Job Application Process

Content
Sourcing of job vacancies
Construction and content of CV Construction and content of covering letters

Sourcing of job vacancies

Many sources
Newspapers, magazines, journals, websites,agencies, word of mouth, etc

Many general
Cover whole range of vacancies In level of opportunity and type of employment offered

Some specific
Professional institute journals, university websites, company websites

Construction & content of CVs

What is a CV?
What is its purpose? What should we put into a CV?

Professional Issues

What is a CV?
Curriculum Vitae course of life Document that demonstrates suitability for a particular job Shows in an ordered and methodical how your profile matches that required by the employer A unique selling document

Professional Issues

Objective of CV
To gain the employers interest To inform about you To show how you match the requirements To get you to the next stage of the recruitment process

CV Contents
Career objective Education Profile Experience Profile Positions of responsibility, achievements, interests Personal Profile Referees

CV Layout
Aim
To show how your skills & experience match the requirements of the position applied for

Focus
To demonstrate motivation and respect for employer Layout should be focused on the information provided in the advert Target, interpret and prioritize experiences demonstrating effective written communication skills

Accessibility
Layout should make document easy to navigate Strong internal logic with headings and consistent use of effects

Construction and content of Covering letter

Should always accompany CV submission Gives CV some context Enables you to
Demonstrate understanding of the employing organisation How you relate to its values and aspirations Explicitly presents your motivation and adaptability

Construction and content of covering letter (2)

Covering letter should
Demonstrate your interest in and knowledge of company Highlight particular parts of CV that are your unique selling points Draw attention to information which does not fit easily into CV Explain personal circumstances or anomalies in application

Content of covering letter

Brief introduction of self, position being applied for and where you saw it advertised Explanation of interest in position Explanation of reasons for wanting to work for this particular employer Highlight why youre suitable for the position refer to CV) If necessary explain anomalies in your background Indicate availability for interview

Final points
Both should be written on plain white paper Use a font that offers a clean and clear appearance CV should be no longer than 2 pages Bullet point approach Check spelling, grammar and punctuation Use black ink Tailor specifically for each application Do NOT repeat information

Final points (2)

Covering letter should contain your contact details Provide employer/agency details
If name provided address to it, if not then address to a department e.g. Human Resource manager

Use full dates Be careful with salutation, only use name if you know it
If not then use Dear Sir/Madam

Provide letter title centre and bold the text

Final points (3)

Covering letter should contain 3 paragraphs
Why you are writing What you can offer them Summary and next step

Closing use Yours sincerely if sending to a named individual else use Yours faithfully For ease of contact you may wish to provide a contact number below your name

Any Questions ?

Tutorial
Identify sources of current employment opportunities in Computing Draft your CV
Draft a covering letter