Unit 19 1
Unit 19 1
Structure
19.0 Objectives
19.1 Introduction
19.2 Initial Preparations
19.3 Evaluation of the Job Advertisement
19.4 Preparation of the Application Letter
19.5 Writing a Curriculum Vitae
19.6 Preparation for the Personal Interview
19.7 Let Us Sum Up
19.8 Key Words
19.9 Answers to Check Your Progress
19.10 Terminal Questions
19.0 OBJECTIVES
19.1 INTRODUCTION
During the last stages of the studies, one starts looking for a suitable job with the hope that
his/her hard work will eventually pay off. However, due to various reasons, job
opportunities in the current situation are much reduced with the result that the competition
has become very tough. There are many stages before one may succeed in getting a job of a
satisfactory work profile. These stages include initial preparation, evaluation of the
advertisement, preparation of the application, updating curriculum vitae, honing the skills for
facing personal interview, etc. In this chain of activities, every stage has some crucial points
which one should try to understand and adapt to enhance the changes of success. In this unit,
you will learn how to evaluate an advertisement vis-a-vis your aptitude and qualifications,
how to prepare the application for the job, how to make your CV impressive and attractive
and how to prepare for the personal interview.
It is always better to start making initial preparations for facing job market while there is still
about a year for completion of your studies. Before choosing a particular sector, think about
your strengths and weaknesses. Think about what makes you unique, what type of
experience or perseverance you have which puts your head and shoulders above the rest.
Have you held leadership positions during graduation? Thomas J. Starka commented,
“hiring committees know that such graduate students leader usually stand out. Don’t
underestimate yourself; don’t think committee members won’t know how hard some of those
minor accomplishments were.”
(i) Browsing the websites of companies, governments and academia for placements and
looking into the advertisements in the news papers and chronicles.
(ii) Writing a cover letter.
(iii) Updating curriculum vitae.
(iv) Request for recommendation letters.
The first step in preparing for the job market is to look for the advertisement which
apparently offers the job you were looking for. But it is not wise to apply for every job
openly without evaluating the advertisement for certain aspects which in the long run may
turn out to be more important for your personal peace, growth and satisfaction than merely
getting the emolument.
Some of the key points you should look in an advertisement before sending the application
are the following:
1. Minimum Qualification
This part of the advertisement is most important; read it very carefully. If you have
the desired degree or expect to get it soon, apply, otherwise not.
2. Preferred Qualifications
Most of the reputed companies, national as well as international, have their websites
where company’s profile is given. Read “About Us” page where company’s mission,
details of its operations are given. Here you can find glimpses of company’s work
culture, types of people working there and the hierarchy. It will help you understand
whether you can fit in there.
5. Future Prospects
It is better to get yourself acquainted with the future prospects in the company. Is it a
one cadre post or there are prospects of promotion to higher cadres also through
internal promotion? If you are stagnant at the present post, and the post offered in the
ad is of higher cadre, you may apply provided other aspects as described above suit
you.
Read the compensation package and other benefits, such as medical reimbursement,
paid vacations, etc. What is the retirement age, pension scheme, etc.
Are you willing to accept a job on contract basis? Is it a full time regular job or a part
time job? After knowing all these details about the job advertisement, you decide to
apply.
Usually the employees prefer to receive an application letter in response to the advertisement
because it reveals glimpses of the personality of the applicant to some extent. On the other
hand, a resume outlines the skills and experiences only. It is said that “the first impression is
the last impression”. Through a nicely written application letter, the applicant has the chance
to create his/her positive image.
A job application letter is the first document that reveals your interest in the job. It highlights
the reason for applying for the job in a short and crisp manner. It is accompanied by the
resume. These days, it is usually written as email and the resume is sent as attachment file.
For writing a good application, it is helpful to follow the following five steps:
1. Subject
The second line in the email is subject. In this line, write a “to the point”, brief and
catchy line.
