Etiquette

of the
Job Search
 Definition of Terms
It is about the correct procedure for
etiquette certain situations; the correct way of
behaving in society.

job search The act of matching one’s qualifica- tions

to a desired type of work --- and the job
search has its own rules of etiquette.
Communicating Your Value
cover letter

resumé

job application
 Functions of a Cover Letter
it’s to make a personal statement
it can provide an opportunity for you to let the
employer know when you’ll be in touch

4 Key Elements
the position you’re applying for
an indication of your interest & keenness
the reasons why you think you’re suitable
state your availability for an interview
 Basics of a Good Cover Letter
address it to a specific person
let the employer know how you found out
illustrate your enthusiasm for the position
show that you can be of value to them
speak their language
send your resumé
keep it brief
close the letter by specifying when you’ll contact
them regarding an interview
 Resumé / Curriculum Vitae
“curere vita”
Basics of a good Resumé
it advertises your strengths & qualifications
looks professional
has no typographical errors
stresses results
lets the employer know what you want
is concise
is current & comprehensive
tells the truth about you in a positive way
leaves out personal information
 Job Application
Tips in Completing a Job Application
complete all requested information
write clearly & neatly
check for spelling & grammatical errors
list your most recent job first
list your most recent education first
references don’t have have to be professionals
don’t forget to sign your application form
 Job Application
To Avoid Mistakes in Filling-Out
practice on a copy of the form first
read & understand the questions
be specific about the position you’re applying for
be detailed about your work experience
don’t be afraid to refer to an additional page
use positive terms for leaving last employer
stay away from listing potentially controversial
hobbies/activities
don’t leave any blanks
put “open” in the space for salary
get someone to look over your rough draft
don’t fold the form
sign & staple your application form to the front
Communicating Your Value
 Job Interview
An interview is essentially a conversation:
time participants
place subject matter

INTERVIEWER + INTERVIEWEE

When Invited For an Interview

acknowledge out of courtesy
if unable to make it, advise ASAP
 Making Positive First
Impression
the 1-minute resumé

positive attitude

dress the part

write a thank-you note/letter

 Job Interview Preparations

PREPARATION
Prepare
• research the company

• anticipate the questions

• think of your own questions

• practice with a friend

 Job Interview Preparations
Rehearse
• “What are your strengths & weaknesses?”
• “Why did you leave your last position?”
• “Can you describe a previous work situation..?”
• “What is your ideal work environment?”
• “How do you handle mistakes?”
• “What is your most notable accomplishment?”
 Job Interview Preparations

Learn From Embarrassing

Situations

• be prepared

• pause, don’t panic

 Job Interview Preparations

Ask Questions
• it shows that you’re interested in the job

• it shows how knowledgeable you are of the

position & the industry
 Job Interview Preparations

Prepare Short Stories

• it shows that you’re interested in the job

• it shows how knowledgeable you are of the

position & the industry
 Job Interview Preparations

Be Prepared to Demonstrate

• talk about your values

• speak confidently & honestly about your
abilities
• explain in a way that makes you look favorable
 Job Interview Preparations

Dressing for the Interview

• better to overdress than underdress

• appear pulled together
 Job Interview Preparations

Relax

• do something relaxing before the interview

 Interview Etiquette
PRESENTATION
MAKE A GOOD IMPRESSION

CHECK YOUR APPEARANCE

ARRIVE ON TIME
INTERVIEW ETIQUETTE

SHAKE HANDS

MIND YOUR MANNERS

ONCE SEATED
INTERVIEW ETIQUETTE

ANSWERING QUESTIONS

EXHIBIT
SELF-CONFIDENCE

ENDING THE INTERVIEW

 The Job Applicant
Reasons Why People Don’t Get Hired
untidy personal appearance
inability to express information clearly
lack of genuine interest/enthusiasm
unwillingness to start at the bottom
negative attitude
lack of eye contact
incomplete/sloppy application documents
being late for the interview