EVERY jobseeker is different.

We all have our own career history and individual goals for the future, yet many of us make the same mistakes in our job-hunting process.

Here are a few helpful tips to put you on the right track.

1. "Insert job here"

Most job seekers are looking broadly at any available position that fits within their interests and skills set. Therefore, they send out undirected CVs and, even worse, form cover letters differentiated only by the value in the "insert job here" space.

Spend a few extra minutes to learn about the organisation, and personalise your correspondence.

2. Read and follow directions

Does the application call for a writing sample and a salary history? Are you being instructed to mail by post? Job description writers pay to advertise specific directions for a reason. Follow them.

3. Think about the message you send

Rehearse the voicemail message you plan to leave. Consider a more serious e-mail address. Does your home voicemail play strange music or have a silly outgoing message? All of these things factor in a head-hunter's first, and indelible, impression.

4. A poor CV

Too many CVs get binned after just a brief glance. The really good ones need to grab attention to get read and, even better, get forwarded on to a hiring committee. The bad ones list tasks and skills, rather than accomplishments and results.

5. Spell check

Nine out of 10 CVs that claim the applicant is "detail orientated" have a typo somewhere. Some of these typos are tricky, like extra spaces and missing hyphens. Others, sadly, are not.

6. Get a second opinion

An outside pair of eyes will shed light on your CV's strengths and weaknesses, and help your materials shine.

7. Dream, within reason

If you apply for a job that's obviously way out of your league, employers will be less inclined to believe your capabilities when you apply for a position that's absolutely perfect for you.

8. Know your weaknesses

If you are missing a key skill or some years of experience, own up to the weakness but then describe how your other skills and experiences will help you compensate or catch up quickly.

9. Thank you notes

Thank you letters are the perfect opportunity to remind your interviewer why you should be hired. These letters are so uncommon that candidates who thank employers for their time will certainly stand out.