CV / Resume FAQ
Q. Can I apply for a job with my old CV and then send in a better application later?
A. No. When an organisation receives an application, they use that information to form an opinion about you. It is normal for them to then make notes in their Database about you. If they are in any way negative, when you send in another application, all they will see is that you have applied before and they already have notes about you. They don’t take the time to compare CV versions, as they will assume that anyone who applies for a job wouldn’t send in poor information. So they must assume the information will be virtually the same and there will be little point revisiting your new application to arrive at the same conclusion.
Q. Is there a right and wrong way to fill out job applications correctly?
A. Correctly compiling Job Applications isn’t difficult, once you know what you’re doing. But like everything, there is a right way and a wrong way. The right way is to know what the employer/hirer wants in an application. How do you know this when you’ve not been involved with this process in many years? Because there are many jobs and many employers, the answer to this question isn’t a simple one that assumes one size will fit all. This is where we can help. The only common factor we have found in regularly canvassing over 50 employers is that they want you to show them on the first page the depth of how you meet their requirements for this job. Its for this reason alone “Generic CVs” will always miss the mark. Sometimes friends and colleagues who give you advice can be well-meaning, but the reality is that tailoring your application for the reader is the key, not copying. Don’t be mislead into thinking that just because something worked for one person that it will work for you too. If your application isn’t targeted toward the job ad, then it makes no difference how nicely laid out it is or how pretty it looks. If you sincerely want to get your application right and not experience the frustration of nor replies, take the time to get it right the first time.