“We are still masters of our fate. We are still captains of our souls.”
Winston Churchill

1-     Have I shown that I can do the job and hit the ground at a trot?

This is usually evidenced in your CV through your experience, especially your employed experience, but could also include voluntary work.  It is good practice to include a short one paragraph covering note that draws attention to how and why your experience demonstrates your suitability.  It is always last and never acceptable to write: ‘I feel that my experience makes me suitable for this job.’  Instead, refer to the job spec/advert and highlight your relevant experience, eg, ‘My experience in B2B cold calling together with the fact that I have been the top performing sales person, out of a team of 8, in each of the last 6 months makes me an ideal candidate for the vacancy of Sales Executive.’

2-     Have I shown that I will fit with the company’s team and culture?

Again, refer back to the job spec/advert: what sort of personality are they looking for?  Perhaps the company’s culture is to develop talent, in which case draw out your career focus.  Almost everyone hopes to work with enthusiastic, positive team players, so be sure that your CV twinkles with your personality and likeability.

3-     Have I shown that I genuinely want this opportunity?

This may seem obvious, but failure to demonstrate your determination to secure this opportunity is a principle shortcoming in many peoples’ applications.  Employers need to feel that you have made a sincere decision to work for them.  Therefore, it is important that the application is specific to the vacancy.  Eg, “The aviation industry has been my enduring passion since the age of 6 when I went to see my first air show…’