Posts Tagged ‘Job Interview’
Attractive Attachments: A Cover Letter Tip Package
Many people do a lot of research on what goes into an effective cover letter. They find the best formats that are not only easy on the eyes, but are easy to type and print as well. They look for the best words that can give the letter the most positive air, without making it appear too overbearing or trite. They advocate using the best paper, the best ink, and signing the letter with the best signature you can make.
A cover letter, however, is nothing without the elements that turn it into a professional package. It has to be brief, with simple, direct language that attracts attention. It has to be personalized: it must address a specific person, and it should be signed personally, by the person making the job application. It has to be neat, and it has to be accompanied by what the employer desires – and more.
What more can you add to an already well-crafted cover letter? First, do not be afraid to add a post-script, or the P.S. Although this may seem unprofessional, research shows that it is actually attention getting: the P.S. can force prospective employers, already busy with other letters, to take a look at the bottom of your letter even if they have not skimmed or read your letter first.
Because the P.S. calls so much attention to itself, you might want to place all the important information there. Tell the prospective employer that you are available for a job interview; indicate where and when you can be contacted, and provide all your contact information, including a valid email address. Do not crowd so much information into the P.S., however, as this can make your letter appear cluttered, and you can appear more desperate than you really are.
You might also want to add attachments to your cover letter and resume, even if the prospective employer did not ask for them. There are only two things that can happen: either your prospective employer will throw them away, or he or she can examine them in greater detail. Force the latter possibility by printing out important documents on high quality paper, or providing high resolution images of your work, depending on what job you are applying for.
If you are applying to be a writer, add writing samples, and, if possible, show your versatility in both fiction and non-fiction. If you have already published your work, give high-resolution photocopies straight from the magazine, journal, newspaper, or book in which your work appeared. Provide contact information of editors or bosses who helped you in your previous writing gigs.
If you are a web designer or graphic designer, you will need to show the most attractive parts of your portfolio. Provide a hard copy of your works printed out on high quality paper, with high quality ink; and give a CD copy of your works. You can also provide URL information for sites that you designed or contributed designs to. As in the advice for writers, provide contact information of your clients who can attest to your qualifications as a designer.
If you are applying to be a nurse or doctor, attach photocopies of certificates of workshops that you have attended. These can show that you are willing to learn new things, and that you are always seeking to improve your craft.
No matter what position you are applying for, make your cover letter great, and follow the tips in this cover letter tip package. Always show how passionate you are about the job, without looking desperate or childish. Show how well you know the job, and how enthusiastic you are for an interview. If you can convey all your emotions in a brief, powerful letter, you may soon write your own cover tip package for people who need your expertise for their own forays into job seeking!
By: Mario Churchill
About the Author:
A cover letter, however, is nothing without the elements that turn it into a professional package. It has to be brief, with simple, direct language that attracts attention. It has to be personalized: it must address a specific person, and it should be signed personally, by the person making the job application. It has to be neat, and it has to be accompanied by what the employer desires – and more.
What more can you add to an already well-crafted cover letter? First, do not be afraid to add a post-script, or the P.S. Although this may seem unprofessional, research shows that it is actually attention getting: the P.S. can force prospective employers, already busy with other letters, to take a look at the bottom of your letter even if they have not skimmed or read your letter first.
Because the P.S. calls so much attention to itself, you might want to place all the important information there. Tell the prospective employer that you are available for a job interview; indicate where and when you can be contacted, and provide all your contact information, including a valid email address. Do not crowd so much information into the P.S., however, as this can make your letter appear cluttered, and you can appear more desperate than you really are.
You might also want to add attachments to your cover letter and resume, even if the prospective employer did not ask for them. There are only two things that can happen: either your prospective employer will throw them away, or he or she can examine them in greater detail. Force the latter possibility by printing out important documents on high quality paper, or providing high resolution images of your work, depending on what job you are applying for.
