Write your best job application

Employers or recruiters spend between 10 and 60 seconds on average to skim through a job application so your CV must be well-structured, easy-to-read and state your qualifications clearly.

Be sure to adapt your CV to match the job you are applying for. Process the content and focus on highlighting what is relevant to the specific job. Often, recruiters start from their client's job profile and tick off the experience that is requested so it is good to pick out some important keywords from the ad and start from them when describing your professional goals and past experience.

The window of opportunity to present yourself through your CV is extremely brief. Make it easy for the recruiter or manager who gets your CV. Summarise your goals, experience, and characteristics at the beginning. For example: "As a project manager for research project XY, I would combine my research training with my analytical ability and extensive experience of leading groups from start to successful finish".

The first thing to consider when it comes to your covering letter is the heading which must be clear and linked to the position you are applying for.

Your covering letter should supplement your Cv, not repeat the information contained there. Write it like a newspaper article, with the most important data first. The intro determines whether the reader becomes interested enough to read on. Include a few sentences about why you are applying for the job and why you are the right person for it.

Write the rest in order of relevance. Focus on the qualifications that are most relevant to this particular employer. Access your experience and draw parallels to the job and the needs specified in the job ad. Please include something personal before finishing the letter. It provides a better picture of you as a person and also gives the recruiter a basis for interview questions. End the letter by referring to what you began with.

A picture of you makes your covering letter or CV more personal. Remember that the image should be professional, that it is taken in the right context and that the background is neutral. There should be no other people in the picture. A professionally-photographed image is well worth its cost.

Your covering letter is aimed at increasing your chances of being interviewed so try to differentiate yourself from the other applications so that you catch the employer's interest. Since you have a very short period of time in which to make an impression, it is not a bad idea to stand out a little in your application.