APPLICATION ACTIVITIES
The application process may start in several ways. You might fill out an application form provided by the employer. The application might be a printed form, but online applications are also common. You may also apply by submitting a resume and cover letter. As an alternative to mailing these documents, you might send them via e-mail or post them to a website.
Personal Data SheetBefore you fill out an application form, you need to prepare a personal data sheet . A personal data sheet is a summary of your important job-related information. It should list your education and work experience, as well as your references. Preparing your personal data sheet will ensure you have all the necessary information to fill out the application form.
Application FormAn employer often has each applicant complete an application form. An application form asks for information related to employment. The form gives the employer standard information about each job applicant. The form will likely ask for your name, address, education,
work experience, the job for which you are applying, and references.
Filling out the application form should be viewed as your first job task. Follow directions carefully. Print answers neatly if you are using a paper application form. If you are completing an online application form, key carefully. Answer all questions completely. Figure 9-3 shows a portion of an online application form.
ResumeA resume is a tool that provides information about you to a potential employer. Two of the most popular types of resumes are experience-based and qualifications-based. In an experience-based resume, experiences are usually listed in order of work history. In a qualifications-based resume, your abilities and experiences related to the job for which you are applying are highlighted.
As shown in Figure 9-4, a resume usually includes the following sections:
Remember that resumes are usually skimmed quickly. Some companies even use scanners to check for keywords. Be sure to connect your experiences to the requirements of the job, such as: fluent in Japanese, proficient with Adobe Illustrator, Cisco network certification, research
ability, team projects, leadership skills, overseas study, and international experience.
Use action words that demonstrate what you have achieved. See Figure 9-5 for examples of strong action words.
When preparing your resume, be completely honest about your qualifications. Remember that employers check resume information. Providing false information can cause you to lose a job. False information, found after you have been hired, can lead to your dismissal and long-term career problems.
Many career experts suggest not including a career objective on the resume. Often, a career objective is too vague or too general. Instead, this goal is better addressed in the cover letter when you connect your abilities to the organization's needs.
The application process may start in several ways. You might fill out an application form provided by the employer. The application might be a printed form, but online applications are also common. You may also apply by submitting a resume and cover letter. As an alternative to mailing these documents, you might send them via e-mail or post them to a website.
Personal Data SheetBefore you fill out an application form, you need to prepare a personal data sheet . A personal data sheet is a summary of your important job-related information. It should list your education and work experience, as well as your references. Preparing your personal data sheet will ensure you have all the necessary information to fill out the application form.
Application FormAn employer often has each applicant complete an application form. An application form asks for information related to employment. The form gives the employer standard information about each job applicant. The form will likely ask for your name, address, education,
work experience, the job for which you are applying, and references.
Filling out the application form should be viewed as your first job task. Follow directions carefully. Print answers neatly if you are using a paper application form. If you are completing an online application form, key carefully. Answer all questions completely. Figure 9-3 shows a portion of an online application form.
ResumeA resume is a tool that provides information about you to a potential employer. Two of the most popular types of resumes are experience-based and qualifications-based. In an experience-based resume, experiences are usually listed in order of work history. In a qualifications-based resume, your abilities and experiences related to the job for which you are applying are highlighted.
As shown in Figure 9-4, a resume usually includes the following sections:
- Personal information Name, address, phone, e-mail
- Career objective A focused, specific, personal employment goal
- Education Schools attended, dates, degrees, programs of study
- Experience Work and volunteer activities with dates and responsibilities
- Career-related honors and other activities Awards, school and community involvement
Remember that resumes are usually skimmed quickly. Some companies even use scanners to check for keywords. Be sure to connect your experiences to the requirements of the job, such as: fluent in Japanese, proficient with Adobe Illustrator, Cisco network certification, research
ability, team projects, leadership skills, overseas study, and international experience.
Use action words that demonstrate what you have achieved. See Figure 9-5 for examples of strong action words.
When preparing your resume, be completely honest about your qualifications. Remember that employers check resume information. Providing false information can cause you to lose a job. False information, found after you have been hired, can lead to your dismissal and long-term career problems.
Many career experts suggest not including a career objective on the resume. Often, a career objective is too vague or too general. Instead, this goal is better addressed in the cover letter when you connect your abilities to the organization's needs.
References are not usually included on the resume. Have this information on hand when requested by a prospective employer. Prepare a list of people who can give a report about your character, education, and work habits. These individuals may be teachers, previous employers, supervisors, or co-workers. Be sure to obtain permission from the people you plan to use as references.
Career PortfolioMany job applicants prepare a career portfolio. A career portfolio provides tangible evidence of your ability and skills. A career portfolio may include the following items:
APPLICATION COVER LETTERThe application cover letter expresses your interest in a specific job. Think of this as a sales letter for the purpose of obtaining an interview. Like any good sales letter, a cover letter should draw attention and interest. It should build a desire to meet you. Your letter should urge the reader to invite you to come for an interview. Figure 9-6 on the next page shows a cover letter that is neat, courteous, and to the point. A carelessly written letter may cause the employer to think that you will be a careless worker. A cover letter usually involves three main sections: introduction, development, and conclusion.
