How to Get the Job You Deserve

Knowing how to apply for a job can be difficult, especially if you’re dealing with a culture that is “foreign” to you.

But whether you’re a Chinese designer applying for a job with a Western company, or a Westerner hoping to work in a Chinese firm, the following principles will help make your application be successful.
 
 

First things first

All too often, people who apply for positions don’t seem to pay attention to what the employer is looking for. And that’s great – for you! You get a great opportunity to show that you’re careful and attentive, simply by addressing the basic requirements for the position. So before you send your application, make sure that:

  1. You have read the job description carefully
  2. Your cover letter shows that you meet the requirements
  3. You make your points quickly and clearly

Managers and people in HR don’t have lots of time. You need to prove to them as fast as possible that you are a good candidate for the position. If it looks like you haven’t read the job description and don’t meet the requirements, or if they can’t understand what you are saying, they will simply put your application aside.
 
 

Write a great cover letter

In addition to your CV and portfolio, you need a cover letter. It’s just as important as your CV.

But whereas your CV mostly states the facts about your previous positions and achievements, your cover letter allows you to sell yourself. You can tell a story that shows how wonderful you would be for the position, highlight what is best for you, and actively sell yourself. It’s a great opportunity. Make sure you make the most of it!

Here are some tips that will help you succeed:

  • Make sure your letter is neatly formatted, with no grammatical or spelling errors. Sloppy punctuation and spelling that is simple to fix looks very unprofessional and reflects badly on you. It is easy to use Spell Check on your word processor: So use it!
  • Write emails using a common font like Arial, Helvetica, or Times Roman, using standard formatting. Your writing style should be professional, but informal.
  • Write your cover letter in the first person
  • Keep your letter brief and structured, and avoid the lengthy repetition of information covered in your CV
  • Address the relevant contact directly, the person whose name appears in the job notice. Avoid “Sir or Madam” or “to whom it may concern” if possible.
  • If you are replying to a job notice, say so. Mention the job title, any reference number, and where and when you saw it.
  • Follow specific instructions and include any information if it is particularly requested. Current salary, for example.
  • Outline your current situation, briefly, and why you are seeking a change. Include your current or previous position, qualifications, professional and academic training, and make your information as relevant as possible to the design job you are applying for.
  • State why you are interested in the position and why you would like to work for them. Try to show that you have done your research and know a little bit about them and the work they do.
  • Emphasize why the employer should want to meet with you and hire you
  • Highlight your transferable skills, your achievements, what you offer and what makes you different.
  • Avoid negative information about yourself, your current position, or the company you want to work for
  • Close your letter with a polite expression of interest in talking about the position in person or on the phone

This might seem like a lot to do within a short letter, but it’s worth making the effort. And the more you do it, the better you’ll get at it. You might want to do some research on the web to find examples of successful cover letters, so you can base yours on them. Just make sure your cover letter sounds like you, not somebody else!