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Completing application forms
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Most application forms request the same kinds of information, and much of the information duplicates that given in resumes. The forms ask for your address, telephone number, social security number, and the title of the job for which you are applying. Most forms also ask about your previous employment, including your employers’ and supervisors’ names, the dates of your employment, and your duties. The forms further request that you list the schools you attended, the dates you attended them, and any degrees, diplomas, and certificates you received. Many forms request information about your military experience, health, and hobbies. They may also ask for the names and addresses of personal references.
APPLICATIONS
A mentor of mine once said, “Don’t ever fill out an application if you can send a resume, and don’t send a resume if you get an interview instead.” In other words, don’t give potential employers too much information before they interview you. The goal is to see the interviewer face to face. If a secretary says a resume, see if you can schedule an interview first. If you absolutely can’t, then send a resume. Refrain from filling out applications until the interview, if possible. Applications ask for scads of information – employers use them to screen prospective employees out. Since you don’t know what they want to know about you, the less said prior to the interview, the better.
When you finally have to fill out the application, there are some guidelines you should follow:
Follow the instructions carefully. Once when I filled out an application, I nearly missed the small letters at the bottom of the page that stated “Write a two to three page letter describing yourself to us.” If I had skipped that instruction, I’m sure I would not have been called in for an interview. The employer wanted to know if I was detail-oriented and followed instructions carefully.
Be neat. Fill out applications with an erasable black pen, preferably one that doesn’t leave large globules of ink throughout the application. Employers don’t consider it a pleasant experience to receive an application filled with white-out or one in which the writer used red, green, and blue ink. Proofread the application and make sure that all addresses, phone numbers, and names are correct. Attention to detail is important.
Be positive. Avoid negative comments about yourself. Present yourself with positive adjectives and descriptions. Emphasize your skills and accomplishments. Remember to let the potential employer know how great you are!
Fill in every blank. If there is a question that you would prefer to answer in the interview, it is better to state that preference than to leave the line blank.
Don’t tell how much you want to make. If you state your salary range in an application (before they meet you), you might have listed a salary so high that they won’t want to talk to you.
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COVER LETTERS
Every resume must be accompanied by a cover letter. It is a way to highlight your qualifications and elaborate on your resume. Think of your cover letter as a tool in obtaining an interview. The following sections address some basic guidelines to remember.
Although the two documents (a resume and a cover letter) have similarities, they are different in several ways:
· A resume is adapted to a position, while the letter is adapted to the needs of a particular company.
· The resume summarizes all of your qualifications, while the letter shows how your qualifications can help the organization meet its needs, how you differ from other applicants, and that you have some knowledge of the company.
· Business resume can be two to three pages for experienced applicants, but a cover letter should be only one page.
There are several parts to a cover letter.
Introduction: You will want to explain to the employer how you found about the position, why you want to work for the company, and which position you are applying for. If you know someone who works in the company, you may want to mention this in the first paragraph as well.
Qualification section: You will want to highlight your qualifications in this paragraph. You may want to expand upon information presented in your resume, or you may want to include new information about you in this section.
Conclusion: Close in a positive manner. Discuss the prospect of setting up an interview.
An example of a cover letter follows.
Cover Letter
101 Forest Hill Dr., Apt. 102
Peoria, IL 60192
December 4, 1993
Ms Toni Gonzalez
Management Recruiting Administrator
Northern Accounting Company
P.O. Box 190
Aurora, IL 60507
Dear Ms Gonzalez
In June of 1992 I had the pleasure of meeting you at a job fair. The information I received was very helpful. Since that time I had done some research, and found that Northern Accounting Company is a very stable and well respected company. I would like to be considered for a position to utilize my skills and to prove that I would be a desirable asset for Northern Accounting Company.
In February 1993, I will graduate from college with a Bachelors of Science Degree in Accounting. My hands on education has included general accounting practice, completion of Federal and Corporate tax returns, creation of templates utilizing Lotus 1-2-3, and preparation of consolidated financial statements for business combinations. I have accumulated over 400 hours of laboratory work in a team environment and I would like to become a part of your team. I feel my work experience with past employers has allowed for the development of confidence, leadership, and the ability to verbally communicate with people.
I am confident in my ability to make a positive contribution to Northern Accounting Company. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss that possibility and my qualifications at your convenience. I can be reached at the above address or at (808) 858-1878. I look forward to your reply. Thank you for your time and for providing useful information.
Sincerely,
Jerry L. Page Jr.
Enclosure: Resume
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Клише и выражения сопроводительного письма
- With reference to your advertisement in “Times” of Tuesday, January 10, I would like to apply for the position of … in your company. – Ссылаясь на объявление в “Times” от 10 января, вторник, я хотел бы претендовать на должность … в вашей фирме.
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- I recently heard from … that there is a vacancy in your sales department. – Я недавно услышал от … о вакансии в вашем торговом отделе.
I am used to working on my own. – Я привык работать самостоятельно.
I appreciate the opportunity to work on my own initiative and to take on a certain amount of responsibility. – Я высоко ценю возможность работать с должной мерой ответственности, проявляя собственную инициативу.
During training for my present job I took courses in marketing. – Во время обучения для получения должности, которую я занимаю в настоящей момент, я закончил курсы маркетинга.
Since my present position offers little prospect for advancement, I would prefer to be employed in an expanding organization such as yours. – Так как моя настоящая должность не дает мне больших возможностей для продвижения, я хотел бы работать в такой перспективной организации, как ваша.
I am at present earning … per month. – в настоящее время я получаю … в месяц.
Thank you for offering me the post/position of … Благодарю Вас за то, что Вы предложили мне должность …
I have pleasure in accepting this position. – С удовольствием принимаю эту должность.
UNIT 3
THE PERFECT INTERVIEW
Being interviewed
Most interviewers pay close attention to the way an applicant acts, dresses, and answers questions. You can favorably influence an interviewer by arriving on time and by being polite, sincere, and well organized. Dress as you would for the kind of job you are seeking, unless the workers wear uniforms. The interviewer will probably ask about your interests, your work experience, and your goals. Common questions also include your reasons for applying for the job and what you believe you can contribute to the success of the employer’s business. Answer all questions briefly and frankly. You might find it helpful to think out your answers to such questions before an interview.
Many people prepare for a job interview by trying to learn some facts about the employer’s business. Such facts might include information on the kinds of products the company manufactures or on the services it provides. This kind of knowledge can help you ask intelligent questions during your interview. It also shows the interviewer that you are interested in the employer’s business.
After the interview, send a thank-you letter to the interviewer. If you still want to be considered for the job, say so in your letter. Also ask any further questions you might have.
The perfect interview
So you chose a job ad, sent your resume to the company and they invited you to the interview. Are you nervous? Now try to imagine that you are a director of a company. What kind of a person would you employ? Tick the most essential features and give your reasons. Add your own variants.
*positive minded
*hard working
*with a good sense of humour
*intelligent
*sociable
*competitive
*self-motivated
*dedicated
*talkative
*experienced
*active
*determined to success
*enthusiastic
*brave
*adaptable
*understanding
*tolerant
*supportive
*broad-minded
*charming
*decisive
*polite
*flexible
*easy-going
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