Preparing Job Application and Interview Process - Case Study Example

Running Header: Job application and interview Your name: Course name: Professors’ name: Date Introduction It is important for a job seeker to effectively prepare for a job application and interview process. Good preparation increases the chances of being selected to the position. It is therefore important to take time in the preliminary process of the job selection in order to increase the chances of being selected. This essay outlines the process that the applicant will go through in preparing job application and interview process. How job seekers go about preparing for job application Preparing for job application is an important step as it prepares an individual to make the first and most important impression to the employer. The first impression can increase the chances of being selected or decrease the chances. Essentially, there are two main things that make an application stand out from the rest: content and presentation. An effective preparation for application will mainly focus on the following steps. Accuracy- This is the first step and mainly entails checking any typos such as wrong dates, titles, time frame, duration of employment, locations and even names. At this stage it is important for the applicant to consult someone else to proofread the application (WorkNet 2013). Completing the form- It is imperative for the applicant to complete all the sections provided by the employer, failure to complete some sections may create a bad impression to the employer. As an example, missing dates and reason for leaving the previous employment may mean that the applicant had a bad job experience, a factor that is not desirable to the new prospective employer. Listing of previous commitments- For clarity purposes, it is imperative to list all the previous internships and jobs in a chronological manner starting from the current. A clear separation of these jobs should also be ensured (WorkNet 2013). Highlight skills and job responsibilities relevant- The focus for the applicant in this step is to clearly demonstrate skills and all the relevant job responsibilities that the potential employer desires. Some of the important skills in this case include demonstrating skills and abilities to deal with customers, time management, organizational skills and other relevant administrative skills. The applicant should pay attention when listing previous jobs done because the employer will tend to be focused on your past accomplishments (WorkNet 2013). Clear description of duties and responsibilities for the past jobs- This is an important step for the applicant. As noted by WorkNet (2013) being succinct about the past job description and duties is essential. This includes the past achievements and accomplishments, the applicant should also be in a position to provide evidence for the same if the potential employer requests. Staying up-to date- This is also important, the applicant should ensure that the provided information is current, this can only be achieved by ensuring constant update of all the relevant information based on the new challenges and accomplishment, adding new certificates recently completed or in progress will also add value to the curriculum vitae (WorkNet 2013). How job seekers prepare for a successful interview There are a number of steps that the applicant should go through during the interview preparation process. These steps are as outlined below. Research on the company- This is an important first step of preparing for an interview. The applicant needs to research more about the company, their mission statement and even about their competitors. Getting in touch with people in that particular company can offer a great help. Gaining experience in the interview- Performing well in interviews is a skill that develops with time and practice, it is therefore important for the applicant to ensure continuous practice on key communication skills by attending sessions that helps in improving these skills. Preparing for interview common questions- This is an important step in the job interview preparation process. It is imperative to remember and practice answering these common questions. Some of these questions include: your strengths and weakness, telling the employer about yourself, your past experience in managing a group to achieve some milestones and strategic decision making in the past among others (Lazarus, A 2004). At this point, it is also important for the applicant to provide a clear reason why he/she needs to leave the current commitment and join the company. Giving an account of the previous employer negatively will reduce the chances of getting the new appointment, the interviewee should therefore present good reasons for leaving the current employer by citing issues such as to experience new challenges and increase knowledge in the field through a different perspective. Preparing for questions not known- Interviewers are always interested in establishing how fast you think on your feet. It is therefore important for applicants to consider this aspect and be interactive by asking questions while they think of the solution. Offering examples and evidence-Interviewers will likely ask what was presented in your resume; this will require the applicant to react by citing examples and providing evidence of the relevant skills and experience. It is worthwhile to note that at this state the applicant needs to clearly state his/her role by using words like “my role was….’ Rather than using phrases such as “our role was…” since the employer is only interested in the applicant’s achievements and not other people (Cook, & Gietzel 2009). Asking questions- This is also important as this will show the interviewer that you are interested in the job. It will also keep a close contact between the employee and the employer. Presentable- The applicant needs to prepare for the day carefully in order to ensure he/she is presentable. In essence it is essential to consider that these interviewers are looking for a colleague and hence first impression will count significantly. The applicant needs to ensure eye contact, listen keenly and be pleasant generally. Conclusion Key issues preparatory issues identified in job application such as highlighting previous commitments and experiences are important; completing the application form should also be done carefully in order to avoid mistakes. The interview preparation process also demand preparation, the interviewee needs to create positive first impression to the interviewers, the application details should also match the account given during the interview process. References Cook, P & Gietzel 2009, 10 Steps to a More Successful Job Interview, Pamela Cook. Accessed from http://www.pamelacook.com/interviews.pdf Lazarus, A 2004, Preparation is Key to Successful Job Interviews, Careers. Accessed from http://net.acpe.org/membersonly/pejournal/2004/MayJune/Articles/Lazarus_Arthur.pdf WorkNet 2013, Seven Tips for Preparing Effective Job Applications, accessed from https://www.worknetpinellas.org/wn/file_items/13300958051.pdf Read More