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Before we begin, I need to mention a pretty big disclaimer. Every profession expects different things from candidates—and the documents that represent you should reflect that. A designer will lead with a visual portfolio. A mechanical engineer will reference projects and technical specs. A hairdresser will show before-and-afters. A technical writer, like me, sends a clean two-page CV, one if you can help it, and a link to writing samples.

The mistake most people make is treating a job application as a document formatting exercise. It is not. It is a strategic process that starts well before you open a Word document or a Google Doc and continues well after submitting the application.

The essentials​

To give yourself the best possible chance and present yourself in the best light, follow these steps in order:

  1. Research the company—Before anything else, learn about the company, the role, and what they actually need. You cannot write a compelling application without this.
  2. Tailor the resume—Structure your experience to speak directly to the role, using accomplishment-led bullets that stress value over responsibility.
  3. Build a portfolio—Show your work. A link to something real is worth more than any claim on a CV.
  4. Write the cover letter—When required, write something that makes you stand out. Not a summary of the resume. Something that sounds like a person.
  5. Prepare for the interviews—Most processes have multiple rounds. Each one tests something different. Prepare for each accordingly.

Before you apply​

Every time you apply, make sure you check off items from this list:

  • Resume is current, accurate, and saved as a PDF
  • Introductions reflect who you are now, not who you were two years ago
  • Every bullet leads with an outcome
  • Portfolio link works and samples are up to date
  • LinkedIn matches the resume (recruiters will check)
  • Cover letter ready to customize per application

You do not need to be actively looking to have all of this in order. But keep it up to date anyway. :) Trust me, it'll come in handy.

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