First Impressions..

chrisuren

Hey,

I've very recently had to leave my job so I can return to college to complete my diploma, and obviously need a part time job.

I apply for jobs mainly through the job center website and various other agencies, so most of the time, if not all, my applications for jobs are done via emails.

What is the best way to make my email stand out from the thousands of other applicants?

Aryndeneth

When you say via email, do you mean you're just sending them an email or you are emailing them your CV (and cover letter if needed?)

Do you send the same thing for each job or do you tailor your applications to demonstrate that you meet the different criteria that each job will ask for?

If you're returning to college, make an appointment with a careers advisor for more detailed, personal advice.

saintjammyswine

Agreed, speak to your college as they will have a careers service of some sort. They are now more targetted than ever for ensuring their students (all types & ages) get a positive outcome (job, training etc.). Most colleges will have someone or a department engaged in employability type services.

chrisuren

Aryndeneth wrote: »

When you say via email, do you mean you're just sending them an email or you are emailing them your CV (and cover letter if needed?)

Do you send the same thing for each job or do you tailor your applications to demonstrate that you meet the different criteria that each job will ask for?

If you're returning to college, make an appointment with a careers advisor for more detailed, personal advice.

I attach my CV to the email and paste my Covering letter into the main body of the message. I usually spend 5 minutes thinking about why I'm suited to the job and what the job requirements are for specific jobs, but no company ever gets back to me.

Thanks for your help.

MT90

Have you had your CV checked by anyone? I don't know if you are going for studenty jobs, or how long the course is, but you might be putting a career CV forward instead of a more basic one.

Aryndeneth

5 minutes isn't going to cut it. You need to research the company a bit and be able to explain why you want to work for them, why you want this particular job and why your skills/experience match what they want with relevant examples. Yes, it's time-consuming but it's the people who do this that stand out as strong applicants. From a recruiter's perspective I know I think that if an applicant can't be bothered to go the extra mile to demonstrate how they are what I'm looking for, how much do they really want the job?

See the time spent as an investment in your career and your future.

You might find this useful - http://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/applicn.htm

chrisuren

MT90 wrote: »

Have you had your CV checked by anyone? I don't know if you are going for studenty jobs, or how long the course is, but you might be putting a career CV forward instead of a more basic one.

I'm interested in using my diploma in a job (I'm already a Level 1 carpenter, I'm going back to do my level 2) but I can't see a way to use this on a part time basis, I'm applying for any job I feel I'm qualified to do (I have A-C GSCE grades) but no companies are getting back to me.

Aryndeneth wrote: »

5 minutes isn't going to cut it. You need to research the company a bit and be able to explain why you want to work for them, why you want this particular job and why your skills/experience match what they want with relevant examples. Yes, it's time-consuming but it's the people who do this that stand out as strong applicants. From a recruiter's perspective I know I think that if an applicant can't be bothered to go the extra mile to demonstrate how they are what I'm looking for, how much do they really want the job?

See the time spent as an investment in your career and your future.

Okay I'll do that, thank you.

saintjammyswine

chrisuren wrote: »

I'm interested in using my diploma in a job (I'm already a Level 1 carpenter, I'm going back to do my level 2) but I can't see a way to use this on a part time basis, I'm applying for any job I feel I'm qualified to do (I have A-C GSCE grades) but no companies are getting back to me.

Def. contact your local College as you are an ideal candidate for an apprenticeship. Also, use the college careers service to help you.

chrisuren

saintjammyswine wrote: »

Def. contact your local College as you are an ideal candidate for an apprenticeship. Also, use the college careers service to help you.

The college arranged 2 interviews for me to start my apprenticeship, I went to them both (One was with Seddon Builders and the other for Barratt homes) and I had an interview but there wasn't enough interest in it for them to make it viable, I think they needed a group of 10 carpentry apprentices, but only got 2 from the college. :mad:

MT90

chrisuren wrote: »

I'm interested in using my diploma in a job (I'm already a Level 1 carpenter, I'm going back to do my level 2) but I can't see a way to use this on a part time basis, I'm applying for any job I feel I'm qualified to do (I have A-C GSCE grades) but no companies are getting back to me.

I know next to little about carpentry outside of working in a DIY store. Retail and hospitality are the home for students, they are the fields which have an abundance of part time contracts, especially coming up to X-mas.

If it is feasible drop off a CV in person, it will go straight to the HR person and I doubt they won't read it.

Racheldevon

Definately get some advice from the careers guidance service at college.

You might want to take a read through the following link for some guidance on CVs and covering letters, which includes examples:
http://www.prospects.ac.uk/covering_letters.htm