How Do I Apply?

1: Cover Letter

The cover letter serves as an introduction to yourself, showcasing your interest in both the organisation and the advertised position. It highlights key aspects of your resume and encourages the selection panel to consider you for an interview. As your initial point of contact with a potential employer, a clear, concise, and well-written cover letter can capture the recruiter's attention, prompting them to review your resume more thoroughly and increasing your chances of securing an interview.

Cover Letter Tips:

• Personalise the Letter – Address the cover letter to a specific person (if possible) rather than using generic greetings like “To Whom It May Concern.”
• Highlight Relevant Skills and Experience – Tailor your letter to the job by emphasising the skills and experiences most relevant to the position.
• Be Clear and Concise – Keep the letter brief, ideally one page, focusing on key points that align with the job requirements.
• Demonstrate Enthusiasm – Show genuine interest in the company and the role, conveying why you are excited about the opportunity.
• Explain Why You’re a Good Fit – Go beyond your resume and explain why your skills and values make you an ideal candidate for the role.
• Showcase Your Research – Mention something specific about the company to demonstrate that you’ve done your homework.
• Proofread for Errors – Ensure there are no grammatical or spelling mistakes, as these can make a poor impression.

3. Resume 

Your resume is a key tool in securing an interview and it provides a comprehensive overview of your qualifications, experience and skills. A well-crafted resume helps recruiters quickly understand your suitability for the role.

Here are some tips to make sure your resume stands out:

• Tailor Your Resume for Each Job – Customise your resume to match the specific role you're applying for, highlighting the most relevant skills and experiences.
• Include a Professional Summary – Begin with a summary or profile that highlights your key strengths, skills, and career objectives.
• Focus on Achievements – Instead of just listing job duties, emphasize measurable achievements and outcomes from your previous roles.

• Keep It Concise – A resume should typically be one to two pages in length. Be selective about what you include, focusing on the most relevant experiences.
• Organise Information Clearly – Use clear headings, such as "Work Experience," "Education," and "Skills," to guide the reader through your resume easily.
• Highlight Transferable Skills – If you're changing industries or roles, emphasize transferable skills that are relevant to the new job.
• Showcase Education and Certifications – Include your qualifications and any relevant certifications or professional development courses.
• Proofread – Review your resume for typos or formatting inconsistencies.
• Design for Readability – Use a clean, professional design with easy-to-read fonts. Avoid clutter or overly creative layouts that may distract from the content.
• List References Separately – Include a note that references are available upon request rather than listing them directly on your resume.

What Happens Next?

After you submit your application, the selection process typically involves several key stages.

Shortlisting

Once the application deadline has passed, the hiring team will begin reviewing the applications. During the shortlisting process, they assess skills, experience and qualifications match the requirements of the role.

 The panel will typically look for:

• Relevant experience and qualifications: They will focus on how closely your background aligns with the job description and selection criteria.
• Skills and achievements: Emphasising how your skills have led to success in previous roles can make your application stand out.
• Cultural: They also consider how well you might align with the company culture and values.

Interview 

If you’re shortlisted, you’ll be invited to an interview, which may be conducted in person, over the phone, or Microsoft Teams. This is your chance to showcase your qualifications, experience, and enthusiasm for the role.

What to Expect:

• Behavioural questions: Expect questions that assess how you’ve handled situations in the past (e.g., "Tell me about a time when you had to overcome a challenge at work").
• Technical or situational questions: These questions may assess your job-specific knowledge or how you would handle specific challenges related to the position.
• Company information: Be prepared to answer why you want to work for the company and how your goals align with their mission.
• It’s also an opportunity for you to ask questions about the role, team dynamics, or company culture. Remember you are also interviewing MKAC 

Reference Checks:

Once the interview process is complete, Our People and Culture Team may conduct reference checks. This is a standard part of the hiring process where the employer contacts previous employers or other professional references to verify your background and work history.

What to Expect:

• Contacting your references: The employer will usually ask your references about your job performance, work ethic, and your fit for the role.
• What references should highlight: Choose references who are familiar with your skills, achievements, and professional conduct. Ideally, they should be supervisors or Managers who can speak to your past performance.

It’s important to inform your references in advance so they’re prepared to provide relevant and positive feedback.