Searching for your dream job can be a challenging process. People with disabilities may face additional barriers when finding and applying for a job. Careers with Disabilities can support you through this process to ensure you reach your future potential.
We encourage jobseekers to follow these simple tips to help make sure your application stands out from the crowd. Many jobs require applicants to submit a CV. You can access a CV template and more in the Careers with Disabilities document library.
Take Your Time
Submitting your application in a rush will be immediately obvious to the employer. This will create the impression that you have little interest in the job opening. It is more effective to submit five tailored, well thought-out applications than ten non-specific applications that an employer is far less likely to notice. Moreover, taking your time with your application means you are more likely to spot small errors and mistakes. For example, you should always double-check grammar and spelling, particularly in regards to the employer’s information.
Adapt to the Employer and Role
Adapting your application and CV to match the skills necessary for the job role and the organisation is essential. An employer will be far more impressed with an application that appears personalised to the role than one that is generic or non-specific. Take your time to read through the person specification which should be part of the application pack. The employee specification will set out the skills, experience and qualifications that the employer is looking for in their ideal candidate. Go through your CV and add small edits to make sure you are ticking off exactly what the employer is looking for.
Be Positive
Make sure to write your application in a way that focuses on the positive impact that your work inspires. You want to sell yourself to the organisation in a positive way. Focus on the skills you excel in or experiences you feel proud of. We encourage all jobseekers to consider what their weaknesses are. However, it is best to save mentioning these until the interview.
Keep it Relevant
Employers often go through hundreds of applications to find the right candidate. If you want to keep the reader’s attention, then it is best to emphasise your skills that are specific to the role. It is tempting to include all your experience, achievements and attributes, but you are far more likely to interest the recruiter if you keep your application short and snappy. Don’t be afraid to cut down the text length as long as you mention the key skills of most interest to the employer.
Include a Cover Letter
Most jobs require applicants to submit a CV outlining their qualifications, skills and attributes. Alongside your CV, we recommend submitting a cover letter. Sometimes the employer will specifically request a cover letter. However, even if this is not a requirement it is still important to do so. A cover letter gives you the opportunity to explain why you are keen to work for the organisation and in the role being advertised. For more advice on writing a cover letter, visit our covering letter guide.
You can also find specific job application advice regarding the following through our dedicated guides:
