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Writing Application Letters What Why How Specific & Short Salary information Show some personality Aim for high quality

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Solicited versus Unsolicited

Solicited Application Letter: In response to an announced job opening

Requirements of the organization Unsolicited Application Letter: To an

organization that has not announced an opening.

Needs of the employer

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Organizing Application Letters

Getting Attention: Use AIDA (Attention-Interest-Desire-Action) Opening paragraph: ReasonMiddle Section: StrengthsFinal Paragraph: Specific action & Respond

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Application Follow-Ups

Within a month => Write to keep your file active Follow-up letter [3 months later]: –You’ve continued to add to your

skills or that you’ve learned more about the company or the industry

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Understanding the Interview Process

Dual purpose:Finding the best person

available for the jobYour main objective: Finding

the best job suitable for your goals & capabilities

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Typical Sequence of Interviews

I) Screening Stage

II) Selection Stage

III) Final Stage

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Common Types of Interviews

1) Structured Interviews2) Open-Ended Interviews3) Group Interviews4) Stress Interviews5) Video Interviews6) Situational (Behavioral) Interviews

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What employers look for in an interview?

Suitability for the specific job is judged on the basis of:

–Academic preparation

–Work experience

–Job-related personality traits

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Preemployment Testing Integrity tests: Ethical or legal issues Personality tests: General character for

the demands of a specific situation Job skills tests: Assess the competency

to perform a job Substance tests: Drug & alcohol testing Background tests: Verifying credentials

in CV, learning if you have a criminal history etc.

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Preparing for a job interview:

I) Learn about the organization

II) Think ahead about questions

a) Planning for the Employer’s Questions (Table 15-2)

b) Planning questions of your own (Table 15-3)

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Bolster Your Confidence & Polish Your Interview Style Positive traits Weaknesses versus strengths Role-playing Eye contact, sitting, speaking, voice Avoid: You know, like, um etc.

(Table 15-4) Be ready when you arrive

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Every interview has these stages:

I)The Warm-up

II) The Question-and-Answer Stage

III) The Close

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Interview Notes

Keep a written record of your job interviews

Briefly summarize the interviewer’s answers to your questions

Evaluate your performance during the interview

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Following up after the interview

1) Thank-you-message: Express your thanks within 2 days

Acknowledge the interviewer’s time and courtesy, convey your continued interest and then ask politely for a decisionKeep your message brief and organize it like a routine messageSound positive without sounding overconfident. Figure 15-3

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2) Message of Inquiry

If not taken an answer by the promised date or within 2 weeks

Appropriate if received a job offer from a second firm

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3) Request for a time extension

Preface your request with a friendly opening; ask for more time, stressing your enthusiasm for the organization

Conclude by allowing for a quick decision if your request for additional time is denied

Ask for a prompt reply confirming the time extension if the organization grants it

Direct request, but be careful to show your continued interest.

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4) Letter (e-mail) of acceptance

When you receive a job offer that you want to accept, reply within 5 days

Begin by accepting the position & expressing thanks

Cover any necessary details Conclude by saying that you look forward

to reporting for work Be careful: Legally binding contract Positive letter: Should convey your

enthusiasm & eagerness to cooperate

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5) Letter declining a job offer

The model for negative messages Open warmly, state the reasons for

refusing the offer Decline the offer explicitly & close on

a pleasant note, expressing gratitude By taking the time to write a sincere,

tactful letter, you leave the door open for future contact.

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6) Letter of resignation

Should always be written in a gracious & professional style that avoids criticism of your employer or your colleagues

Follow the bad news plan & make the letter sound positive

Say stg. favorable about the organization, people or what you’ve learned in the job

State your intention to leave & give the date of your last day on the job

Give at least 2 weeks notice Checklist