward an entirely different role.

9. Not following instructions.  Applicants blindly buzzed off their resume and that was it. I asked for a completed application form, cover letter, resume and statement addressing selection criteria. Around 80% didn’t submit a completed application form.

10. Receiving applications that couldn’t even be opened.

11. Emailing applicants to acknowledge receipt of their application – bounced messages.

Ok – I will stop. You get the picture. 

Don’t jeopardise your chances of gaining an interview!  Job hunting, or applying for jobs, isn’t something you should be doing in 5 minutes flat with no thought whatsoever.  If you take the time to apply for roles which genuinely interest you, and ensure you tailor your application and demonstrate your passion, then you WILL gain more interviews.

Keep an eye out on future newsletters for more advice in this area.

I would like to take this opportunity in welcoming Leigh Shome to Aussie Résumés.  Leigh is based in Melbourne and starts on the 23^rd of May. I’m very excited at the skills and abilities she is bringing to Aussie Résumés.  Stay tuned for more information!