Ask Yourself - Would I Interview Me? (Advice on Writing Covering Letters & Job Application Forms)

Member Name: Aspen

Product:	Advice on Writing Covering Letters & Job Application Forms
Date:	01/06/01 (1801 review reads)
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Advantages: Your first chance to sell yourself.

Disadvantages: And possibly your last chance.

Rightly or wrongly, that job opportunity you so crave will stand or fall by the result of your putting pen to paper. That initial application will determine whether or not an interview will follow.

Now, this opinion may seem flippant. But perhaps if you read deeply between the lines (very deeply), something vaguely useful may herein lurk.


Let me set the scene.

As many of you know, I run a (very) small landscaping business. And every year, come March or April, I contact the Job Centre to attempt to recruit some seasonal help to tide me and my two permanent employees over the busy season.

So, without further ado, here are some genuine extracts from job applications which can only be entitled

WHAT NOT TO SAY IN YOUR JOB APPLICATION.


“I am physically fit except for a bad back” – response to job description which “involves heavy lifting”.

“I should have a clean driving licence, but I haven’t got it back yet.”

“I can only attend for interview in the evening.” – black economy, eh?

“I have been unemployed for nineteen years, but the Job Centre said I should try anyway.”

“I can’t start until (three weeks from application) because I’m going to Florida on holiday.” – job history, unemployed for the last five years.

“I think I would be very suitable for the above position. Is there much overtime?”

“I was dismissed from my last job for bad time keeping but it’s not true and the foreman was a pr*ck.”

“Please phone my mother to arrange an interview, because I’m never at home.”

“I haven’t given referees, but I could find somebody if it is necessary.”

“I love nature.” – no other information given!

“I’m not often in, so I’ll g
et your number from the Job Centre and phone you to arrange an interview.” – yeah, right!

“I can drive, but I don’t have a licence.” – eh?

“Details in my attached CV.” – no CV attached.

“ I have experience in many jobs, including fishing, net-mending, fish processing, and driving a fish lorry. So as you can see, I can turn my hand to anything.”

“I am self-motivated, enthusiastic and willing to learn. I can work on my own, or as part of a team. I am sure I would be an asset to your company.” – Yes, and what manual are you copying from, exactly?


And my favourite –
“I have planted my own seeds and grown tattys (sic) therefore I am well experienced in landscaping.”


Okay, this is a cynical, small-time employers perspective.

But every one of these is real.

Which perhaps explains where my hair went.



It matters not a jot whether you are a budding IT Consultant or a frustrated Landscaper’s Labourer. You will stand or fall by that first impression – the one on the bit of paper. You can only impress at an interview if you GET an interview.

Your first written words should be coherent, genuine, and self-descriptive without overselling.

Write it, then read it back. Ask yourself, “Would I interview me?”

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