Before applying for a particular position you will of course collect all the necessary data about the company or the firm. It is a good idea to do some research into the company. You must consider such questions as:
Is it a big organization or a small firm?
How many people does it employ?
Where is it based?
Does it have subsidiaries or branches? If so, where?
What is the name of the chief executive?
You can get information from other people who are familiar with its operation, or you may contact some kind of public relations department, or use the Internet. But it is best to visit place in person, so you can follow up on questions and possibly get some literature or brochures prepared by the company about its services, product and policies.
The next step is writing the letter of application. Remember that first impressions are very important. That is why you should think over everything that you are going to include into the text of your letter. Here is some advice how to apply by letter:
Write neatly on good notepaper.
Check for spelling mistakes. Use a dictionary if you are not sure of a word.
Describe yourself, your qualifications and your experience clearly.
Address the letter and the envelope clearly.
If the advertisement asks you to fill in a resume (USA) or a Curriculum Vitae (UK) or a standard printed application form you will not need to give detailed information in your letter. The forms can be laid out in different ways but the information required will, in most cases, be the same.
A resume, sometimes called a Curriculum Vitae or CV, is a summary of your career history, the skills and experiences you have gained during the course of it. A good resume should:
attract attention
create a positive impression
present your skills and qualities clearly and concisely
The purpose of the resume is to tell an employer why you should be hired. Consider it as your personal marketing instrument. A good resume will help you to open the door to a job interview.
There are two kinds of resume: employment and academic. The employment resume is typically shorter. Academic resume generally includes several additional sections such as:
Conferences, seminars attended
Papers given
Publications
Professional affiliations ( ᒺ)
The academic resume is used when applying to research bodies, international or educational organizations, NGOs (non-governmental organizations), etc.
The resume, as a standard summary of information, may be photocopied and sent off to many employers, changing sections of the contents according to the different needs of the organizations contacted.
Resume writing tips
As you write your resume, keep in mind the following:
Use concise language
Minimize or omit everything which is irrelevant
Select and order the major categories so that the most relevant information is placed near the top of your resume where it will receive the majority of the reader's attention
Your resume must be free of typographical and grammatical errors
Have your resume critiqued by an experienced person
Print your resume on white paper
CVs or resumes should usually contain the following information:
1. Personal Details (name, address, telephone, fax, e-mail, date of birth, place of birth, nationality, marital status)
2. Objective
3. Education (qualifications)
4. Professional Experience
5. Skills (Computer programs, languages)
6. Activities. (Hobby)
7. References.
CVs or resumes as well as application forms will require the name and address of at least two individuals who can act as referees, which means those who can provide references. The referees may be contacted and asked to confirm your characteristics.
Normally, the firm will ask for the names of present or former employers or supervisors for whom the candidate has worked.
