Tips on getting your first job
There are two basic steps in obtaining your first job. Firstly, there is the all-important letter that you write when applying for a position advertised, and secondly, there is what can often be the traumatic interview with the employer or employment agency. So, as in all things, good preliminary preparation is of the greatest importance to lessen the tension and enhance the chances of success.
The letter
The f i r s t a n d mo s t o b v i o u s requirement of a letter of applica- tion is that it should contain all the information that the personnel manager requires without being long-winded and, almost more importantly, allow him to read between the lines of your application to form some idea of your character and potential.
To begin with, study the advertisement carefully. Make sure that you are fully aware of the requirements, such as qualifications, languages and ability to travel. If the advertisement requires references, make sure that these are included, but do not send the originals. Photocopies are quite acceptable.
When the personnel manager reads your application, he or she will be making a mental assessment. Have you an orderly mind? If your facts are set out in a logical sequence and you have details such as company name and address stated correctly, you will automatically gain points in his or her estimation. Obviously if the letter is well written or cleanly typed, you will be on the plus side. Get someone to check your letter before posting. If corrections have to be made, re-write the whole letter.
The interview
Much has been written about the techniques of a job interview. Briefly, you should try and be your best self. Try not to be too nervous (although the interviewer will be aware that you are). If you are successful it will be the beginning of a whole new world for you, but remember, if you fail it is certainly not the end of the world.
Resist the temptation of being flippant or of trying to control the interview. Remember the obvious. Don’t lounge, but sit relaxed, don’t smoke or chew gum, don’t swear, be intelligent but avoid being over clever. Don’t strive for informality — keep it formal but friendly, and most importantly, don’t interrupt.
Be coherent about your qualifications (achievements in the academic field as well as in other fields such as sport and leadership), but don’t boast. Be prepared to state clearly why you want the job, what you see as your future, where you would like to be in say, 10 years’ time. Be ready to answer questions such as: can you work under pressure? How do you react to criticism? Can you meet target times? All these questions help the interviewer to build a picture of your abilities.
You should also be ready to ask questions about the company. How long has it been in operation? How many branches? What are the future plans? If possible, you should have discovered this information beforehand. Then you can ask the questions in a way to suggest that you are only getting confirmation. For example: “Am I right in thinking that you have 20 branches?”
Pre-interview preparation can be as decisive as the interview itself. Dress formally. Allow plenty of time (it is polite to arrive 5 to 10 minutes early, not more, and never be l ate). Remember the interviewer’s secretary is his confidant, so treat her with courtesy but not familiarity.
Finally, be cheerful, smile and look the interviewer in the eye. Take the hint when he looks at his watch and bring the interview to an end.
Get in there and win. The interviewer knows that it is a nerveracking experience for you and will react with pleasant courtesy if you allow it.