Writing application and cover letter

 How to write an application and cover letter

Writing an application and cover letter for a job can be a daunting task, but it's essential to making a good first impression and standing out from the competition. Here are some tips to help you write a successful application and cover letter:

1. Tailor your application and cover letter to the specific job and company: Before you start writing, research the company and job position to understand the specific requirements and qualifications they are looking for. Make sure to highlight your relevant skills and experiences in your application and cover letter.

2. Use a clear and professional format: Make sure your application and cover letter are easy to read and visually appealing. Use clear headings, bullet points, and white space to break up text.

3. Use keywords and phrases from the job description: Many companies use automated systems to screen resumes and cover letters, so it's essential to include keywords and phrases that match the job description.

4. Highlight your achievements: Instead of simply listing your responsibilities in your current or previous roles, highlight specific achievements that demonstrate your skills and qualifications. Use numbers and statistics to illustrate your successes.

5. Show your enthusiasm for the company and job position: Mention why you are interested in the company and what excites you about the job position. Explain how your skills and experiences align with the company's mission and values.

6. Proofread your application and cover letter: Before you send your application and cover letter, make sure to proofread them for spelling and grammatical errors. Have a friend or family member read them over as well to ensure they are error-free.

7. Follow up after applying: After submitting your application and cover letter, follow up with the company to ensure they received your application and to inquire about the status of the position. This shows your interest and enthusiasm in the position, and it gives you an opportunity to reiterate your qualifications.

Writing an application and cover letter can take time and effort, but it's worth it to make a good first impression and increase your chances of getting the job. Keep in mind that it should be well-written, concise, and tailored to the specific job and company. Make sure to highlight your relevant skills and experiences, use keywords and phrases from the job description, and show your enthusiasm for the company and job position. And don't forget to proofread your application and cover letter before sending and follow up after apply.

 cover letter format

Job description

Job description

A job description is a document that lists the duties, qualifications, and skills necessary for a certain position. Employers use it to recruit and choose the right applicant for the position as well as to communicate the expectations for the role of the employee once they are hired.  A strong job description can also serve as the foundation for career development plans and performance reviews.

When writing a job description, keep the following elements in mind:

1. Job title and brief description: The role and duties of the employees should be correctly reflected in the job title. The summary should include a brief overview of the position's primary tasks and obligations.

2. Duties and Responsibilities: The duties and responsibilities section should provide a detailed list of the tasks that the employee will be expected to perform. This should include both primary and secondary responsibilities.

3. Qualifications and Skills: The education, experience, and training needed to do the job should be listed in the qualifications and skills section. Any licences, certificates, or other credentials required for the position should be listed here.

4. Experience: Information regarding the quantity of experience required for the position should be included in the experience section. A precise number of years of experience or a more general level of experience, such as entry-level, mid-level, or senior-level, might be mentioned here.

5. Education: The minimal degree of education needed for the position should be listed in the education section. A specific degree or diploma or a more general level of education, such a high school diploma or college degree, might be included in this.

6. Physical Demands: This section should outline any physical demands of the position. This can entail having to move big goods, stand up for a long time, or operate in a noisy setting.

7. Work Environment: The information in this part should outline the circumstances in which the employee will be performing their duties. This may include the kind of workplace, such an office or factory, as well as any risks that the employee might encounter.

8. Benefits: Information regarding the benefits provided by the company should be included in the benefits section. This could cover benefits like health insurance, pension plans, paid time off, and others.

9. Compensation: Information on the pay or hourly rate given for the position should be included in the compensation section. This could refer to a range or a specific amount.

10. Application Instructions: Information on how to apply for the position should be included in the application instructions section. This can contain guidelines on how to send in a résumé, a cover letter, and any other papers that might be necessary.

11. Posting Date and Application Deadline: Information about the date the position was posted and the application deadline should be included in this area.

Writing a strong job description is essential for attracting and selecting the most suitable applicants for the position as well as for defining the duties and responsibilities of the position for the employee after they are recruited. It also acts as the foundation for professional development plans and performance reviews. Both the employer and the employee can benefit from having a clear understanding of the duties and expectations of the position.

 

Job search process and Resumé writing

 Résumé and Job search process

      Job search is a never ending and a continuous process. It will have a direct impact on your career, the way you  search your job. You will need to write a résumé before you start searching a job. It is said that the résumé is the mirror of your personality. therefor your résumé is expected to be attractive and interesting. You have to be very careful and precise while preparing a résumé, no details should be out of your knowledge or false, Because each and every question you will be asked will be from your résumé, when you will be appearing for an interview. so first of all we will see how résumé is prepared and then we will discuss about job search process.

Resumé writing

1. What is Resumé?

A resume is a formal document that a job applicant creates to describe his educational qualifications and extra curriculum activities for a position. It is created as per the job requirement.

