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Job Search
When you think about job search, what is the first thing that comes to your mind? Maybe the traditional way is to search jobs in newspaper advertisements or, if you have connections, a job network is perfect for you. However, most people usually use job agencies services. If you are at school or college, you can start working in a part-time position, or a full-time position if you are on holidays. Planning is the key of a successful job search. In case you need help, we can support you with some resume examples, cover letters and the most-frequently-asked interview questions. Let’s start by breaking down some definitions.
INTERNSHIP
If you’re a student or a recent graduate it’s time to look for an internship. This program is very important before you start looking for a job position because you undertake practical training supervised by professionals. State or private institutions, companies, organizations and INGOs are the perfect places to undertake your internships. Sometimes these programs are paid and sometimes they are not, just focus on getting your internship certificate.
There are a lot of advantages of taking your internship:
- True job experience.
- Growth of self-confidence and other skills.
- Practice of all the theory you have learnt at classrooms.
- Meeting with professional people, they can help you.
- A new perspective of the labor market.
FWS is a program founded by the government to help students who don’t have enough money for their university or college studies: A big job network of thousands of jobs is waiting for you. Students usually fulfill an online application in order to qualify for this program. After that and if you’re selected, you can study and work in a part-time position.
Part- time positions
If you are a student, you can work in the afternoon and earn some money to cover your expenses. Working and studying is a way of development for many people, your self-confidence, knowledge and management skills will be enriched. This is an important experience and can help you get a better job because you will become a competitive person and companies usually look for proactive people.
BUSINESS NETWORKS
This could be the key to success in a job search; let’s see how it can help you:
- It’s a fact that all job offers aren’t in the newspaper or online, but did you know that 85-90% of them are never published? That’s right: these hidden offers are just for whoever is in touch with his/her job networks. They can put you towards these opportunities so you can get the desirable interview you´ve been looking for.
- Having supportive colleagues can help you in case you are out of work or in case you need a piece of advice.
COVER LETTERS, RESUME SAMPLES AND INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
COVER LETTER
The cover letter is an important document for a recruiter: it is your first presentation before going to the interview and you get to communicate your principal skills, achievements and your work experience through this document. Since a cover letter is just a brief introduction to your resume, try not to duplicate it!
We are going to assist you with some key points for a well-written cover letter; your cover letter must be free of mistakes, and with an enthusiastic letter you will attract a recruiter’s interest. Let them know that you are really interested in the position and address your letter to the person in charge of the hiring process.
RESUME
This is the main document when you apply for a job. Read the job description carefully, as you will have to tailor you resume to it. Here some tips in order to write an outstanding resume: follow them!
- As everybody knows, contact information must be at the top of your resume.
- Enclose a cover letter to your document; remember that it adds value to your resume. (See resume sample)
- Recognize keywords from job description and use them on your resume.
- A resume is a brief document so make it as simple as possible and no more than three-page long, think that recruiters are always in a rush so they get bored of long resumes.
- In order to make you resume more interesting, use action verbs.
- Ask somebody to proofread your resume before you send it.
- Keep your references updated.
- Write true information, recruiters usually confirm this by phone.
THE LAST STEP TO GET A JOB: THE INTERVIEW
If an organization calls you for an interview this means that you did a successful job so far. We recommend you prepare yourself for it because recruiters never use the same interview technique. As we know, this is a little bit difficult so put into practice the following tips:
- Arrive earlier to your interview; take a taxi if necessary.
- Photocopy your resume and reference and take the copies with you.
- Investigate a little about the company, what kind of products or services are provided, etc.
- Role playing with your friends, relatives or a supporting professional is very helpful. If no one can help you with this, then practice in front of a mirror or record yourself with a video camera or voice recorder.
- Have a look at frequently-asked interview questions.
- Dress a professional look.
- Mind your body language, the tone of your voice and use a formal language.
- Be grateful to your interviewer when the interview ends.
- Ask for professional advice if your search isn’t successful.
- Preparation is the key to a successful interview. Good luck.