The Job Search

1. -What is job search?
During your job search, it's likely that you will communicate with
a hiring manager or recruiter by email or phone. This is an
opportunity to make a good impression. Be sure to make the
most of it!
Job hunting, job seeking, or job searching is the act of looking for
employment, due to unemployment, underemployment,
discontent with a current position, or a desire for a better
position. The immediate goal of job seeking is usually to obtain a
job interview with an employer which may lead to getting hired.
What is the purpose of a job search?
A continual job search can help you scope out the competition,
polish your personal brand, and decide which skills to highlight
should you come across a new role you want to pursue.
Building a Network of Contacts
Networking is an important component of developing a
successful career. It allows individuals to connect with other
professionals to learn about industry trends and job
opportunities. Exploring practices for building a network can help
you form impactful relationships that can help you meet your
career goals.
What is a network?
A business network is a group of people who have built
relationships based on business experiences, similar interests
and similar expertise. The professionals may also work in the
same industry. There are several places you can meet people to
add to your network, including:
Tips to build a network
1. Search for people who can make a difference. ..
2. Search for connections online. ...
3. Ask your current network for contacts. ...
4. Consider your passions. ...
5. Be willing to help first. ...
6. Add value to your relationships. ...
7. Go to networking events. ...
8. Develop an online presence.
9. Stay updated in your industry or field
10.Focus on meaningful Connections
10 tips to build a network
The following are several tips to consider to get started building
your professional network:
1. Search for people who can make a difference
The key to networking isn't just about how many people you
connect with, but rather the quality of people you bring into your
network. Seek out individuals who have the capacity to make a
difference in your career.
Building relationships with others in your industry and individuals
who could potentially be a mentor to you can be valuable. For
example, as a university instructor, you may seek guidance from
a tenured professor who teaches the same discipline as you.
2. Search for connections online
Professionals often use social media and professional networking
platforms to build their networks. If you've been using social
media for a long period of time, you likely already have people in
your network you can build relationships with more deeply.

2. put in your application, your reasons for wanting the job, what
you feel you can contribute to the organization and your
ambitions for the future. Employers often use competence
questions, starting your networking online also gives you access
to many more people in many different places, allowing you to
connect with individuals you wouldn't otherwise meet in person.
Use social media to reconnect with former classmates who may
be working in the same industry, for example.
3. Ask your current network for contacts
If you currently work in an office and have relationships with
colleagues, you can ask them about their own networks and if
they can connect you with others in your field. This is a great way
to meet new people. You also have the benefit of an introduction
from someone who already knows you and your professional
abilities.
4. Consider your passions
When you first begin networking, take some time to figure out
what you're truly passionate about, even if it's not in the industry
where you currently work.
For example, if you work in finance but have a passion for mental
health, consider joining a networking group of mental health
professionals. This can allow you to gain more insight into that
industry and even potentially find a position there if and when
you're ready to make a career change.
5. Be willing to help first
When you're new to networking, be willing to support the
careers of others in your network. The more you help others, the
more likely they may be to help you when you need it. You can
also deepen your relationships with them.
6. Add value to your relationships
When networking with others, add value to your relationships.
For example, if you're contacting a new person to make a
professional connection, spend some time researching them first
so you understand what they do. This allows you to identify how
you can add value to their professional life. You can also increase
the overall quality of your relationships.
7. Go to networking events
Attending networking events is a great way to meet new people
and build valuable professional relationships. Look for
networking events related to your industry or desired career
path.
Consider handing out business cards that include your name,
phone number and email address to make it easier for your new
acquaintances to contact you after the event. Initiate
conversations so you can discuss your career aspirations and
experience.
8. Develop an online presence
Develop an online presence on professional networking sites.
Keeping your profile up-to-date and including all of your
experience, interests, education and qualifications can help you
attract like-minded people and catch the attention of recruiters.
Developing a network online can be just as beneficial as creating
one in real life and can lead to new career opportunities and
advancement.

