Job Application Pack

Job Application Pack

Tasks:

1) Write a CV (resume)

2) Write a job application cover letter

3) Complete a job application form

Inside this pack you will find:

a) Tips for interviews, letters and documents

b) Links to free online learning websites

c) Useful information and background reading

d) Links to Word Lists of the most frequently used words in English

e) Models (examples) of the documents you have to complete

Your work should be printed and submitted to your teacher.

You should keep a hard master copy for your future job applications

RESUME

Why should I use a resume along with my application?

A resume helps Human Resource staff and a hiring manager to determine the skills, experience, and education that you have that are relevant to a job. A well-prepared resume makes your application look more professional and you can use a resume to help demonstrate your communication skills.

What should I include in my resume?

Use your resume in your job search. Include relevant job history, education, volunteer experience, and memberships/associations. Use your resume to highlight important work experience and skills. You do not need to include information regarding marital status, parental status, religious affiliation, photos, age, or weight as this information is likely to be on a job application form.

Resume Language

Use action verbs such as “developed,” “managed,” “coordinated,” and “maintained.”

Don’t use “I” to start every sentence.

Use your own words to explain your experience

Proofread your writing carefully!

Resume Information

Keep your name, phone number and address up-to-date.

Include dates of employment in a day/month/year format (for example: 25/05/02 – 04/08/02).

Include references. Use a separate sheet if necessary.

Resume Appearance

Use 3cm. margins on all sides.

Use a standard font that is easy to read.

Use bold font and italics to highlight information.

Make sure to leave some white space between sections.

Your resume can be longer than one page. A good rule is one page for each ten years of work history.

Look at these websites for examples:

http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/templates/CT101448941033.aspx

http://www.jobweb.com/resumes.aspx?folderid=116

http://www.resumetemplates.org/templates/

Resume checklist:

COVER LETTER

Why should I include a cover letter along with my application?

A cover letter can be a helpful tool to present your skills. Use a cover letter to show how your skills are appropriate for a job. A cover letter can also be used as a marketing tool – think of it as your personal sales brochure! You should enclose or attach a cover letter every time you send a resume.

Can I use one standard cover letter on each of my applications?

You will need to submit a separate cover letter with each set of application materials. Since the cover letter is a way to help interest employers in your skills and how they are suited to the particular job, it is a good idea to customize your cover letter for each position that you apply for.

What information do I include in my cover letter?

Identify the job for which you are applying. Include the title and vacancy number.

Mention where you found out about the job (newspaper ad, web page, etc.). If you were referred by someone, you should mention that person.

Briefly highlight your skills and experience. Don’t include all of the information found on your resume.

Tell the hiring supervisor what he/she will gain by hiring you.

Close the letter by stating what you would like to happen next. Mention where you can be reached by phone or email.

Your cover letter should be in standard business letter format (see below).

You should also include a cover letter if you submit your materials by e mail.

Model for a Cover Letter

Contact information

Address
City and post code
Phone Number
Email Address

Date

Employer Contact Information (if you have it)

Name
Title
Company
Address
City and post code

Salutation
Dear Mr. / Mrs. / Ms. + Last Name or Dear Sir or Madam, (if you don’t know the person’s name)

Body of Cover Letter
The body of your cover letter lets the employer know what position you are applying for, why the employer should select you for an interview, and how you will follow-up.

First Paragraph
The first paragraph of your letter should include information about why you are writing. Mention the position you are applying for and where you found the job listing. Include the name of a mutual contact, if you have one.

Middle Paragraph(s)
The next section of your cover letter should describe what you have to offer the employer. Mention specifically how your qualifications match the job you are applying for. Remember, you are interpreting your resume, not repeating it.

Final Paragraph
Conclude your cover letter by thanking the employer for considering you for the position. Include information on how you will follow-up.

Complimentary Close

Respectfully yours,

Signature

Handwritten Signature (for a mailed letter)

For samples see: http://jobsearch.about.com/od/coverlettersamples/a/recentgrad.htm

INTERVIEWING
A job interview is a chance to impress the interviewer with your skills and confidence. These few simple steps can help you prepare.

Before the Interview:

Review the job duties included in the Vacancy Notice.

Research the department.

Dress professionally. Don’t wear too much perfume or cologne.

Take extra copies of your resume.

Take a pen and paper to write down any information you might need to remember.

Prepare a few questions to ask the interviewer.

Prepare answers to any questions you think you might be asked

(See sample questions below).

At the Interview:

Arrive on time. Try to be a few minutes early if possible.

Try to relax. Be yourself.

Show self-confidence – make eye contact; answer questions in a clear voice.

Remember to listen.

Think before answering questions. Try to make your answers as clear as possible.

Avoid negative body language – crossing your arms, swinging your foot or leg, slouching, covering your mouth while speaking.

When given a chance, ask any questions that you have prepared in advance. You can also follow up on anything that the interviewer tells you during the interview.

After the Interview:

End the interview with a handshake and thank the interviewer for his or her time.

Find out when the department plans to make a hiring decision.

Follow up with a short “thank you for the interview” note.

Common Interview Questions

Tell me about yourself.
Tell me what interested you in this job.
Why did you leave your last job?
What are some of your strengths?
What are some of your weaknesses?
Describe your style of work.

