Applications
Everything you need to write CVs, cover letters and applications that get noticed.
CVs that get past ATS
How Recruiters Scan CVs
Recruiters spend 6-8 seconds on initial scan. They look for:
Education
Degree, university, grades
Experience
Relevant roles, internships
Skills
Technical, languages, tools
Keywords
From the job description
Structure That Works
1. Contact Details
Name, email, phone, LinkedIn. No address needed.
2. Education
Put this first as a graduate. Include expected grade, relevant modules.
3. Experience
Any paid work. Use bullet points with achievements, not just duties.
4. Skills
Technical skills, software, languages. Be honest about proficiency.
5. Interests (optional)
Only if they show relevant skills or personality.
Bullet Point Frameworks
Action Verb + Task + Result
Example: "Managed social media campaign that increased engagement by 40%"
Quantify Everything You Can
• "Served customers" → "Served 50+ customers daily during peak hours"
• "Did research" → "Analysed 200+ data points for thesis"
• "Helped team" → "Collaborated with 5-person team on project"
Industry Examples
Consulting
Emphasise: problem-solving, teamwork, commercial awareness, communication
Finance
Emphasise: analytical skills, attention to detail, Excel/technical skills
Tech
Emphasise: coding projects, technical skills, problem-solving, side projects
Cover letters that stand out
When Cover Letters Matter
Not all applications need them. Focus your effort where it counts:
✓ Write one for:
• Smaller companies
• Roles you really want
• When explicitly requested
• Career changes
Skip for:
• Large firms with online forms
• When marked "optional"
• Quick applications
3-Paragraph Framework
Paragraph 1: Why them
Show you've researched the company. Be specific.
"I'm applying because [specific recent news/project/value that resonates with you]"
Paragraph 2: Why you
Connect your experience to their needs. Use examples.
"Through [experience], I developed [relevant skill] which I'd apply to [their challenge]"
Paragraph 3: Next steps
Brief, confident close.
"I'd welcome the opportunity to discuss how I could contribute to [team/project]"
Online applications
Competency Questions
Most online applications include these. Here's how to answer well:
"Why do you want to work here?"
✓ Good approach:
Research their recent projects, values, culture. Be specific.
✗ Avoid:
Generic praise like "you're a market leader"
"Why this role?"
✓ Good approach:
Connect your skills and interests to the specific responsibilities.
✗ Avoid:
Just wanting any job in the industry
"Describe a time when..."
✓ Good approach:
Use STAR: Situation, Task, Action, Result. Quantify impact.
✗ Avoid:
Vague stories without structure or outcomes
Pro tip: Keep a "story bank"
Prepare 5-7 stories from your experience that you can adapt to different questions. Each should highlight different skills: teamwork, leadership, problem-solving, communication, resilience.
Application strategy
Quality over quantity
5 tailored applications beat 20 generic ones. Research each company, customise your CV keywords, and reference specific projects or values.
Track everything
Use a tracker to log every application, deadline, and follow-up. Missing deadlines or forgetting to respond costs opportunities.
The 80/20 rule
Spend 80% of your time on applications you're genuinely excited about. The remaining 20% can be "practice" applications to build confidence and refine your approach.
What should I do next?
Ready to ace your interviews? Learn how to prepare for video interviews, assessment centres and more.
Prepare for InterviewsWant to chat or get in touch?
If you have a question, want advice on your situation, or just want to chat about applications, feel free to reach out. I read every message and am always happy to help.