3. 9. Stay updated in your industry or field
Staying up-to-date on the latest trends in your industry or field
can help you add value to the relationships you build through
networking. Attend industry events, keep track of new
technologies or trends in your field and educate yourself on the
most popular components of your industry.
The more value you're able to add to a conversation, the more
likely you are to attract quality individuals to be part of your
network.
10. Focus on meaningful connections
Building long-lasting professional relationships often takes time.
When you establish a rapport and develop a strong connection
with a peer, you're more likely to continue that relationship long
term, which can benefit both of you. Make time to grow the
professional relationships you have as you seek new connections.
Benefits of building a network
A few of the key reasons why networking is important are
because it:
 Connects you with potential clients
 Helps you identify opportunities for professional growth
 Provides you with a group of experts in a particular field
 Allows you to gain helpful knowledge and advice within your
industry
 Provides the opportunity to generate business referrals
 Helps you stay on top of the latest trends within your field or
industry
 Offers you opportunities to gain professional mentors and
contacts
 Helps you learn about open positions in companies you may be
interested in
 Gives you the chance to take advantage of others' more
expansive knowledge in a particular area
Preparing the Application Documents
What are the basic steps in the application process?
Now let's look at each step in your journey to finding the right
job.
 Understand your career ambitions. ...
 Write your CV. ...
 Search for job vacancies. ...
 Complete the application form. ...
 Produce a covering email or letter. ...
 Prepare for interview. ...
 Tackling assessments. ...
 Follow-up.
Job Search Communications
PREPARING JOB APPLICATION MATERIALS
If you’re applying for jobs for the first time, it’s useful to know
what to expect from each stage of the process.
Before you start, get organized. Draw up a chart to capture key
details for each application – the organization’s name, the
vacancy title, where you saw the job advertised and when, the
date you applied, the closing date, the interview date and so on.

4. This will allow you to keep track of your applications and help you
meet important deadlines.
You should also keep copies of your applications, letters, emails
and other correspondence in clearly labelled folders – online or
otherwise.
Now let’s look at each step in your journey to finding the right
job.
1. Understand your career ambitions
It may seem obvious, but it’s important to be clear about the kind
of job you want. Making a decision about the career you want
can seem daunting, but Morrisby can help you discover your
perfect career by identifying your likes and strengths through a
series of psychometric and personality assessments, honed over
55 years. We then match your assessment results to suggest
careers you may be well suited to. The assessments come
alongside either a 30 or 60 minute careers discussion with one of
our experienced, level 6+ qualified careers advisers to help
discuss your career thoughts. You’ll discuss your Morrisby
assessment results alongside your previous work and educational
experience and decide on action steps for you to take to help
move your decision about your preferred career path forward.
2. Write your CV
Another useful thing to do towards the start of your job-
application process is to write or update your CV. Although not
all employers ask you to submit one, you can refer to your CV to
help you complete application forms. You’ll also need a CV if you
want to register with an employment agency .
3. Search for job vacancies
Jobs are advertised through, for example, specialist recruitment
sites, on employers’ websites, through social media, via
recruitment agencies, in newspapers and trade/professional
journals, through career services and the Job center Plus, and at
recruitment fairs.
Focus on sources that advertise jobs in the career area, sector,
location or type of employment that interests you. There are
websites that specialize in public sector jobs, apprenticeship
opportunities, graduate-level careers and so on.
If there are employers you’d particularly like to work for, try
approaching them directly in the hope that they will contact you
should they have a suitable position or that they will keep your
details on file for the future. This kind of approach is called
applying ‘on-spec’.
4. Complete the application form
Once you’ve found a vacancy that suits you and you are confident
that you fulfil the essential criteria, you often have to complete
an online application, although some employers request a CV or
expect you to fill in a paper-based form.
You can normally save online applications as you go along. If
there’s any chance you could lose it, take a screenshot or copy
and paste it into another document. If you have to complete a
paper application, practise on a photocopy.
Start your application as soon as possible
It takes time to get it right, so you don’t want to run the risk of
missing the deadline; getting your application in early may just
get you noticed. Occasionally employers reserve the right to stop
accepting applications before the deadline.
Read up on the employer and the role
You’ll have already found out a bit about the organisation, but
have another look at the employer’s social media pages, website
etc because there may be something you could mention in your

