It’s tempting to apply for a lot of jobs, especially when a lot of different ones appeal. In order to get the best results from your job search it’s worth spending some time making a list of how and what you like to work on. Do you like being in an office? Are you good with numbers? Do you prefer working on your own? These factors are all important.

Next you should have your CV to hand (don’t have one? Look here for help) and make sure that what’s on your CV matches the majority of what the job is asking for - say around 75% relevancy. If you don’t have a lot of work experience and an employer is asking for five years in the field, you’re not right for the job.

If you’re going to apply for the job but you have some doubts over whether you’d like it or it would suit you, don’t apply. Think quality not quantity. That way you can save your time for thoroughly preparing when it comes to interview.

Application forms

Having your CV handy will help you fill in the form as you may be able to copy over some sections directly - for example education information. Most forms will ask questions so make sure you write out any answers in full.

If you’re applying on a paper application think about typing up any long answers so they fit it, or make sure you write up your answer first on a separate piece of paper in case it’s too long.

Focus on the areas where you can sell yourself - usually in the bit where it asks you about relevant skills, abilities and experience.

Skills are something you’ve learned - like typing or using a computer.

Abilities are things you can do naturally - like being a good communicator.

Experiences are things you’ve done - for example working as a temp for three months.

The cover letter

Here you can expand on your CV a bit more and let the person you are writing to know why you are a great person for the job.

You should go over what you’ve done in your career (or education) so far and where you hope to go next. Mention any successes - e.g. winning a prize or delivering a project on time.

You can detail why your experience makes you a good candidate for the position, e.g. “I feel I am the best person for the job as I have great admin skills and always complete my work ahead of schedule, demonstrating good time management skills. I feel your company would offer me a step forward in my career allowing me to undertake more responsibility.”

Invite the reader to go over your CV and highlight points of interest: “Please take a look at my CV, in particular my current position where you will find I demonstrate a lot of the skills you are looking for in my normal duties.”

Improve your CV

If you were a celebrity, your CV would be your agent. Before you even have to lift a finger it helps people get an idea of what you’ve done so far - and a clue as to how far you can go. Make sure you cram as much information in there as possible, like where you’ve worked, what experience you got, what skills you’ve picked up along the way.

You need to include all those buzz words like organisation, leadership, problem-solving and communication. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, let us show you how to write a brilliant CV.

Finally, make sure your CV is always up-to-date. Add to it when you change jobs, do some training or get a promotion. And you feel that there are areas that could do with a little work - why not do some training so you can add it on there? You can have more than one version of a CV, you might be applying for jobs in two different sectors - finance and HR for example. Make a version highlighting skills in each area for the different ones.

Upload your CV here.

Where else can I look for a job?

When you’re going through job adverts you might find the perfect one, but don’t have enough experience for. There’s nothing stopping you calling the company and asking what job you ought to be looking for now in order to get a job like the one advertised in the future. You could even ask them to hold your details on file should something come up.

A lot of companies will accept speculative CVs, it makes life easier for them if they have someone who has already approached them because they know the person is interested.

Take a look at our A-Z of recruiters for company details.