The DO’s and DON’T’s of the job application process
DO
Have a full, updated and working professional LinkedIn profile with at least 25 connections
DO
Check the settings of your Facebook profile and ensure it is professional, employers will search you up
DO
Look for opportunities while at university in volunteering and interning. Small and not for profit organisations with little budget are very willing to give students a go.
DO
Be prepared for your interview. Ensure you arrive early with any appropriate documentation, such as a copy of your resume and cover letter. Complete some basic research about the actual job itself and the organisation you are applying at . And first impressions are important, make sure you dress professionally.
DO
Think hard about the skills that you may have, such as teamwork or leadership, and how these skills may seem desirable to a possible employer looking at your application or interviewing you. Make sure to sell them, everyone is good at something!
DO
Following an interview, send a follow up letter with a thank you to the employer, it helps to show your appreciation and display your eagerness for the position.
DON’T
Forget to put your name on your resume file, this immediately looks unprofessional.
DON’T
Forget to proofread your resume, cover letter, CV, and any other documents you may hand in as part of your application. This will send your application straight to the trash can.
DON’T
Arrive late for any interview you have been given. This immediately presents you as unprofessional and undesirable to hire.
DON’T
Spend all of your time creating a colourful and creative CV and forget to actually put the important information in. There is no point showing off something creative without actually putting in the all important information