Job Seeking Tips

Enquiring about Job Vacancies

Once you have identified a job that appeals to you and suits your experience and training, the first step is usually to make an enquiry over the telephone.

Keep in mind the following when ringing prospective employers or job agencies:

• First impressions count. Your initial phone enquiry is your first opportunity to make a good impression.
• Try to convey your enthusiasm in your voice as the person on the other end of the phone cannot see you!
• If you are nervous, consider calling a supportive friend first and go through a "practice enquiry" with them. Get them to ask you the kind of questions a potential employer might ask you over the telephone, so that you can practice your answers.
• Remember to have a pen and paper handy before you call so that you can write down any instructions given about applying for the position.

Your resume and covering letter

Before applying for a job, you need to have your resume ready. A resume can also be referred to as a Curriculum Vitae. A well written resume provides prospective employers with information about you and your suitability for the job, in a professional, structured way. It is useful for both the employer in finding out about your education and experience, and is also a handy reference tool for you to refer to in job interviews (especially if you are asked about dates and other information).

The following is a guide to the kind of information you should include in your resume, under distinct headings.

• Name
  
• Address
  
• Contact Number
  
• Date of Birth
  
• Education
• Your school education
• Further education undertaken
  
• Training
• Any further training you have undertaken since leaving school
  
• Work Experience
• Details of work experience you may have undertaken while still at school, or part-time jobs you may have had, such as working at the local supermarket, or a newspaper round, etc.
  
• Hobbies and Interests
• This is optional, but a brief list of your hobbies and interests can sometimes help break the ice in an interview, and also helps give the prospective employer some more information about you. Include in here club memberships, sporting achievements, etc.
  
• References
  • Include a list of names of people who are happy to act as a referee for you. You can also attach copies of written references to your resume (make sure you keep the originals).
    
• Covering Letter
• A covering letter is attached to your CV. The letter should be brief and to the point. It is written as a structured, formal letter, and will include the name of the position you are applying for, and a brief sentence or two on why you should be considered for the position.

Preparing for the Interview

• Dress well: wear smart casual clothes, such as clean new jeans or trousers, shoes and an ironed shirt (it is not necessary to wear a tie unless you are applying for a position in an office).
• Grooming: pay particular attention to your personal grooming.
• Arrive five to ten minutes early. Ask for directions and check a map before you go.
• Be polite, positive and friendly and smile during the job interview.
• Be confident. Give a firm handshake, relaxed smile and make eye contact and say your name first "Hi I'm John, it's nice to meet you".
• Practise what to say in your interview and talk about your skills. Think about the kind of questions you might be asked, and practise a few answers, e.g., when asked "tell me about yourself", your answer should include a little about your background, but you also need to talk about your skills, how much you like your course (if applicable), any sports you play etc.
• Have examples ready of how you may have handled difficult situations or difficult customers in past jobs,
• At the end of the interview, be sure to shake hands again, say "Thank-you for meeting me today and by the way, I would really like to work here".

Try and try again
It is important to approach every interview confidently and think and speak positively about how keen you are to work. If you have any questions about your interview, please do talk to the team at WORKCO Limited; we are here to help!

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