Working for Work : Chapter 3 : Looking for Work

Applying for Jobs

Once you have spotted the job you want you will need to spend some time preparing your application. Contact your local Jobs Club or LES for help with writing covering letters, filling out application forms, updating your C.V. and preparing for interviews.

Remember employers spend time trying to find the best person for the job, so you will need to spend time telling them, as clearly as possible, that you are that person.

Read the advert a few times before you write your covering letter or decide on what to include in your C.V. It is important to contact the employer and ask for details of the job advertised (a job description if they have one) and background information on the company or organisation. Talk to people who work for the company or who do a similar job elsewhere. This will help you to focus on the details you need to stress in your C.V. and at an interview.

FÁS Jobseeker Pack

As part of the ongoing development of self-service aids and facilities, an updated Jobseeker Pack is now available on the FÁS Intranet and gives advice on topics such as -

• General information for Jobseekers
• Guide on how to use the job search facility on FÁS Jobs Ireland
• How to fill out an application form
• How to find a job through the FÁS Network
• Location of FÁS, LES, Job Club and Training Centres
• Guide to using CV facility
• Preparing a CV
• Tips on a covering letter
• Tips on how to prepare for a Job Interview
• Useful websites

Identifying Your Skills

You should point out your skills that are relevant to the job and mention anything that you have done to improve or up-date them. Any education or training you have done while you were unemployed or 'between jobs' will show that you are interested and motivated in improving your abilities.

Point out any work experience you have had during your period of unemployment. Include details of any voluntary work, part-time work, special responsibilities and duties, etc. - even if it was unpaid an employer may still be interested.

Highlight your key skills, achievements or qualifications, including those gained through education or training. You might like to add positive ways in which you have changed - increased maturity, improved self-confidence, etc.

The Covering Letter

This is the letter you send with your C.V. or Application Form. Remember the cover letter is the first thing that the employer will read. It should be short (one A4 size page) and to the point. It should say where you saw the job advert, why you are applying and stressing why you are suited to the job. The covering letter should not be more than 200 words and can be typed or written. Some employers may want a hand-written cover letter so be sure to read the details of the advertisement carefully.

Application Forms

Some employers may ask you to fill out an application form instead of sending in a C.V., in other cases you may be asked to do both. These application forms allow employers to ask you very precise and specific questions to determine if you are the right person for the job. You should always ensure that you fully complete the form as instructed.

If you are filling out an Application Form -

• Read through the form carefully before you write anything. -
• Photocopy, or copy down questions and answer them in rough before you fill in the form. -
• Follow any instructions, e.g. if you are asked to use black ink then make sure you do. -
• Make sure you answer all parts of every question. If the question does not apply to you, then mark it "Not Applicable" or "NA". Otherwise the employer may think you simply forgot to fill in the answer. -
• If you are asked to outline facts, e.g. "Give details of your work history to date", you can attach a separate sheet of paper if you run out of space on the application form. -
• If you are asked to give an opinion, e.g. "List the qualities which make you the most suitable person for the job", try to keep within the space provided on the form.

Your Curriculum Vitae (C.V.)

The purpose of your C.V. is to show an employer that you have the necessary experience, qualities and qualifications to do the job you are applying for. Your local Jobs Club, LES or local Resource Centre will be able to help you prepare or update your C.V. and assist you in photocopying, faxing or e-mailing it to an employer. The aim of your C.V. is to get you an interview with an employer, so it needs to clearly show that you have: -

• The skills and experience needed for the job -
• The personal qualities for the position -
• An understanding of the requirements of the job.

The best way to make sure your C.V. gets read is to: -

• Keep it short. Not more than two A4 pages. -
• Keep it clear. Make it easy to read. Your C.V. should always be typewritten and well laid out with wide margins. It should have clear section headings and the information should be organised in a logical and easy to follow manner. -
• Keep it relevant. The employer usually has two main questions in mind when looking at an employee or potential employee: Is this person able to do the job? Will this person fit in with the rest of us?

 

Personal Details - Name - Address - Telephone Number or Contact Number - Date of Birth (Optional)

Work Experience - List all the jobs you have had.

Employment Record (Put your most recent job first) - Start and finish date of each job. - Name and Address of each Employer. - Job title and brief description of duties. (Highlight the tasks you did that make you suitable or fit for the job for which you are applying) - Include relevant voluntary work experience.

Education (Similar to section on work experience) - Begin with the most relevant qualification/ course - List schools and years you were there, starting with your last school.

Training - Include all relevant courses or training you have done.

Hobbies/Interests - List two or three hobbies or interests but only include ones you know you can talk about in the interview.

Referees - Give at least two names of people who will give you a reference. - Give current addresses and telephone numbers.

 

Interviews

Your C.V. may get you an interview, but it is your interview that will get you a job. When it comes to your interview it is important to be prepared. You should contact your local Jobs Club or LES for assistance in developing your interview skills and techniques.

Remember -

• You will be asked questions about your C.V., so know the contents of your C.V. Be prepared and able to answer questions on every item. -
• Answering questions about your C.V. can be an opportunity for you to steer questions, and their answers, in your favour. -
• Research the company/organisation you will be interviewed by. -
• Find out as much as possible about the job you have applied for. -
• Prepare your own answers based on the particulars of the job. -
• Practice your answers, either alone or with a partner playing the role of interviewer. Your local Jobs Club or LES may be able to run a 'mock' interview for you. -
• You should look neat and tidy, wearing something that allows you to feel comfortable and confident. -
• Arrive at least 15 minutes early. This allows you a few minutes to compose yourself before the interview. -
• Make eye contact. -
• Be positive, be confident and smile!

Questions that you might ask

Interviewers expect the applicants to ask questions about the job. You should ask questions which; -

• show your interest and understanding of the job -
• clarify any areas of confusion about the job -
• highlight your knowledge of the employer and the job

For example you could ask about; -

• the prospects for promotion or advancement in the job -
• what they expect of the successful applicant -
• general employment conditions -
• staff training and development opportunities -
• job security, health benefits and company pension plans -
• when you will know the outcome of the interview.

Follow up after the interview

After a certain amount of time has passed, you may wish to follow up your interview by contacting the interviewer to enquire about the position. This is particularly acceptable if it is past the agreed date for notifying candidates.

You can use this opportunity to express your continued interest in the job.

Last Updated: 31/08/2011 ^ back to top