Job Expert Shares Tip On How To Stand Out In Applications

A job expert has shared some expert advice on standing out from other candidates when it comes to trying to bag a new job:

Paddy Jobsman - we're pretty sure that's not his surname, it would be an incredible coincidence if it is - explained that only a low percentage of people send a cover letter with their CV but says it's something that can set you ahead of others.

Replying to a viral TikTok video, which calls for people's 'unpopular opinions', Paddy explained: "Send a cover letter with every job you apply for. Only five to ten percent of candidates will do this.

"You'll separate yourself from the competition," he goes on to tell people that he has a cover letter template on his bio with all the writing already complete - all you need to do is fill in the blanks.

Oh and to make things even better, this template is free. Winner winner.

TikTok/paddyjobsman

In response to the video, one person (who is clearly not on board with the whole cover letter thing) wrote: "Unpopular opinion: cover letters should never have been a thing, they're all bs [bulls***] and we all use templates for them anyway so what's the point?"

In response, Paddy said: "Super effective if applying by email and you just use the cover note in the email text. Also when changing careers they are v helpful."

Another person - claiming to work in HR - also said that they're a waste of time saying they look at CVs, to which Paddy added: "In my previous job when hiring we specifically requested cover letters to give ex. of why they're qualified. Majority never sent 1, all were rejected."

Someone else, who Paddy was impressed with, commented: "I always hand delivered it, I got suited and booted, said I had another interview close by and thought I'd drop it off." Smart.

Giving an example of a cover letter working effectively, one person wrote: "All these people saying it doesn't matter. That's bs. I was barely getting call backs but then I started using a good cover letter and was blown up."

Blown up over a cover letter, eh? Maybe they are better of being left out.

Topics: Job, Community

Rebecca Shepherd

I'm Becky - a journalist at LADbible. I graduated with a First Class BA in Journalism before going on to cover criminal court cases, medical tribunals and breaking news for the national media - which inevitably and eventually became as glum as it sounds. Can often be found rocking a bag for life - which I made a 'thing' way before Rihanna. You can contact me at [email protected]

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