Careers

 

Careers

Search and Survive - Part 2

Advice for Job Seekers

3. Finding the job

In this section:

 

In the previous sections we looked at how to determine the type of job you might want. Now we are moving on, assuming you now have a target in mind.

Background Research On Prospective Employers

It is unwise to complete an employer's application form without first finding out as much information as possible about the organisation. Even worse, you give yourself no chance if you go to an interview without such essential preparation. Much can be found out by consulting reference books and newspapers in public libraries.

However, Annual Reports may be more appropriate reading. You can find out details such as profit and loss figures, and predictions for the next year. You must think about what you find out, and use this knowledge to your advantage in your dealings with the organisation. Below is a chart to copy and to record important information on employers: regard this as an absolute minimum. You cannot know too much about a firm, and this is even truer when you are competing for a more senior position. Here are some of the key questions you should ask yourself when researching the background of prospective employers:

  • How does the organisation's performance rate against that of its competitors locally, nationally and internationally?
  • What future can be predicted for this employer in 1, 5 or possibly 10 years' time?
  • What is the organisation's weakest point, and how would this affect me, as an employee?
  • Is there a 'larger than life' character I should know about in the organisation (particularly important in a private company)?
  • Now, think of three more general questions (of your own) to really test the standing of each employer.

The list below can be used on most employers. Try the exercise, using various companies you have researched.

  1. Prospective Employer
  2. Business
  3. History
  4. Sites
  5. No. Of Staff
  6. Image (Subjective)
  7. Profit (Trend)
  8. Turnover
  9. Capital Employed Capital Invested
  10. Share Price (trend)
  11. Press Comment Chief Executive
  12. Current Highlights
  13. Additional Information
  14. Contribution you could make

Completing Application Forms & CVs

Aim

Gain interview. Set up the best possible interview situation

Preparation

  • Gather information about the company.
  • Are you eligible for this position?
  • Do you have enough experience?
  • If in doubt, do apply, using the employer's own form, if available.
  • Can you apply online? If a form is not specified, prepare a CV (see below)

 

Forms

As soon as you receive the form make at least one photocopy of it. Draft answers to every question before writing on form, then transfer them to a copy to ensure you are making best use of all possible space. Remember the following:

  • Careful handwriting (or use a word processor)
  • Answer all questions; leave nothing blank unless you are positive that it does not apply to you.
  • Always give full address, including postcode
  • Explain any odd dates for exams etc. (e.g. re-takes or periods of illness)
  • Expand on degree options
  • Always highlight prizes or awards
  • School career - options, interests, responsibilities
  • University career - options, interests, responsibilities
  • How do you spend your holidays?
  • Do not exaggerate: be knowledgeable on all entries on the form
  • Get referees' permission to use their names

 

CVs

  • Essential for speculative applications
  • Legibility. Must be typed: an attractive layout is essential - use a word-processor to give a more professional appearance
  • Sections should cover: biographical details, education/qualifications, work experience, skills, interests and referees (a minimum of two referees is required)
  • Highlight successes, contributions to profit etc.
  • Avoid simply listing positions
  • The length should ideally be no more than two sheets of A4
  • More experienced candidates may need several versions of their CV: even people with little experience should tailor their CV to specific opportunities.

 

Covering Letters

  • Every form or CV should be accompanied by a letter
  • Word processed or careful handwriting
  • Use good quality plain A4 paper
  • Highlight your strengths
  • Show how well suited you are for the particular job
  • Be positive and confidently expect an interview!
  • Check for incorrect spellings and grammatical errors
  • Begin the letter with information relevant to the position

Go to Part 3


 

 

^ To the top ^

 
Artwork | Image by Fred Swist