How To: Apply For A Job
December 2nd, 2006 by Jennine
When applying for a job there are some criteria that the role should meet before you even contemplate putting in an application.
Hint One – Company/Business
Ask yourself the following questions:
Does the hirer have a good reputation?
Is it a place that you wouldn’t feel embarrassed or ashamed about being an employee?
Would you be able to tell your parent that’s where you work?
Does it go against your morals?
Is it environmentally friendly?
You have to feel comfortable in your workplace and with what you are doing. For example, would you be comfortable with working for a company that has a reputation for using sweatshops in India to make clothes?
Hint Two – Position
You need to be certain that you meet the essential criteria they have asked for in the advertisement. If the ad states that you need to respond to the job specification contact the enquiries person and ask for a copy be posted, emailed or faxed to you so that you can have a read before starting your application.
After reading the job specification and you are confident you meet the essential criteria and possibly the desirable criteria, you need to question whether this is the position for you. There is no reason why you have to apply for a job, just because:
a) You meet all the criteria;
b) It’s the kind of work you have done in the past;
c) You don’t have any experience in other fields;
d) It’s what you are comfortable with.
If you are currently employed and looking to leave your current position. You will need to consider the above points carefully. If you are contemplating leaving because of other issues besides your role then go ahead look for similar work. However, if you are leaving because of the kind of work you are doing and looking to stay in the same field then six months down the track you will be probably be looking for another job for the same reasons.
Hint Three – Ideal Job
When you have some spare time sit down and contemplate what your ideal job would be. Jot down some ideas as to what you would like to do, pros and cons of previous work that you have done. List all your skills, knowledge and experience that you have gained through work and through school. This will help you ascertain what you would be good at, what you enjoy doing and help you decide what would be your dream job.
Once you have decided what you would like to do, find out as much about the role as you can. What training you need to do, do they offer traineeships in this field, could you start at a low level and work your way up to that position? Research on the Internet, phone companies, talk to people in that position and ask as many questions as you can. Try and obtain job specifications for the position so you can see how you need to tailor your training to meet the essential criteria.
Hint Four – Training
Training is essential in every job. You need to stay ahead of the game, improve your skills and increase your knowledge and experience. Some employers will fund your training as long as it relates to your role and will provide them with a stronger skill base.
If you are thinking of doing training for a change in career, there are various options you can consider. Such as external study or even part time study. Talk to your local TAFE or College and they will advise you on the best solution for you.
Just remember no matter what your age, you are never too old or young to change careers. Wouldn’t you rather be doing a job you enjoy and look forward to going to each day as opposed to going to a job you dread and drag your feet to attend?
0 Responses to “How To: Apply For A Job”
Leave a Response