The graduate employment process: Planning to write the initial job application documentation

In the blog last week, we analysed the actions required prior to considering any job application in the initial stage of the recruitment process. This week, we will investigate how to plan and complete the key application documents of the letter of application and resume.

The importance of analysing the graduate job description and person specification

The two key components that require particular attention when reviewing the job vacancy advert materials are the job description and person specification. The job description provides details of the vacancy in terms of the title, salary, location, responsibilities, line management reporting, and any travel requirements. The person specification details information about the characteristics required by the company for the job. These include qualifications, experiences, attitudes, abilities,

and personal characteristics.

Focusing on the two key application documents

At this stage it is important to focus in more detail on the application documentation. In this context, companies typically request that graduates complete various application documents at the initial job recruitment stage. Therefore, it is essential to know what is required to successfully complete each specific document. These application documents typically include the following two requests for information that require a different focus in the response.

The application or cover letter

This document introduces the applicant to the potential employer. The response needs to be brief and focused on the following:

1. A header with the name and contact details of the applicant, together with the hiring manager’s name and company’s address

2. A greeting that addresses the hiring manager by name, if possible

3. An opening paragraph that expresses your interest in the vacancy and where you first learnt about the job opportunity

4. Two paragraphs that highlight your qualification, experience, and personality that are relevant to the job

5. A closing paragraph that summarises your main points

6. A professional closure that lists attachments if any
   

Ensure that you carefully proofread the content several times before submission.

A CV versus a Resume

CVs are much longer documents that are typically used for academic and research applications. This is why they begin by listing academic qualifications and experience. In contrast, a resume is a document required for company or organisational positions. Here note carefully that many employers are not familiar with the difference between a CV and a resume. Therefore, if they request a CV, use this as the title of your document, but complete your application following the rules for writing a resume.

Then, resumes must be written in a concise professional language style that illustrates your most important personal qualities and accomplishments. Typically, they begin with work or other experiences relevant to the job vacancy. We shall focus on how to write in a profession style in a future blog.

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Question 1

What are the risks of seeking work in organisations that lack a clear graduate development plan?

Question 2

Should graduates apply for jobs in companies that do not provide job and person specifications?

Question 3

Why must graduate job applicants highlight soft skills in all application documents?

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We shall explore Question 3 in some detail in the blog next week.