Applying for a job
Each company or organisation has a different process for recruiting staff. Some might ask you to submit an application form. Others will want a curriculum vitae (CV) A document to present your skills and qualifications effectively and clearly - commonly known as a CV.
An application form asks you to provide your:
- qualifications;
- work experience;
- qualities;
- skills;
- extra-curricular activities and hobbies.
A CV should include your:
- personal details;
- qualifications and training;
- work experience;
- interests;
- details of suitable references, these might be from a teacher or a previous employer.
You can submit a CV "on spec". This means that you submit it in the hope that a manager or recruiter will approach you with a role that matches your skills and experience.
A cover letter should accompany your application form or CV. It is short, introduces you, and explains why you are applying. You can find good examples of cover letters online.
What happens next?
There are a few ways that a manager or recruiter will assess if you鈥檙e right for the job.
Interviews
This is the most common form of assessment. Your prospective employer will ask you to come and meet them for a face-to-face discussion of the role, and your suitability.
Telephone conversation
The employer may phone you for a chat. They will want to know how well you communicate and to get an outline of your skills and experience.
Aptitude testing
Some companies may ask you to complete a test of your literacy, numeracy and problem-solving skills.
Presentation
Some companies may ask you to give a presentation. It could be based on your own experience, or they may ask you to prepare a talk on a particular topic related to the role.
Set a group task
The employer may ask you to perform a task in cooperation with other candidates to judge how well you work with others.