Recruitment Correspondence Chapter 3 PDF

RECRUITMENT CORRESPONDENCE CHAPTER 3  HOW ORGANISATIONS FIND NEW EMPLOYEES From most to least preferred: 1. Look for someone inside the organisation. 2. Rely on contacts and personal recommendations. 3. Hire an employment agency/search firm. 4. Review unsolicited resumes. 5. Solicit resu...

RECRUITMENT CORRESPONDENCE CHAPTER 3  HOW ORGANISATIONS FIND NEW EMPLOYEES From most to least preferred: 1. Look for someone inside the organisation. 2. Rely on contacts and personal recommendations. 3. Hire an employment agency/search firm. 4. Review unsolicited resumes. 5. Solicit resumes from advertising. APPLICATION LETTER When you see an advertisement that attracts your attention, check carefully to note whether applications should be handwritten. If it is not stated, you may type your letter. Keep your application letter short and concise, with your main particulars listed in a curriculum vitae (sometimes called a résumé). APPLICATION LETTER CONT’… It is also called a “COVER LETTER”. It is important as it provides the first DIRECT CONTACT between a CANDIDATE AND AN EMPLOYER. If it is not well-written and presented, it will give the reader a poor impression of the writer. 2 TYPES OF COVER LETTER: 1. Solicited letter – you know the company is hiring through adverts, friends, etc. 2. Unsolicited/prospecting letter – you want to work in a company that has not announced any vacancies.  TIPS FOR WRITING THE COVER LETTER 1. Follow the instructions given in the advertisements. Supply all the information and documents requested. 2. Quote the source of the advertisements. 3. Attach a curriculum vitae giving details of your education, training, etc. 4. Show what you can contribute to the job by highlighting your most relevant skills and experience. 5. Show that you are interested and emphasize your willingness to attend an interview (and possibly state when you would be free to attend). 6. Use simple English and double- check your spelling, punctuation and grammar. 7. Keep copies of your letters of application and cv. That way you CREATING A PROFESSIONAL IMAGE  Use a standard font (TNR size 12 or Arial size 11).  Address the letter to a specific person.  Use a conservative style (unless you are applying for a creative job in advertising) – few contractions, no fragments, clichés or slang.  Edit the letter carefully and proof read it a few times to make sure it is error free.  LENGTH & UNITY  Keep your paragraphs fairly short (especially first and last paragraphs).  Always use at least a full page. A very short letter may suggest that you have little to say for yourself or that you are not very interested in the job.  Employers don’t want longer letters but they will read them if the letters are well-written. CURRICULUM VITAE A curriculum vitae (CV) sets out your personal details, education, qualifications and working experience. Make sure you organise all the information logically under headings and use columns where appropriate. FALLACIES AND FACTS ABOUT CV FALLACIES FACTS The purpose of a cv It is to kindle is to list all your employer interest skills and abilities. to interview you. A good cv will get It will get you to you the job. the door. It will be read It will be read in 30- carefully. 45 seconds. You need to put in They don’t need all the positive that much details as you can information at the think of. screening stage.  Name and address Contact Details Career Objectives Educational Qualification Awards (if you have any) Skill sets and personal attributes Experiences / employment history Voluntary work (if you have done any) Extracurricular activities, interests and hobbies References THE THREE-STEP PROCESS FOR RÉSUMÉS INVITATION TO INTERVIEW A letter inviting shortlisted applicants to attend all interview should be fairly short, simply thanking the person for his/her application and giving a day/date/time for the interview. INTERVIEW The interview is a critical aspect of a successful job search. You must be able to effectively sell yourself and your skills to a prospective employer. COVER APPEARA RESUME KSA LETTER NCE  Research Practice the Interviewi employer ng Dress to Impres s Prepare for the Interview  DAY OF THE INTERVIEW CHECKLIST  Know how to get to your interview location and arrive 10 minutes early.  Take a pen, notepad, and other relevant documents (extra resumes, references, letters of recommendation, writing samples, portfolios, etc.)  Turn off your cell phone and all other electronic devices.  Your interview starts as soon as you enter the building. While in the waiting room, smile and ask the names of everyone you meet, including the receptionist.  During the interview you should smile, refer to