Do you prefer to work by yourself or with others?
What are your career plans? Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
What supervisory experience have you had?
Tell me about your favourite supervisor.
Why should I hire you?

Questions for an Applicant to ask in the Interview

What level of responsibility can I expect in this position?

Why is this job available?

What training programs do you have for new employees?

Is there a typical career path for a person in this position?

How are employees evaluated?

Do you like working here?

Tell me about a typical day in this department.

If there are any words you do not understand, try to find their meaning.

http://dictionary.reference.com/

http://thesaurus.reference.com

Fifty Interview Questions

Imagine you are in a job interview and try to answer these questions.

1. Tell me about yourself

This is the most often asked question in interviews. You need to have a short statement prepared in your mind. Be careful that it does not sound rehearsed. Limit it to work-related items unless instructed otherwise. Talk about things you have done and jobs you have held that relate to the position you are interviewing for. Start with the item farthest back and work up to the present.
2. Why did you leave your last job?

Stay positive regardless of the circumstances. Never refer to a major problem with management and never say bad things about supervisors, co-workers or the organization. If you do, you will be the one looking bad. Keep smiling and talk about leaving for a positive reason such as an opportunity, a chance to do something special or other forward-looking reasons.
3. What experience do you have in this field?

Speak about specifics that relate to the position you are applying for. If you do not have specific experience, describe your participation in any clubs or societies.
4. Do you consider yourself successful?

You should always answer yes and briefly explain why. A good explanation is that you have set goals, and you have met some and are on track to achieve the others.
5. What do co-workers say about you?

Be prepared with a quote or two from co-workers. Either a specific statement or a paraphrase will work.
6. What do you know about this organization?

This question is one reason to do some research on the organization before the interview. Find out where they have been and where they are going. What are the current issues and who are the major players?

7. What have you done to improve your knowledge in the last year?

Try to include improvement activities that relate to the job. A wide variety of activities can be mentioned as positive self-improvement. Have some good ones handy to mention.
8. Are you applying for other jobs?

Be honest but do not spend a lot of time in this area. Keep the focus on this job and what you can do for this organization. Anything else is a distraction.
9. Why do you want to work for this organization?

This may take some thought and certainly, should be based on the research you have done on the organization. Sincerity is extremely important here and will easily be sensed. Relate it to your long-term career goals.
10. Do you know anyone who works for us?

Be aware of the policy on relatives working for the organization. This can affect your answer even though they asked about friends not relatives. Be careful to mention a friend only if they are well thought of.

11. What kind of salary do you need?

Say something like, ‘That's a difficult question’. Can you tell me the range for this position? In most cases, the interviewer, taken off guard, will tell you. If not, say that it can depend on the details of the job. Do not be too greedy and ask for too much, but try to make sure that you get a fair wage.
12. Are you a team player?

You are, of course, a team player. Be sure to have examples ready. Deatils that show you often perform for the good of the team rather than for yourself are good evidence of your team attitude. Do not brag. Just say it in a matter-of-fact tone. This is a key point.
13. How long would you expect to work for us if hired?

Details here are not good. Something like this should work: I'd like it to be a long time. Or as long as we both feel I'm doing a good job.

14. Have you ever had to fire anyone? How did you feel about that?

This is serious. Do not make light of it or in any way seem like you like to fire people. At the same time, you will do it when it is the right thing to do. When it comes to the organization versus the individual who has created a harmful situation, you will protect the organization. Remember firing is not the same as layoff or reduction in force.
15. What is your philosophy towards work?

The interviewer is not looking for a long explanation here. Do you have strong feelings that the job gets done? Yes. That's the type of answer that works best here: short and positive, showing a benefit to the organization.
16. If you had enough money to retire right now, would you?

Answer yes if you would. But since you need to work, this is the type of work you prefer. Do not say yes if you do not mean it.

17. Have you ever been asked to leave a position?

If you have not, say no. If you have, be honest, brief and avoid saying negative things about the people or organization involved.
18. Explain how you would be an asset to this organization

You should be anxious for this question. It gives you a chance to highlight your best points as they relate to the position being discussed. Give a little advance thought to this relationship.
19. Why should we hire you?

Point out how your assets meet what the organization needs. Do not mention any other candidates to make a comparison.
20. Tell me about a suggestion you have made

Have a good one ready. Be sure and use a suggestion that was accepted and was then considered successful. One related to the type of work applied for is a real plus.

21. What irritates you about co-workers?

This is a trap question. Think real hard but fail to come up with anything that irritates you. A short statement that you seem to get along with folks is great.

22. What is your greatest strength?

Numerous answers are good, just stay positive. A few good examples: Your ability to prioritize, Your problem-solving skills, Your ability to work under pressure, Your ability to focus on projects, Your professional expertise, Your leadership skills, Your positive attitude .

23. Tell me about your dream job.

Stay away from a specific job. You cannot win. If you say the job you are contending for is it, you strain credibility. If you say another job is it, you plant the suspicion that you will be dissatisfied with this position if hired. The best is to stay genetic and say something like: A job where I love the work, like the people, can contribute and can't wait to get to work.
24. Why do you think you would do well at this job?

Give several reasons and include skills, experience and interest.

25. What are you looking for in a job?

See answer # 23

26. What kind of person would you refuse to work with?