5 tips to succeed in your job application

​​Nail your application and land your dream job with five quick tips.

Have you found the perfect job you want to apply for? Great! There's plenty of advice out there on what to do next, but here I'll share with you five of my personal, favourite tips.

First things first.

​1. Create a resume that reads and looks AMAZING.

This is so important, yet so often overlooked. This document is the first thing the recruiter looks at, instantly creating an impression of you within seconds — and you haven't even met them yet. What does your resume currently say about you? Are you sloppy and average, or professional and brilliant?

Your resume should be well-written, contain 0% errors and be tailored to the role you're applying for. Don't send the same, generic resume for every role you apply for. Each one must be dialled in to the specific role, and show how and why YOU are the best person for the job.

My number-one secret: Give your resume a design makeover and a splash of colour. You don't need to (and shouldn't) go overboard, but do give your resume a little pizzazz. Nearly all resumes that end up in a recruiter's inbox look as bland as stale bread. So they'll most certainly take notice of a fresh-looking resume. If you're not confident in your writing and formatting skills, a professional resume writer and document designer can help you out.

​Once you score a job interview (congrats!), consider these next handy hints.

2. Do your research.

Visit the company's website and get up to speed with their current activities and projects. This way, you can tailor your answers to be aligned with their vision and goals. It also shows that you've done your homework and have an interest in who they are and what they do.

3. ​Arrive early.

Rushing to a job interview is never good for anyone's stress levels or armpits. Aim to be there 30 minutes early to allow for any unexpected delays you may encounter. You would get to the airport early to make sure you don't miss the flight to your amazing holiday destination. Why not do the same for a potentially life-changing job? If you're not driving, consider getting an Uber ride instead of catching public transport — it's faster and more reliable.

4. Know your key strengths (and weaknesses).

Almost all interviewers ask candidates what their strengths are, so it helps to prep your response in advance. Identify what you excel at, what you're proud of, and what you're known to deliver consistently and successfully.

Similarly, work out your weaknesses — and find ways to turn them into positives or areas for improvement. For example: "I tend to be a perfectionist and very detail-oriented, and sometimes I can get bogged down by the smaller details." [You could add a brief example here.] "I've since learnt to find a balance between being good and perfect, and being timely."

5. Be yourself.

There's no point in pretending to be someone you're not. Ultimately, your interviewers may be the people you end up working with, and if you don't gel with each other, then so be it (and better you know that now rather than down the track). Let your true self shine through without fear or expectations, and your interviewer will pick up on your natural, relaxed and positive vibe.

​Now go and land that dream job!

Stella Logan is a freelance Australian content writer and resume guru, helping people secure the job of their dreams.