Applying for a Job
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Applying for a Job
Part One - The aim of this leaflet
When you are looking for a job, it can be an exciting but stressful time. The aim of this leaflet is to help you through this period. It provides useful advice and tips for completing the various forms and letters which will support your job search.
Part Two - Application Forms
What are ‘Application Forms’?
Originally a simple recruitment tool, application forms have taken on the new role of forming the basic set-up of an employment record. Even if an employer has your Curriculum Vitae (CV), it is likely they will want you to complete a formal application form. This enables them to make a comparison between prospective candidates as the application form will ask specific questions.
Why should you complete an application form?
Unlike a CV where you can pick and choose the amount of information given, an application form asks for set details. The ability to follow instruction is a basic requirement of any job; never write in a box "See CV", always take the time to complete the form as they have requested.
Presentation
Presentation is extremely important so take great care when completing the application form. Use a good quality ball point pen or fountain pen and remember the form may be photocopied or scanned, so black ink is preferred, as it produces a crisper copy.
Keep it Concise
A common error is supplying too much information. If you need to add an additional sheet remember to head it with your name as it could always become separated.
Make it Informative
Read the form thoroughly. Understand what you are asked to do under each heading. Everything you include should relate first and foremost to the job being applied for. Ask yourself if this is what the prospective employer requires or wants to know.
Planning
- Take a photocopy of the blank application form
- Using a pencil complete the copied form in the manner requested
- When completed, read what you have written thoroughly and check for any errors
- Take a photocopy of the completed application form, attaching the advertisement for future reference
- Write a covering letter
- Optional - Attach a self-addressed stamped postcard to acknowledge the receipt of your application
- Use a good quality A4 or A5 envelope, addressed properly, never folding the form more than once
- Post it in good time before the closing date for the application
Declaration
Signing a declaration confirms the information contained is both complete and true. This is of particular importance if you have criminal convictions or cautions, as you may be asked to declare them, regardless of whether 'spent' or not. Never place yourself at risk. Falsifying information may not only disqualify your application, it may lead to grounds for subsequent dismissal.
Part Three - Curriculum Vitae
What is a CV?
Curriculum Vitae - 1902 Latin, meaning "Course of one's life"
A short account of one's career and qualifications prepared typically by an applicant for a position.
At least 80% of job applications will require a CV of some kind but few people will look forward to writing one. Young people have difficulty in recognising skills in order to market themselves. For more mature people, their working life may have been extensive and difficult to condense down. For most it will be a daunting task left for another day.
However, if you want an interview, you will need a good CV, so it pays to invest time and thought to its contents, writing and editing. Always present a CV that is organised, tidy and try to keep it to 2/3 pages.
You know more about yourself than anyone else. This is your opportunity to present yourself in your own way and tailor your message to focus attention on your strengths and why you are right for the job.
Points to consider
- Your CV should be tailored for each specific job you apply for, so consider what makes you right for that particular position
- It should answer any questions they may have about you
- You should accompany your CV with an interesting, concise covering letter
- You should always proof, edit and check spelling
- You should ask somebody else to read the finished CV and give you their opinion
- A CV can be hand-written or typed.
Writing your CV
The following is a guide to the key information that a prospective employer may be looking for. A Template is available on request.
Profile
This should include the areas you want to move into and a summary of what you have to offer an employer. eg. “I am currently looking for an office-based position where I can develop my computer and administration skills. I am highly organised, work well with others and I am happy to undertake any necessary training that may be required.”
Key Skills
Ideally you should list 4 or 5 skills relevant to the job being applied for. A short sentence can be included to help explain how they have been developed or where they have been used in previous employment. eg. Information and Technology - “I have a working knowledge of computers and have recently updated my skills by passing my ECDL”.
Education & Qualifications
List where you were educated, starting with the most recent first. Only include secondary school and beyond. Also include any training courses/certificates achieved at work/night class etc.
EXAMPLE
| Dates attended |
Name of School or College |
Exams/Qualifications |
| 1995 to 2001 |
ABC High School |
GCSE Art - Grade B |
Employment History
This should start with your most recent employment and work backwards.
EXAMPLE
| Dates worked |
Name of the Employer Job title & brief description of the job/role |
| Jan 2002 to Sept 2004 |
XYZ Sales Ltd, Sales Assistant Customer services and cashier duties |
Additional Information
Include other relevant information not already noted in the above sections.
e.g. “I have recently completed a First Aid in the Workplace training course”.
You can also include awards you have attained, services you have carried out in the community, achievements and hobbies/interests.
References can be offered at an interview, there is no need to enclose copies.
Part Four - Speculative Letters
Some jobs are never advertised for a number of reasons:
- A job may be filled internally from people within the business
- The company may recruit through recommendations through contacts, staff or family
- Employers may have a number of speculative letters & CVs on file
- Producing advertisments is a time consuming business and a company may not have the resources available
- Selection procedures are not always reliable
- The cost of advertising is expensive
- Companies are swamped with applicants
- A business may not want competitors to know they are recruiting.
