To obtain satisfactory results you must plan your strategy thoughtfully and efficiently and make the most of any opportunities available.
This leaflet suggests:
– where you can look for job vacancies
– how to set out letters of application
– how to complete application forms
– how to prepare your curriculum vitae (CV)
WHERE TO LOOK FOR JOB VACANCIESJob hunting is a full-time activity and needs self-discipline to keep to a regular daily pattern of searching out, applying to and following up all possible vacancies. It may become frustrating and tedious after a while, especially when a job does not materialise immediately, but to be successful you must keep going. To begin your search you should check the following:-
• Press AdvertisementsNewspapers and magazines are valuable sources of job vacancies. Job advertising has become much more professional with a great deal of money being spent by employers. Some advertisements may omit important details like salary, location and duties or try to exaggerate the attractions of a job. It is important, therefore, to look at advertisements with a critical eye, to read between the lines and not be put off by poor advertising.
Get into the habit of browsing through the papers every day.
Most local libraries will have some, if not all, of the local and national newspapers and you should note details of suitable vacancies.
• Magazines and JournalsSome specialist magazines and journals aimed at particular groups of workers advertise vacancies. These can be a useful source of information and you should
check whether these specialist magazines are available in the local library. They tend to be published monthly or quarterly, so make sure the one you are reading is the most up-to-date copy.
Remember the following points:
– Read each advertisement two or three times.
– Read the small advertisements as well as the larger, more obvious ones.
– List what the advertisement tells you about the job eg. functions, responsibilities, pay, training, prospects, holidays, etc.
– Think about what it does not tell you, so you know what else to find out.
– List the requirements stated for the job. Can you meet these requirements?
– Note carefully how you are expected to reply. If you are only asked to send for an application form do not write a lengthy letter.
• JobCentres/Jobs and Benefits Offices/Careers OfficesJobCentres/Jobs and Benefits Offices/Careers Offices are located in all main towns throughout Northern Ireland. Each office operates a “self-service” facility whereby you can obtain details of all jobs on display without fuss or formality. It is a simple matter of checking the vacancy display boards, if you find something suitable, noting the reference number on the job card and asking for further details. If you are still interested, arrangements can be made for an interview with the employer.
If you cannot find a suitable vacancy or you need advice on a particular matter, you may wish to talk to a member of staff. This interview may cover topics such as jobs in other areas, training courses, careers information and further education.
It is important to keep in regular contact with your JobCentre as the range of vacancies available changes from day to day. The staff are there to help you, the services mentioned are free and available to you whether or not you are unemployed.
• Employment/Recruitment AgenciesThese are commercially owned agencies which advertise jobs and help employers to fill vacancies. Job seekers do not normally have to pay a fee as this is usually paid by the employer. Employment agencies tend to specialise in particular types of employment such as clerical, secretarial, technical and managerial although some do cater for a wide range of occupations. Most are based in the Belfast area although there are a few in other locations throughout Northern Ireland. Addresses can be found listed under “Employment Agencies” in the Yellow Pages.
If you register with an agency, keep calling in and make yourself known to the person who is dealing with your application.
• The InternetMore and more people are advertising job vacancies and finding suitable employment via the internet.
Some useful sites are:–
www.jobcentreonline.comJobCentreOnline is the public Employment Service website in Northern Ireland. It contains all the JobCentres' and Jobs & Benefits Offices' current vacancies. In partnership with the Social Security Agency, the site also has details of work related benefits
www.nijobs.comDirect access to employment vacancies in Northern
Ireland.
www.jobsin.co.ukRecruitment resource for UK vacancies and professional appointments.
www. gisajob.comDisplays contract and permanent job listings from many agencies.
www.princes-trust.org.ukThe Prince’s Trust offers opportunities to 14 to 30 year olds with some career development courses on offer.
www.prospects.csu.ac.ukGuide to graduate jobs, careers and postgraduate study. Each job profile includes information about the employer.
www.jobsite.co.ukThis website attracts advertisers from most major industry sectors. Register for free and you may just find that perfect job.
www.thejob.comFill in the application form, you’ll receive regular e-mails with the job listings relevant for you.
www.monster.co.ukThe leading global online resource for careers and job hunting covering the UK, Canada, US, Netherlands, Belgium, Australia and France.
www.jobsjobsjobs.co.ukThe latest job vacancies – updated hourly.
