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
Screening Stage
Selection Stage
Final Stage

7. Common Types of Interviews
Structured Interviews
Open-Ended Interviews
Group Interviews
Stress Interviews
Video Interviews
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:
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)

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 (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

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