Applying for work

Applying By Letter

• Apply for the job as soon as you hear about it.
• Use plain unlined paper: white, cream or blue are the best, & black or blue ink.
• Check your spelling or have someone else check it for you.
• If you write to a named person (‘Dear Mr. Jones’ etc) end the letter ‘Yours sincerely’. If you write to ‘Dear Sir’ or ‘Dear Madam’ end ‘Yours faithfully’.
• If you wish to use someone’s name as a referee, always check with them first.
• Keep a copy of your letter for reference.
• Do what the advert says - e.g. ‘write for further details’ or ‘write for an application form’.
• Give details about yourself, and state clearly why you are applying for the job.
• If you want to work for a particular firm, try writing to them to see if there will be any jobs in the near future, again giving particulars about yourself.
• You may be asked to include a CV (curriculum vitae).

Filling In Application Forms

• Read through the whole form before starting to write.
• Complete it in pencil first. Only use ink when you are completely happy with what you have written.
• Write clearly and neatly and check your spelling.
• Answer all the questions.

Addressing envelopes

• Choose a sensible colour - brown, white, or the same colour as your paper.
• Write clearly and neatly.
• Address to a named person if you can.

Telephoning about a job

• Have the advert with you when you ring, including tel no., extension, etc.
• Make sure you know the person or department you need to talk to.
• Make sure you know the title of the job you are interested in.
• Speak clearly.
• Interview checklist

An interview is your chance to make a good impression. Here are some do’s and don’ts.

Before the day:

• Find out exactly where and what time the interview is being held.
• How long will it take you to get there? Plan your journey.
• Find out as much as possible about the firm and the job, so that you can ask the right questions.
• Are the clothes you plan to wear clean and tidy and right for the job?
• What sort of interview will it be? A friendly chat or a test? Try to be prepared for anything.

On the day:

• Give yourself plenty of time to get ready.
• Make sure you have all the things you will need: exam certificates, bus fare, the letter inviting you to the interview, a small street map if necessary.
• Don’t get there in a rush with no time left to freshen up.
• Go to the reception desk first, if there is one.

At the interview:

• Smile as you go in. Say good morning/afternoon, perhaps using the person’s name.
• Be polite - remember you are trying to make a good impression.
• It’s best not to smoke, even if invited to do so.
• Try to answer more than ‘yes’ and ‘no’ - this will tell them something about you as a person.
• Always be truthful - sell yourself, but don’t exaggerate.
• Ask good questions - about training, what work you would be doing, etc. Don’t start by asking how much the pay is!
• Thank the interviewer when you leave.

After the interview:

• If you do not hear after a week or so, you could try to find out if the job has been filled.
• If you didn’t get the job you can ask the employer for feedback. The Careers Service will be able to help you improve your interview technique.
• Was there a lot of competition for the job? Don’t take it personally if you are unlucky this time.
• You may have been unlucky this time but whatever you do DON’T GIVE UP.
• Start looking for other jobs straight away.

There is further information about all these areas in the Applying for a Job leaflet