Applying for a new job

[ikthius]

Hey everyone,

ok I have seen a job, which I would like to do.
I seen it in the paper.

this is what it says after the job description.
"To find out more visit our website ..., email ... or call .... Closing date .... Interview date ..."
ok I omitted some things, I dont want to give the job away.

I am going to email them, but what do I say?

ik

[Pia]

Not sure, i'm in the procesing of sending my cv off to people too.

I usually just tell them where i saw the ad, why i am interested, and what i can offer, with CV attached.

[ikthius]

I have been at this for a while, and my bro emailed me this little craker:

Dear Sir/Madam

I am writing in response to your advertisement for the position of [Job Title] in the [paper] on [date]. I am interested in applying for this position and would be most obliged if you could forward me an application pack either by email(address as above) or to my home address as follows:

[address]

I look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience,

Kind regards

Me

I think this might do better than my attempt...
Geez a job, I can do that!

ik

[Halcyon]

You are going along the right lines.
Just write the E-mail as if you were writing a letter of application.
Obviously as it is an E-mail, keep it brief, but state the role you are applying for and any other info that they require.
Check and double check spelling and that you are sending it to the correct person.

I just normally state why I am interested in the job and what I could offer the company.
It may be useful to attach yyour C.V. too.

Originally Posted by ikthius

I have been at this for a while, and my bro emailed me this little craker:

Dear Sir/Madam

I am writing in response to your advertisement for the position of [Job Title] in the [paper] on [date]. I am interested in applying for this position and would be most obliged if you could forward me an application pack either by email(address as above) or to my home address as follows:

[address]

I look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience,

Kind regards

Me

I think this might do better than my attempt...
Geez a job, I can do that!

ik

If I may, ik, can I suggest the following changes - only my opinion, it is up to you

- 'obliged' is good enough - 'most obliged' is just slightly ott ?

- ditch the 'at your earliest convenience' ?? - it just sounds a little bit too patronising??

Good luck, btw

[ikthius]

Originally Posted by Halcyon

You are going along the right lines.
Just write the E-mail as if you were writing a letter of application.
Obviously as it is an E-mail, keep it brief, but state the role you are applying for and any other info that they require.
Check and double check spelling and that you are sending it to the correct person.

I just normally state why I am interested in the job and what I could offer the company.
It may be useful to attach yyour C.V. too.

I never bothered about the CV here, just in case I dont get a pack, I want to have a chance hehe

well I done it and also sent it off to somewhere else so have asked for 2 application packs for 2 different jobs.

wish me luck people, I have been in the same job for 10 years, been rejected a promotion twice, cause I am not the boss' favourite, but am best at job....

good luck Pia

ik

EDIT: cheers Gaz, but it was sent.....

[mr_bo]

Good luck!
My advice (prolly a bit late) but your covering e-mail should be short, sweet and straight to the point then let your attached cv do the talking.

[Chris W]

Much better if you can find out the name of the person who is dealing with applications- rather use their name than Sir/Madam if possible.

If it isn't on the advert you could always call them, make up a question about it and find out their name that way. Then email the application off

[ikthius]

Originally Posted by Chris W

Much better if you can find out the name of the person who is dealing with applications- rather use their name than Sir/Madam if possible.

If it isn't on the advert you could always call them, make up a question about it and find out their name that way. Then email the application off

There was no name and the closing date is very soon, so I thought this best to get it off as soon as.

although I seen another one and applied for that too, and emailed it to the person on the advert

ik

[danielf]

Give them a call. Say you are interested in the job, and ask for further details (plus the name of the person to address the letter to. Ask them what the job entails, and what sort of person they are looking for. Then use that information when writing your application. The info you got from the call may well give you the edge over other applicants. Most people just write a bog standard letter. You could have a tailored letter.