If you are applying to be a writer, add writing samples, and, if possible, show your versatility in both fiction and non-fiction. If you have already published your work, give high-resolution photocopies straight from the magazine, journal, newspaper, or book in which your work appeared. Provide contact information of editors or bosses who helped you in your previous writing gigs.
If you are a web designer or graphic designer, you will need to show the most attractive parts of your portfolio. Provide a hard copy of your works printed out on high quality paper, with high quality ink; and give a CD copy of your works. You can also provide URL information for sites that you designed or contributed designs to. As in the advice for writers, provide contact information of your clients who can attest to your qualifications as a designer.
If you are applying to be a nurse or doctor, attach photocopies of certificates of workshops that you have attended. These can show that you are willing to learn new things, and that you are always seeking to improve your craft.
No matter what position you are applying for, make your cover letter great, and follow the tips in this cover letter tip package. Always show how passionate you are about the job, without looking desperate or childish. Show how well you know the job, and how enthusiastic you are for an interview. If you can convey all your emotions in a brief, powerful letter, you may soon write your own cover tip package for people who need your expertise for their own forays into job seeking!
By: Mario Churchill
About the Author:
Mario Churchill is a freelance author and has written over 200 articles on various subjects. For more information on cover letter tip checkout his recommended websites.
Cover Letter Tips That Touch More Than Just The Tip Of The Employment Iceberg
Employment today is more diverse, but competition is stiffer than ever before. Not only do you have to be well-educated, you also have to be a well-rounded employee with a lot of experience, not to mention personality. Such traits can be difficult to deduce from someone’s resume or transcript: after all, a resume is only a list that shows how much education was given to you, and how many times you have been employed, while a transcript will show what grades you got. All these records will not show how much you learned, what you did with your education, and if you have learned anything from your past forays into employment.
In a job application, a cover letter can show your prospective employer all these and more. Sadly, today’s job applicants, although more competitive, also tend to be lazier than usual. They will look for generic cover letters online, change a few facts, print it out, and send it to only one employer. They will address the letter to no one in particular, and will usually stick to the safe, “Dear Sir or Madame,” or worse, “To whom it may concern.” Lastly, the applicant will wait for a reply, often for weeks on end, before repeating the cycle.
This self-defeating cycle is something that you want to avoid if you are applying for a job. Your goal is not simply to get the application over with: you should shine and stand out above all the other job applicants, and you should get a job interview, at the very least. A few cover letter tips should get you going, so follow these cover letter tips and you just might find yourself getting the job that you want.
First, do as much research as you can about the company. Sure, they have a job opening that you think you will excel at, but are the company’s goals also your own? Is the company’s mission and vision in line with your own mission and vision? How well do you know the company? Have you visited its website? Who is your employer?
You will need to take note of all these facts before you even craft your letter. Moreover, address your letter to the person who will hire you, not to anyone in particular. Remember, the more personalized your letter is, the easier it will be for you to get a job. However, do not go overboard on being personal: you also want to look professional, not sensational, childish, or hyperactive. As long as your values, goals, vision, and mission are aligned with those of the company, then you can be sure that you have one foot into their doors already.
Next, make your letter brief. Usually, a single page of about four short paragraphs of text will do the trick. Employers have little time to browse through piles and piles of letters all saying the same thing. You need to stand out, so say as much in as few words as possible. Your goal is to take the employer’s attention within the first few lines of your letter, and to make the employer read all about you and want to hire you – or, at the very least, call you in for an interview.
State specifically that you are available for an interview, then provide all your contact details. Make sure that your email address is up and running, and that you will be available to answer all telephone calls. Send the letter according to the information provided in the job opening, and wait patiently – for about two weeks.
If you have not heard from the company, send a fresh cover letter and another resume, and indicate that you are making a follow up. This might increase your chances of getting an interview, or even getting the job, if the employer sees how persistent you can be. If this doesn’t work out, keep applying, and never say die! If you work hard enough, you will get the job that you want in no time.
