1. JOB SEEKING SKILLS

2. Job Seeking Skills Procedures for employing staff 1. Decide what staff are needed Due to retirements, expansion, shortage of certain skills This involves regular manpower planning 2. Prepare a job description and person specification Details of duties and type of personal characteristics required This allows applicants to see if they are suitable 3. Advertise the job This can be internally or through recruitment agency Externally through radio, newspapers, job exhibitions 4. Examine the applicants for the job 1. Test – aptitude etc. 2. Screen and shortlist – e.g. pick top 10 3. Interview these 10

3. Job Seeking Skills 5. Offer the job to most suitable applicant Job offered on probationary period before long term contract is offered If they decline have a panel of next most suitable applicants 6. Train and develop new employee Internal training and observation – on the job External training courses – off the job What are the Procedures for Employing Staff?

4. Job Seeking Skills  How do recruitment agencies benefit employers? 1. Reduces H.R. costs. Saves time dealing with applications and short listing. 2. Reduces advertising costs. 3. Can offer highly skilled applicants. 4. Can head-hunt specific person for the employer

5. Job Seeking Skills  Equal Opportunities in the workplace An employer cannot discriminate against any applicant or new employee. Discrimination means one person is treated less favourably than another or not as well as another. Each person has the same chance of getting the job, gaining promotion and to receive the same pay as anybody else. Discrimination can occur because of age, gender, marital status, religion etc.

6. Job Seeking Skills  Filling out a job application form 1. Fill out a rough copy first – do on Microsoft word to eliminate spelling and grammar mistakes. 2. Follow all instructions carefully 3. Watch spelling and grammar. 4. Always be honest. 5. Ask someone to proof read it to you 6. Keep a copy of your form to help you prepare for interview. 7. Post it as early as possible to show you are keen

7. Job Seeking Skills  Curriculum Vitae (C.V.) This is a written outline of the applicant’s: education work experience to date achievements Interests and hobbies 2 referees Signed and dated 2 pages maximum. Make sure it is up to date Check for spelling and grammar Make sure it is well laid out Make sure it is consistent with you application form

8. Job Seeking Skills  Referee A professional person who gives a recommendation of a person’s character and abilities. Essential when applying for jobs. A former employer, a university professor, a principal, a team manager are e all good sources for references

9. Job Seeking Skills  Preparing for a job interview 1. Research the business or potential employer They will ask questions about their business, nature of the work they do and their industry. Information on their product/service, target market, competition is vital. Having this information shows you’re keen to work for this employer

10. Job Seeking Skills 2. Plan what means of transport your going to use to get to the interview, how long it will take to get there, when you should leave so as you arrive early. Being late for an interview creates a very bad first impression. 3. Prepare appropriate clothes to create the right impression. Wear a professional suit. Polish your shoes should hair should be neat and tidy, don’t go overboard with make-up. How would you prepare for a job interview?

11. Job Seeking Skills 4. Organise and participate in a mock interview. Prepare possible questions and answers you could give to them Do not learn them off by heart as you may need to adjust them on the day. Ask someone to ask you the questions to improve your communication skills. 5. Review your CV/application form This will prepare you for any questions that may be asked on these items. How would you prepare for a job interview?

12. Job Seeking Skills  Your conduct during the interview 1. Start with a firm handshake and a smile 2. Establish and maintain eye contact during the interview. 3. If there is more than 1 interviewer direct your answer at the person who asks the question but don’t ignore the other interviewers 4. Listen attentively and answer truthfully. 5. Communicate positively, clearly and with confidence.

13. Job Seeking Skills 5. Sit with both feet on the floor and don’t slouch 6. If asked an unexpected, awkward, difficult question: Take your time, think of an appropriate answer Ask for the question to be repeated if you don’t understand it 7. Thank the interviewer for taking the time to meet with you How should you act during the interview?

14. Job Seeking Skills  Telephone Interviews 1. Phone from a landline in a quiet room and have a pen and paper ready to record any important information 2. Speak slowly, clearly and confidently 3. Listen attentively to questions and ask politely to have them repeated if you don’t understand 4. Thank the receiver for his/her time

15. Job Seeking Skills  How would evaluate how an interview went? 1. What was the best part of the interview? 2. What could be improved upon the next time 3. If unsuccessful contact the organisation and politely ask them for feeddback.