1. Applying for Employment
CHAPTER 9 SECTION 3
Applying for Employment

2. Application Activities
The application process may start in several ways. You might fill out an application form you have received from the employer. You may also apply by submitting a resume and cover letter.

3. Personal Data Sheet
The application process starts by preparing a personal data sheet.
A personal data sheet is a summary of your important job-related information.
It should list your education and work experience, as well as your references.
Preparing your personal data sheet will ensure you have all the necessary information to fill out the application form.

4. Application Form
An application form asks for information related to employment.
This gives the employer standard information about each job applicant.
The form will likely ask for your:
Name
Address
Social Security Number
Education
Work Experience
The job in which you are applying
References

5. Filling out the application should be viewed as your first job task!

6. Make SURE you follow directions carefully.
Print answers neatly.
Answer ALL questions completely.
Take the application very seriously!
A poorly prepared application form may give a negative impression of you.

7. Resume
A resume is a tool that provides information about you to a potential employer.
Two of the most popular types of resumes are:
Experience-based
Qualifications-based

8. A resume usually includes the following sections:
Personal Information—Name, address, phone number(s), address
Career Objective—Personal employment goal
Education—Schools attended, dates, degrees, programs of study
Experience—Work and volunteer activities with dates and responsibilities
Career-Related Honors & Other Activities—Awards, school and community involvement

9. Be absolutely sure your resume is presented in a professional manner—clean, organized, with NO errors!!! Limit your resume to ONE page. Use a format that highlights how your skills will contribute to the company’s needs.

10. Remember resumes are usually skimmed quickly
Remember resumes are usually skimmed quickly. Some companies even use scanners to check for keywords.

11. Important words to include:
Foreign Language Skills
Computer Experience
Achievement
Research Experience
Flexible
Team Projects
Overseas Study
International Experience

12. Career Portfolio
Many job applicants prepare a career portfolio. This provides tangible evidence of your ability and skills.
A career portfolio may include the following items:
Resume, cover letter, and answers to sample interview questions
Sample reports, presentation materials, and research findings from school projects
Web site designs, creative works from school activities or previous employment such as ads, packages and promotions
News articles of community activities or other experiences in which you have participated
Letters of recommendation
A career portfolio can show your abilities in a tangible manner to prospective employers.
These materials will communicate your initiative and uniqueness.

13. Cover Letter
The application cover letter expresses your interest in a specific job.
Think of this as a sales letter for the purpose of obtaining an interview.
A cover letter should draw attention and interest.
A carelessly written letter may cause the employer to think that you will be a careless worker.
A cover letter usually involves three main sections:
Introduction
Development
Conclusion

14. Introduction
Your cover letter should start by getting the reader’s attention.
Next, indicate the reason for writing.
Refer to the job or type of employment in which your are interested.
Give a brief summary of your experience and qualifications.
If applicable, mention the name of the person who referred you to this organization.

15. I am writing to express my interest in the International Marketing position open at WellCam, Inc. My colleague Janna Doling recommended that I contact you directly about this position.
I am very interested in the entry level position that is available at ABC Investment Partners. I recently graduated from XYZ University College and my courses in investments, finance and business have given me a solid base upon which I plan to build to build my career.
I have a very strong interest in pursuing a teaching career. With experience working at both the elementary and high school levels, as well as in activities outside of the traditional classroom, I have a diverse background with much to offer.
I have the pleasure of being acquainted with one of the Counselors on your staff, Eleanor Seville. She let me know about the open position, and recommended that I contact you.

16. Development
This section should highlight your background and experiences that specifically qualify you for the job.
Refer the employer to your resume for more details.
At this point, summarize information about your experiences and training.
Connect your skills and background to specific organizational needs.

17. In response to your search for an assistant, I believe my experience in the Legislature, and my research and writing skills qualify me for consideration. If you would like, I can provide you with current samples of my work. To further acquaint you with the specifics of my background I am enclosing my resume.
What I like most about my current job is that it gives me the opportunity to learn and be creative, and it looks like this position would do the same. I feel that I could be a valuable asset to your team, and I bring to the table all of the skills that you require in an editor.

18. Conclusion
The final section is designed to request action—ask for the opportunity to discuss your qualifications in more detail. In other words, request and interview!!
Include your contact information, telephone numbers, times when you are available, and address. ~~Make sure your address is professional!
Close the letter with a summary of how your could benefit the organization.
Always create a personalized cover letter for each position for which you apply.

19. I am confident that I can offer you the customer service, communication and problem- solving skills you are seeking. Feel free to call me at (home) or (cell) to arrange an interview. Thank you for your time -- I look forward to learning more about this opportunity!
I enthusiastically look forward to putting my knowledge and experience into practice in the public school system. Next week I will be in Vienna, and I plan to call you then to answer any questions that you may have. I can be reached before then at (540) Thank you very much for your consideration.
I look forward to talking with you regarding sales opportunities with Acme Pharmaceuticals. Within the next week I will contact you to confirm that you received my and resume and to answer any questions you may have.
I believe my combination of business experience and social science research training is an excellent match for the marketing research position you described. Enclosed is a copy of my resume with additional information about my qualifications. Thank you very much for your consideration. I look forward to receiving your reply.

20. Targeted Letter
In recent years, more job applicants are using a targeted application letter instead of a resume and cover letter.
This letter provides a quick summary of your ability to meet the needs of an organization.
A target letter will usually include a list of major skills and competencies.
Once again your goal is to emphasize achievements and skills so you will be invited for an interview.

21. Online Application Process
Many people are using the internet for career planning activities. While researching potential employment is the most common use, job seekers also apply and interview online.
Since an internet resume is less personal, do not overlook other job search methods:
Phone calls
Ads
Job fairs
Personal contacts.

22. Online Applications
Many organizations allow you to apply online. In addition to the basic application, you may also be asked some preliminary questions to determine your suitability for the position available.
When posting your resume online or sending it by , consider the following:
Use a simple format. Avoid bold, underline, italics, and tabs.
Do not use attached files that may be difficult to open.
Cyber resumes are posted on various web sites.
They are scanned for key words to identify candidates with the necessary job qualifications.
Foreign language skills
Computer and e-commerce experience
Achievement
Research experience
Flexible abilities
Team projects
Overseas study or experience

23. Cyber Interviewing
Many organizations hold screening interviews using video conferencing.
Others require that you post preliminary interview responses online.
These (known as e-interviews) may involve questions such as:
“Would you rather have structure or flexibility in your work?”
“What approach do you use to solve difficult problems?”

24. Online interviewing may also be used to test a person’s ability in job related situations.
For example, an applicant may be asked to respond to tasks such as those that a bank teller or retail clerk might encounter.