Examples:
“Application for marketing Manager”
2. Salutation
In case name of the person is known whom the application is to be addressed to, it is
always better to write the salutation as :
“Dear Sir/Madam”
3. First paragraph
Mention the job you are applying for and how you came to know about this (through
advertisement or personal reference). In case of the advertisement, give its no., date
and name of paper or name of the portal.
Example:
“This is with reference to the vacancy for the role of Marketing Manager as posted on
your website (or as advertised in ______ on date _____).”
If you came to know about the vacancy through a reference, give his/her name with
designation.
Example:
4. Second paragraph
In this paragraph, you highlight briefly about your skills, achievements and
experience relevant to the job. Here your language should be normal and not
superlative.
Example:
“I completed M.Com in Accounts and Finance from Indira Gandhi National Open
University in the year 2020 and received Gold Medal for securing first rank. I have 3
years’ experiences as Marketing Assistant at ...... (Company’s name).
After going through your ad, I feel that my skills and experience are compatible with
your expectations and I am sure to be able to contribute positively to your business.
In a sentence or two, mention what excites you most about the company.
Example:
“In this age of globalization, there are challenges as well as opportunities for the
Marketing Manager and I am excited to face these challenges alongwith an expert
team at ..... (Company’s name).”
Here you can write a sentence or two about your achievements in the current position.
Example:
5. Last paragraph
In this paragraph, you express politely your eagerness to meet the hiring officer
personally and thank him/her for reviewing your application.
Example:
“I appreciate the time you have taken out to go through my application letter. I shall
enjoy meeting you personally and discuss further details”
Sign off with “Thanks and Regards” or “Sincerely” followed by your full name and
contact details below your name.
Remember that high-ups are usually impatient and short of time. Thus, keep the letter
brief, evincing your skills and politeness. It should not be your autobiography.
2. Proof reading
It is very important that your application does not have any spelling or grammatical
errors because it will be your first impression which should be positive in all respects.
5. Do not copy-paste
Do not forget to give your contact details such as mobile number, email ID at the end.
Sample 1
This is with reference to the vacancy of Marketing Manager posted on your website dated
20.02.2021.
I completed MBA from Indira Gandhi National Open University, New Delhi in the year 2020
securing first rank at the national level.
I am fascinated by the phenomenal growth of your company made during the last 3 years. I
have skills and expertise to contribute significantly after becoming a part of your dynamic
team.
I am really thankful to you for the time taken out to go though my application and would
enjoy meeting you personally for further discussions.
Sincerely yours
(Your Name)
Mobile No...........
Email ID............
Dated 4.03.2021.
Sample 2
I came to know about a vacancy of graphic designer through a member of your team, Mr. ----
-----, Senior Assistant.
I completed my P.G. Diploma in Graphic Design from ......... in 2017 and received gold
medal for securing first rank. I have 3 years’ experience as graphic designer at .........
During my studies, I represented my college in the All India Competition for the retail
website development held at Chennai on 2.01.2017 and won the trophy. I also designed the
current logo of my college. I am highly fascinated by the new concepts of digital designing
by your company in the corporate sector and have a passion to work in your team. I am
confident to have skills and abilities to contribute positively. Please refer to my resume for
detailed information.
I express my appreciation for the time you have taken out to go through my application and
would be happy to meet you personally to explain my concepts and imaginations.
Sincerely yours’
(Your Name)
Mobile No...........
Email ID............
Dated 5.03.2021.
Sample 3
This is with reference to the vacancy of Software Developer posted on your portal.
I completed my B.Tech. from Indira Gandhi National Open University, New Delhi in 2018
and passed with distinction scoring 82% marks.
During my studies, I actively participated in the Tech Fests and received a medal of
appreciation for developing an App for traffic control in the peak hours.
I have the skills to be a part of your dynamic company and can contribute actively to the
software development programmes. This is my dream of working in your team and grow
further through this job role.
Please refer to my resume and i shall be happy to meet you personally to discuss further.
