Job Application: Know the Basics | Career Bazaar

Why you must be wondering is a youth magazine printing an article about how to write a job application, well we asked ourselves the same thing. And the answer is in today's changing world the trends of the youth are also changing. In Nepal they are becoming more and more independent and a lot more of them are looking for part-time jobs or even full time jobs to compliment their pocket money or just as extra cash for themselves. If it's not the cash that attracts them, then it's the work experience or even just the need to get out there and feel useful. Getting a job while you are young is not only a good learning experience but also instills a sense of responsibility and independence. It looks good on your college application and gives you a taste of what's out there in the real world.

The first step of getting a job is applying for one. Its not easy and it takes a lot of time and patience to get a job—after all there must be a reason why so many qualified people are still unemployed in the world. The first impression an employer gets of you is through your job application. Hence it is advisable that you make several drafts of both your application letter and resume before you mail them. It is also advisable that you try and get some information about the company that you are applying to as that helps strengthen your application and also tells you exactly what skills might prove to be an added advantage. Here we have listed a few pointers on improving your application letter and the nitty-gritty's behind it.

The cover/ application letter:
Most job applications consist of two important parts: the application letter and your resume. Lets start with the application letter. This is the covering letter that you send to your employer and it's the first impression you make on them. The application letter should be short, concise and straight to the point, preferably no longer than a page. It also decides whether or not your employer bothers to look at your resume. There are different styles of writing job applications and whichever style you choose there are certain basics that have to included.

The addressing of your job application should preferably start with your own address and then the date either on the left or the right, then, on the left hand side you should write the exact address of the company you are applying to. If you want you may also choose to include a subject line stating the reason you are writing. After this comes the actual letter. If you know the name of the person that the letter is addressed to then you can start with that, remember it should be the surname and not the first name or you can always take the easy way out and start with Dear Sir/Madam, if you are not sure of the sex of your employer it is best to be politically correct and include both. The paragraph that follows, should state where you saw the advertisement for the job, the position you are applying for and your application.

The next two paragraphs of the letter should basically be you selling yourself. It should include a concise summary of your skills, why you would be good for this job and also any other specific qualifications that might help you perform the job better. For this section it is advisable that you know a little bit about the company and also read the job application again to find out exactly what your future employers are looking for. This paragraph should be able to convince an employer to read further and also read your resume.

The closing paragraph should ask for some action from the employer. This is where you ask for an interview. It should also state where and how they could reach you and it should thank the employer for giving you the opportunity to apply. You can include things like "should you require further information....". The letter should end with a closing remark either "yours sincerely" or "yours faithfully" or any other phrase that you are comfortable with and is in accordance with letter writing etiquette. After this should come a space for your signature followed by your full name.

*For a better understanding on how a cover letter should look, please refer to the template provided.

Preparing a Resume/ CV:
Well, that takes care of the application part of applying to a job. Next comes the resume part or the CV (Curriculum Vitae). A lot of people find it difficult to write a CV, what needs to be included and what needs to be left out is a vital part of writing a CV. A resume should be like your application letter, concise to the point and highlighting your skills and personality that makes you a good applicant for the post. Most CVs turn out to be boring and also tedious which a lot of employers would just set aside. An employer doesn't spend too much time over a CV and skims through it to get an understanding of the sort of person you are and if you have the necessary qualifications, hence it is necessary that your CV stands out. It needs to be a strong statement that immediately captures your employer's attention. Now there are various gimmicks that can be used to draw attention to your CV and depending on the post you are applying to it is fine to use these gimmicks but it also has to be kept in mind that you don't go overboard, as an employer may think that by trying to impress them you don't have much else to offer.

A CV is best if it has a clean professional look about it. You can also choose to include a personal statement with your CV to give your employer a feel of your personality, this again depends on the sort of job you are applying for and more often than not, is not necessary as it has already been covered in your job application. The type of CV you choose to write depends on the job you are applying for but it should always be balanced, easy to follow and read.

*For a better understanding on how a resume/ CV should look, please refer to the template provided.

Things to remember:

• An application letter should not be too long
• There should be no mistakes in the address or the employer's or your own names
• Refer to the job and where you saw it advertised
• There should be no spelling or grammatical mistakes
• Slang should never be used
• It should answer all the job requirements
• It should flow well and be easy to read
• It should maintain a professional feel
• It should mention all your qualifications.
• The CV should not be too long
• It should state simply all your credentials
• It should not look messy
• Don't forget to include any other additional material that your employer may have asked for

Template of a job application letter

Your name
Your address
Your telephone number
Your email

Employer's designation
*Employers name
Company name
Company address

* Subject: Job application for the position of ….
Dear Sir/Madam,
I would like to apply for the post of (post you are applying for) advertised in (where you saw the advertisement) on (date of advertisement).

(These two paragraphs should talk about your skills and qualifications and why you would be good for the job, they should also mention your current employer or what you are doing presently).

(The closing paragraph start with you telling of your confidence in yourself and why you think you would be perfect for the job) I am confident that I have the skills required by your organisation and will be able to perform all the duties required by my position. I am available for an interview at any time (or times you are available for interviews) convenient for you and can be contacted through (the mode of contact most convenient for you). I would like to thank you for allowing me to apply and look forward to meeting you.

Yours truly,

(Your full name)

The date

Enclosed :
CV
(and other documents the employers may have asked for )

*Optional fields