Finding a job can be a real hustle. There are numerous details to attend such as researching potential employers, lining up references, practicing interview skills and more. During such a grind you might be tempted to recycle your old resume instead of starting from scratch.

But squash the impulse right there. Landing your dream job, especially in the extremely competitive Irish industry, will take some work. You need a newly polished and exclusively tailored document to suit your desired role. Not only your resume, but your cover letter should also exceed expectations. Here are some effective tips to help you out.

Writing the Resume

1. Use keywords from the job description

According to experts keywords are an effective tool when designing your CV for work. Organizations use them to find the most fitting candidates. Resumes should be prepared after careful observation of the terminology used in the job description. Use the same words to describe your own work experiences so they can stand out immediately to recruiters.

2. Place keywords at the forefront

When including keywords in your resume display them at the top of your document. The best CV example will adopt a LinkedIn style headline under the candidate’s name giving a short description. It contains the qualities you want to exhibit to show your professional side.

The terms used in the headline can conveniently reflect the keywords for the position you are aiming for. And positioning them at the top can catch the attention of hiring managers more quickly.

3. Avoid irrelevant information

It is the most common mistakes that recent graduates or even experienced professionals make in resume writing. You should not list irrelevant and outdated experiences which are unnecessary for the position.

Any information that is from ten years ago should best not be included. Unless it shows progression or is wholly relevant to the job. When using past experience to apply for different roles and fields, makes sure your CV is geared accordingly. Create several versions of your resume to apply for different roles.

4. Reflect your personality

Often there is a section at the bottom of resumes which is reserved for your activities during spare time. Instead of simply listing your hobbies there, use it to display more of your personality.

If you love volunteering or taking on creative projects, then describe them in that section. Also relate your reason behind your passion for the activity. This indirect description of you as a person will give the hiring manager a better perspective of your professional side.

According to research, 60% hiring decisions are based on talents and skills while 40% on likability. Employers seek candidates who they find easier to get along and communicate with.

Writing the Cover Letter

1. Personalize it

As a recycled resume is not recommended for a job application, same goes for cover letters. A cover letter focuses on displaying your skills, experience, and background in the context of the applied role. It shows how these attributes match the requirements of the company and make you the perfect candidate. Cover letters for different roles should be crafted with attention to detail. Address it in a way that shows you are communicating with a person on the other end.

2. Focus on fitting it with the job requirements

Your cover letter must convey the skills which match with the job position you want. Similar to a resume, use key phrases and keywords for this purpose.

But also keep in mind not to sprinkle keywords throughout your document arbitrarily. Use specific examples which align with the company’s requirements.

Even if you are a student, take out time to do extensive research before applying. Companies are increasingly prioritizing cultural fits when hiring employees. Understanding their culture can help you elaborate the precise skills in the cover letter.

3. Make it appealing

Hundreds of resumes cross the desk of a hiring manager every day. To ensure yours receive attention, use bullet points instead of paragraphs. Highlight your strengths through these and leave out unnecessary details.

This will spare hiring managers the hassle of trying to find the main points in your letter. Of course, you will still need an introductory and conclusive paragraph. But deliver the rest of the content through bullet points.

4. Be assertive

Most cover letters lack a call to action. Expressing your gratitude is important but end it with a follow-up. Mention that you will call in to check your resume’s status next week or you look forward to their response. No matter how you form it, a call to action displays confidence even if you are teenager applicant.

We are sure with these tips you can elevate your chances for success at landing the job of your dreams. With hard work and practice you will master this skill helping you create the right first impression.