Thanks so much for elaborating on this more Abby. I would definitely have to agree that lessons learned would be beneficial to visit throughout the implement. It also looks like a nice way to celebrate and acknowledge the little wins along the way too.

I'm also happy to connect on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/reynoldssamantha/ 

No problem, you can send it to sam.m.reynolds@hotmail.com my experience has all been marine-based so happy to answer any questions too if you're interested in tropical/coral reefs etc.

Hi Kaitlyn,

I don't have a huge amount of recent experience, but here are a few things I do:

- Pull out keywords and phrases from the job description and make to include them in my CV and Cover Letter, some companies now use screening software.

-I tailor my CV and Cover Letter for every job I apply for to make sure I each of the competencies I have are clear to whoever is reviewing applications.

- I research the company I am applying to and will make sure I state why I want to work for them and what I can offer them. Sometimes when you read through the job description you can think of some other skills you have that aren't stated that could help. If they don't give a name for who to address the cover letter to, I try and find one. This is easier if the job description details the line of reporting.

- Sometimes cover letters can feel a bit stuffy so I try to inject a bit of my personality into it to try and make it feel like a real person rather than just a piece of paper. 

- And lastly, "you can't win if you don't play the game". You don't have to have all the essential skills to apply, if you have most of them just apply anyway, you never know what might happen. I applied for a job completely out of my sector a few years ago because I just needed the work. One of the things that got me an interview was that I had worked in the Seychelles and the manager had just been there to celebrate a big wedding anniversary. 

- Follow up. From what I have seen there's usually a two to four-week turnaround. If you don't hear anything after two weeks send them an email reiterating your interest and ask if they would like any extra information.

I hope some of this is useful. Good luck. I'm also applying for jobs at the moment, so can understand your hesitations. I'd be happy to have a read through any application documents if that would be helpful.

Hi Ellie, it's such a shame you had to cancel your research trip to the Maldives. The Manta Trust team out there are fantastic. Hopefully you'll get another opportunity in the future to experience the magic of Hanifaru Bay. It should be on everyones bucket list.