Step 2 - Get ready
chapter 4 - analysing job adverts
A job advert typically provides a starting point for the application process so it’s important that you know how to analyse one. If you don’t understand what your potential employer is looking for then there’s a good chance that you’ll end up providing the wrong information in your CV and/or on your application form. This chapter explains how to analyse a job advertisement (and/or a job description) more effectively. ?
This chapter contains:
- a simple 7 stage process that will help you to analyse job adverts and capture all of the information that you’ll need to demonstrate to your potential employer if you decide to apply for the position that’s advertised
- illustrative examples of how to analyse real adverts
- some self-coaching questions that will help you to analyse job adverts more effectively
chapter 5 - writing an effective CV
A CV is a key component of the job application process and it’s primary function is to sell you and your abilities to a potential employer.
Your CV will often be the first thing that a potential employer will see you write or produce, so it’s important that it creates a good impression on them when they receive it. This chapter will show you how to plan, and then produce, a CV that will help you to create the right impression on your potential employer.
This chapter contains:
- a template that will help you to conduct some research into a potential employer
- a framework for recording all of your skills on your CV
- a list of positive adjectives and verbs that you can use to enhance the examples of your skills that you include in your CV
- a checklist that will help you to plan your CV
- a checklist that will help you to check the format and layout of your CV
chapter 6 - what you should include in your CV
Although the content of every CV should be unique, there are a number of 'accepted' rules that determine how you should present the information that you include in it. The aim of this chapter is to help you to create an effective CV that complies with these ‘rules’.
This chapter contains:
- an easy-to-follow framework that will help you to write a detailed and structured examples of your employment history
- examples of words and phrases that you can use on your CV
- a checklist that will help you to check the content of your CV
chapter 7 - completing application forms
You should view your application form as a personal sales document. Like your CV and cover letters, it should promote you and demonstrate that you’ve got the right skills for doing the job that you’re applying for.
This chapter will show you how to complete an application form correctly and it will also show you how to avoid making some of the most common mistakes that people make when they complete them.
This chapter contains:
- a 10 stage process that you should follow if you want to submit a great application form
- 5 things that all of your answers should include if you want to impress your potential employer
- 5 tips for writing great answers on your application forms
- advice about how to identify what your potential employer is looking for
- advice that will help you to edit your application form to make sure that your answers are appropriate and relevant to the questions that you’ve been asked
chapter 8 - preparing for, and attending, job interviews
This chapter provides guidance on how to approach face-to-face job interviews and it focuses on four key areas:
- the main types of interview
- how to prepare for an interview (including advice about what you should do: 2-3 weeks before, 1 week before, the day before and on the day of your interview)
- what to do during an interview
- what to do after you’ve attended an interview
This chapter contains:
- advice about collating details of your experiences and achievements
- a framework for collating basic company information
- a simple framework for collating information about your strengths, skills, weaknesses, barriers to finding employment and development needs
- a dvice about what sorts of questions you can ask during your interview
- guidance on how to answer your interviewer's questions
- a checklist that will help you to prepare for your interview
- thoughts about what you can learn from your interview
