Application tips

Introduction

In order to decide if a vacancy is the right one for you, it is very important to be self-conscious.

  • Why are you looking for a new job?
  • What are your strengths and weaknesses?
  • In what area do you wish to develop yourself?
  • Why have you chosen your specific directions in the past?
  • Which functions are realistically obtainable for you?

How to write a resume

The information in your resume should be relevant to the position you are applying for. Try to keep your resume short and simple, and keep enough space between the lines to ensure readability. Do not make spelling mistakes and grammatical errors. Keep it nice and clean and avoid stains or dog ears. Use the following set-up: 

Personal data

  • Name and first name(s)
  • Address
  • Phone number
  • Cell phone number
  • E-mail address
  • Date- and place of birth
  • Nationality

Education

  • Dates of education or course
  • Name and place of education or course
  • Chosen curriculum
  • Obtained certificates and diploma’s

Work experience

In presenting your work experience a reverse chronological format is the best choice. It provides the reader with a logical history of your experience and achievements in a format that is easy to follow and reference. Use the following set-up:

  • Dates of education or course
  • Name and place of company
  • Function
  • Job description

Additional information

It is also important to mention additional information on your resume for others to get a good picture of you.

  • Computer skills
  • Hobbies
  • Drivers license (if applicable)
  • Skills

Letter of application

Consider your letter of application as your business card to the company. it is very important that your letter excites the reader for you to be invited for an interview.

Classification of the letter

  • Header –Refer to the position you are applying for and to the source of the vacancy
  • The core – Give your motivation and explain why you would be suitable for this position. Use a dynamic and active writing style, make frequent use of active words
  • End – Mention that you are highly interested in the position and that you would like to be invited for an interview

Interview preparation

If you are invited for an interview it is important that you are prepared. A good preparation is 90% of the success!

  • Study the company - study the website, learn more about the position, visit shops and make a 2 page report. In this report you write about possible improvements and advantages of product, personnel, price, routing, visual merchandising, window displays, location, website, marketing activities, turnover etc.
  • Awakening work experience – During the interview you will talk mainly about your work experience. For preparation you can ask yourself the following questions in order to appear self-assured.
    • What attracts you to the job?
    • Where do you find yourself in the organisational diagram?
    • How has the company developed while you have been employed? Growth and expansion or stagnation and down cuts?
    • What did you learn in the company which is relevant to the job you are now applying for?
    • What are your main tasks today - what are your responsibilities?
    • How freely can you complete tasks? Do you have to get permission to buy a pen or do you hardly ever see your boss?
    • How are you managed?
    • How is your relation with your colleagues - is it a good team or do you just sit together at lunch?
    • Which tasks have you completed and which results have you achieved that you can be proud of?
    • Why do you want to change to another job?
  • Itinerary – look up how to get to the interview location and how much time it will cost you to get there. Get a phone number and find out who you will be having your interview with in order to be able to call if you would be late!
  • Language – if you are applying for a position within an international company find out in which language the interview will take place and consider possible questions that could be asked during the interview.
  • Appearance – adjust your clothes to the company. Wear, for example, clothes of that company. Make sure your clothes are comfortable and take time for hygiene etc.

During the interview

Any good application is built on client focus. By knowing the specific demands and wishes of your future employer, you will be able to tailer-built your own experience and skills.

  • Mobile phone off! – Before you enter the building turn your mobile phone off! Even the vibration mode, since it will have a distracting effect.
  • Greeting – Stand straight when you greet someone, give a firm handshake and look the person in the eye. Smile when you greet someone and try to smile now and then during the interview, this gives a positive impression
  • Attitude – Be relaxed but do not be indifferent. Adjust your body language to your conversation partner. Make regular eye contact, also when there are several interviewers
  • Specific answers – Stick to the point, be specific and concrete, avoid ‘euhmm’ or ‘hmmm’ and stay with the subject. Be positive about yourself but also about your former employer, this gives a good impression;
  • Humour – By using a bit of humour everybody will feel more comfortable, make sure that the humor is appropriate.
  • Motivation – Give your motivation during the interview and present your qualities in an engaging way to your conversations partners.
  • Documents – Always take a copy of your resume and diplomas to an interview, so you can hand them over when asked for;
  • Dare to ask questions – Dare to ask questions in a calm way, if something is unclear. You can ask questions such as: Is there a traineeship and how long is this traineeship? Are there a lot of job openings in the company? To whom do I have to rapport, who will report to me? What plans does the company have for the near future?
  • Avoid questions if you already know the answer!

Conclude the interview

When the interview ends, the interviewer will often inform you about the further procedures. When this is not mentioned, do not hesitate to ask about the further procedures and when you can expect a decision. Do not hesitate to call if you have any questions after the interview. When leaving the room, do not forget to shake hands and thank the interviewer for his time and the opportunity.