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Your application file is in effect your visiting card. It is the means whereby you make initial contact with a potential employer. So, if you want to have the best chance of success and make the assessor look forward to meeting you, it is worth following certain rules and listening to the advice given by specialists in the field.
Some advice about:
Your application file
Make sure that it is as complete as possible (accompanying letter, CV, copies of certificates, etc.) and that it reaches its addressee in perfect condition (an employer is unlikely to be impressed by a stained or torn file...). Remember that first impressions are often decisive!
Your accompanying letter
The accompanying letter (or letter of application) is the essential instrument for giving a future employer full information about your intentions, educational background, professional experience and availability. You should therefore express your interest in the job you are applying for as concisely and precisely as possible. You want your accompanying letter to convince the assessor that you are the ideal person to fill the vacancy. You should therefore be informative and persuasive, show serious interest, arouse the
recipient's interest in your person and not forget to include a personal element. You should also not hesitate to spell out your expectations of the job, to emphasise your strengths in the relevant field and if necessary to explain why you want to change your field of work. Your letter should be no longer than one typed A4 page (the accompanying letter should be handwritten only if the employer explicitly so requests). Finally, make sure that your spelling and grammar are correct.
Your CV
Simplicity, conciseness and precision – these are the keywords for a CV. The CV should be a treasure-house of information and include the following specific points:
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personal details
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education
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knowledge of languages
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computer skills
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particular areas of competence
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career information
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hobbies
- references
Source: European Union
© European Communities, 1995-2006
Reproduction is authorised.
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