Please read the job description ...

[2014ThisIsMyYear]

... before you bung in a generic application!!

I have spent 2 days reviewing over 100 applications for 1 job. We specified about 10 'essential' criteria which were listed in order of importance. Many applicants do not meet the top 3, but this sometimes doesn't become clear until we have read their online application plus a 3-page CV. Twice, in case we missed it first time round.

No matter how desperate you are, or how irresistible you are in the flesh, please read job descriptions carefully, and answer each point in turn. Sure, it's a pain and it takes time, but it could change your life.

Some other tips:

• Correct spelling matters. Especially when it's the name of your school/your town/our company.
• Simple grammar helps, eg start your name with a capital letter.
• Paragraphs or bullet points would be nice.

It's not rocket science ... just explain how you meet each 'essential' requirement in turn and you are ahead of most applicants

My DH received a cv from a journalism graduate, for a publishing role, titled Curriculum Vital. He wasn't looking for staff at the time, but would have been a bit put off.

Northern and others in a similar situation - yes I've been there too, and I know how soul-destroying it is to do everything right and still not even get shortlisted. Please persevere, you are still ahead of most candidates, and that will pay off.

As a recruiter, I do worry how I can be sure that I'm selecting the best person when so many apply. We were quite sure that a large number of applicants could do this job competently and hated having to discard so many.

For those struggling and out of work: are you registered with a temping agency? We've recruited temps through agencies in the past and ended up with the temps getting a proper job with us.

I was talking to dh tonight, think that if I don't hear anything I will ring on Monday and say I'm local and able to attend interview at short notice should anybody drop out because I really am very keen on the job etc etc. They can only think I'm nuts. Given that they haven't shortlisted me and this job isn't likely to come up again any time soon I've nothing to lose.

Well, I'd be OK with that approach - shows you're keen, and that can't be a bad thing. Good luck!

Northern. I've had a similar email this week. Nothing to offer them but if I did have I'd really consider her because of the obvious enthusiasm.