Last year I advertised a position vacant on one of the well-known online job search sites. Did the successful applicant do anything differently?
In this instance, the answer is YES.
Sixty-two applications were received, ten applicants were short-listed for a telephone interview, five attended a face-to-face interview and one was the successful candidate. It is interesting to reflect upon what makes a cover letter and CV stand out from the crowd.
Of the sixty-two applications received, only one – that of the successful applicant – was personally addressed to the individual doing the recruitment, even though this information had not been included in the job ad. Did this one act secure the job for this individual? Well no, yet it did demonstrate the attributes of professionalism, attention to detail and resourcefulness key to the role. LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram and the like make it easier than ever to obtain relevant information to enhance your job application. Or simply call the organisation and ask for the relevant details.
In all applications, you are selling yourself to the influencers and the decision-makers. And yourself specifically means your skills, abilities and attitude. Your qualifications and experience are easily communicated. Communicating your unique strengths, skills and abilities is the essence of applying for the role and making it on to the short-list.
It is important to sell yourself quickly, clearly and persuasively at all opportunities. The decision-makers have limited time to get to know you and then be convinced that you are a potential good fit for the role. You have only limited time to influence them.
Below you will find a handy list of synonyms to assist you when describing your strengths, abilities and attitude in a cover letter or CV.
Words to use when describing your Attributes in a covering letter or CV:
Adaptable
Articulate
Assertive
Attentive to detail
Accept change
Ambitious
Articulate
Calm
Careful
Candid
Cheerful
Compassionate
Competitive
Common sense
Confident
Consistent
Conscientious
Co-operative
Creative
Copes with uncertainty
Decision maker
Dedicated
Deliberate
Dependable
Diplomatic
Discreet
Dynamic
Efficient
Energetic
Enthusiastic
Entrepreneurial
Firm
Flexible
Friendly
Generous
Good natured
Hard working
Healthy
Honest
Imaginative
Innovative
Intelligent
Loyal
Mature
Methodical
Objective
Optimistic
Outgoing
Original
Patient
Perceptive
Polite
Positive
Practical
Precise
Punctual
Realistic
Reasonable
Resourceful
Respectful
Resilient
Results orientated
Self motivated
Sense of humour
Sensitive
Sincere
Sociable
Spontaneous
Stable
Tactful
Team player
Thorough
Thoughtful
Trustworthy
Well organised
Well connected