The perfect job application has a convincing cover letter, a clear and structured resume, and proof of what you claim, such as certificates and references. Some employers also ask for a biography or a motivational letter. If the application works, the job interview is the last step.
Writing your job application and sweating over it? This overview takes you through each part, from the written application to the interview, with links to the detailed guides on this blog.
1. The cover letter
The cover letter introduces your whole application, and it is the first impression a potential employer gets of you. So it is important to write a cover letter that is professional, representative of you, and interesting to read.
A good cover letter briefly describes your experience and explains why you want to work for this company. Make it leave a lasting impression. The guide to writing a good cover letter shows how.
2. The resume
Once your cover letter has caught the attention of the hiring manager, your resume gives a structured overview of your achievements, experience, and skills, both personal and professional.
The structure of your resume matters: it guides your future employer through your history and your biggest achievements. See how to write a resume.
When your resume is written, check it twice, if not three times. While you do, look at the formatting as well, and use these tips for writing a resume to make it even better. Before you send anything, read how to spell check a job application: the Spell Checker marks spelling, grammar, and punctuation mistakes in your cover letter and resume.
3. Certificates and references
Let's be honest: anyone can write a convincing resume about themselves. What matters is to back up what you wrote with facts, even before you get the chance to show a work sample or do a trial day. That is what certificates and references are for. They show that a third party can confirm what you wrote in your resume and cover letter.
What employers expect differs from country to country. In many European countries, an application includes copies of documents like these:
- certificates you have earned
- proof of further professional training
- your latest school, college, or university report or transcript
- references and letters of recommendation from previous employers
In the United States and the United Kingdom, you usually list your references or offer them on request, and you add copies of certificates only when the job ad asks for them.
4. The biography
Often, a cover letter, a resume, and a few certificates are all you need to send. Some employers, however, ask for more documents, and some workplaces want a short biography as well. Here is how to excel at writing a biography.
5. The motivational letter
Another document you may be asked for is the motivational letter. Your cover letter already covers part of your motivation, but this is the place to convince your future employer that you really want this job. Explain what you hope to gain from the job and what value you can bring to the company.
Start with how to structure a motivational letter. Once you know the structure, fill it with content: set your application apart from the others, and stress your strengths, your goals, and your qualifications. This guide helps: how to write a motivational letter for a job application.
6. The job interview
You made it: your application convinced the hiring managers, and they have invited you to an interview. Do not get careless now, but there is no need to be overly nervous either. Good preparation helps:
- Learn what the company does and what the job involves.
- Prepare a short example from your experience for each of the main requirements in the job ad.
- Read your own cover letter and resume again, so you can talk about everything in them.
- Plan your route and arrive on time.
In many interviews, you will be asked whether you have any questions yourself. This is your chance to find out whether the workplace and the position are right for you. It is also another chance to show your interest and your skills, so prepare two or three questions in advance.