5. application. Take the job advert, job description and/or person
specification and highlight all the key things the employer is
seeking and find a way to address each of these in your
application.
Answer each question fully
Be guided by the word count or how much space there is to
answer each question. In addition to including the basic sort of
information that you have in your CV, you may be asked a series
of ‘competence questions’ in order to find out how you have
dealt with various situations and demonstrated certain skills,
such as how you have solved a problem, given great customer
service or worked in a team. When giving your examples, explain
the context, say what action you took and describe the end
result.
Don’t be afraid of a blank page!
Applications often give you an opportunity to provide any other
relevant information. Make sure you mention anything that you
haven’t been able to put elsewhere that will show that you have
the experience and skills required for the job; this might be
having a driving license or volunteer experience. Also say why the
job and employer appeal to you.
Make sure your details are accurate
It’s very easy to make errors, for instance with dates or people’s
names.
Provide references
You are normally asked to give the names of at least two
references. One may be your tutor if you are still in education or
manager if you are employed. The other could be a family friend
or someone else who you can rely on to provide a professional
reference. Make sure you get their permission and provide
accurate contact details.
Check the whole form
Before you press the submit button or get the form in the post,
check it through for accuracy and ask someone else to read it.
Double check that you’ve followed all the instructions and
completed all the sections.
You may be asked some personal questions about your age,
nationality, criminal record, disabilities etc. Your answers will be
used by the employer for diversity and equal opportunities
monitoring and, only in certain circumstances, to check that you
are suitable for a position.
5. Produce a covering email or letter
You should send an accompanying email or letter if you are
applying with a CV on-spec, or applying for an advertised job with
a CV or paper form. You may have the facility to attach a letter or
send an email alongside an online application, but this isn’t
always possible.
Keep your email or letter fairly short, but always tailor it for the
opportunity. Depending on the application, your email or letter
should include:
· the job title and the job reference if there is one
· where you saw the vacancy advertised
· the key things that make you suitable for this position; don’t
repeat everything you’ve mentioned in your CV or application,
but state any particularly relevant skills, experience and
qualifications
· the reasons why a job with this employer appeals to you; you
should come across as enthusiastic and committed

6. · an indication that you are attaching your CV or form and
would be happy to attend the interview.
Address your email or letter to a named person. If you don’t have
a name, you could start with ‘Dear Hiring Manager’ or ‘Dear
Human Resources Team’. In a letter, include your own address
and the employers. End the letter with ‘Yours sincerely’ if you
have addressed it to a named person or ‘Yours faithfully’ if you
haven’t. Don’t forget to leave a space to sign the letter. Choose a
business-type envelope and apply the correct postage.
Check your email or letter carefully to make sure that it all makes
sense and that there are no spelling mistakes or other errors.
Once again, ask someone to read it through.
6. Prepare for interview
The key to success and calming your nerves is to prepare well.
There’s no shortage of information on interview techniques so
here are some key pieces of advice, much of which will apply
regardless of whether your interview is face-to-face, online or
even by phone or video.
Think about the practicalities. Prepare something appropriate
to wear and gather together what you need, such as examples of
your work. If it’s a face-to-face interview, work out how you will
get there and allow plenty of time. If it’s a virtual interview, check
that your technology works, that your background is professional
and that you won’t be disturbed.
· Do your research and refresh your memory. Have another
read of the job description and your application. Do some further
research on the employer.
· Create a good impression. Make sure you are clean and
presentable. Shake hands if offered, smile, sit upright and look
interested. Listen carefully and speak clearly. If you are
interviewed by more than one person in a ‘panel’, make eye
contact mainly with the person who has asked you each question.
Use the interviewer’s name and thank them at the end. And
whatever you do, turn off your phone.
· Plan how you will answer common questions. Be prepared
to talk about anything you have so tackle them in the same way
as explained in step 4. Make sure the interviewer hears about the
qualities, skills and experience you have to offer.
· Practice your interview technique. Ask someone to do a mock
interview with you or try videoing yourself answering some key
questions.
· Prepare questions to ask. Be positive by enquiring about
training, responsibilities and opportunities for development.
7. Tackling assessments
To assess your skills and aptitude, depending on the job you may
have to take assessments in ICT, numeracy, literacy, dexterity or
fitness. You may have to give a presentation, do a personality
test, and/or take part in group activities and role plays to see how
you would cope with different scenarios.
Sometimes a range of assessments are given during an
assessment day or assessment center attended by numerous
applicants. It’s important to be yourself, act professionally and
participate fully without being too pushy.
Find out what assessments you may have to do and ask whether
you can take some practice tests.
8. Follow-up
After your interview/assessments, check when you will hear the
result. If you haven’t heard the outcome when expected, contact
the organization.

