How to succeed in your application:

1. Focus on Technical Skills: In my experience, your CV should highlight your technical skills related to IT: familiarity with computer hardware, software, and networking. If you've done any previous installations or troubleshooting, be sure to mention this.
2. Emphasise Work-related Learning: This role appears to focus heavily on learning and development. Reinstate your commitment to learning and growth in your CV. Mention any academic projects or small-scale assignments that have contributed to your IT knowledge.
3. Customer Service Skills: The job listing mentions 'customer service' and 'customer relationship management'. You need to demonstrate your ability to work effectively with people, resolve issues and manage relationships. Include any previous experience or coursework that involved these skills.
4. Appearance and People Skills: The job listing states applicants must be 'Well-groomed and excellent with people'. Make sure to include soft skills such as communication, teamwork and empathy in your CV.
5. Attachment Period: Make sure your CV clearly states your availability for the work period (January to December 2024).

Areas to note in the job listing:

1. Eligibility: The opportunity is only for those who are studying IT and are residents of Harare. Don’t apply if you do not meet these criteria.
2. Course of Study: Be clear about your course of study when applying as it is part of what they need to know.
3. Method of Application: Take note of the unique method of application via text message. Make sure to include all required information: your full name, college attending, and course of study.
4. Work Period: The job listing specifies an 'attachment' period from January 2024 to December 2024. Candidates must take this into consideration.
5. No Salary: The job posting clearly states 'No Salary Offered'. Applicants must be financially prepared to forgo income for the work -related learning experience.

Standing out in a crowded pool:

1. Limitless Learning: What I’ve noticed over time is that emphasising your interest in expanding your learning beyond classwork can significantly increase your chances of getting picked.
2. Show Initiative: If you’ve done anything above and beyond your coursework that demonstrates your interest in IT (say, an IT-related hobby or project), be sure to highlight this.
3. Customer Service Experience: Previous experience in customer service, even outside IT, could make you more attractive to the employer as it suggests you can work effectively with people.

Things most novice applicants might miss:

1. Unpaid Position: In all likelihood, novice applicants may ignore the 'No salary offered' clause. This position seems to emphasize gaining experience over monetary benefits.
2. SMS Application: What I have noticed over time is that many novices tend to overlook the importance of following application instructions. This job requires application via text message, which is unique and therefore may be missed.
3. Implicit Skills: This job listing leans heavily on implicit soft skills like communication, presentation, and the ability to work with people. Novices tend to focus on the explicit technical requirements and may ignore the implied interpersonal skills needed.