Education and qualifications

How to Apply for a Job

1. Write a resume. Even if the particular job you're looking for has an application process where a resume isn't necessary, the process of writing a resume can help sort your thoughts and prepare you for an interview. Having a written record of your work history makes filling out an application much easier, too. Tailor the resume to the type of job for which you are applying, emphasizing related skills and coursework.

If you’re submitting a resume electronically, be sure to include keywords from the job listing so that your resume doesn’t get skipped over by a computer. One discrete way to do this is to include a “Summary of Qualifications” near the top of the resume that hits a few of these keywords (which might be skills, personal achievements, known software programs, etc.). However, do not repeat anything verbatim or it you won’t look like a trustworthy candidate.

2. Call the employer. Ask about the application process: "Good morning. My name is John Doe. I was wondering if you had any positions open and, if so, how I might apply." You will usually have your call routed to the hiring or human resources manager. If they have any openings, they'll either ask you to come in and fill out an application or they'll ask you to send a resume and cover letter by mail or e-mail, in which case you should inquire, "To whom should the letter be addressed?" They will give you a full name, which you should write it down (asking for help with the spelling if necessary).

 

3. Write a cover letter if necessary. Make sure it is specific to the job, with the company name and address and, if possible, the name of the person who will be receiving it. (Including a real person’s name in your application is not only professional, but also shows that you bothered to track that information down and are not simply mass-emailing every employer you can find.)

 

4. Get a second (or third) opinion. Ask friends or family members to read over your resume and cover letter for typos, as it's often difficult to see our own mistakes. If possible, get advice from someone in the same field as your potential employer or who has experience recruiting or hiring.

 

5. Apply.

Visit the employer to fill out your application form. It's usually best to go during the mid-morning lull (when they're not too busy, but before the day has worn them out). Ask to speak to the hiring manager and try to hand the form to them personally: "Hi, we spoke on the phone yesterday about the (job title) position. Here's my application. Let me know if you need anything else!" This will give the employer a chance to see you (so dress professionally and present yourself well) and put a face to a name. One more way to apply is simply to send your cover letter and resume as instructed.

6. Follow up.

If you filled out an application but the hiring manager wasn't there at the time, call three days later, ask to speak to the manager, and confirm that the application was received: "Hello, this is (your name). I filled out an application on (day you came in) and I just wanted to confirm that it was received."

If you sent a cover letter and resume by mail, call a week later to confirm their receipt. If you sent them by e-mail, call the day after.

 

apply for a job – подавать заявление о приёме на работу, наниматься на работу

tailor – адаптировать, разрабатывать

skip - пропускать, не обрабатывать

discrete – отдельный

verbatim - дословный

a cover letter – сопроводительное письмо, заявочное письмо

track down – найти, поймать, обнаружить

 

TEXT 3

What is a CV?

Curriculum Vitae: an outline of a person's educational and professional history, usually prepared for job applications. Another name for a CV is arésumé. A CV is the most flexible and convenient way to make applications.It conveys your personal details in the way that presents you in the best possible light.A CV is a marketing document in which you are marketing something: yourself! You need to "sell" your skills, abilities, qualifications and experience to employers. It can be used to make multiple applications to employers in a specific career area. For this reason, many large graduate recruiters will not accept CVs and instead use their own application form.

An application form is designed to bring out the essential information and personal qualities that the employer requires and does not allow you to gloss over your weaker points as a CV does. In addition, the time needed to fill out these forms is seen as a reflection of your commitment to the career.

There is no "one best way" to construct a CV; it is your document and can be structured as you wish within the basic framework below. It can be on paper or on-line or even on a T-shirt (a gimmicky approach that might work for "creative" jobs but not generally advised!).

CV is used when an employer asks for applications to be received in this format or when an employer simply states "apply to ..." without specifying the format or when making speculative applications or when writing to an employer who has not advertised a vacancy but who you hope my have on.

Usually CV includes:

1. Personal details. Normally these would be your name, address, date of birth(although with age discrimination laws now in force this isn't essential), telephone number and email.

Education and qualifications

Your degree subject and university, plus A levels and GCSEs or equivalents. Mention grades unless poor!

3. Work experience. (Use action words such as developed, planned and organized. Even work in a shop, bar or restaurantwill involve working in a team, providing a quality service to customers, and dealing tactfully with complaints. Don't mention the routine, non-people tasks (cleaning the tables) unless you are applying for a casual summer job in a restaurant or similar. Try to relate the skills to the job. )

4. Interests and achievements. (Keep this section short and to the point. Hobbies that are a little out of the ordinary can help you to stand out from the crowd. Anyinterests relevant to the job are worth mentioning.)

Skills.

The usual ones to mention are languages (good conversational French, basic Spanish), computing (e.g. "good working knowledge of MS Access and Excel, plus basic web page design skills" and driving ("full current clean driving license").

References.

Normally two referees are sufficient: one academic (perhaps your tutor or a project supervisor) and one from an employer (perhaps your last part-time or summer job).

recruiter – специалист по набору персонала, работодатель