Week 12 employment

Week 12 employment writing professional covering letters

Cover letter

- just as important as your cv
- builds on the info on your cv state why the company should hire you
- before you write your cover it's important to do research into the company

Points to consider

- what does the company do
- competitors

- address your letter with appropriate contacts
- should be short and straight to the point

Second paragraph
- explain why you are suitable to the job, refer to your academic and professional qualifications that are relevant to the role

Third paragraph
- what can you bring and do for the company what is your career role make it relevant to the role you are applying for

Fourth
- talk about your interest in the role and why you would be right for it
- indicate wanting to meet them for an interview

Closing the letter
- yours sincerely and your name
- arial size 12 font aligned

Job interview
- you have to sell yourself and your skills
- preparation
- practice
- performance
- confidence
- strengths what are you good at? Write bullet points
- what are your weaknesses, how a position in that company could help you improve
- what will you becoming in 5 years in time?
- what can you offer this company?

What influences the interviewer

- your personality
- your qualifications
- your relevant experience
- background and references
- enthusiasm for the post in question

What to do in an interview
- answer the question being asked in a concise way don't waffle
- speak clearly and confidently
- talk about your good points

What not to do?
- don't be to clever
- give evasive answers
- don't get to flustered
- criticise your former employers

- arrive on time
- dress smartly
- be enthusiastic
- listen carefullyto questions
- relax
- emphasise on your skills and experience

Types of interviews

- single interview
- group interview
- sequential interview

Employer will request these skills
- self awareness
- Initiative
- willingness to learn
- interpersonal skills
- communication
- teamwork
- problem solving
-flexibility
- commitment
- commercial awareness
- it/ computer literacy

What to consider

- find out about them
- skills you need to promote
- why you are interested in the job
- why you would be suitable

When applying for a job
- read the job description carefully
- read person specification carefully
- follow directions and be accurate

Task
 - collect and research some jobs and write a cover letter