More is more
So how many others are going for the same job you are? Are you going to rely on your CV alone? Your new job - and your future career - is riding on it. If it's the Big One and you are one in 3,000, it helps if you can shorten the odds in your favour.
So here's a checklist of other items you could include in your application. Not online necessarily, but for the more formal paper-based applications you would normally send snail-mail. None of these are essential - but leave any of them out and you could be out yourself - it's up to you how must-have the job is. Plus, if you get through to an interview, you will certainly need all of them.
Cover letter
Even if you're applying online, you'll need a cover letter for the person you're sending your CV to. And like the CV itself, it needs to be short, sharp and business-like. One page only, three short paragraphs maximum - and loaded with keywords to turn your recruiter on. Why? Because although they're essential, cover letters get even less attention than CVs. They're scanned not read, the only way to get through thousands of them quickly. Read the job spec carefully and use keywords to make you look like an asset.
References
You might think they're not strictly necessary. But so many people misrepresent themselves these days you need reliable proof that you've worked where you say you have, done what you say you've done, and your ex-boss thinks you're a good bet. Like the rest of your package, references should be short and to the point. And no palsy stuff from friends, this is business.
Proof of ID
Again, you might think it's not strictly necessary. Except there is an increasing number of people who are not necessarily who they say they are and do not have the necessary permit to work in UK. Even if you've lived here for generations, make sure you have yours.
Qualifications
In the computer age it's become too easy to dummy up a degree, so genuine copies are going to come in handy - "O" levels, "A" levels, NVQs - whatever your qualifications are. They will be checked too - no employer can afford to take chances any more. Send copies of course, not originals (as long as they're authentic!) - you don't want them to go astray.
Competency Certificates
Look at yourself carefully from the capabilities angle. You're more than the person you were when you started work, aren't you? And somehow you've picked up a whole load of skills, all of which are necessary in modern business, particularly working with computers. Through our affiliated ClickATest site, you can now verify these skills and prove them with internationally-recognised ISO 9001-2000 certificates. Hard evidence of your work-related capabilities RIGHT NOW.