By: Mario Churchill
About the Author:
In a job application, a cover letter can show your prospective employer all these and more. Sadly, today’s job applicants, although more competitive, also tend to be lazier than usual. They will look for generic cover letters online, change a few facts, print it out, and send it to only one employer. They will address the letter to no one in particular, and will usually stick to the safe, “Dear Sir or Madame,” or worse, “To whom it may concern.” Lastly, the applicant will wait for a reply, often for weeks on end, before repeating the cycle.
This self-defeating cycle is something that you want to avoid if you are applying for a job. Your goal is not simply to get the application over with: you should shine and stand out above all the other job applicants, and you should get a job interview, at the very least. A few cover letter tips should get you going, so follow these cover letter tips and you just might find yourself getting the job that you want.
First, do as much research as you can about the company. Sure, they have a job opening that you think you will excel at, but are the company’s goals also your own? Is the company’s mission and vision in line with your own mission and vision? How well do you know the company? Have you visited its website? Who is your employer?
You will need to take note of all these facts before you even craft your letter. Moreover, address your letter to the person who will hire you, not to anyone in particular. Remember, the more personalized your letter is, the easier it will be for you to get a job. However, do not go overboard on being personal: you also want to look professional, not sensational, childish, or hyperactive. As long as your values, goals, vision, and mission are aligned with those of the company, then you can be sure that you have one foot into their doors already.
Next, make your letter brief. Usually, a single page of about four short paragraphs of text will do the trick. Employers have little time to browse through piles and piles of letters all saying the same thing. You need to stand out, so say as much in as few words as possible. Your goal is to take the employer’s attention within the first few lines of your letter, and to make the employer read all about you and want to hire you – or, at the very least, call you in for an interview.
State specifically that you are available for an interview, then provide all your contact details. Make sure that your email address is up and running, and that you will be available to answer all telephone calls. Send the letter according to the information provided in the job opening, and wait patiently – for about two weeks.
If you have not heard from the company, send a fresh cover letter and another resume, and indicate that you are making a follow up. This might increase your chances of getting an interview, or even getting the job, if the employer sees how persistent you can be. If this doesn’t work out, keep applying, and never say die! If you work hard enough, you will get the job that you want in no time.
By: Mario Churchill
About the Author:
Mario Churchill is a freelance author and has written over 200 articles on various subjects. For more information on cover letter tips checkout his recommended websites.
Interview Tips for Job Seekers in Chichester, West Sussex
Interview Tips to help you get that perfect job in Chichester
This article is designed to help people find jobs in Chichester or to find a new job near Chichester. With the job market now more competitive than ever, you need to give employers every reason to pick you when you get to the important stage of being invited for a job interview. The first 30 seconds of a job interview are very important. Here are a few helpful tips on what to expect and how to prepare for your job interview.
Job Interview checklist
Make sure you double check the time, date and location of your job interview
Plan your route the day before, eg if you are being interviewed for a job in Chichester you could get a route map from google maps so you can pin point the place to be before hand, or even make a trip there the day before to avoid any stress on the day
Research the job and company before the interview, a few minutes spent typing the company’s name into Google will be time very well spent. Read the company’s about us page and any news articles you can find. Your interviewer will be impressed if you have some understanding of the company and its background
Re read through the job advertisement on allChichesterJobs to remind yourself what the job involves and what the recruiter is looking for
Re read through your CV and have a good think about exactly why you think you’d be good for this job
Look Good, Feel Better
Rightly or wrongly, looks can make a difference, be smart and look professional. Think about the company you are applying to – how do your potential future colleagues dress for work? If you already look the part then you’re on the way to fitting in at your desired new job!
Be on time!
Always keep in mind that you never get a second chance to make a first impression, so make sure you’re prepared. Aim to arrive 20-25 minutes before your interview time, that way if your bus is late or you get stuck in traffic you’ll still arrive on time. If you arrive early, you could wait nearby at a cafe or have a short walk round the area thinking about what you plan to say in your interview. Aim to report to reception exactly 10 minutes before your scheduled interview time.