[Halcyon]

Good luck. I hope all goes well for you

[ikthius]

Originally Posted by danielf

Give them a call. Say you are interested in the job, and ask for further details (plus the name of the person to address the letter to. Ask them what the job entails, and what sort of person they are looking for. Then use that information when writing your application. The info you got from the call may well give you the edge over other applicants. Most people just write a bog standard letter. You could have a tailored letter.

good advice

ik

[maddyp]

Originally Posted by danielf

Give them a call. Say you are interested in the job, and ask for further details (plus the name of the person to address the letter to. Ask them what the job entails, and what sort of person they are looking for. Then use that information when writing your application. The info you got from the call may well give you the edge over other applicants. Most people just write a bog standard letter. You could have a tailored letter.

this is good advice, plus i wouldnt use 'most obliged ' just put i'd be grateful, or something like that, and put I look forward to hearing from you..and drop the earliest convieniance bit ( excuse spelling i'm tired )
x

[Osem]

Don't have much time right now but here are a few tips for all job hunters from someone who's been in the business for 20 years.

Before you start the process review your situation and decide on the type of job you feel best suited for. Take account of any aspects you wish to avoid.

Get a decent CV put together by someone who specialises in doing these things (NOT just someone who knows how to type or a company which offers to produce one the same day after a 15 minute chat on the phone). The CV should be designed to suit the type of job being applied for - not just a general list of personal/educational details and a list of previous jobs. Producing such a document is a complex task and takes time/effort so avoid anyone who claims to be able to do this quickly without much input from you.

You will often hear people claiming that CV's should only be 1 or 2 pages long - well what on earth does that mean? You can probably print the Bible on 2 pages of A4 if you use a small enough font Stick to a crisp, plain font 10-12 pitch, avoid gimmicky touches but do selectively bullet-point those areas which are of special merit such as relevant skills/expertise/qualifications or indeed successes/achievements you've had. Don't overuse bulleting though - this is a very common mistake which simply negates the effect of the technique. Given that each interviewer will have his/her own way of reviewing CV's the most important element is to make sure the reader can simply scan the document, quickly get a feel that you are a serious candidate and then dip in/out to find the information they want, their eyes being met in the process by relevant, interesting and positive information which addresses their needs. Clarity and a logical layout are very important but if you've done a good job of targeting the CV and stuck to what's most interesting you'll find it'll determine it's own length and will be a pleasure for any interviewer to read.

Produce a short but positive supporting cover letter which introduces you, links nicely to key areas of the CV and alludes to the reasoning behind your application. Appear to be applying a highly selective approach to this matter.

Cut down the number of applications you make - less is more! Concentrate on those who really can offer what you are looking for. Don't mailshot - this is just sloppy. It doesn't work, can be very disheartening and is a major source of frustration for recruiters.

Research the companies and posts you apply for. Make sure this comes across in your cover letter. Note - you can't do this properly if you are firing off dozens of applications every week.

Prepare thoroughly for all interviews - show the interviewers how professional and thorough you have been.

Be positive and be prepared to sell yourself both in your CV and at interview. Interviews are not a time for hiding your light. Present relevant skills/experience confidently and draw from other areas of knowledge you have which may not be of direct relevance but are nonetheless useful.

Depending on the type of post in question, be prepared for tough questioning and harsh comments. These are techniques to test your self belief - rise to them and stay calm.

Remember something important: If you have done all of the above and secured an interview then no matter what negative impressions the interviewers may give you regarding your age, qualifications, experience etc., they liked you enough to spend their valuable time on you so keep cool and stay on track!

Apologies for doing this on the hoof but I'm having one of those days

Good luck anyway!

[DABhand]

What I would write in a letter is



(address, postcode and date - right justified)


Name of contact,
Address of contact,


Dear Contact Name,


I wish to apply for the position of {job title} as advertised in {place of advert} dated {date of advert}.

You will find myself to be a dilligent and keen employee, with great attention to detail, good humour, excellent timekeeping, ability to prioritise workloads, and the ability to work alone or within a team unsupervised.

My work experience is as follows.....{place any experience relevant to the vacancy}

Please find enclosed a recent curriculum vitae for your perusal and hope to hear from you in the near future.


Yours,



Joe Bloggs