2. Module 3 Getting That Job

3. STEP Towards that JOB! Getting a job is just like selling a product – the product is… YOU!

4. Your resume and application letter These are marketing documents and as such they need to be persuasive! They need to give the recipient a reason to interview YOU! Always remember: “People buy for their reasons, not yours” “Employers employ for their reasons, not yours”

5. Structure of a Resume While all Resumes will differ in format the following sections are recommended:  Name, Address, Contact Details  Career Summary  Key Skills  Achievements  Training/Qualifications/Educ Background  Employment History  Referees

6. The Covering Letter Attractive Succinct Attention getting Perfect spelling and grammar Clean Contain one or two ‘Unique Selling Propositions’ that will make them want to employ YOU!

7. Two types of applications SOLICITED APPLICATIONS This is where you are applying for a job you know exists e.g. responding to an advertisement UNSOLICITED APPLICATIONS This is where you are applying for a job that may or may not exist e.g. approaching an employer ‘cold’

8. Solicited Applications These need to address all of the Key Selection Criteria. Your application will be cross- matched with a checklist of these criteria. If you do not satisfy this checklist your applications will probably be put:

9. What happens to applications that do not address the Key Selection Criteria IN THE BIN!

10. Unsolicited applications Up to 90% of jobs are never advertised so a proactive approach to job search is required. The following technique is a modification of a tried and tested sales method - it works as long as you are systematic, disciplined and persistent.

11. Steps in the Process Prospects are potential employers who may want your services and who have the power to hire you. Sources include the web, business directories, newspapers, etc. Prospecting Pre-Approach Approach Getting the Interview The Interview Follow up

12. Steps in the Process Collecting information about prospective employers. e.g. What is the exact name and title of the person who has the power to hire you? Prospecting Pre-Approach Approach Getting the Interview The Interview Follow up

13. Steps in the Process Make first contact with the prospect, normally by personalised letter and resume. Your letter and resume are sales documents – they need to be thoroughly thought out. Include at least one concrete reason why they should want to talk to you. Prospecting Pre-Approach Approach Getting the Interview The Interview Follow up

14. Steps in the Process Follow up your letter with a phone call. Your objective, at this stage, is to secure the interview. If the employer agrees to see you, set a time, thank them and hang up! Prospecting Pre-Approach Approach Getting the Interview The Interview Follow up

15. Steps in the Process First impressions are vital, carefully consider dressing and grooming. Prepare for certain common questions. Remember they are thinking “what’s in it for me if I hire this person?” Prospecting Pre-Approach Approach Getting the Interview The Interview Follow up

16. Steps in the Process Send a brief letter to thank them for seeing you. Restate your interest in working for their organisation. Prospecting Pre-Approach Approach Getting the Interview The Interview Follow up

17. Handling rejection Handling rejection Not every prospect will agree to an interview but a proportion will! Not every interview will be successful but a proportion will! Every ‘no’ you hear is just one step closer to the eventual ‘yes’! Persistence pays off!