IntroductionYour cover letter should start by getting the reader's attention. Next, indicate the reason for writing. Refer to the job or type of employment in which you are interested. Give a brief summary of your experience and qualifications. If applicable, mention the name of the person who referred you to this organization.
DevelopmentThis section should highlight your background and experiences that specifically qualify you for the job. Refer the employer to your resume for more details. At this point, summarize information about your experiences and training. Connect your skills and background to specific organizational needs.
ConclusionThe final section is designed to request action—ask for the opportunity to discuss your qualifications in more detail. In other words, request an interview! Include your contact information, telephone numbers, times when you are available, and e-mail address. Make sure your e-mail address is professional. Close the letter with a summary of how you could benefit the organization. Create a personalized cover letter for each position for which you apply.
Targeted LetterIn recent years, some job applicants are using a targeted application letter instead of a resume and cover letter. This letter provides a quick summary of your ability to meet the needs of an organization. A target letter will usually include a list of major skills and competencies. Once again, your goal is to emphasize achievements and skills so you will be invited for an interview.
Career PortfolioMany job applicants prepare a career portfolio. A career portfolio provides tangible evidence of your ability and skills. A career portfolio may include the following items:
- Resume, cover letter, and answers to sample interview questions
- Sample reports, presentation materials, and research findings from school projects
- Website designs, creative works from school activities or previous employment such as ads, packages, and promotions
- News articles of community activities or other experiences in which you have participated
- Letters of recommendation
APPLICATION COVER LETTERThe application cover letter expresses your interest in a specific job. Think of this as a sales letter for the purpose of obtaining an interview. Like any good sales letter, a cover letter should draw attention and interest. It should build a desire to meet you. Your letter should urge the reader to invite you to come for an interview. Figure 9-6 on the next page shows a cover letter that is neat, courteous, and to the point. A carelessly written letter may cause the employer to think that you will be a careless worker. A cover letter usually involves three main sections: introduction, development, and conclusion.
IntroductionYour cover letter should start by getting the reader's attention. Next, indicate the reason for writing. Refer to the job or type of employment in which you are interested. Give a brief summary of your experience and qualifications. If applicable, mention the name of the person who referred you to this organization.
DevelopmentThis section should highlight your background and experiences that specifically qualify you for the job. Refer the employer to your resume for more details. At this point, summarize information about your experiences and training. Connect your skills and background to specific organizational needs.
ConclusionThe final section is designed to request action—ask for the opportunity to discuss your qualifications in more detail. In other words, request an interview! Include your contact information, telephone numbers, times when you are available, and e-mail address. Make sure your e-mail address is professional. Close the letter with a summary of how you could benefit the organization. Create a personalized cover letter for each position for which you apply.
Targeted LetterIn recent years, some job applicants are using a targeted application letter instead of a resume and cover letter. This letter provides a quick summary of your ability to meet the needs of an organization. A target letter will usually include a list of major skills and competencies. Once again, your goal is to emphasize achievements and skills so you will be invited for an interview.
ONLINE APPLICATION PROCESS
Many people use the Internet, social media, and phone apps for career planning activities. While researching potential employment is the most common use, job seekers also apply and interview online. Because an Internet resume is less personal, do not overlook other job search methods—phone calls, ads, job fairs, and personal contacts.
Online ApplicationsMany organizations allow you to apply online. In addition to the basic application, you may also be asked some preliminary questions to determine your suitability for the position available. When posting your resume online or sending it by e-mail, consider the following:
Cyber InterviewingMany organizations hold screening interviews using video conferencing. Others require that you post preliminary interview responses online. These “e-interviews” may involve questions such as: “Would you rather have structure or flexibility in your work?” and “What approach do you use to solve difficult problems?”
Online interviewing may also be used to test a person's ability in job-related situations. For example, an applicant may be asked to respond to tasks such as those that a bank teller or retail clerk might encounter.
Many people use the Internet, social media, and phone apps for career planning activities. While researching potential employment is the most common use, job seekers also apply and interview online. Because an Internet resume is less personal, do not overlook other job search methods—phone calls, ads, job fairs, and personal contacts.
Online ApplicationsMany organizations allow you to apply online. In addition to the basic application, you may also be asked some preliminary questions to determine your suitability for the position available. When posting your resume online or sending it by e-mail, consider the following:
- Use a simple format. Avoid bold, underline, italics, and tabs.
- Do not attach files that may be difficult to open.
Cyber InterviewingMany organizations hold screening interviews using video conferencing. Others require that you post preliminary interview responses online. These “e-interviews” may involve questions such as: “Would you rather have structure or flexibility in your work?” and “What approach do you use to solve difficult problems?”
Online interviewing may also be used to test a person's ability in job-related situations. For example, an applicant may be asked to respond to tasks such as those that a bank teller or retail clerk might encounter.