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Are you looking for a job? Or maybe you would like to change your current job for a better one? In our guide you will learn not only where and how to look for a job, but also how to write a good CV (Curriculum Vitae) and CL (Cover Letter) and how to make a good impression on the interview. Review these tips, and certainly finding a suitable job will prove to be much easier than it was before.
Good CV is a success in finding a job
You finished school, you are freed from a previous job, or you just decided that it was a time to change your life. And what would you like to do next? Here is some advice step by step on how to find a job suited to your qualifications and expectations.
First, determine your goal. Sit quietly and think about what kind of job would be the best for you. Of course, in addition to your education you must also take into account your interpersonal skills and interests. If you are creative, willing to improve your skills and career development oriented, a position from which you can not get promoted is not for you. Sometimes to do this kind of thinking we “hire” family and friends. Why? The answer is simple. Often others can see in you what you yourself cannot.
Step 1 - Where to look for a job
If you already know what position that meets your expectations is, it’s time to actively look for it. And where can you find your future employer? You have many options.
The easiest way, without the need for leaving your home is of course the Internet. Currently, more and more websites are created that have job postings and such, where potential employers can create their profiles. But the easiest way is not necessarily the best. Remember that small, local companies often will post their job offers in the press. So, in addition to your morning grocery shopping add to the cart a copy of a local newspaper. Big number of newspapers also offers special add-ons with job ads. If you cannot find anything worthy your attention, there are still some other job offers sources like Job Centre, career fairs, employment agencies and announcements on radio and television.
Many people believe that going to Job Centre is a last thing to do, and that people who actually go there are inept, and they cannot find a job by themselves. Well, there is nothing more misguided. Please note that if you cannot objectively assess your needs regarding future position, there, free of charge you can use some help from a professional adviser. Besides, thanks to registration you can participate in free training courses, or workshops improving your qualifications. In addition, there is a possibility that you will be directed for a job placement to some company. Earnings for an internship are certainly not on the top of everyone’s dream salary. However, do not forget that it is another experience, and another entry to your CV. There is also a possibility that after finishing an internship a company will offer you a job.
Step 2 - How to write a CV and Cover Letter
You found a job you are interested in. Now, it is a time to prepare the appropriate documents to submit an offer. The basic documents are CV and cover letter. I can guarantee that you will not be the only candidate for this position, so you have to do everything you can to stand out from the crowd.
The first principle is to write your CV correctly. This is a document where you post your current scientific and professional (of course, if you have any) experience. Write them chronologically, arranging everything from the most recent to the oldest. Remember! Write the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Your future employer will quickly verify whether what you posted there is true or whether you gave full rein to your fantasy. If it turns out that you were not entirely honest, and for example, your perfect knowledge of English, which you praise, barely is the basic level, you are “cooked”. No employer will ever hire liars in their company. Therefore, it is better to write less than to fail at the beginning.
In addition to your education and experience, you can mention your interests and competencies. Especially if they are desired for this position.
In addition, CV must contain your personal data and a phone number. Many companies use telephone to contact candidates, for example, to invite them for an interview. Do not forget about this, because if you do, your dream job can go nose-wheel. Besides, make sure to add at the bottom of your CV a clause of consent to the processing of personal data. Without this your application will not be at all considered.
The second principle is to attach a cover letter to your CV. Therefore, you need to know how to write a motivation letter. It is not always required, but it is another opportunity to convince your prospective employer that YOU are the best candidate. Try not to duplicate the same things that you already put in your CV. It is boring to read the same thing twice. Learn as much as possible about the position for which you are applying and about the functioning and strategies of the company. And this point, show why you are the best for this position, what can you add to the company, and how the employer will benefit from the use of your knowledge and experience.
Prepare all the documents on the computer. Even if you think you have a nice handwriting, believe me, nobody will want to decipher it. Remember that your CV and cover letter is your card, so please try not to bend it and preferably print it on white A4 paper.
Step 3 - How to make a good impression on your interview
You are the lucky person, who is invited for an interview. Now, it is a time to prepare for it in order to make the best impression possible. Each company has different policies when it comes to verification of candidates. You can talk to people dealing with these matters, department personnel, or directly with the boss. Regardless of company policies there are some universal rules.
Being late is absolutely unacceptable. It is nothing but an expression of your ignorance to the company. If you are not fully familiar with its location, or you do not know how much time will getting to the company take, it is crucial to find everything out the day before the interview. It is also not perceived well if you get to the meeting much too early.
The way you dress shows who you are. It is best to wear something classical and formal. Tops with big cuts, short skirts and screaming jewelry should remain in the house. Ladies should not overdo the makeup. Gentlemen, do not be afraid to put on a suit or al least elegant trousers and shirt.
In addition to clothing you should prepare your knowledge. When you get to the interview you may find out that there is a test of competence waiting for you. It is done to verify in practice what you wrote in your CV. If you did not lie, there is nothing to be worried about. Certainly, you will do great.
Try to prepare answers to frequently asked questions. Firstly, why do you think that you are suitable for this position and what employer will gain by hiring you? You may also be asked to point out few of your advantages and disadvantages. While we don’t have much trouble with talking about our strong sides, it raises the question of what weaknesses you should mention. Do not fire the statement that you do not have any, because everyone has them. Try to choose those which, depending on the situation may prove to be advantages.
Often employer asks the question about the salary you expect to receive. This question is probably the hardest. Try to objectively assess your skills and responsibilities that you will come to play and on this basis, estimate what amount would be acceptable. A good way of finding out what salary you should expect is to research the wage in the sector of the market.
On the interview, try to speak with confidence. Do not move too much on the chair, even if it was the most uncomfortable in the world. Listen carefully and always look straight in the eyes of the interviewer. This shows that you are honest with him. If you smoke and are not forbidden from doing that, try not to. It is unwelcomed.
Do not forget that your future boss is a man, and may also be upset. After all, his company needs an employee. He also cares to make a good impression on you.
And now to work! I keep my fingers crossem! Good luck!