Look them in the eyes and smile
Eye contact is one of the most important aspects while on your interview and can make a significant difference in how you present yourself. If you look away when speaking to someone, you are viewed as lacking confidence or not interested or being dishonest. So always answer the question with eye contact, and without glaring.
Be enthusiastic and positive
During your job interview always be enthusiastic. Do not be negative or mention any bad points about previous employers. Focus on positive achievements and views, always smile and be attentive.
What not to do in your job interview
As well as preparing for what you should do on a job interview, whether it’s a part time job in Chichester or that perfect next step on the career ladder, it is just as important that you know what not to do.
Don’t be late!
Don’t swear or use slang words.
Don’t slouch in your seat or do anything else that makes you look disinterested.
Don’t lie! The interviewer may see through you. Even if you get the job, your employer can dismiss you if they find out.
Don’t let your nerves show too much. It is normal to be nervous, but you can’t let your nerves take over, as this will affect your performance. Use breathing techniques and try to remember that it’s not a life and death situation; there are plenty of jobs on allChichesterJobs.com!
Don’t be arrogant and assume you’ve got the job. Nothing turns off employers more than someone who is disrespectful and over-confident.
Don’t read from notes or your CV. You should be familiar enough with your own history to be able to talk about it unprompted.
Don’t argue with the interviewer, no matter what. Remember to keep things positive!
Top 4 questions asked at job interviews
1. Describe your strengths
It is almost guaranteed that on most job interviews you will be asked what you think your strengths are (and sometimes what you think your weaknesses / ‘development areas’ are too). You want to leave a positive impression in mind, so you will need to show that you are in the process of overcoming your weaknesses. Once thing is for sure, you need to have thought about this common interview question in advance so you know roughly what you will answer when asked it.
2. Why do you want this job?
Think carefully about this question. Stress the positive aspects, that have attracted you to applying for this job.
What qualities do you think will be required for this job?
Their advertisement for the job may help you a little bit, but you should also think of the other qualities that may be required. These may include leadership ability, supervisory skills, communication skills, interpersonal skills, problem solving, logical skills, etc.
3. What can you contribute to this job vacancy?
This is your chance to shine. Tell them about your achievements in your previous work that are relevant to the new position you are applying for.
4. Why do you want to work for this company?
Emphasise the positive reasons why you want to join their company, but avoid aspects such as more money or shorter hours. These may not endear you to a prospective employer. Stress opportunities for personal growth and new challenges.
Finally, don’t give up your job hunt!
The fact is that you may not be offered every job, however perfect you think you may be for it.
If you do not get the job after an interview it is a good idea to run through the interview with someone and try to help them to identify any areas where you could have done better. There will be other opportunities in time and any failed interviews should be looked upon as part of a learning process.
Don’t forget that performing well at an interview is a skill and it can be learnt and improved with help and practice. There are plenty of jobs in and around Chichester – the main thing is to find the right one for you!
We wish you the best of luck with you job hunting!
By: Louisa Anderson
About the Author:
This article is designed to help people find jobs in Chichester or to find a new job near Chichester. With the job market now more competitive than ever, you need to give employers every reason to pick you when you get to the important stage of being invited for a job interview. The first 30 seconds of a job interview are very important. Here are a few helpful tips on what to expect and how to prepare for your job interview.
Job Interview checklist
Make sure you double check the time, date and location of your job interview
Plan your route the day before, eg if you are being interviewed for a job in Chichester you could get a route map from google maps so you can pin point the place to be before hand, or even make a trip there the day before to avoid any stress on the day
Research the job and company before the interview, a few minutes spent typing the company’s name into Google will be time very well spent. Read the company’s about us page and any news articles you can find. Your interviewer will be impressed if you have some understanding of the company and its background
Re read through the job advertisement on allChichesterJobs to remind yourself what the job involves and what the recruiter is looking for
Re read through your CV and have a good think about exactly why you think you’d be good for this job
Look Good, Feel Better
Rightly or wrongly, looks can make a difference, be smart and look professional. Think about the company you are applying to – how do your potential future colleagues dress for work? If you already look the part then you’re on the way to fitting in at your desired new job!
