DO

• Keep your application simple and easy to follow.
• Include details of the job you are applying for e.g. title of the position.
• Provide an overview of your skills.
• Ensure your application is received on time.
• Outline your interest in the position and relevant experience.
• Provide all of your contact details and use language to encourage follow up calls.
• Follow all instructions outlined in the job advertisement or position description.
• Always include a copy of your CV and ensure your cover letter is attached to your CV.
• If you have a majority of the required skills and attributes advertised, apply - a perfect applicant may not exist.
• Ring and ask for more details, a position description and/or key responsibility areas. Also ask for a contact name and title of the person you should address your overing letter to.
• Conduct research to gather as much knowledge about the organisation you are seeking a position with.
• Purchase some good quality stock and print your application on it.
• Find out why an application was unsuccessful and learn from your weaknesses.

DON'T

• Hand write your cover letter or CV.
• Use fancy headings or fonts in your application. Research has shown that Times New Roman (12 point) has the best comprehension by readers.
• Include negative comments, conflicts, pending litigation, nasty comments about a previous employer or sarcastic remarks.
• Blatantly lie, exaggerate, cheat or be dishonest. You will get caught out eventually.
• Make empty comments. Substantiate your claims by providing specific examples of your strengths, successes and abilities.
• Provide too much information. You should create an opportunity for the prospective employer to ask you further questions.
• Generalise or be vague, customise your job application for each position you apply for.
• Overlook spelling mistakes and typos in the hope they won't be noticed. They will be seen and will count against you.
• Include written references in your CV, these can be provided later if requested.