Firstly, read the job spec. Really read it, and then do exactly what it says to do in order to apply. So many people miss something out or fail to follow instructions. By simply not making this mistake, you'll put yourself above about 50% of other applicants. [2/x]

Don't feel the need to apply the second you see the job ad. Very few posts are gonna close within a few hours. Give the role time to digest in your mind. Sleep on your application. Read it through again in the morning. [3/x]

Don't try too hard to be funny/zany/memorable. This is a professional interaction and no one is scoring your jokes. Few companies are actively looking to hire the class clown. [4/x]

Be patient. I've had people apply for roles before and then almost immediately DM me to ask if we received their application. If you do that, you're wasting my time and implying that you think your application is more important than the 8000 other things I need to do today. [5/x]

Tailor your CV. You may still be figuring out what you want to do, and that's fine. But if your CV says you're trying to get into journalism and you're applying for a community manager role, something doesn't sit right. Take the time to tweak things accordingly. [6/x]

Don't fall into the trap of spending your cover letter explaining what a great opportunity the job would be for you. It's nice that you feel that way, but as a hiring manager I need to know how *you* can help *me*. Sell yourself, don't be sycophantic. [7/x]

Also on cover letters: get to the point. I honestly don't need to know what the first games console you ever owned was, and how fondly that Christmas Day now sits in your memory. Tell me who you are and what you can do. [8/x]

On the flipside, don't worry about apologising for the things you *can't* do. If you're applying for an entry-level role, I already know you're not going to be an absolute whizz at everything. Apply with confidence. I want to know you're up to the challenge. [9/x]

Don't be discouraged from applying if you don't meet all the criteria; very few people do, even for senior roles. But if you have equivalent transferable skills, do highlight them: that's useful for me to know. [10/x]

Finally, a general point: apply for the job that's on offer, not the job you'd ideally like it to be. I need to know that you have understood what the role is and isn't. This is a really common trap new jobseekers fall into and it's difficult, because... [11/x]

...I might love your enthusiasm and ambition, but if you're applying for a junior role and you're telling me about all the strategy and creativity you can bring to the table, but the job is about assisting with admin, there seems to be a... [12/x]

...disconnect between what you want from the job and what I can offer you at this moment. Read the responsibilities set and speak to how you can deliver that, before you start talking about any other value adds. [13/x]

Clearly, I'm a miserable so-and-so, but entry-level roles often get hundreds of applicants: the competition is fierce and these little things often stand in people's way of being shortlisted. But do apply, and do be courageous! [14/x]

Oh, did I mention we're hiring a marketing assistant? https://gameifyouare.com/job-opening-marketing-assistant/ :-) [15/15]