Thanking you,
Sincerely yours’
(Your Name)
Mobile No...........
Email ID............
Dated 4.03.2021.
Sample 4
Dear Ms........
I came to know about a vacancy of Project Manager in your group through Ms....... working
in your company.
I did my post graduation in Social Sciences in 2020 from Indira Gandhi National Open
University. As a part of the curriculum, I completed a project on “Social response to the
COVID-19 pandemic”. I presented these findings in a National Webinar held on 12.02.2020
and received a certificate of appreciation.
My skills match your requirements and I have the confidence of making a positive
contribution to your organization.
Thank you for having gone through my application and I shall be happy to meet you
personally and discuss further.
Sincerely yours’
(Your Name)
Mobile No...........
Email ID............
Dated 6.03.2021.
1. What is the most important point in the job advertisement one should look for?
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2. What is the preferred skill for a marketing assistant?
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3. What should be written in the last paragraph?
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4. List three desired skills for the job of data analyser.
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5. Which of the following statements are “True or False” ?
(i) The first step for preparing for the job is to send the application.
(ii) The application should be written in a short and crisp manner.
(iii) The applicant should highlight his/her skills right in the beginning.
(iv) Good communication skill is a preferred skill for the job of public relations
officer.
(v) The company should contact a data analyser for developing its portal.
Curriculum Vitae (CV) in Latin means “Course of life”. It is a concise document which
includes applicant’s educational qualifications professional skills, proficiency and
experiences. The purpose of the CV is to show applicant’s ability to do the job efficiently.
2. Technical skills
The skills in the CV should match the skills wanted in the job advertisement.
Examples of writing technical skills in CV
Skills for public relations officer job
“Developed current website of the company ................. and designed the current logo
of ............... college.”, used infographics, digital printing, ad designs, networking for a
number of projects.
“Extensively used Excel, Oracle, SQL server. Often used Finereport for data
visualization. Have proficiency in the programming languages, such as Python,
Java.”
3. Professional experience
Most recent job experience should be written first, then follow reverse order.
It is not necessary to list complete work history; only relevant to the job should be
given. It is better to keep CV concise.
Examples:
“Jun.2019 – Feb.2020, Marketing Assistant at ....... Air Conditioners Ltd., New Delhi,
succeeded in boosting the ales by 30% within a year.”
If there are gaps when you were not on paid work, try to show these gaps for
acquiring additional skills, such as planning, hospitality, budgeting, etc.
4. Qualifications
In this section, following qualifications should be included:
All these details should be as brief as possible. The most recent qualifications should
be listed first and then reverse order is followed.
5. Achievements
If you have some significant achievement, such as award or commendation, then only
this section should be included in the CV. It should list:
6. Referees
Some employers want only names of the referees whom they contact themselves, but
others want their recommendation letters attached.
There should be at least two referees, out of which one should be preferably your
current employer, manager, team leader.
• Teacher or principal
• Former employer
• A renowned person in your field
7. Interests
It is optional and should be given only your interests are relevant to the job and/or
may attract attention of the employer. Interests such as leadership skills, community
work, etc. may be given, but hobbies like watching TV, going out with friends,
shopping, etc. should be avoided.
a) A photograph
b) Date of birth and age
c) Marital status, religion
d) Fancy fonts and designs
e) Work experience or interests not relevant to the job
f) Wrong details of work experience
g) A funny e-mail address
Sample 1 CV
Technical Skills
Senior Programmer with high skills in C++ language, Oracle, Java. Developed successfuly
several Apps useful in social activities.
Professional Experience
2016-2018 – Group leader for data analysis at...........Pvt. Ltd., Jaipur. Developed a new
analytics system that increased efficiency two times.
Qualifications
Achievements
Presented a paper on “New App for Retail” in a National Conference and received Gold
Medal for best presentation.
Referees
Prof. ......................
