Recruitment and orientation O
NCE YOU have given some thought to your immediate and long-range career goals, you will be ready to begin your job search. In searching for a job, you will need to: I Locate a prospective employer. I Prepare a résumé and cover letter and send them to the prospective employer. I Complete a job application form. I Obtain an interview. I Follow up on the interview.
There are many places where you can search for a job: the newspaper, employment agency, electronic media, personal contact, trade journals and companys’ newsletters.
Many organisations utilise employment agencies to assist in the recruitment of staff. However, the person who wishes an agency to find him/her employment must first register with that agency and must accept the terms and conditions laid down by the agency.
COMPILING INFORMATION PERTAINING TO A VACANCY
It is essential for an applicant to gather as much information regarding an advertised post as possible. In a large organisation, details regarding a vacant position can usually be obtained from the human resources department. In a small organisation, this type of information may be obtained from the person with whom the recruit is to work. In addition, factors relating to training and qualification, salary, fringe benefits, career advancement and the image of the firm must be taken into consideration when seeking employment.
JOB DESCRIPTION
A person who has been recruited to do a job must be sure that the duties and responsibilities of the position are understood. Many organisations give their employees a job description. A job description explains the nature of the job, duties, and responsibilities.
THERE ARE THREE MAIN PARTS OF ANY JOB DESCRIPTION.
I The description itself. This section includes a summary of the overall functions of the position and a detailed list of the specific tasks and responsibilities of the job.
I Knowledge and skill requirements. This section specifies the minimum education level and/or training required for the job.
I Accountability. This section identifies who the employee’s supervisor will be. It may also describe any equipment, expenditures, or other operations for which the employee will be held responsible in the course of performing job tasks.
APPLYING FOR A POSITION
Once you have located a prospective employer, your next step is to prepare a cover letter and a résumé. A cover letter is your chance to sell yourself to the employer. It should convince the employer to call you for an interview.
A cover letter should not be more than three or four short paragraphs. It should tell the employer when and where you heard about the position and explain why you feel your education and background qualify you for the job. Some companies may ask you to fill out an application form as well as submit a résumé. A résumé is a written summary of your qualifications that you prepare when looking for a particular position. A résumé should have sections of information in the following order: I Your name, address, telephone and email address. I Other personal information – e.g., date of birth. I Objectives. I Educational background. I Employment history. I Hobbies, interests, activities, and special abilities. I Reference.
Your résumé should be clearly written and well organised. Make certain that your spelling, grammar, and punctuation are perfect. Try to keep your résumé to one page.
From the information you have read, prepare a résumé as you may need one for the Christmas holiday. Continue to work hard and never give up. I will continue this lesson next week.