FAQs and Resources
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At every bookcareers.com Job Club we answer YOUR questions. Over the years we've answered hundreds of FAQs. As you can imagine, some of the advice can quickly date.
FAQs
Real Questions. Honest Answers
How do I make my application stand out?
This has to be the number one FAQ I see. In an industry which feels so competitive and with so many people appearing to be vying over the same job, what do you have to do to make your application stand out. It comes back to the fundamental principle of reading and understanding instructions. Read through the job advertisement line by line, understand the purpose of the role and the skills that the publisher is looking for. Then tailor your CV and application accordingly. Don't lie. But demonstrate throughout your application that you have the skills and competencies for the role. An extremely large number of applicants fail to do this and send generic, AI-written applications, so fall at the very first hurdle.
I've sent off hundreds of applications and I'm not getting anywhere. Where am I going wrong?
The first thing to do is to look at how far you are getting in the process. If "not getting anywhere" means you have not been called for interview, then your original application (CV, covering letter, application answers) is usually at fault. If you're getting interviews but not getting the job, then it is a mixture of your application and your interview performance. If you are truly not getting called for interviews, you need to give your application documents a good read through before you send them off and check that you have truly tailored your experience, without lying, to the role. Go through the job advertisement line by line and look for the evidence on your documents. It is also a good idea to check your vocabulary and spelling; it is not uncommon for me to see Senior Editors with typos on their applications. When you're starting out any mistake can be fatal. Another reason why you might not be getting anywhere is because you're applying for the wrong roles; this is where expert career guidance can help.
What jobs should I be applying for?
Only apply for the jobs you truly want to get. As you will discover, every job application takes time and, as much as you want to find a job, even any job, it is far better to spend time crafting an application for a job you know you will accept, rather than churn out application after application with no thought. Also, I understand from those recruiting that some candidates apply for roles and get to interview stage without having understood the realities of the job that were clearly stated in the advertisement, and then withdraw their application. This is a waste of time for everyone. So please, only apply for the jobs you truly want to get.
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