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Section2 Applying For
A Job
Application Forms
Letters of Application
Cover Letters
How to apply by
phone.
Application Forms
Many
companies use their own application forms even though you
may have already forwarded them a copy of your C.V.
An
application form was never meant to become an end
to itself, it was invented to ensure that all the standard
pieces of information were gathered together and that interview
time was saved for other matters.
So,
when you are filling in a form, it is important to know
as much as you can about how it will be used and interpreted
by the firm it is meant for.
It
should not be filled in blindly but bearing in mind its
purpose.
TIPS
FOR FILLING IN FORMS
1. Read everything before writing
anything. This helps avoid repetitions of information and
other mistakes.
2. Make sure you have the correct
form and that you know what you have to fill in and what
to leave blank.
3. Do a rough copy first - lightly
pencil in your answers.
4. Do not leave the form lying around,
start to fill it in shortly after receiving it.
5. When you have finished your practice
version, ask someone to check it for spelling and other
problems.
6.
Know what the terms mean exactly.
7. Make sure your facts are correct,
true and up to date (refer to C.V.)
8. Keep the form clean and tidy.
9. Use black or blue ink. Sometimes
it will say on the application form to use black ink only
or write in capitals.
10. Send the form back in time and
to the proper person.
11. If requested, send proof of age,
qualifications etc., but only send photocopies unless the
originals are requested.
12. If you feel that the application
form does not give you a chance to present your case for
getting the job, then add a short note giving the extra
information.
13. Sending an application form does
not mean that you will automatically get the job. Keep applying
for other positions.
Letters
of Application
There
are a number of different situations where you have to write
a letter in connection with a job. For example:
You
may want to obtain information or clarification.
You
may be asking if the firm has any vacancies.
You
may be asking for an application form.
You
may be actually applying in the letter itself.
You
may be writing in connection with an interview.
Later
on, you may be writing to accept or turn down a vacancy
which has been offered to you.
Some
Tips for Writing Letters to Employers
1.
Know why you are writing in the first place.
2.
Know as much as possible about the firm.
3.
Do a practice letter first and ask someone to check it for
you.
4.Use
good writing paper and envelopes. Use a large unlined sheet
of note-paper if possible.
5.Use
a good pen , preferably dark ink (or type the letter).
6.Use
any reference codes, if requested by the firm.
7.Spell
correctly and take no chances with names.
8.Follow
the normal rules for letter-writing. That means putting
the addresses, greetings etc. in the proper places.
9.Make
your layout and handwriting as clear as possible.
10.Keep
the letter brief and to the point.
11.Have
someone check your work afterwards.
12.Enclose
a S.A.E. (stamped addressed envelope)
13.Post
as soon as possible - but always on time and with the proper
postage stamps.
Cover
Letters
A
cover letter must always accompany a C.V. Sometimes it is
also wise to include one when sending an application form,
especially when you have had limited previous correspondence
with the organisation to which you are applying.
The
purpose of the cover letter is to introduce you to the recruiter
and to encourage the recruiter to read your attached C.V.
or application form. You must give thought and attention
to writing the cover letter. It is a vital component of
the selection process.
As
with interviews, the objective of your cover letter and
Curriculum Vitae is to point out all the relevant and necessary
information that show you are worth considering for the
job.
Writing
a cover letter
Cover
letters should be brief, not exceeding one A4 size sheet
of high quality paper. If your handwriting is neat then
it is good to write the cover letter by hand, supported
by a typed C.V. If your handwriting is poor then you should
have the cover letter typed.
You
should always follow standard letter writing conventions.
However, you need to bear in mind a number of additional
guidelines.
Always
write a rough draft first.
Keep
it clear and to the point.
State
explicitly the post for which you are applying and any reference
numbers quoted in the advertisement.
Stress
the factors relevant to the application such as your previous
work experience, skills, knowledge, interests, aptitudes
etc.
Include
relevant information not given in your C.V., such as your
motivation for applying.
Making
applications is important and normally you will have just
one opportunity to be called for interview. If your application
is poorly completed, if your C.V. is badly laid-out and
your cover letter not stimulating, then it is unlikely that
you will be called for interview. If you pay careful attention
to succeeding at the pre-selection stage, however, you could
be well rewarded by being offered an interview.
Applying by phone
Sometimes
a job advertisement will ask you to "phone for an
interview". This saves the employer time and money,
- as there is no need to open numerous written replies to
advertisements and it also gives them an opportunity to
hear how you sound over the telephone.
Phoning
a potential employer can be a little daunting. However,
preparation will make the task easier. You may even succeed
in creating a positive impression on the potential employer
and get yourself that all important interview.
Some
tips:
1.
Write down:-
- the name of the person you want to talk to
- the job you are phoning about
- some reasons why you are applying for the job
- some questions you could ask about the job
2.Take the advert and a pen and paper with you.
3.If
you are phoning from a pay phone, make sure that you have
enough change with you, remember that you need 30p
to make a local call from a pay phone
4.Speak
clearly and politely - don't shout.
5.Introduce
yourself.
6.Ask
for the person you want to talk to and give the extension
number if there is one.
7.Explain
the job you are applying for.
8.Speak
confidently - make sure you say 'YES' as opposed to 'Yeah'.
Ask questions if you don't understand anything about the
job description being given to you.
9.Never
smoke or eat while speaking on the telephone.
10.Be
ready to answer any questions about the job and yourself
should you be asked.
11.Don't
interrupt the person to whom you are speaking.
12.Write
down any information you are given over the phone eg. place,
date and time of interview.
13.If
you don't hear what the person is saying, don't be afraid
to ask him/her to repeat it.
14.If
you get cut off by accident it is up to you, as the person
who made the call, to make the call again.
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