Job Searching | Cover Letter | How to write a CV | The Interview

   JOB SEARCHING

Well, you have come this far and you obviously have an inkling that you want a new job. So you are ready to go job hunting. To make it effective, it is essential to organise your time, set your goals in what you want and set time aside to pursue the opportunities.

• Remember, if you do not bag the first job, DON'T PANIC - "Rome was not built in a day" and you will get there.
• Increase your chances by circulating more CVs

The AD - The job Profile

• Read the Ad - is this job for you?
• Adapt your CV to focus on your skills and the job requirements.
• Try and find out who will be reading your application.
• If the job ad asks for specific info, remember to highlight it.
• Follow what the employer asks for in completing application forms etc.
• Send a brief cover letter,this is very important.

Networking

We all know people who will know other people who are responsible for filling vacancies or know where there are vacancies. These people are simply your friends, family and acquaintances - they are invaluable in helping you get the job you want.

• A percentage of positions are filled before they are advertised.
• Your contacts may have information on job vacancies.
• Make a hit list of who may know something.
• Network and get to know people in your desired field.
• Put yourself forward - in some cases even work for nothing on a trial basis.
• Distribute your CV in person
• Be bold, relaxed and confident but not pushy. Good Luck!
  

   HOW TO WRITE A COVER LETTER

Your cover letter will be sent with your CV.
It is very important and can make a real difference in securing you that job.

• Cover letters are generally not read during the first candidate selection but will be read at short list stage.
• Your letter should not be a copy of your CV.
• Specify some of your major achievements.
• Make sure your letter is clear, grammatically correct and professionally written - it is your shop window!
• Customise per employer.
• Do not mention salary.
• Don't waffle.
• Be professional.

A sample letter:

Address, Date, Company Name etc.

Dear Sirs,

It has been brought to my attention of the opportunity of 'Sales manager' within your company via Scottishjobsonthe.net. I am very interested in this position because of my qualifications and experience.

I am a graduate from Glasgow University and I am currently employed at CompanyName.

I look forward to further discussions regarding this opportunity and how I could contribute to the success of your company.

Yours sincerely,

Signed

   HOW TO WRITE A CV

CV Heading

In the CV heading you can write general info:
Name, Surname, Local Address, Email Address, Phone Number.

Skills Summary

This section includes your main skills, you should include all your key skills... do not go into detail.
This section is also called personal profile.

CV Objective

This states the next step in your career. Short concise statement informing the employer what kind of position you are looking for - manager, supervisor, administrator etc.
If you are job hunting, it is important to have an adaptable CV when applying for different roles and jobs.

Education on Your CV

List all qualifications - academic and non-academic and also highlight the ones which are relevant to this vacancy. If you have more work experience than qualifications put that first.

References

Two referees go at the end of the CV .
One must be your current/last employer and the other a previous employer or person in a position of responsibility.

   THE INTERVIEW

The Big Day

• Don't chew gum!
• Wear business dress - shoes polished, a must. Shirt and tie for guys, business suit for females.
• Take copies of your CV in a folder.
• Arrive on time.
• Greet the interviewer with a firm handshake and call them by his or her name, Mr or Mrs.
• Wait till you are offered a chair.
• Look alert.
• Focus on the interviewer but not in a stare-out fashion.
• Stress your achievements.
• Be positive and talk clearly - no slang.
• Do not complain about your current employer.
• Do not mention salaries at first interview.

Ice Breakers

The Interviewer may ask you if you had difficulty in finding their premises- do not give a big spiel in answering... nice and simple does it, "No problem at all."
If there is more than one interviewer, give each of them eye contact... this puts everybody at ease.
Keep cool and breath easily!!