7. Don’t be too disappointed if you’re not successful. Remember
that there are often lots of candidates and someone may have
just a bit more experience than you. However, do have a think
about why you may have missed out. Is there anything you could
do differently next time?
Some employers are happy to provide unsuccessful candidates
with feedback. Although not always easy to hear, this can be very
useful for the future.
Finally …
You can find more advice on applying for jobs through your
national careers service:
· The National Careers Service in England
· Careers Wales
· My World of Work for those in Scotland
· The Careers Service for Northern Ireland.
The whole application process can be involved and time
consuming. A few well-targeted applications are better than lots
of mediocre ones.
At all stages, act professionally and be positive. Remember that
it’s a two-way process; it’s as important for you to check that a
job is the right fit for you as it is for the employer to find the right
candidate. Good luck!
What is the purpose of an application letter?
The purpose of a job application or résumé cover letter is to
improve your chances of being called for an interview, by
convincing the reader that you would be the best person for the
job. If your letter is poorly written, the reader will not likely take
the time to look at your résumé.
What is an application letter?
An application letter is a document that you send to potential
employers to secure a position or get an invitation to an
interview. The letter provides the recruiting managers with
essential information that describes your skills, passion,
experience and educational background. It should also inform
the employer why they should consider you for the position.
When written well, the application letter positions you as a
better candidate than other applicants. Although most
employers don't request an application letter, you can include
one while sending your CV.
How to write an application letter
Here are the steps to follow while writing your application letter:
1. Create a draft featuring what you'd like to write
First, analyze the job advertisement several times to find out
what to include in your application letter. Before sitting down to
write the official letter, write some notes on what you'd like to
say in your letter. Note down the top keywords to use in your
letter to tailor it to the job. Creating a draft of an application
letter can help you craft your sentences correctly and notice
information that you find lacking as you craft it.
2. Create an outline for your letter
You should divide your application letter into three essential
parts: the introduction, the body paragraph, and the conclusion.
Each section should contain information that will address specific
issues as per the section. In the Introduction, the aim is to capture
the attention of the readers. In the body paragraph, show the
reader why you are the ideal candidate for the job, while the

8. conclusion reiterates your strengths and what you will bring to
the team if given a chance.
3. Write an introduction
Introduce the reasons for your writing, in this case, why you need
the job. Ensure to keep it brief and direct to the point. Here,
ensure to include a heading that mentions your employer's
name, address, and email and phone number. However, if you
are writing an email, you can include this information at the end
of the email. Second, include salutations or polite greetings to the
reader by addressing their last name. You can address it to the
recruiting manager. If you are emailing, find out their business
email and send it to them directly.
4. Introduce your reasons for the application
This body section aims to convince the employer you are the
person they are looking for to fill the position. You can divide the
section into two paragraphs with one mentioning your relevant
education and skills and the other, your experiences. When
writing this section, include useful information that makes your
employer see you as a strong and most suitable candidate for the
job.
5. Write a conclusion
Come up with a strong closing remark that will challenge the
hiring managers in considering you. In your last conclusion line,
include a call to action where you ask the hiring team to contact
you. You should ensure that your concluding paragraph is precise
and should summarize the entire letter. At this point, you should
not consider introducing new information in your writing.
Constructing the Resume
What Is a Resume?
A resume is a summary of your career, whether yours is just
getting started or has been going on for years. Coming in at
around one page in length (two only under specific
circumstances), it showcases the jobs you’ve held and currently
hold, the responsibilities you’ve taken on, the skills you’ve
developed, and the qualities you bring to the table as an
employee. Together, those things make it super easy for any
hiring manager to see your qualifications and fit for a role.
The following pattern is inclusive and showcases your Key
qualifications, skills and experiences:
 i. Heading (name and contact
information)
 ii. Objective statement
(Optional)
 iii. Qualification Summary
 iv. Education
 v. Employment experience
 vi. Related skills and abilities
 vii. Honors and awards
 viii. References
Handling the Interview / the Interview Process:
Consider the following guidelines to hone your
interviewing skills;
1. Initial Contact
2. Active Listening
3. Nonverbal Behavior
4. Response and Verbal Behavior
5. Conclusion