Job Search

1
Job Search
2
USING THE TELEPHONE ?

• Ringing up the employer
•  
•  Be prepared know whom you want to speak to.
• Be organised, have a copy of the advert with
  you and a pen and paper to write down details.
• Do not ring from a noisy, busy place.
• Be confident know what you are going to say.
• Ask for details of the vacancy and an
  application form, and give your full address
  spelling any difficult place names.
• Dont forget to say thank you before you hang
  up.

3
FILLING OUT AN APPLICATION FORM

• Many employers expect candidates for a job to
  fill in an application form. The application
  form is used to decide which candidates to
  interview. Many people who apply will not be
  interviewed and they will be rejected on the
  basis of their application form alone.  
• Remember that by allowing yourself plenty of
  time and following a few simple guidelines, you
  can produce an application form that gives you
  the best chance of getting an interview.
• It is all about following instructions and can
  be seen as a pre-interview test.

4

• Presentation 
• Keep the form clean and tidy
• Photocopy your application form to practise
  with, as mistakes can be made
• It is good practice not to use Tipp-Ex type
  solution on application forms as this can make
  the application look messy
• Follow instructions. Applications forms usually
  state, which format to follow i.e. Use block
  letters. Read all supporting information forms.
  (This is for photocopying purposes).
• Do not enclose a CV if the instructions say they
  are not to be sent or your application will not
  be considered.

5

• References
• Remember if you are asked to give references
  make sure you have their permission first. One
  should be an academic reference such as your
  course tutor and another should be a previous
  employer or another adult who knows you very well
  (but not a member of your family).

6

• Checking 
• Always proof read your rough draft with a
  friend, relative or New Dimensions Employment
  Adviser as they may be able to pick up any
  mistakes you might have missed. They may even be
  able to suggest better ways of structuring your
  sentences.
• Remember to sign and date your application form
  before returning it.
• Keep a photocopy of the form, as you will need
  to look at it again if you are invited for an
  interview.
• Return the form well before the closing date as
  you cannot afford to miss out on a job
  opportunity

7
PREPARING YOUR C.V. ?

• A well produced CV (Curriculum Vitae) is becoming
  more important as increasing numbers of employers
  are asking job seekers to provide one when
  applying for a job. You can also send it to
  employers who have not yet advertised a vacancy.
•  There are different ways in which you can
  present your C.V. No one way is better than the
  rest but it is important to make your C.V.
  personal to you and to make it interesting and
  attractive to the reader. It is important to
  bear in mind that an employer may have a number
  of other candidates applying for the same job as
  you.

8
Layout

• Your C.V. should be
•         Well designed and presented
•         Word processed or typed
•         A maximum of 2 sides
•         Concise, to the point and factual
•         Targeted at employers need/job
• description.

9

• Before you send off your C.V., you must
• have it checked for spelling, grammar and
• layout.
• If using a computer always spell check it. A
  Study Coach will be happy to check through your
  C.V. for you and give you any additional advice
  and information you require to make the best of
  your C.V.

10
? WHAT SHOULD YOU INCLUDE? ? 

• Personal Details
• Full name, address and telephone number, date of
  birth. Nationality and gender are optional.
• Personal Profile This is the section where you
  sell yourself to the employer. You can change
  your profile to suit any job that your applying
  for. Remember your C.V. is a working document
  and should be updated regularly.

11

• Skills Include keyboard skills with speeds,
  knowledge of software package, any languages that
  you can speak, etc.
• EducationQualifications School/college/universi
  ty attended with dates. Qualifications gained
  include grades and dates.
• Work Experience Including full time, vocation
  and part-time work, paid and voluntary. For each
  job include the name of the employer, dates, job
  title, duties and responsibilities undertaken.
  Experience should run in chronological order
  (most recent job or work experience first).

12

• Interests Activities e.g. Sporting activities.
• Referees One should be an academic person who
  can comment on your education the other should
  be an employer or friend of the family. Quote
  their occupation and job title. (Always
  ask permission beforehand.)

13

• What is a personal profile
• A personal profile is a written description of
  your personal qualities and attributes that can
  help make you an interesting, suitable and
  attractive applicant for the job. It neednt be
  more than 4 5 lines long and should use
  appropriate language which is relevant to the
  job. Personal profiles can be adapted for
  different situations but there are certain
  attributes and qualities that employers are
  usually always on the look-out for. For example 
•         Hard-working
•         Well-motivated
•         Flexible
•         Willingness to learn

14
WRITING A COVERING LETTER

• When applying for a job with a CV, you may be
  asked to include a covering letter.
• Read the job description carefully and target
  your letter to the job you are applying for. You
  should draw together the evidence as to why you
  are a suitable candidate.

15

• The Letter Should
• Be clear and concise
• State the job you are applying for and any
  reference number
• Show that you understand what the job involves
  and, if possible, reflect your knowledge of the
  company you are sending it to
•  Give your reasons for applying for the position
•  Dont repeat your CV but refer to points on
  your CV for the employer to note
•  Target your skills and achievements to the
  companys requirements
•  Say why you are a suitable candidate for the
  job and not what you hope to gain from the
  employer
• Say when you are available for interview

16
? INTERVIEW GUIDELINES ?

• On receiving the letter inviting you to attend an
  interview, telephone the company to let the
  company know you intend to be there. This also
  provides a useful opportunity to confirm travel
  arrangements eg. Which tube/bus route to take,
  parking availability if travelling by car etc. 
• Find out about the company.
• Prepare questions you expect to be asked and
  practice giving answers to these.

17

• Questions you could ask the employer
• What activities does your company deal with?
•  How many people work for your organisation?
•  Is there a dress code?
•  Is there any further training provided for
  staff?
•  How many hours would I work per week?
•  Is there parking availability for staff?
•  If the position is offered to me when could I
  start?
•  What kind of promotion prospects can you offer?
•  Who will I report directly to?

18

• Dress Appropriately .
• If you look good you will feel good and behave
  more confidently. A general guideline for an
  interview is to keep your dress code formal and
  smart until you know otherwise.
•  
• Arrive Punctually.
• Leave your coat, umbrella etc. at reception if
  possible so that you are not carrying lots of
  belongings. (It is always polite to ask first)

19

• Greet your interviewer
• After being shown to the interview room, greet
  interviewer in a friendly manner
• e.g. good morning, its nice to meet you.
• Body language
• Be Positive you wouldnt really have been
  invited for an interview if you didnt suit their
  requirements so youve done really well to get
  this far!
•  Answer the questions concisely.
• Dont drift into irrelevant issues. All the
  interviewer wants to know is that you have the
  competence to deal with what the job entails. Be
  professional!

20

• As the interview is drawing to a close
• Remember to ask when can I expect to hear from
  you ?
• Thank the interviewer for his/her time.
• Do not re-enter the room after you have left.
•  Jot down any points.
•  After leaving the premises, try to note down any
  points that may be useful if you are called back
  for a second interview or for reference for
  future interviews.

21
JOB HUNTING TIPS

• Try looking in newspapers
•  Employment agencies / Job Centre / College
  Employment Service / Careers Service / Friends
•  Speculative approach / The Internet

22

• ? The Internet !!?
•  
• Have you thought of using the Internet as part of
  your job search?
• All you need is a copy of your CV on disc, and as
  college students you all have access to
  Computers.
• Why not surf the net and see what you can find.
• Below is a list of useful websites

23
(No Transcript)
24
(No Transcript)