Hi there! My name is Giulia, I am a Marketing Communications BA student at the Westminster Business School, and I am writing this blog to give you some of the suggestions I would have appreciated back then, when I started applying for jobs in the beginning of my career. I started applying for internships and executive roles (yes, most executives do not require experience!) as soon as I started my Marketing Communications BA, as I wanted to start gaining experience and put into practice what I was learning in class. I remember sending thousands of applications for more than a year, without receiving any answers back. When some friends that work in the same industry gave me some suggestions while applying for a job, I finally started getting interviews. Here’s my top tips.
1. Read the job description and tailor your CV
Reading the job description should be the first step of your application process, where you should highlight the main skills required by the employer for the job you are applying for, so you can tailor your CV to the job application. Be honest and don’t lie – make sure you are highlighting your real skills!
2. Write a cover letter.
While you are writing your cover letter, make sure you keep it short and to the point, staying relevant to why you think you are the best fit to cover that particular role, what values the company has that you support and share. A cover letter should be unique, so I suggest you write a new one for each employer you apply for; a template with your main skills could be helpful and handy but remember to always adapt your cover letter to the job description, the same as your CV!
3. Grammar and spelling.
While you are writing your cover letter, make sure you keep it short and to the point, staying relevant to why you think you are the best fit to cover that particular role, what values the company has that you support and share. A cover letter should be unique, so I suggest you write a new one for each employer you apply for; a template with your main skills could be helpful and handy but remember to always adapt your cover letter to the job description, the same as your CV!
4. Research about the company
Do some research about the company. Make sure both your CV and cover letter reflect your personality, skills, values, experience and interests, even for the design and layout; companies vary for tone of voice and personality, so if you are applying for a company that is fun and cheeky you can opt for a minimalistic, fun and interactive template. If the company’s tone of voice is more serious you can write a more formal and stronger cover letter.
5. Don't forget to attach your portfolio!
Did you know that most of your assignments, reports and presentations/posters can be used as a portfolio while applying for a job? In case you don’t have any experience yet, this is a good way for the employer to understand who you are, how you think, what are your skills, and how you develop your ideas, creativity and style!
6. Make sure your LinkedIn profile is up to date
Lots of applications are posted on LinkedIn every day, so check the careers sections of the companies where you would love to work with and apply, apply and apply again. Don’t give up, or feel frustrated if you didn’t pass an interview or your application was not even considered, but keep trying – think of rejection as redirection! The right role for you will come, trust me.
Whether you’re looking for a job or help with your job application, the Career and Employability Service can help you in all steps of your application process, from looking for jobs right for you, finding placements, reviewing your CV and cover letter to obtain feedback and advice on your CV or application forms. Learn more about our services.
Giulia Pilleri
Currently on my placement year as Marketing Intern!Latest posts by Giulia Pilleri (see all)
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