Flow recently advertised a vacancy for a position in our writing team. We received close to 200 applications but, sadly, we were put off many the applicants before we even opened their CVs. Poor grammar and spelling, lack of clear thought and an absence of attention to detail in their emails were just some of the reasons for rejection.
Here are some tips for job hunters in the communication field that will help to improve their chances of landing that dream job:
- Include a short greeting and covering note in your email. This tells us you’re a human being and that you have an interest in starting a conversation. When we receive blank emails with a couple of attachments, it feels like we’re being spammed
- If you are responding to a number of vacancy ads, don’t simply keep forwarding the same application over and over to different companies. Rather send each application as a new email. We promise to take the time to read your application with interest if you promise to take an interest in sending it
- Your CV should demonstrate clarity of thought. Set it out in logical order, and check your formatting. Avoid using fancy fonts, borders, tables, clip-art etc. This often makes the information difficult to find
- Correct spelling and grammar are essential. You’re applying for a job as a writer, so write properly! (One of the applicants for the Flow job spelt his own name wrong!)
- You should read the job spec. Applying for a position as a journalist if you are a cashier, personal assistant or DJ is not going to win you any points
- Do a bit of research. Find out about the company you are applying to. We want to know that you’re interested in the organisation and the position. If you get invited for an interview, we’ll ask why you’re keen to join us. Be prepared to answer that question