Job vacancy websites

Related pages

Applying with a letter

Employers get a lot of letters, so make sure your letter stands out. Keep it short and snappy – no more than a page. Say what job you are applying for in the first sentence. Then use 2-3 short paragraphs to say the most important things you want the employer to know about you – and try to relate these things to the job you are applying for.

These things are all important

• Address the letter to the right person.
• Check your grammar and spelling – especially names.
• Type the letter if you can and use good paper.
• Make the presentation tidy – no corrections.
• Always include your name, address and contact number.

Application forms

Employers often use application forms to help choose people for a job. How you fill in your form is very important – the employer can tell quite a lot about you from this.

Here are some important tips…

• Do a rough copy before you fill in the form (take a photocopy, use blank paper, or use a pencil). Always print neatly.
• Read everything first. Make sure you read all the questions before you start.
• Answer all the questions accurately and honestly. Make sure your answers match what you say in your CV.
• Keep your answers tidy. If there’s not enough room on the form to put all your skills, don’t cram it up or write in other spaces instead. Attach a sheet of paper with your answers on it.
• Answer difficult questions in person. If there are questions you prefer to answer at the interview, you can say this. This is often done for questions about wages, health or why you left a job.
• Be professional. Send your form with a letter and attach your CV. Use a large envelope so you don’t have to fold your documents. Take a copy of everything you send.

If you’re listing referees in your application, remember to let your referees know that a potential employer could be calling them – it will give them time to prepare their answers.

You can download and view an example of a job application form below.