Writing Application Letters What Why How Specific & Short Salary information Show some personality Aim for high quality

Solicited versus Unsolicited Solicited Application Letter: In response to an announced job opening Requirements of the organization Unsolicited Application Letter: To an organization that has not announced an opening. Needs of the employer

Organizing Application Letters Getting Attention: Use AIDA (Attention-Interest-Desire-Action) Opening paragraph: Reason Middle Section: Strengths Final Paragraph: Specific action & Respond

Application Follow-Ups Within a month => Write to keep your file active Follow-up letter [3 months later]: You’ve continued to add to your skills or that you’ve learned more about the company or the industry

Understanding the Interview Process Dual purpose: Finding the best person available for the job Your main objective: Finding the best job suitable for your goals & capabilities

Typical Sequence of Interviews Screening Stage Selection Stage Final Stage

Common Types of Interviews Structured Interviews Open-Ended Interviews Group Interviews Stress Interviews Video Interviews Situational (Behavioral) Interviews

What employers look for in an interview? Suitability for the specific job is judged on the basis of: Academic preparation Work experience Job-related personality traits

Preemployment Testing Integrity tests: Ethical or legal issues Personality tests: General character for the demands of a specific situation Job skills tests: Assess the competency to perform a job Substance tests: Drug & alcohol testing Background tests: Verifying credentials in CV, learning if you have a criminal history etc.

Preparing for a job interview: Learn about the organization Think ahead about questions a) Planning for the Employer’s Questions (Table 15-2) b) Planning questions of your own (Table 15-3)

Bolster Your Confidence & Polish Your Interview Style Positive traits Weaknesses versus strengths Role-playing Eye contact, sitting, speaking, voice Avoid: You know, like, um etc. (Table 15-4) Be ready when you arrive

Every interview has these stages: I)The Warm-up II) The Question-and-Answer Stage III) The Close

Interview Notes Keep a written record of your job interviews Briefly summarize the interviewer’s answers to your questions Evaluate your performance during the interview

Following up after the interview 1) Thank-you-message: Express your thanks within 2 days Acknowledge the interviewer’s time and courtesy, convey your continued interest and then ask politely for a decision Keep your message brief and organize it like a routine message Sound positive without sounding overconfident. Figure 15-3

2) Message of Inquiry If not taken an answer by the promised date or within 2 weeks Appropriate if received a job offer from a second firm

3) Request for a time extension Preface your request with a friendly opening; ask for more time, stressing your enthusiasm for the organization Conclude by allowing for a quick decision if your request for additional time is denied Ask for a prompt reply confirming the time extension if the organization grants it Direct request, but be careful to show your continued interest.

4) Letter (e-mail) of acceptance When you receive a job offer that you want to accept, reply within 5 days Begin by accepting the position & expressing thanks Cover any necessary details Conclude by saying that you look forward to reporting for work Be careful: Legally binding contract Positive letter: Should convey your enthusiasm & eagerness to cooperate

5) Letter declining a job offer The model for negative messages Open warmly, state the reasons for refusing the offer Decline the offer explicitly & close on a pleasant note, expressing gratitude By taking the time to write a sincere, tactful letter, you leave the door open for future contact.

6) Letter of resignation Should always be written in a gracious & professional style that avoids criticism of your employer or your colleagues Follow the bad news plan & make the letter sound positive Say stg. favorable about the organization, people or what you’ve learned in the job State your intention to leave & give the date of your last day on the job Give at least 2 weeks notice Checklist