A company I want to work for has released a driver’s vacancy on line. Candidates are invited to write in less than 1000 words why they are the best candidate for the position.

How can I write this?

First of all get an idea of how many words 1000 is. For example this answer is about 930 words.  Set that detail aside for later.

Then think about what they have asked for. They have not asked for a CV, but they will probably want some information about your relevant background, skills and experience.

If you have a CV it may be useful to use your application on it, editing it carefully. If you don’t have one, just write your application from scratch as if you were talking to someone about why you are the best candidate for the position.

But they are not asking for all the standard CV information, so I would include only what is relevant in your background that will make you the best candidate for the job. Mention employers and dates if relevant.
Make sure your layout is logical and builds up your case.

So they may be looking for personal and social skills, rather than a list of achievements. You need to show them you are the best candidate for the position and will fit into the team.

They have released the vacancy online, so they probably have a website. Go through every page on the website and make notes about the company’s values, mission statement, stated objectives, and HR policy. You can probably copy and paste the points you want to mention directly on to a word document.

This exercise will give you an idea of the company culture, an understanding of what is important to the management team, and let you get a feeling for whether you will fit into the culture. It will also help you tailor your application for them.

For example, suppose it says on the website that the company are proud to support a local charity that is devoted to children’s education , And they encourage staff to get involved with teaching the local kids to read, or play sport ,learn to swim ……. etc  on Saturdays.

You can say in your application “I have been aware of the company for a long time through its work with the children of the community. I would love to be a part of that effort.”

Or they say that they prefer to promote from within and offer progression opportunities to their own staff. You can say “I admire your internal progression policy, and would love to work for the company because of that policy. “
Then take a very close look at the vacancy posted online. Go through every single word of it, one at a time, and make sure your application reflects whatever it is they specify they want.

Suppose it says

• Responsibilities will include:
• Completing routine vehicle checks and maintenance
• using a forklift truck  to load materials onto the vehicle 
• driving vehicle to destination and unloading them  according to clients requirements
• Collecting a signature for delivery from the appropriate person at the client premises.
• Maintaining a log book, ensure compliance with statutory rest breaks.

 

You need to write your application to make sure it reflects ALL those points. (As long as they are within your experience)

You may think it is obvious that the driver would check and maintain the vehicle, but perhaps some companies do not expect the driver to do that. They have specified they require it, your application should show you can “tick that box “.

Make sure your application specifically states that you have a forklift truck licence, if you do. If you don’t say it, they will probably assume you haven’t got one.

Check your application shows that you have experience of driving a vehicle to specified destinations. State that you have experience of collecting appropriate signatures, and that you maintain a log book. You should demonstrate, echoing their words, that you can tick the box on every, or most, points.

The advert goes on to say;-

To be considered for this post you must:

1. have at least two years driving experience
2. have a Heavy Goods Vehicle licence
3. hold a work visa for this country
4. be able to supply two recent references

 

So your application must demonstrate and specifically state that you have at least two years driving experience, have a Heavy Goods Vehicle licence, a work visa, and ideally supply two recent references or referees details.

Make sure you have the referee’s agreement, and ideally advise them of this vacancy as they may get a phone call.

It goes without saying that whatever you write must be factual. You are using the information provided to portray yourself in the best possible light, and show that you are a good fit for their specification, given what they want. But don’t lie, you will be found out.

So write your application to reflect your ability to fulfil their requirements. Consider ordering bullet points to make it easy to find the ones they want by putting them at the top of your information about previous posts.
The have a look at your word count. You can easily do this in word. On the home tab go to review, and then select word count.

Then edit your application carefully if it is too long, or add to it if it is too short.

Be careful, they ask for less than 1000 words. This does not mean more than 1000 words, it means less than 1000 words.

But the 1000 is an indicator of the length they want. Don’t send 200 words. I would aim for around 950-1000 words.

I hope that has been helpful and will help you to write a successful application.