Self study “How to apply for a dream job successfully?”

3. Create winning signature documents that make you irresistible:

• 3. Create winning signature documents that make you irresistible:
• These include a cover letter, resume, a one-page flyer and business cards. Even though many employers are now using initial video and online question screening, you will ultimately need to have these signature documents ready to go. I call them signature documents because they need to represent who you are and your market readiness. With your resume:
• DO:
• Have a career summary at the top of your resume if you have work experience relevant to the role (by the way, employers and recruiters scan these mighty fast!)
• Focus more on achievements (outputs), and less on responsibilities (inputs)
• If your employment history is more than ten years, draw the line there
• Make sure it looks consistent with a clean use of space in the design
• Have your referees (at least two) available on request

DON’T:

• DON’T:
• List date of birth, marital status, health status, number of children, religion, or your available days to work
• List hobbies and interests that are irrelevant to the role you are applying for
• Go more than 3 pages, less if you can do it
• Change the font style or heading sizes within the document
• Exclude a footer with your name and page number on every page (sometimes the employer will be printing dozens and lose the page sequence)

4. Contact the employer before sending your application:

• 4. Contact the employer before sending your application:
• The biggest mistake often happens at this step. You have the perfect resume, but know little about the role you are applying for. Contact the decision-maker for the role you are applying for. Use LinkedIn to find out more about them.
• When I say the decision-maker, I am referring to the person who you would be reporting to. The biggest mistake job-seekers make is trying to contact the HR department. The HR department is trained to actually cut and dice job applicants down to size. In most cases, they are face-less and these days, trying to locate a direct line to them is like looking for a needle in a hay-stack! Go direct instead!