The Oracle Group’s Top Tips
Applying for a new job can be daunting, especially as every company is looking for something different and it’s not always easy to know what that something is! There’s so much to think about; CV, cover letter, interview, dress code – the list goes on. As an HR Manager, I’m often asked what we are looking for from a CV or during an interview. As a guide, I’ve therefore created a Top 10 Oracle Application Tips!
Applying for a new job can be daunting, especially as every company is looking for something different and it’s not always easy to know what that something is! There’s so much to think about; CV, cover letter, interview, dress code – the list goes on. As an HR Manager, I’m often asked what we are looking for from a CV or during an interview. As a guide, I’ve therefore created a Top 10 Oracle Application Tips!
1. Research the role and the company
It’s surprising the number of people who come to an interview without researching the business and the role they’ve applied for! There really is nothing worse than trying to talk about something you have no clue about. Take time to look at the company website, they’re full of useful information, to know what a company stands for and what the responsibilities of the role are. Researching the company gives you a better understanding of their values and what they are looking for in a potential employee.
2. Include a non-generic covering letter
A cover letter shows an employer that you’ve taken the time to read the job description, you understand the role you’re applying for and you have a genuine interest. Take the time to write a covering letter tailored to that role, explaining why you are applying for the job and what you’ll bring to it. A cover letter will instantly make you stand out from other applicants and is a great way to grab the attention of a recruiter who is more than likely going through a huge number of applications! Just make sure you don’t make the letter a standard one that you apply for every job with – I’ve received far too many applications for PR Account Executive roles expressing how much the applicant wants to get into social media management!
3. Check spelling and grammar on your CV
It sounds obvious but it always amazes me how many people have grammatical or spelling errors in their CV. It’s especially important when majority of the job role you’re applying for will involve written communication. So, although it sounds obvious, make sure you check your spelling and grammar.
4. Don’t over-embellish your experience
Employers understand the importance of standing out when applying for a new job, but please don’t lie about your previous work experience. Firstly, you could get caught out at any time which is awkward and makes you look untrustworthy. Secondly, it’s easily noticeable, we can tell if someone is glorifying a basic job role! Be honest because employers would rather you were honest about the simple job roles you’ve had and the skills you gained from them, rather than lying to make yourself seem more impressive.
5. Format your CV
Employers are still busy with their day-to-day jobs and often have a huge number of applications to go through for each role. When recruiting, they need to be able to easily identify the key pieces of information they are looking for. Make sure your CV is neat and easy to navigate.
6. Get someone else to read your CV
You wrote your CV (hopefully) so you know what you are trying to portray, however an employer has never seen your CV before. By getting someone else to read/check your CV, anything that doesn’t flow when you read it or any errors will be picked up by whoever is checking it.
7. Acknowledge emails
If an employer has sent you an email in response to you sending your CV across, make sure you respond. Even if they send a minimal response, acknowledging them by responding shows you’re polite and allows them to know you have received the email.
8. Dress smart for an interview
Dressing smart is vital in the recruitment process. Your image is your first impression to an employer. Even if you have seen they are wearing casual clothes on their website, that doesn’t mean you can turn up to an interview in your favourite t-shirt and jeans. As bad as it sounds, sometimes employers do judge a book by its cover!
9. Don’t be late
Being late to an interview really is one of the biggest no-no’s! Whilst we understand that sometimes there are circumstances beyond your control, time keeping skills are important and it is disrespectful to waste the time of those hiring. If you are going to be late, make sure you call the office as soon as possible to apologise and explain. Ideally, aim to be there ten minutes before your interview; you want to be early but not too early!
10. Be yourself
Finding out who you are as a person is equally as important to an employer as the skills and experience that you already have. Employers are human too, they don’t want a replica of one of their current employees, being yourself is the best thing you can do. After all, an original is worth more than a copy!
We are always keen to receive speculative enquiries from enthusiastic applicants – please do send us your CV along with a cover letter, to karen@oraclepr.co.uk