The more time and effort you put into the job application process, the more likely you are to succeed. Below are our practical tips to help you discover opportunities and maximise your chances of landing interviews.
DO
Research your market
Make a list of companies in the industry you are in (or entering). It’s important to proactively understand your market. For example, if you’re aiming to work as an Accountant in Australia, research and list the top 100 accounting firms, then regularly check their company websites for job listings.
Use multiple job boards
Conduct a comprehensive search across job board websites. SEEK and LinkedIn are the two most important platforms, but it’s also worth checking CareerOne and Indeed. Some roles are only advertised on one platform, and you don’t want to miss out.
Apply for relevant roles
Read job descriptions carefully and make sure you have the skills and experience required. It’s fine to apply for roles that represent the next step in your career, but be realistic. If a role requires seven years’ experience and you’re a graduate, applying is unlikely to be productive for either party.
Tailor every application
Customise your resume and cover letter for every role. Cookie-cutter applications are easy to spot and rarely progress. Reference the correct company name and job title, and demonstrate that you’ve read and understood the role. Submitting an application with the wrong job title is a major red flag.
Check your online presence
Ensure your email address and social media profiles are professional. Recruiters and employers often review social media as part of the screening process. Make sure your profiles are private where appropriate and avoid publicly visible content that could be considered unprofessional or misaligned with company values.
Keep track of your applications
Maintain a record of where and when you’ve applied. Applying for the same role twice reflects poorly and wastes time. In most cases, you should wait 6–12 months before reapplying to the same company. If you’re working with a recruiter, be transparent about previous applications — this helps them represent you effectively. There’s no issue with saying you applied previously but didn’t hear back.
Follow up
If you’re applying directly without a recruiter, it’s your responsibility to follow up. A good rule of thumb is to wait around two weeks after applying before calling to check on your application.
DON’T
Don’t leave sections incomplete
Unanswered questions suggest a lack of effort or interest. If you’re unwilling to complete an application properly, employers may question your commitment as an employee. Take the time to answer all required sections thoughtfully.
Don’t submit applications with spelling or grammatical errors
Your application is often your first impression and first impressions matter. Proofread carefully to ensure you present yourself as professional, detail-oriented, and capable of meeting the role’s requirements.