If you read one of my previous blog posts about my frustration with finding a job, then you know that I would be curious about what I could be doing wrong.
To be rejected from (now at least) over 350 job applications, it’s a real kick in the teeth.
So, who better to ask than Sally McKibbin, a Career Expert and all-rounder in recruitment, HR and job-prospect knowledge extraordinaire!
Sally reveals below what you need to do to land a job that you desire.
*me furiously taking notes, changing my resume and now writing a cover letter*
How to make your job application stand out
By Sally McKibbin, Career Expert at job site Indeed
Q: How important is a cover letter and how is it different from a resume?
A cover letter is extremely important, even if your resume includes all your details and experience. It’s a chance to showcase your personality, highlight relevant skills, and explain why you’re perfect for the position. The main differences between cover letters and resumes is their format, content, and purpose. While your resume lists your experience in bullet points, a cover letter uses full paragraphs. A resume also provides an overview of your career, while a cover letter focuses on the role you’re applying for. This is why cover letters can help you stand out from the crowd.
Q: Do you have any stand-out tips for writing an amazing cover letter?
To write an amazing cover letter, start with a professional format (e.g. single-spaced text and easy-to-read font).
Research from Indeed shows that recruiters spend an average of just seven seconds during the first stage of reviewing job applications, so it’s really important to create a cover letter that is clear and engaging.
Personalise your cover letter by addressing the recruiter by name and tailoring your letter to the job. In your opening paragraph, briefly introduce yourself and highlight the skills you have that make you a good fit for the role. Focus on what value you bring to the company, and express your enthusiasm and knowledge by referencing what they do, and what their values and goals are.
Q: What are your top tips for writing a resume that could help someone stand out in the challenging job search process?
To make your resume stand out, you might choose to adopt a template and personalise it with your unique experiences and achievements. Use strong action verbs and quantifiable results to highlight your impact in previous roles. Make sure to tailor your resume for each application, by using words that appear in the job description. Finally, add a personal touch, like a brief summary or skills section, to showcase what makes you right for the role.
Q: What are some common mistakes people make in their cover letters and resumes, and what should they include instead?
Some common mistakes I’ve seen are using generic templates without personalising them, and including irrelevant details that are unnecessary and make the resume or cover letter too long.
Lots of applicants also forget to highlight their key achievements, and instead they just list their previous role’s duties. Research from Indeed shows that 61% of recruiters find cover letters mentioning specific accomplishments far more compelling. That’s why it’s so important to focus on relevant information, while keeping your application concise.
Try to maintain a professional tone and always proofread before submitting—small details can make a huge difference!
Q: How should people who have gaps in their resume address these periods of time spent away from work?
It can be daunting addressing employment gaps in your resume, but honestly is definitely key here. Start by briefly explaining what you did during your career break —whether you were starting a family, pursuing education, caring for a sick relative, or volunteering.
Make sure to highlight any transferable skills you gained during this time, like organisation or problem solving. This shows you’re proactive, and continued to grow personally and professionally during this time. Try to focus on your eagerness to jump back into your career. Emphasising what you learned could turn a concern into a potential advantage in the eyes of recruiters.
Q: What are some ways mums can show their skills and adaptability on their resume and cover letter when getting back into the workforce after a career break?
Re-entering the workforce after parental leave can seem challenging, but focusing on the transferable skills you’ve gained as a mum can really help. Consider activities like volunteering, organising family events, or managing projects at home—these all highlight your initiative and leadership. Try using a skills-based format on your resume to show off these experiences rather than just listing job titles. In your cover letter, briefly explain your career break, but make sure you’re emphasising what you’ve learned and how it makes you a strong candidate for the position. Tailoring each application like this can help you stand out regardless of any resume gaps!
Comment below and let me know if this information helped you 🧡
Late addition: A huge thank you to Sally for providing such invaluable information that helped me create a resume that ultimately saw me go from applying for 400+ jobs with zero interviews to four back-to-back interviews and securing a job!
For anyone looking to improve their resume, I highly recommend researching ATS (Applicant Tracking System) resumes and using ATS checkers to ensure your resume passes those pesky online resume checkers. I personally used Microsoft’s ATS resume templates, which made a significant difference in my resume’s readability and simplicity.
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