CRAFTING EFFECTIVE JOB APPLICATIONS
Checklist Before sending in your resume and cover letter, check the following points. Do they fulfil each and every one of them?
Is the layout clear and easy to follow?
Be active Keep it simple by sticking to the active clause. E.g. As a team leader, I managed many tasks.
Be direct Replace unnecessarily long phrases and fancy flourishes with more direct words. E.g.: • Within the workplace → at work • At this point in time → now • In addition to the aforementioned → also
Do the headings stand out? Are your sentences concise? Does the content have a straightforward objective? Are your points clear-cut? Have you used short, concrete and familiar words instead of long, complex words? Is the content free of spelling and grammatical errors? Are bulleted lists used where appropriate? Is the tone suitable for addressing an employer?
Use a passive voice Avoid writing sentences in passive form – you’ll come out sounding robotic rather than authoritative. E.g. As a team leader, I faced many tasks that had to be managed.
Pad it out Take out fancy phrases that can be replaced with single words.
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