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

2 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

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

4 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

5 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

6 Typical Sequence of Interviews I)Screening Stage II)Selection Stage III)Final Stage

7 Common Types of Interviews 1) Structured Interviews 2) Open-Ended Interviews 3) Group Interviews 4) Stress Interviews 5) Video Interviews 6) Situational (Behavioral) Interviews

8 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

9 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.

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

11 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

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

13 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

14 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

15 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

16 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.

17 4) Letter ( ) 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

18 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.

19 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