How to Respond to Job Advertisements

In order to maximise your chances of success when responding to a job advert, follow these general guidelines:

• Make a list of all the requirements the advertisement specifies.
• Next to each item, write down which of your specific achievements address that need. If you do not meet the most important job requirements, along with three out of five of the other required experience factors, you should think twice before investing the time in applying for the job.
• Make sure that you match your most important achievements to the job specifications - this will maximise your chances of a response. From there on, it is something of a lottery, your chances being dependent on the people who read the replies and the quality of applications.
• If you are currently employed and looking for a change, be very wary of 'blind adverts' - those advertisements which do not mention the company. You will be taking the chance that you could be applying to your own employers - something that may get you into hot water! It may not be worth the risk.

In general, the higher your salary objective, the less chance you have of finding a job through an advert. High-level jobs are secured through networking and recruiters. Salary levels under £30,000 will have a much better response rate.

Make sure you take each job application seriously - if you are going to answer, do it right or not at all. Throwing a CV in an envelope with either a brief note, or no letter at all, will not get you very far. After all, if it looks like you don't care - why should they?

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