Chad’s blog 3 – Applications

Welcome to Part 3 of our special series on how to get an Apprenticeship or Traineeship.

So far you have learnt what you need to do in preparing to apply for jobs and tips on helping you successfully choose the career that best suits you. We have also gone over cover letters and resumes and the basic content you need for both of these important documents.

In this section we are going to talk about the actual applications you will put in to employers and a few insights into what they are looking for in a good employee. At 1300apprentice we feel it is extremely important to get this part right as too many applications are ignored by employers as they do not show an applicant to be making a professional approach to their job hunting. This is the key to all aspects of getting a job, making sure that your approach is as professional as possible at all times.

So, we are going to assume that you have chosen your career pathway, researched it fully and have a professional looking cover letter and resume to send to your prospective employer. Your first question is likely to be, “Where do I look for jobs?”

The easiest place to find jobs is on the internet. There are a number of internet advertising sites and Seek is the most popular one. You will find all of 1300apprentice’s jobs on this site. Google what’s near me to find local companies offering positions in your chosen vocation.

There are other places to find jobs but these will be the most popular areas.

When you are looking at jobs on the internet, make sure you read them carefully. Make sure you fully understand the requirements of the job and ensure you are able to match these requirements.  For example, you may not live anywhere near the location of the job. You may be happy to relocate or live with someone else closer to the job location; however you should state this in your cover letter.  Not doing this may give an employer an opportunity to bypass you and you could miss out.

Too many times, applicants do not read job ads fully and are left disappointed when they are not contacted or invited for an interview. There may sometimes be a selection criteria that you need to adhere to, if this is the case ensure you address all the criteria showing you have the experience and knowledge to do the tasks required.

Once you have found a job that appeals to you and you match the requirements, you can now go ahead and apply. Internet sites make it easy to apply these days and it may be as easy as a couple of clicks. Jobs advertised in newspapers usually have an email address so you can send your details.

Before you send your application, make sure of the following:

• Cover letters and resumes are in easy to read formats and fonts. Some companies do not have the latest software updates.
• Ensure your cover letter matches the job advertisement.
• Ensure your cover letter and resume is actually attached to your application. It is amazing how many applications are received without attachments.
• Proofread your cover letter and resume one last time and make any corrections necessary.
• Send your application from a professional email address. Do not use an email address that you have among friends, sometimes these can be inappropriate even if they are not vulgar. Use the following format:  firstname.surname@
• Follow up. If you have not received a reply within a day or two there is no reason why you cannot follow up to see if it has been received. If a phone number is not on the job advertisement use Google to find the company or agency details.

Now you should be ready to receive that first phone call to screen you for the position.

In my next blog we’ll talk more about that initial phone screen call and preparations for that all-important interview!