Applying for a job
If you want to apply for a job you must think of your weaknesses and strengths, likes and dislikes, skills and capabilities in order to decide what sort of work you want to do. When searching for a job you can buy a local newspaper or ask your friends, parents or neighbours, go to an employment agency or listen to local radio station to learn about vacancies. If you hear of something interesting, you should make an application.
In this application you should give the most necessary data: personal information or curriculum vitae and a separate letter asking for this job. In this letter you must specify what post you want to apply for and give the best justification, namely the reasons why you are the most suitable candidate for this job. You can write about your education and qualifications. If it is not your first job you should add a brief description of the duties and achievements in your previous jobs. Write why you are interested in this job. References from your previous employers are excellent evidence of your good work and proper attitude.
The other paper is the curriculum vitae which should contain the following particulars: your name, address and phone number, date and place of birth, marital status, number of children, education and employment background. A health certificate is also important in some jobs. You can add some relevant information e.g. knowledge of foreign languages, voluntary work, interests and features of character.
All those pieces of information are considered by the employer before he asks you to come for an interview. You must remember to write true and correct information not to misled your future employer.
2. Interview
An interview is a meeting between you – a person who applies for a job, and you future employer or his representative. For the employee the aim of the interview is to get an interesting and well-paid job, and for the employer, to find the most satisfactory employee. Both of them want the interview to be successful, and if they talk sincerely they have a chance to succeed.
You, as an applicant, should try to make a good impression. If it is possible find out from the employment agency, or contacts at the firm, friends etc., any information about the company and the person who will be your boss, this gives you an advantage in preparing for the interview.
Very important at interviews is the first impression. Most important is appearance, this means cleanliness together with smart clothes. This does not necessarily mean expensive clothes, but clothes of good appearance. Above all don’t forget shoes! Many applicants have lost a job because although wearing a smart suit or dress, they wore dirty shoes or jogging shoes for their interview. Finally a nice smile on your face – look happy to be there, not terrified, and when you talk, speak slowly, and clearly. If you stutter and do not articulate you certainly won’t get the job!
Punctuality is of paramount importance, this means BE ON TIME! Not 10 minutes early, and certainly not late, but quite simply knocking on the door at exactly the appointed time. You should bring a pen as you will probably have to fill out an application form. You must not have chewing gum in your mouth, suck sweets or smoke during an interview. You must remember to bring school certificates or certificates of graduation from training courses, letters of reference. You must not drink alcohol before an interview as it may make you either too sleepy, aggressive or too excited and loud, and the odour of beer will certainly not be appreciated by your future employer.
An interview takes the form of many questions and answers. Let the interviewer ask questions first without interruption, and make your answers in a polite and sincere way. Be clear and concise when answering questions. Do not say only “yes” or “no”, give a full explanation when necessary and never shrug your shoulders, yawn or fidget. At the very beginning do not forget to shake hands with the interviewer providing he or she offers their hand, and be sure your handshake is firm and not a “wet fish” handshake. Also sit down only when you are invited to.
Listen carefully when the employer talks about your duties. Show how much you are interested in them, and ask polite questions, if you want to know more. If it turns out you do not know how to use a computer for example, be honest and say so, but assure the interviewer of your willingness to learn. Talk about your schooling and skills, and about your previous jobs in positive way. Never criticize your previous bosses, and at the end of the interview don’t be afraid to ask any questions you may have regarding salary, working hours, holidays etc. do not be disappointed if the interviewer does not tell you the job is yours, he may well have many more candidates yet to see, before making a decision. If the answer is positive, ask when and what time you should commence. If the answer is negative do not complain or worry, try again in another place. By applying for jobs and going for interviews you also acquire experience.