Writing a good job application - Finland

 



A strong job application is clear, concise, and focused, aligning with the requirements outlined in the job advertisement and demonstrating genuine motivation. By focusing on the essentials, staying on point, and carefully finalizing your application, you'll be well on your way to creating a standout submission. Remember, when job hunting, quality always outweighs quantity.

Check out 10 essential tips for writing a great job application below, along with a sample application!


Keep these basics in mind when writing a good job application


Your job application should clearly show that you meet the job requirements and are genuinely motivated to work in that specific role. To do this, make sure your application answers these key questions:

  1. Why are you applying? Clearly explain what motivates you to apply for this particular position and company. Avoid generic statements.

  2. Why are you the best candidate? Highlight not just your qualifications, but also the unique qualities and personality traits that set you apart from other applicants with similar backgrounds.

  3. What do you have to offer? Emphasize what you can bring to the company if hired. Be confident, enthusiastic, and personable!

A great application goes beyond listing your qualifications; it’s about demonstrating what value you’ll add to the company.

A good job application is not a CV in the form of an essay

One of the most common mistakes, especially among those early in their careers, is simply repeating the content of their CV in essay form in the job application. Remember, your CV and application serve different purposes. While your CV provides a list-like overview of your background, the job application is your opportunity to pitch yourself. It should focus on your motivation, explain why you're interested in the role, and highlight why you're the best fit for the company. Use the application to complement, not duplicate, your CV. 

Example: “When I worked as a project assistant at company X, I was responsible for internal communications, meeting arrangements and documentation” ➡ This should be included in your CV. In your job application, you could say something like this: “As a project assistant, I developed particularly in internal communications and received excellent feedback on my systematic approach to work. I particularly enjoyed working on projects because of the clear framework and determination, which is why I am applying for the role of project coordinator you are offering.”

The purpose is to reveal your background and who you are: what you have previously learned, what interests you, what you would like to learn more about, what you have received positive feedback from, and what kind of colleague, teammate or supervisor you are.

Job application structure

To make your job application as clear as possible, pay attention to a good structure. You can structure your job application as follows, for example:

  • Introduction : who you are and why you are applying for the position
  • What is your professional background and how does it match the requirements of the job?
  • What kind of employee and colleague are you and why are you a good fit for the company?
  • Ending : Consolidation and Commitment

Starting a job application


Starting a job application can be tricky, but the good news is there's no one right way to do it! Here are a few ideas to help you kick things off in a compelling way:

Tell a Story: Share how you got to this point in your career and what led you to apply for this particular role. A brief, engaging story can help you stand out.

Quick Introduction with a Twist: Start with a personal touch, but make sure to connect it back to your professional skills. Be personable, but also show why you're a great fit for the job.

Present Facts That Grab Attention: Lead with specific accomplishments or experiences that show you have what it takes, and entice the recruiter to keep reading.

Most importantly, steer clear of clichés. Starting your application with, “I’m a 23-year-old engineering student from Tampere, applying for the project engineer position,” is technically correct, but it doesn’t add much value. Instead, focus on qualities that highlight your skills, drive, and passion for the role things that show who you are as a professional.

Targeting a job application



Just like with your CV, it’s crucial to tailor your job application to the specific position. Start by clearly stating which role you're applying for and refer to it throughout your application. For example, say something like, “I’m excited about the opportunity to apply for the sales position you’re offering” or “I believe I am the right fit for the sales role because…”

However, simply mentioning the position isn't enough. The key is to demonstrate your motivation for the job. Recruiters are looking for how your skills align with the requirements in the job ad. So, read the advertisement carefully, highlight the key skills and qualifications they’re seeking, and then reflect on how your experience matches those needs. This is where you can showcase your unique selling points, one by one.

For example, if the requirement is a systematic approach to work, think about how you will demonstrate it. Was this skill required in a school project or have you received excellent feedback about it in your previous job? Concrete the competence with your previous experience.

Job application language

Consider the type of company or job you’re applying for and tailor your application accordingly. For creative roles, feel free to use vibrant language and showcase your creativity through expressive words and a lively tone. On the other hand, if you’re applying for a position where precision and accuracy are crucial, make sure your writing is clear, grammatically correct, and well-structured.

Think about the industry as well some fields are more conservative, and it’s important to reflect that in the tone and structure of your application. Choose your words wisely, and consider whether your application should be colorful and dynamic or formal and straightforward. No matter the tone, it should still feel personal and reflect your enthusiasm.

Finally, always proofread your application for grammar and spelling errors, or ask a friend or family member to review it for a fresh perspective.

Job application template

Are you wondering how to structure and structure your application? What kind of layouts work and how to divide it into different text sections?

We have prepared a sample application to help you understand the structure of a job application. Remember to pay attention to the readability of the application (e.g. font size and line spacing) and its attractiveness.


Length of job application

A job application should never be longer than one A4 page. So keep your text concise and to the point. Instead of fiddling with font size or line spacing too much, try to refine your text: avoid filler words, use concise language, and be clear.

Were there any special requirements in the job advertisement?

Did the advertisement ask you to answer a specific question in your application? Did you have to add your salary expectations to your application? Or was it already specified in which language the application should be submitted? Please be specific with the requirements stated in the advertisement and follow them.

Rename the File & Convert to the Correct Format

When naming your file, make sure to include your name and the purpose of the document, for example, “Last Name First Name Job Application.” Always submit your job application and CV in PDF format unless otherwise specified. This ensures that the recruiter views your documents exactly as you intended, without any formatting issues.

Should I Call After Submitting a Job Application?
It’s generally not necessary to call after submitting your job application unless you have something important to ask or clarify. Recruiters and hiring managers are often busy, so make sure to carefully consider whether a follow-up call will be helpful. However, if you decide to withdraw your application, it’s polite to proactively inform the recruiter, so they don’t continue processing your application unnecessarily.



Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Write a good CV- Finland

Image
  A CV, or  curriculum vitae,  is your calling card when looking for a job, sets you apart from other job seekers, and remains one of the most important things in the entire job search process. In this article, we share tips from professionals to help you build a CV that stands out and contains everything a recruiter needs. You can also use our free CV template, you can find it  here  ! What is a good CV? Language skills, work experience, volunteer work, hobbies, tools, degrees... what all should be listed on a CV? On the page you will also find a CV template, tips for building CVs at different stages, and concrete tips directly from a recruiter. A strong CV should clearly highlight your most relevant qualifications and experience in a concise, easy-to-read format. Key sections to include are: Contact Information : Your name, phone number, email, and LinkedIn or professional website (if applicable). Professional Summary or Objective : A brief statement that summ...
Read more

How to prepare for a job interview?

Image
  How should you prepare for a job interview? What questions are asked in a job interview? Whether it's your first job interview or your tenth in your career, it's worth investing just as much in preparation. It's worth remembering that an invitation to a job interview already indicates that you have the potential to fit the job description you're applying for. The goal of a job interview is to deepen this first impression that you've given in your application, by taking tests, and in your CV . Make these preparations before the interview 1. Get to Know the Position and the Employer Start by thoroughly reading the job posting and assessing how your skills and traits align with the requirements. Research the company or organization to understand its goals, mission, and vision. Familiarize yourself with the work culture, the company’s structure, and any recent news or developments. This will help you show genuine interest during the interview and allow you to answe...
Read more