Thread by @Ng0za

Application process as I promised.
A THREAD.

Please note that this is me sharing my experiences, was with a recruitment firm 3years + And practising HR over 8years now...please feel free to ask questions when I'm done. 😊

So I posted a job on GoZambia website on Tuesday and by Friday, we received over 800 applications which I started to save. *we create a folder in which all the CVs for the position sit*. We have a full HR team & different people manage different positions when advertised..

Important to note here is its an HR department. We handle much more than recruitment; we have payroll, disciplinary, leave, staff loans, promotions to name a few. We dedicate time to shortlist & anything that makes the process a joy is appreciated. This is where you come in!

Your application is important. Today is not about a great CV but the application process, keep that in mind. First things first, read the advert. Read it and re-read it. Know what the position is and what it demands. Check whether you meet the minimum requirements.

Check the closing date and application process "how to apply". Do not make assumptions or assume any detail. Also, get the name of the advertising company. In our case, we are AB Bank not Banc ABC (we will talk about this as we go on....).

So firstly, when you are sending an application, draft an email to the stated email e.g. [e-mail] start a fresh email. I have seen email threads at the bottom of an application to us showing all other places someone has been applying to. This is tacky and screams lazy

An email can simply be the following:
Dear madam/sir

Kindly find attached my CV and cover letter for your consideration for the position of Social Media Specialist.

Regards,
Full names.

This email body is not where the cover letter should be pasted. NO.

The recruiting department can ask for the cover letter and it's additional work to start to paste your email into word on your behalf. Chances are a recruiter will skip it (harsh but I'm telling you insider info so let's keep going)..

Let's talk about the attachments. Attach only what has been requested. If they say no need for educational qualifications do not assume it shows seriousness if you attach them. It shows that you're not paying attention to detail.

Do NOT save your CV simply as CV. Remember I said we save them in folders? Once the folder has a CV saved that way,all others get a "this folder already exists..." prompt. We may simply skip and go to the next. Common ones are My CV, CV, CV docx, resume, Curriculum vitae, CV PDF

I had to leave out all the ones simply saved as CV. Going through 1000 applications is no joke. So be creative e.g. M.Sampa CV, CV Kangwa Chileshe, Saboi CV, Petersen CV2018. Make it unique, use your names. This is the one point in pricess where 1 can be left out..

Furthermore, you can have your cover letter as first page of the doc or save it separately and same rules apply on how to save it. Once these are attached to your email, add your subject to the email and send. The subject should always be stated, we have so many positions running

Subject most times is the position title. Never leave it blank. Only send the email ONCE! It's not true that you have to send an application everyday till it closes for it to be noticed but I see that & find it annoying if anything. You may be blacklisted.

If someone is sending the application on your behalf, ask them to state the position. Most times people just attach,no subject nothing. Draft the email on their behalf if anything, do what it takes.

Unsolicited emails; when an advert irks running do not apply for random ones ( any position in your company)most times what is advertised is what is open. Just keep looking out till you see something that fits your expertise

You may have a killer CV, be eligible even,so..Attach well labelled docs, get the position and organisations name right, send a professional email ONCE and make it a joy for the recruiter too! The little things... All the best and hope the points help.