Submit a genuine application

Sending out your CV to as many vacancies as possible is not a strategy for success.

A compelling job application requires time, you need to fully read the requirements outlined in the job advertisement and do your research on the company. Once you have all this information, you need to tailor your application based on your personal skills and attributes and spell out how you can benefit the business.

Address any specific criteria outlined in the advert. If you can clearly communicate your skills and their relevance to the role in your cover letter and CV you increase your potential to progress to the next stage of recruitment.

Know the jobs you have applied for and be prepared should you receive a phone call

There is nothing worse than calling someone to discuss a role and they have no idea who you are or what role they applied for.

Keeping a note of vacancies and businesses is a good way to keep track of your applications so you are prepared for a call.

If you have been caught at a bad time, that’s okay, offer to return the call at a convenient time – this is your chance to be proactive. I also recommend you ensure your voice message is appropriate should you miss a call from a potential employer/recruiter.

Prepare yourself for an interview

There are a couple of simple ways to demonstrate you are motivated to an employer:

• Be on time
• Dress to impress – wear clean and appropriate attire. (For women throughout the Manawatu region (and NZ) Dress for Success can assist in styling sessions for job interviews and assist you in providing suitable work attire, at no cost to you.)
• Be ready with your reasons as to why you want this job
• Spell out what you can bring to the business
• Have a question or two to ask (this highlights your that you’ve given thought to the role and business)
• Confirm the next steps in the process and the timelines they are working to

Communicate efficiently!

• Throughout the process ensure you maintain your communication. Promptly return calls and emails.
• Be honest about your situation, other roles that you may be in a process with and offers on the table. If that changes throughout the process, update the person you are working with. Your recruiter is here to help and can act as a ‘go between’ to achieve a positive result for all parties when we have the information.

Turn every ending into a beginning

Try not to take it to heart if you are not the successful applicant. Try to learn from every experience so you can tweak and improve your application/interview for the next opportunity.

Ask for constructive feedback to assist you to prepare for future applications. Just because the door is closed on this opportunity does not mean it is closed to future roles within the company. Employers (and recruiters) remember good talent, and doors can often open when you least expect it. 

At PN Personnel we work with a wide range of job seekers across all industries for permanent, contract and temporary opportunities. Our network of contacts within businesses can benefit your job search as we can advise on suitable opportunities and businesses you may not have even considered. I encourage you to register for our Job Alerts so you never miss a job opportunity relevant to you.