People who limit their job searching to advertised vacancies could be missing out on many opportunities. In order to increase your chances of success, speculative letters can be sent to organisations that have not advertised a job in the hope that they may have a suitable vacancy. Some companies use them when a vacancy first arises.
You may need to contact a number of companies and accept limited response. But it will demonstrate initiative and could put you in front of a very short queue!
The Letter
A potential employer will form a first impression from your letter so ensure it is well presented and correctly laid out.
The letter should demonstrate:
- You are accurate and you present your work well
- You have thought about and taken your time with its content
- You have the skills and experience they may require and you can back this up with evidence
The main purpose of a speculative letter is to motivate the reader to read the enclosed CV.
Enclosures - Keep the originals of any supporting information e.g.
references and only send out photocopies.
Keep a log - Make a note of the firms you have written to, so you are prepared for a response.
How do you choose which company to send your letter to?
Newspapers, websites and publications such as Business Brief are a rich source of information - look out for companies opening or expanding and note company contact names and addresses.
The local library offers free access to this information.
Keep your eyes and ears open for any possible job opportunities.
Sample of a Speculative Letter
|
Mr B Edward
5 West End Street
St Clement
Jersey
JB4 4NQ
bedward@myemailaddress.je.uk
17 July 2005 |
Mrs D Renault
Manager
Hammonds & Co.
Palace House
King Street
St Helier
JB2 9NQ |
|
Dear Mrs Renault I would like to be considered as an applicant for any vacancies that may arise within your company for which my particular knowledge and skills are suited. I believe I have skills and experience that would be relevant to your business and submit full details in my enclosed Curriculum Vitae. I understand the importance of good service, take pride in my work and would be keen to participate in any additional training. Both employment and character references can be supplied. Should you require any further information, I can be contacted at the above address, by e-mail or by telephone on 050505. Alternatively, I would be happy to meet with you to discuss any openings. Yours sincerely Mr B Edward |
Part Five - Cover Letters
When applying for a job most employers will expect you to include a cover letter with your Curriculum Vitae (CV). This has been the standard practice for some time and gives a professional appearance to your application.
A cover letter should draw together all the facts in your CV and register your enthusiasm for the position. It can be hand written but, depending on the job, some employers may expect it to be typed. This would also be the best format if your hand writing is poor.
The letter must be well presented and produced on plain paper using black ink as this produces a clear photocopy. Above all the letter should be brief and concise.
To summarise it should:
- Introduce you
- Confirm your contact details
- Highlight relevant qualifications
- Register your interest in the specific vacancy
- Demonstrate your written communications skill
- Convince the employer to offer you an interview
Sample of a Cover Letter
|
Miss Fay Henry
27 Golden Road
St Helier
Jersey
JE9 6DR fhenry@myemailaddress.je.uk 20 July 2005 |
Mrs J Bloggs
Personnel Officer
Bloggs & Son Ltd
La Motte Street
St Helier
JB2 6XX |
|
Dear Mrs Bloggs Sales Administrator In response to your advertisement for a Sales Administrator, as published in the Jersey Evening Post of 10th July, I enclose my Curriculum Vitae for your consideration. As you will see, I have sales administration experience and I am familiar with Windows 2000XP. I am keen to pursue a challenging career and very willing to undertake further training if necessary. I am available for an interview at any time and if you require further information, I can be contacted at the above address, by e-mail or by telephone on 050505. Yours sincerely Miss Fay Henry |
Part Six - Resignation Letters
If you are resigning from your job, it is advisable to confirm this in writing to your employer.
Just remember to:
- Address and date the letter
- Confirm the date you are leaving, (bearing in mind the notice required)
- State what job you are resigning from
- Sign it
- Hand-deliver the letter to the staff member responsible for Human Resources
Part Seven - Useful Internet Websites and Email Addresses
Social Security Department
Full details on Employment & Social Security including:
- Job vacancies
- Learning Centre
- Adult Careers Guidance
http://www.jobsinjersey.gov.je/
Citizens Advice Bureau
General information and guidance also access to Jersey job vacancies.
http://www.cab.org.je/
States of Jersey
Information on all the States departments.
http://www.gov.je/
Jersey Library
Information and services
http://www.jsylib.gov.je/
Jersey Child Care Trust
Childcare information
http://www.jcct.org.je/
Highlands Collage
Course information
http://www.highlands.ac.uk/
www.gov.je/courseyoucan
Jersey Information
Island information with additional links including job vacancies.
http://www.thisisjersey.com/
Jersey Evening Post
Island news and links to Jerseys advertised job vacancies.
http://www.thisisjersey.com/
Part Eight - Further Information
This leaflet gives general information and does not try to give full details on any particular matter. It cannot be treated as a statement of the Law.
Please contact us if you have any questions or suggestions about the information contained in this leaflet.
Our staff are here to help you, please telephone us on 445505 or call into our office.
You may also wish to visit www.jobsinjersey.gov.je
The Social Security Department is covered by the current Jersey Data Protection (Jersey) Law.
Please note: calls to the Department may be monitored for training purposes.
Other leaflets that may be of interest
Large print versions of most of our leaflets are available. Please call us on 445505 and we will be happy to send them to you.
