The Digitalmediajobs.co.uk guide to standing out in your next job application

Sunday, September 8, 2024

Job Hunting in the Digital Media Sector? 10 Hacks to Make Your Application Shine

Autumn is often a busy season for job transitions, particularly in the fast-paced digital media industry. With competition fierce, it's essential to make your application stand out. Here are 10 actionable hacks to improve your chances of landing your dream role:

1. Tailored Cover Letters Are Key

While a polished CV is crucial, employers frequently request cover letters. Take the time to craft a personalized one for each application, demonstrating your genuine interest and understanding of the specific role. Check out this article from The Economist for further insights on cover letter effectiveness.

2. Embrace Simplicity

Keep your CV concise, easy to read, and focused on relevant skills and experience. A potential employer is more interested in your current capabilities than your high school achievements.

3. Presentation Matters

Maintain a consistent and professional layout throughout your CV. Choose a business-like font like Arial, Times, or Serif, and avoid unprofessional choices like Comic Sans.

4. Buzzwords: Use Them Wisely

Incorporate industry-specific keywords that align with the job description. However, avoid clichés and generic phrases like "enjoys socialising" that add little value.

5. Highlight Current Skills

Showcase relevant training or certifications you've acquired recently, such as courses from HubSpot, Google, Meta, Salesforce, or media planning certifications. Employers value up-to-date skills.

6. Mind Your Social Media

Employers often check social media profiles. Ensure your LinkedIn profile is current and consider reviewing your privacy settings on other platforms. Make sure any public posts reflect positively on you.

7. Proofread, Proofread, Proofread!

Typos and grammatical errors can leave a negative impression. Thoroughly check your application and consider having a trusted friend or family member review it as well.

8. Showcase Your Skills

Carefully read the job description and ensure your application directly addresses the required skills and experience. If it's not a strong fit, it's less likely to succeed.

9. Stay Informed

Keep up with industry trends and news. This knowledge can provide valuable talking points or insights in your cover letter.

10. Persistence Pays Off

The average time to find a new job in the UK is 16.5 weeks. Be prepared to apply for multiple positions and stay positive. If you face rejections, consider seeking feedback or using online tools to improve your CV.

Remember you can sign up for job alerts on sites like digitalmediajobs.co.uk to be amongst the first to know about new opportunities.

Best of luck in your job search from the digitalmediajobs.co.uk team!

 

Photo by Javier Quesada on Unsplash