Be on time!
Always keep in mind that you never get a second chance to make a first impression, so make sure you’re prepared. Aim to arrive 20-25 minutes before your interview time, that way if your bus is late or you get stuck in traffic you’ll still arrive on time. If you arrive early, you could wait nearby at a cafe or have a short walk round the area thinking about what you plan to say in your interview. Aim to report to reception exactly 10 minutes before your scheduled interview time.
Look them in the eyes and smile
Eye contact is one of the most important aspects while on your interview and can make a significant difference in how you present yourself. If you look away when speaking to someone, you are viewed as lacking confidence or not interested or being dishonest. So always answer the question with eye contact, and without glaring.
Be enthusiastic and positive
During your job interview always be enthusiastic. Do not be negative or mention any bad points about previous employers. Focus on positive achievements and views, always smile and be attentive.
What not to do in your job interview
As well as preparing for what you should do on a job interview, whether it’s a part time job in Chichester or that perfect next step on the career ladder, it is just as important that you know what not to do.
Don’t be late!
Don’t swear or use slang words.
Don’t slouch in your seat or do anything else that makes you look disinterested.
Don’t lie! The interviewer may see through you. Even if you get the job, your employer can dismiss you if they find out.
Don’t let your nerves show too much. It is normal to be nervous, but you can’t let your nerves take over, as this will affect your performance. Use breathing techniques and try to remember that it’s not a life and death situation; there are plenty of jobs on allChichesterJobs.com!
Don’t be arrogant and assume you’ve got the job. Nothing turns off employers more than someone who is disrespectful and over-confident.
Don’t read from notes or your CV. You should be familiar enough with your own history to be able to talk about it unprompted.
Don’t argue with the interviewer, no matter what. Remember to keep things positive!
Top 4 questions asked at job interviews
1. Describe your strengths
It is almost guaranteed that on most job interviews you will be asked what you think your strengths are (and sometimes what you think your weaknesses / ‘development areas’ are too). You want to leave a positive impression in mind, so you will need to show that you are in the process of overcoming your weaknesses. Once thing is for sure, you need to have thought about this common interview question in advance so you know roughly what you will answer when asked it.
2. Why do you want this job?
Think carefully about this question. Stress the positive aspects, that have attracted you to applying for this job.
What qualities do you think will be required for this job?
Their advertisement for the job may help you a little bit, but you should also think of the other qualities that may be required. These may include leadership ability, supervisory skills, communication skills, interpersonal skills, problem solving, logical skills, etc.
3. What can you contribute to this job vacancy?
This is your chance to shine. Tell them about your achievements in your previous work that are relevant to the new position you are applying for.
4. Why do you want to work for this company?
Emphasise the positive reasons why you want to join their company, but avoid aspects such as more money or shorter hours. These may not endear you to a prospective employer. Stress opportunities for personal growth and new challenges.
Finally, don’t give up your job hunt!
The fact is that you may not be offered every job, however perfect you think you may be for it.
If you do not get the job after an interview it is a good idea to run through the interview with someone and try to help them to identify any areas where you could have done better. There will be other opportunities in time and any failed interviews should be looked upon as part of a learning process.
Don’t forget that performing well at an interview is a skill and it can be learnt and improved with help and practice. There are plenty of jobs in and around Chichester – the main thing is to find the right one for you!
We wish you the best of luck with you job hunting!
By: Louisa Anderson
About the Author:
Louisa Anderson is a recruitment expert having worked as a recruitment consultant for 12 years, she is Content Editor for All Chichester Jobs and Brighton Job Search and All Worthing Jobs
