Building a strong application

Here are some tips from our recruitment specialists.

Creating a strong application

When you apply for jobs, it is important to learn to write a strong application. Combined with your CV, your application is what draws attention to you and gets you a job interview. But what information should an application contain and how do you write it?

The breakdown

Your application can be structured in many ways - but you have to remember several important things.

1. Make the opening memorable

The heading in your application should not be the title of the position you apply for. Make sure to introduce yourself and who you are in the very first sentence. It might be a headline that describes you in relation to the job or briefly sums up your profile. Keep in mind that the employer, or HR-employee, often reads many applications, which makes it beneficial to stand out.

2. Introduction: Show that you are passionate about the role

In your introduction, you should begin with your motivation for applying for this specific job. The employee is interested in finding someone who is passionate about the job - so make sure to highlight your drive and motivation. Tell directly or indirectly why you and no one else should be hired, and then explain what makes you qualified.

3. Qualifications

You need to describe your relevant qualifications and skills for the job relatively quickly. This is where you need to show that the company is in fact looking for you. Don't just list all your qualifications, but make sure the ones you mention are connected to the position. This shows that you understand which qualifications this particular job requires. If you don't, there is a risk that your application may seem too generic to the employer, who might suspect that you have not spent much time and energy writing it. In extension of your qualifications, you can describe results you have achieved and the knowledge you possess of the field or industry.

4. Personality

You can certainly write a couple of sentences about your personality and your values, but make sure to tell how it relates to your professional capabilities. It gives you the opportunity to show how you are as a colleague and coworker.

5. End the application in style

There are many ways to end your application, but a strong application makes sure that the employer can't not invite you to an interview. Keep in mind that the last sentence is your last chance to make an impression on the reader. You might close off with: "I hope to meet you for a conversation where I can hear much more about the position and elaborate on why I am a good match for [company name]." You might also go all the way and tell about how you would like to get to work if you are offered the job - or what subjects you would like to tell more about during the interview. It signals curiosity and shows that you have plenty of go-getter energy.

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Checklist for your application

Remember the most important and avoid the worst mistakes

It is one thing to get the content of your application right, and another thing entirely to keep formalia and formulations in tune. You might benefit from following a few rules - and some clear do's and dont's.

This is our checklist to avoid the worst mistakes and keep the important in mind

- - An application should only be one page long
  - Remember to make the application easy to read by using paragraphs and line shifts
  - Don't use superficialities such as: "I'm good at working both independently and in teams", or “I'm good at multitasking”
  - Proofread your application to avoid silly mistakes
  - Avoid long sentences and filler words

The difference between solicited and unsolicited applications

There's a difference between writing an application for a company that has told the world they are looking for new employees, and a company that has not. If you want to attempt applying unsolicited, you need to be effective and clear in your communication. Write a relevant and short e-mail or LinkedIn-message to the HR director or the company's CEO where you describe:

- - Why you're interested in working for the company
  - What you offer the company
  - Your profile, briefly and concisely

In an unsolicited application, it is particularly important to emphasise what you can do for the company - to emphasise the need and understanding of your value.

End by writing that you'd like to stop by for a cup of coffee - and remember to attach your CV and other relevant documents.

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