Help - Job application confusion

tk123

Guys - i'd really appreciate some advise pls. I've been in the same job for the last 6 years so am out of the loop when it comes to applying for jobs! When you apply for a job thru one of the job sites there's an option to upload your CV and a comments box - do I treat the comments box as my cover letter or should I have this as part of the cv?!

AARRRGH

The comment box is for your cover letter.

Raekwon

tk123 wrote: »

Guys - i'd really appreciate some advise pls. I've been in the same job for the last 6 years so am out of the loop when it comes to applying for jobs! When you apply for a job thru one of the job sites there's an option to upload your CV and a comments box - do I treat the comments box as my cover letter or should I have this as part of the cv?!

6 years? I don't mean to scare you but you're in for a bit of a shock I think. Back in 2002 IT jobs were fairly ease to pick up even with little experience but 2008 is a totally different story, especially with the country verging on a slight recession. In my personal experience IT System Admin/Desktop Support/Field Techie roles are getting harder and harder to come by especially if you are *Irish.

To answer your question, yes, the comment boxes are there for you to paste your cover letter into. Your CV should only be attached to the CV attachment field. Another thing, use a .doc (word) version of your CV because you would be shocked to see how many places cannot open .pdf files. HR people never cease to amaze me :rolleyes:

*Controversial but true.

tk123

Thanks guys - I just pasted it in like you said! It's a bit scary sending them off - I was bold and handed in my notice before getting anything but it was either that or go INSANE!! :mad: If I have to take a step back it'll be worth it to meet new peole and hopefully learn something new!! Raekwon I know what you mean abt the HR guys - ours are like that too

AARRRGH

Just a little comment - tailor your cover letter so it matches the company.

Dear
Mention the job advert, mention the company, mention why you are in particular interested in that company.

I see a lot of cover letters. The bland one-size-fits-all copy and paste jobs are not impressive.

Raekwon

tk123 wrote: »

Raekwon I know what you mean abt the HR guys - ours are like that too

Most HR personal are about as useful as tits on a bull & I won't even begin to start about those wonderful recruitment ‘agents’

That is very good advice from dublindude above, if you can take the time to personalise each cover letter that you send then you will have a much better chance at landing an interview.

Best of luck and let us know how you get on

tk123

Thanks again guys - I sent a few applications off this afternoon and got a call back straight away so things are looking up! Hopefully I'll be able to turn the :eek::eek::eek: "OMG you're leaving this place without a job you'll never be employed again" looks to :eek::eek::eek: "OMG you're going to work THERE well done you're brilliant" looks!

Raekwon

You got called back straight away? Your CV must be amazing :pac:

Are you using recruiters or applying straight to the companies themselves?

Btw this is a fairly good site if you want to bypass recruiters.

tk123

Raekwon wrote: »

You got called back straight away? Your CV must be amazing :pac:

Are you using recruiters or applying straight to the companies themselves?

Btw this is a fairly good site if you want to bypass recruiters.

Why thank you :pac: This one was a recruiter - they had a few interesting jobs advertised so I sent the cv (the second one I sent in) i wasn't expecting to get called back so soon thou! The whole thing crazy - it's been less than a week since I resigned and turned down the counter offer - I'm obviously better than I thought I was! :pac: I'm leaning towards contracting thou cos I've seen a masters I'd like to do..