Department of Computer Sciences,
XYZ, Technical University
Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Mobile: .............................
Email ID...........................
Mr. ...........................
Head, Data Analysis Division
XYZ.. Pvt. Ltd., Jaipur
Mobile: .............................
Email ID...........................
Sample 2 CV
Education
University 2005-2009 THE UNIVERSITY OF
RAJASTHAN B.Tech. (Hons.)
Computer Systems Engineering. I
achieved a grade of 9.2.
Selected Course First year Second year Final year
Modules Object-Oriented Operating Systems Project on
Programming. and Architecture. developing new App
Computer Systems. Microcomputer for traffic control.
Further Object- Engineering. Embedded
Oriented Image Analysis and Computer Systems.
Programming. Applications. Product
Introduction to Computer Development.
Electronics. Interfacing. Digital Systems
Robotics Project. Instrumentation & Design.
Digital Measurement Digital Control and
Technologies. Systems. Robotics.
Engineering Digital Computer Networks
Mathematics. Implementation. and Communication.
Engineering Digital Signal
Analysis. Processing.
Group project based on control of traffic during the peak hour was developed, which
was highly appreciated by the Regional Transport Office, Jaipur. Our team received a
letter of appreciation.
Final year project involved development and construction of a Controller Area
Network (CAN) at Malviya National Institute of Technology, Jaipur connecting all the
departments. I achieved a 2:1 grade
Facing a personal interview is an important part of the process of getting a job. As it will be
your first face-to-face interaction with the employer, it is very important to make advance
preparations for it. Following points are helpful for the preparation for the personal interview.
During the last stage of the studies, one starts looking for a suitable job with the hope that
his/her hard work will eventually pay off. There are many stages before one may succeed in
getting a job of a satisfactory work profile. These stages include initial preparation,
evaluation of advertisement, preparation of the application, updating curriculum vitae, honing
the skills for facing personal interview, etc. The first step in preparing for the job market is to
look for the advertisement which apparently offers the job you were looking for. Some of the
key points you should look in an advertisement before sending the application are: minimum
qualifications, preferred qualifications, the company profile, nature of duties and
responsibilities, future prospectus, package and nature of job. A job application letter is the
first document that reveals your interest in the job. It highlights the reason for applying for
the job in a short and crisp manner. A good application has five sections: subject, salutation,
name of job you are applying for, your skills, achievements and experience relevant to the
job. Here your language should be normal and not superlative. In the last paragraph, you
should express politely your eagerness to meet the hiring officer personally and thank
him/her for reviewing your application.
Curriculum Vitae (CV) is a concise document which includes applicant’s educational
qualifications professional skills, proficiency and experiences. The purpose of the CV is to
show applicant’s ability to do the job efficiently. A shorter version of CV is known as
“resume”. Normally resume is a one page summary of the qualifications and work
experience, whereas CV is a longer document of 13-14 pages including qualifications, work
experience, publications, names of reference, etc.
19.8 KEY WORDS
Networking: It is the exchange of information and ideas among people with common
profession or special interests. These days, networking is done through internet. Several
popular social media platforms are: Whatsapp, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter.
Online Courses: The courses which are not face to face, instead offered via internet.
Compensation package: The salary along with other benefits that an employee receives.
Secondary benefits: Examples are health care, expenses for the children’s education, leave
travel concession, etc.
A 5 (i) False (ii) True (iii) False (iv) True (v) False
B 5 (i) False (ii) True (iii) True (iv) False (v) True
1. What is meant by evaluation of the job advertisement? Describe briefly the points you
would look in the advertisement.
2. Explain different points to be given in the application for a job.
3. You have completed M.B.A. Write an application to Mr. XYZ for the job of the
marketing manager.
4. What is meant by curriculum vitae? Explain different parts of the CV.
5. You are data assistant in the company ABC. You want to apply for the post of the
Head of the data analysis section in a company. Prepare your CV.
6. Describe various steps for the preparation of the interview.