EmploymentIf you'd like to find out more about employment, follow these links... Need Advice?Call: 0808 00 13-2-19 Text: 077664 13-2-19 Chat/Email:
Applying for a JobWhen applying for jobs, always make copies of application forms, your CV or a letter - so that you know what you said if you get called to an interview. Always get someone to check your application, CV or letter for you - your Personal Adviser can do this. Application FormsBefore you start:Read the instructions! You may be asked to write in CAPITALS and even in a certain colour of ink Photocopy the blank form before you start and do a practice run. Ask someone to check it for you before you do it for real, making sure the spelling and grammar are correct. Filling in the application form:
Before you send the form back:Take a photocopy! This will come in handy if you get invited to an interview as you can refer back to your answers. Online Application FormsMany employers now ask that you fill out an application form online. If you need to do this, make sure you are prepared by having your CV to hand. Follow the instructions very carefully and be aware that you might get ‘timed out’ of your session. Before you submit the form take a copy! You may be able to save the form to your computer or print off a hard copy for checking and to look at if you are offered an interview. Curriculum Vitae (CV)What is a CV?A CV is a way of advertising yourself so that employers will want to meet you. A CV should be sent out with a covering letter (wherever asked for - see Letters). What should a CV include?CVs include:
If you haven't done much paid work, highlight any relevant skills you've gained through work experience, voluntary placements or your own interests. See Volunteering and Personal Development for more info. If you are responding to a job advert, make sure you show how you meet the things they want, and highlight any relevant skills and experience in the CV or the covering letter you send with it. How should a CV look?Your CV should always be typed (this way you can also keep a copy and adjust/update it as necessary)
Connexions can provide help on writing CVs. Call in at your local centre. Remember, CVs can be sent out speculatively to a company even if they aren't advertising jobs. Click here to download an Example CV in word format LettersIf you are writing to a named person, then finish the letter with 'Yours sincerely'. If you are not writing to a named person, start the letter with 'Dear Sir/Madam' and end with 'Yours faithfully'. Always include your full address and do get the spelling and grammar in your letter checked. (your Personal Adviser can help you with this) Covering letterThis is the letter to send out with your CV. Keep it short and simple, remembering that most of the important info is already in your CV Include the title of the job vacancy, details of where you saw it advertised Remember that most of the important information is already in your CV. Requesting Information LetterIf a job advert asks you to write for more information or an application form, remember to mention the title of the job you're writing about (include the reference number on the advert if there is one) and where you saw the vacancy advertised. Also, check the advert to see who you should write to for information. Make sure to include this person's name at the beginning of your letter and on the envelope. Speculative LetterNot all vacancies are advertised. You can try writing to a company or organisation that you are interested in working for. If there is no vacancy, they may keep speculative letters on file and contact you when one comes up. Keep the letter clear and simple, including details of the type of job you're interested in. Also, remember to send a copy of your CV with the letter. Telephone CallsIf a job advert asks you to call the employer for more information:
|
|