Writing Job Applications

A written job application generally takes one of two forms depending on the type of employer and the importance of the job.

Type 1: The employer requires the applicant to send their curriculum vitae (otherwise known as a "Resumé") and a covering letter. This type of application process is appropriate for non-managerial and lower level jobs. It is generally NOT appropriate for government jobs at any level.

Type 2: The employer requires the applicant to provide a written application that specifically answers Key Selection Criteria.

The following table indicates the documents required from the job applicant:

Job Application Documents

The types of documents required in a job application are explained below:

Covering letter (Application Letter)

The covering letter (otherwise known as the application letter) is very important as it is the first document read by the person assessing the application. The letter needs to create the right impression. However it does not need to be lengthy.

The letter needs to include in the opening paragraph a formal statement along the lines of " I wish to apply for the position as . . . "

The applicant should ensure they correctly name the position they are applying for, and if it exists, provide the appropriate reference number of the vacancy /job.

There are lots of secrets of success in writing a covering letter (letter of application). Many people find this an extremely difficult task, particular in terms of selling themselves.

There are some really great tools for writing covering letters available for not much money. One of the best selling ones is by Jimmy Sweeney and is available on the Internet. If that job is important, you need to get your covering letter right. Click Here!

Curriculum Vitae (CV)

The layout and presentation of the Curriculum Vitae (also known as Resume) is also very important. Fortunately, however, once you have prepared your CV, it can be used for many job applications with only minor alterations.

The object is to present key information about yourself to the assessor of your application. You must assume that the reader needs to be able to scan your curriculum vitae and find information easily and quickly. It is generally advised that a Curriculum Vitae should be kept to 2-3 pages in length. A good CV makes it easy for the person assessing the application to find the information the need. A long CV just makes the job harder.

The Curriculum Vitae should contain the following information:

• Your career goals
• Your work history
• Your academic history
• Other information about you which may be interesting

It is no longer necessary, nor it advised to include:

• Your marital status
• Age and/or date of birth

If you are in a hurry or you need expert help in writing a resume you might try Guerilla Resume

Statement replying to the selection criteria

This document is necessary when an advertised position has stated selection criteria, and you are asked to prepare a response to each criteria. This is a normal aspect of the selection process, particularly for jobs in larger organisations or government departments, or organisations partially funded by government. Many sport and recreation organisations have positions funded by government, and therefore you should expect such organisations to be required (by government) to advertise "selection criteria".

This document can be frustratingly difficult and time consuming to prepare. Unfortunately, every job will have different selection criteria and when you are applying to many jobs, it becomes a lot of work!

You can make the job a lot easier and be more confident about the approach you are taking by using some ready-to-go tools. Try 'Selection Criteria Writer - Government Job Applications Made Easy'.

Next Page: Pitfalls of job applications