• Other BodiesSome professional bodies and trade unions have an appointments or careers advisory section and in some cases keep lists of firms with vacancies to fill. It is always worthwhile approaching them for help and advice.
Universities and Colleges provide a careers advisory service where information about careers can be obtained. Many also organise interviews with prospective employers and each summer circulate lists of vacancies. If you are a graduate contact your nearest University Careers and Appointments Office.
PERSONAL ACTION PLANEven if you find paperwork difficult, it is very important to be well organised when you are looking for a job. Keep a file in which you should retain everything to do with your job-hunting. It is vital to keep track of all advertisements replied to, application forms sent for, completed and returned.
It would be helpful to keep the following on file:–
• A copy of your personal details eg. education, qualifications, work history, interests, hobbies.
• Names, addresses and telephone numbers of your referees.
• Copies of letters you write and all those you receive from firms. It is also a good idea to keep copies of application forms and advertisements applied to. Keep a note about telephone calls as well.
• Certificates, Diplomas and letters of reference.
• Notes and comments about interviews you have attended and points you should watch out for.
Remember, if you have a telephone at home and are going to be out, make sure that whoever will be taking calls knows to note the name and address of the caller and the job in question. Any messages or instructions should be passed on to you as soon as possible and action taken immediately.
WRITTEN LETTERS OF APPLICATIONThe aim of your letter is to gain an interview so the impression you give will be important. Remember that you are competing with other people for the job, so your letter must command attention. The 3 main types of letter you may need to write are:–
• a letter requesting an application form
• a letter accompanying the completed application form
• a letter of application for a known vacancy.
Some basic rules to follow:–
– Examine the advertisement closely to find out what the job consists of and the type of person being looked for. Make sure your letter highlights aspects of your experience which would be relevant to the post being applied for.
– Use simple, clear English.
– Make sure the letter looks tidy. Keep margins and spacings even and use paragraphs when necessary. If you can have the letter typed so much the better, but if not, use pen on plain paper.
– Be brief and to the point. Do not give your life history but select the areas of your experience which are relevant to the job you are applying for. Mention any points which you think would be of interest to the employer.
– Always write a rough copy first so that you are clear in your mind what you want to say. Keep a copy of the final version.
– If you are enclosing a CV (see over) make the letter brief and merely point to the most important part of the CV.
– Make sure the letter is signed and dated.
– Never enclose references or certificates unless you are asked to do so.
FILLING IN APPLICATION FORMSMost large firms require applicants to complete an application form. These come in many shapes and sizes but the information being looked for is basically the same. Think carefully before completing one so as to present yourself in the best possible light. Keep the following points in mind.
• Read each application form right through before you start. Get the feel of what to put where and how much space you have.
• Follow the instructions and answer questions precisely.
• Try to analyse what information you have about the job and the firm in order to judge the sort of person they are looking for.
• Use this information as a guide as to what to put on the form.
• Draft answers to questions on a separate sheet first before you complete the form.
• Be as accurate and truthful as possible.
• Write neatly and clearly.
• Check spelling and grammar.
• Try to keep a copy of the form or a note of your answers as a reminder for the interview. This can also assist you in completing similar application forms.
An application form is used as a basis for first selection to decide who will be invited for interview. It is then used during the interview for checking points with the applicants. Finally, it may become the basis for a permanent personnel record within the firm. It is important, therefore, that it is completed with great care and thought.
DRAWING UP A CURRICULUM VITAE (CV)A CV is a detailed summary of your past experience. It sets out your career details in a precise, factual and interesting manner. It should demonstrate the benefits/experience you can bring to the company. Information should be provided on the following:
Personal Details – Name
Address
Telephone Number
Date of Birth
Marital Status
Education – Name and place of college, university, with
accurate dates of attendance. Mention positions of
responsibility held.
Qualifications – At School
and Training At College or University
Training
Professional Training
Adult/Part-time study
Career – Dates
Names and addresses of employers
Job titles
Brief description of duties and responsibilities
Special achievements and promotions
Other Information – Interests and hobbies where relevant
Special abilities or skills
Car driver/owner
Referees – Normally two. Give job titles and full address and
telephone numbers.
A CV should be neat, clearly and carefully laid out, preferably typed. How the information is presented can vary but the finished CV must read easily, be well expressed and give a clear picture of the writer. It should leave you flexible for different situations. Having assembled the basic information you can either prepare a separate CV for every application, highlighting the relevant points or have copies of one basic CV ready to send to prospective employers.