1. Topic 7 :Job Seeking Skills
Pinner, D, 1998, Communication Skills, Addison Wesley Longman New Zealand Limited, pp

2. Getting A Job Requires the use of all your communication skills.
You must write, speak and use body language well.
Must be conscious of the perceptions of other people.

3. Details That ‘U’ Need To Find Out:
Does the company have branches out of town?
Does it use computers extensively?
What is the product the firm makes, or the service it provides?
Is the firm small?

4. APPLICATION LETTER Interprets the facts in the CV.
Shows the employer why you deserve an interview.
You must sound keen and promote yourself – no one else will!

5. Layout Sender’s Address Date Inside Address Salutation Subject Heading
Body of the Letter
The Complimentary Close
The Signature
Name and Designation [Position/job held]

6. Content Briefly state what you are doing at the moment.
Say what you can do for the firm.
Stress your strengths which relate to the needs mentioned in the job description.

7. Content (cont.) Avoid mention of your own needs.
End the letter by mentioning your referees’ names, stating that you enclose a CV, and availability for interview.

8. Curriculum Vitae (CV) Personal information Name Gender Age
Address – Postal/residential
Phone contact

9. 2. Educational Background
Cont.
2. Educational Background
Mention your current status
Mention the qualification achieved (in reverse order)
3. Work Experience
Employer
Mention positions held
Date of employment
Responsibilities

10. 4. Other personal Information
Cont.
4. Other personal Information
Interests
Research
Member of any organization etc.
5. Photo (if required)

11. Preparing for an Interview.

12. Before The Interview Get Information Plan your Journey
Prepare for Questions
Plan your Outfit
Compile Your File
Get Enough Sleep

13. Get information What do they do/make/sell? Who are their customers?
Find out about the employer and the job.
What do they do/make/sell?
Who are their customers?
What sort of organization are they?
Financial information - profits etc.
What exactly will the job involve?
What sort of person do you think they want?
How can you best fit your skills to match the job?

14. Prepare for Questions Why do you want to work here?
Why did you leave your last job?
Have you done this kind of work before?
What did you do in your last job?
How long have you been out of work - how do you spend your time?
Why should I take you on?
How do you get on with people?

15. Plan Your Journey
Consider a "dummy run" before the day of the interview or check how long the journey will take.
Ask the Employer for directions, bus routes or details of car parking.
Plan an alternative means of getting there and be prepared for the unexpected.

16. Plan What To Wear
Give yourself plenty of time to decide what to wear and get the clothes ready the day before.
You don't have to buy a new outfit! Aim for neat, tidy, clean and uncluttered appearance.
If you look good it will help you feel good!

17. Compile Your File
Gather together the written information you will need at the interview
Keep copies of CV, references, certificates, portfolio or examples of your work (if requested by the Employer).
Re -read the job advert to refresh your memory - make sure you haven't missed something.

18. THE INTERVIEW :Before Leaving
Give yourself plenty of time to get ready
Make sure you've got all relevant paperwork, e.g. CVs, invitation letter
If you are unavoidably delayed, telephone early to explain, apologize and try to get another appointment

19. THE INTERVIEW: On Arrival
Aim to arrive about 10 minutes before the interview time
Give your name to the receptionist or whoever is there to greet you
Try to relax and keep calm

20. THE INTERVIEW Dos Enter the room confidently
Be seated only when you are asked to
Be polite and friendly - look the interviewer straight in the eye as soon as you enter the room
Look interested - ask questions if you have a question to ask, when you are asked
Answer questions as fully as you can - avoid yes and no answers

21. THE INTERVIEW Don’ts fidget and slouch in the chair smoke
swear (even mildly)
criticize former employers
interrupt
draw attention to your weaknesses
go over the top - stay calm and stick to the facts