When you send through an application, it is not uncommon to receive a generic response along the lines of “Thank you for submitting your application. We are in the process of screening and shortlisting. Should you make the shortlist, we will be in touch to discuss your application further.”

Receiving messages like this can be disheartening, especially if you are applying for multiple roles, but it is important to remember that this is not a rejection. It is physically impossible for recruiters to phone each and every applicant, and an automatic email response is the best way to know that your application has in fact been received.

Your job application along with hundreds of others is filtered into an ever-growing inbox and unfortunately, your resume can get lost in the clutter. One of the best ways to keep your application front of mind is to find a way to reach out to the recruiter. Don’t hesitate to show that you are proactive from the onset and call the agency/company you have applied with to start a conversation and lift your application to the top of the list.

Submitting a cover letter is often expected in an application, however is not always read unless your resume is unclear or has gaps. As such, a generic cover letter is not going to do anyone any favours, so customising your cover letter to the role being advertised is imperative. When crafting your cover letter, we suggest a brief discussion of your job history so if there are any queries raised from your resume, your cover letter will answer those questions.

For more information on the recruitment process, check out our candidate resource at http://www.est10.com.au/the-recruitment-process. And don’t forget, a great application starts with a great resume!  Check out our resume tips at http://www.est10.com.au/resume.