When you apply for a job – whether it be voluntary or paid, part-time or full-time – make sure that you appear professional. Check and double-check your letter and curriculum vitae for grammatical and typographical errors – and make sure they are neatly presented. It sounds really obvious, but it’s amazing how many people send in job queries or applications that are riddled with mistakes. Imagine being the potential employer... if you can’t produce a professional job application what can you do?

Suppose 1,000 people apply for a job you are keen to secure. You are one of many with the right qualifications, plenty of enthusiasm and a history of volunteer work. Having additional skills, such as word processing, computer knowledge, typing, languages, photography or business skills, will clearly give you an advantage.