When applying for a job...

[Nerd]

Sometimes, on the back of the application, it says "Why do you want this job, why should we hired you, what are you qualifications." And so on. What the hell should I put?

Most times I put things like:

I really like your company, and what they do. I think I would make a good employee because, I have experience in this and that. Some of my qualifications are, I can type approximately 80-90 WPM, I've worked with Windows 95/98/98SE/ME/2K, Microsoft Office 97/2K.

Are these things that would get your attention if I were applying for your job?

Please give me some things that I could improve on when applying for a job. I really need to get a job soon. I had a job at Comp USA but I quit because the management sucked so badly. Thanks!

 

[SoyBoy004]

maybe put something like a good team worker, you want to work in the offered environment, you want to be part of something new and exciting, you want to develop skills through the company with hopes of moving up, NEVER say something like "oh my future is to work for Cisco" cuz the employers will see that you would be willing to bite at the next big offer.

 

[Nerd]

Thanks, that really helps man.

 

[The Stigenator]

I once wrote "Hire me and you will see I am worth everybit written on my resume".

I got the job.

 

[damocles]

Why do you want this job>

Research the company. Explain what you admire about the way it operates and why you think you have the skills and personality to maximise your potential and progress in this role. It always helps to intimate to them that you see a long term future in this company.

why should we hire you

Emphasize that you have the required skills. Work hard to show that you are a team player. That you are keen and enthusiastic.

what are you qualifications

Show your most recent qualifications. If you have considerable experience put that first (in cv). Only show actual marks if they are excellent. If your qualifications are bad, exclude them (from CV). Don't show crappy qualifications (i have a scouts certificate is fishing etc). Depending on the nature of the qualification, a breakdown of the skills obtained can also be useful. Never leave gaps in your employment/education history


I just hired a few people so a few things are fresh in my mind

- CV format is very important. Clean, crisp and clear. Try to keep it under 5 pages.
-Try to avoid a Winword template ( i am sooo sick of them)
-Don't have a standard CV, tweak it towards the job you are aiming at. Don't just bullet point your skills, explainly them clearly and briefly.
-Look VERY carefully at the way they ask for the CV to be presented. Make your you give them what they want. If they ask for a written cover letter, then make sure it is neatly hand written.
- Where you have used Win 98 etc extrapolate that further and explain why that would be of use to their company.

If you get to an interview
- Never show disrepect for your previous company, even if your interviewer does
- Make sure you have researched the company thoroughly


What level of job are you after?

 

[Nerd]

Heh, I'm looking to work at a super market or something. I'm 19 years old attending collge. I don't see myself applying for some top notch business job just yet. I gotta get my schooling first. I just want simple job.

 

[Crimson]

I would personally refuse employment at any company that requires a WRITTEN cover letter.. what's the purpose of that? To show how out of touch they are with modern society? Heh

 

[damocles]

Ok

Simple CV. Don't put too much detail in, but make it clear that you can do the job. Make sure you have strong references.

Inerview will be more important.

Dress well and make sure you hygience/ grooming is top notch.
Learn about the company
Make sure they think you will be with the company for more than 6 months
Bubble with enthusiasm
Show you are versatile
Show them that you believe the job will allow you to develop your career skills

It shouldn't be too hard to get a job such as that. Qualifications are usually less important than showing you can work in a team/corporate environment. If you are a bit of a computer whizz, be careful how you show it, as you can end up looking like a 'geek' on paper.

 

[damocles]

written cover letters are used to show

- that you can read and understand simple statements. When we ask for written cover letters about 60% still come in typed.

- That you can probably write coherently without having to spend 3 weeks editing the document.

Written cover letters are quite common for corporate jobs

 

[divinemartyr]

Some really important key phrases for your resume:

You're a team player! Any job wants you to be able to work well with others.

You believe in promotion from within. First of all this just shows you'll work hard for them because you want to be promoted within their company.

You work well with others! This goes back to the first one, but reemphasize it, very important key here.

You are self motivating. Employers are always looking at this positively.

You are ambitious and a hard worker. This shows they'll be able to trust the fact that you'll work hard for them and will want to get promoted due to your ambition.

You are persistent, competitive, and a winner. I know it sounds cheesy, but employers don't really like people who have to be told to do things. People who work on their own are the most valuable in any job environment.

Customer service is your first goal. Make sure that if you're applying for a job which involves dealing with customers, you put some mention of customer service in there. The basis of MOST training programs for retail outfits, revolves mostly around customer service.

There are tons and tons of things you can put in your application, but start here and you'll go everywhere. I've never interviewed for a job and not had it offered to me. I'm not saying that to be conceited, just telling you, that I do know a little bit about it. Always be excited about your new opportunity and let your employer know how anxious you are to start work with them as soon as possible. Always ASSUME you have the job before they even offer it to you. Besides, if you convince them you already have it, how can they not offer it to you?

dm

 

[damocles]

Always ASSUME you have the job before they even offer it to you

Yes, that is very important. Don't try to start negotiating your wage or ask for a car in the interview, but never even consider that you don't have the job