Skill Focus: How to apply for a Job
1. Your Letter Of Application
Avoid applying for jobs for which you are obviously unqualified. For example, if the advertisement says that applicants must have a degree, and you have not, then applying for job is a waste of your time.
Remember these points about writing a letter of application.
i. Your letter should be formal. It should be properly set out in block style, written on a plain piece of note paper in your best handwriting, in blue or black ink.
See below the style of a formal letter
ii. Badly written or spelt letters, letters in pencil and letters written on exercise book paper are liable to be ignored.
iii. Avoid being either pompous or servile. Educated people are impressed by clear, well-written letters that show both self-respect and courtesy. Here are some examples of expressions that are best avoided:
– I have the honour respectfully to beg… Do not use these old-fashioned expressions; and only beggars beg.
– Do not promise to work … ‘loyally and conscientiously’. This might be taken for granted.
When writing an application letter you should include:
Subject (for an email letter)
List the job you are applying for and your name in the Subject Line of your email message, so the employer is clear as to what job you are interested in and who you are.
Greeting
Begin your letter greeting with “Dr./Mr./Ms.
Last Name.” If you do not know the employer’s last name, simply write “Dear Hiring Manager, Dear Human Resources Manager” or leave the greeting off the letter and start with the first paragraph.
Body of Letter
- First Paragraph: Why you are writing – mention the job you are applying for and where you found the listing.
- Middle Paragraph(s): What you have to offer the employer – mention why your skills and experience are a good fit for the job.
- Last Paragraph: Say thank you to the hiring manager for considering you and note how you will follow up.
Signature
End your cover letter with your signature, handwritten, followed by your typed name.
2. Writing A Curriculum Vitae (CV)
A Curriculum Vitae should be set out very neatly and clearly. If possible, it should be typed, ideally on a word-processor, so that it can easily be updated or re-written whenever necessary.
Young people writing their first CV are often daunted by their lack of experience. The main thing at this stage is to do your best to ‘sell’ yourself by including everything you have done.
Curriculum Vitae: an outline of a person’s educational and professional history, usually prepared for job applications. Another name for a CV is a résumé.
A CV is the most flexible and convenient way to make applications. It conveys your personal details in the way that presents you in the best possible light. A CV is a marketing document in which you are marketing something: yourself!!! You need to “sell” your skills, abilities, qualifications and experience to employers. It can be used to make multiple applications to employers in a specific career area.
A CV should list these things:
- Full name in block letters
- Date of Birth
- Address and Telephone number
- Education – Names of schools attended with dates and examinations passed with grades
- Experience – In both part – time and full – time work. Mention any voluntary or part – time work: all experience is useful
- Interests and Hobbies – Employers like to see candidates that you think the employer may find interesting or useful.
- Other Information – Include any information that you think the employer may find useful.
- Skills – Employers value skills at least as much as academic qualifications, so mention anything that is relevant – typing, computer skills, driving, inter-personal skills
- Referees – Two names are normally required, one from a former employer and one from a former principal, a respected member of the community is also appropriate to vouch for your personal qualities.
There is no single “correct” way to write and present a CV but the following general rules apply:
- It is targeted on the specific job or career area for which you are applying and brings out the relevant skills you have to offer
- It is carefully and clearly laid out: logically ordered, easy to read and not cramped
- It is informative but concise
- It is accurate in content, spelling and grammar. If you mention attention to detail as a skill, make sure your spelling and grammar is perfect!