—  It includes:

—  Personal details

—  Educational qualification

—  Work experience

—  Extra curriculum activities/achievements

—  Skills

 

2. Heading

—  Your name

—  Residential address

—  Contact number

—  E-mail address

3. Career objective                                                      

—  Career objective should be you self development considering the objectives of the company in which you have applied for a job

—  Simply how can I reach my goals by achieving company's objectives?

—  Example of career objective;

         my career objective is to become a good worker and get promoted through my work and become a part of a dynamic and competitive organization, wherein I can fully utilize my skills and contribute to the success of my organization as well as my own career.

4. Personal detail

—  Personal details includes

1. Date of birth
2. Native place
3. Relationship status
4. Hobbies
5. Area of interest
6. Computer skills
7. Strength
8. Weakness
9. Work Experience

5. Academic Qualification

—  Academic qualification preferably shown in reverse order(last degree first)

—  you can also show other courses which you have pursued.

   For example, a computer course.

Declaration

—  Taking the responsibility of the information that we have put in the resume.

   For example:

       I hereby declare that all the information given by me is true to the best of my knowledge and belief.

—  After declaration there will be date and place on left hand side and your signature on right hand side

—  And last enclosed documents list on left hand side of the resume.

 

Resumé

 Now we will systematically study the job search process.

 

 

 Step-1: Assess yourself

• Personal profile (what are you?)

• Personal qualities

• Interests

• Skills

• Competence

• Personal values

Step-2: Job search

• Newspaper

• Referrals

• Recruitment fairs

• Trade magazines

• Employment exchange

• Internet

Step-3: Prepare or revise your resume

• Also known as Personal Data Sheet/Bio-Data

• Includes details of education, work experience, skills, activities, job objective, references etc.

Step-4: Application Letter (Cover Letter) 

The application letter (cover letter) is sent along with the resume 

It's main objectives are: 

• Used to draw attention to oneself, make interesting, and show your ability

• To ask about an interview

• To make your first impression on the employer Job Application Form

• Provided by the prospective employer which contains various questions like,

• Name, Address, Phone number, Reference, Job history, Education, Guilty of a crime or not.

Step-5: To give an interview

• Call the employer

• Present yourself professionally

• You won't always get an interview

Step-6: Prepare for the interview

• Plan of exterior appearance

• Practice questions

• Company research

• Plan dress (what kind of clothes to wear?)

• Find a place (online)

• Leave early

Step-7: Interview

• Be confident

• Be polite

• Be honest

• Be thorough  

Step-8: Follow-up

• Thank you letter

• Phone call

• Express, if you want the job

Step-9: Evaluate the offer
• Do you like the organization?
• Will you fit into the organization?
• Will you benefit the organization?
• Will you benefit from the organization?
• Are there opportunities for advancement?
• Does it meet your needs?

So, in this way we can prepare a resume to get a job and get information about how to find a job and its process.

 

Facing Interview

Facing Interview

 

Interview

The process of selecting the most suitable candidate for the position by calling any candidate face to face in any workplace and going through the evaluation process through questions, conversation or test is called interview.

  Importance of interview

•  Interview helps in selecting the most suitable candidate for the job.

• Helps managers to check authenticity of details in application form.

• Provides information to the candidate about the organization and the job for which he has applied.

• Interview helps to know details about candidate's personality.

• There is a direct contact mechanism between the employer and the candidate. Employers can observe physical characteristics of candidates.

• Helps interviewer and interviewee get to know each other in detail.

• Complete information about the company can be given to the candidate and salary and other terms can be negotiated.

 Common questions

1. Tell us about yourself.

2. What is your purpose in doing this job?

3. What do you know about our company?

4. Reason behind leaving last job.

5. Why should you be appointed?

6. What is your greatest strength/weakness?

7. What is your greatest achievement?

8. Where do you see yourself in the next five years?

9. How much salary do you hope to earn?

10. Anything you want to ask?

  Dos for an interview

• Rehearse through mock interviews before going for the interview.

• Make a list of frequently asked questions and study them.

 • Prepare your short introduction which includes your basic as well as specific information.

• Wear appropriate attire for the interview.

• Arrive 15 minutes before the interview time.

• Keep your mobile switched-off.

• Enter the interview room without permission.

• Greet the interviewer and shake hands only if extended.

• Sit only when asked. (Sit in a comfortable position)

• Be calm and confident.

• Understand the questions asked and answer calmly. (Take time if necessary)

• Respond candidly in conversation.

• Keep bags or purses on your lap.

• Make eye contact with the questioner, if there is more than one, look at all of them in turn and give equal importance to all.

• At the end of the interview, thank the selectors and give a proper greeting.

Don’ts for an interview

• Do not sit down unless told to.

• Place your personal belongings on the table.

• Do not sit in an overly comfortable position.

• Keep both hands open.

• Do not make unnecessary movements.

• Don't answer questions you don't know, don't lie.

• Avoid giving unnecessary references or identification.

• Use polite language Avoid giving bad opinion about others.