Graduate Help!
How to send an email to a prospective employer
How you structure an email to any potential employer is incredibly important, as this can often be your first contact, other than a CV and Cover Letter, which are less personal. “This could be your only chance to make an impression so showing that you have done your research, show good communication and have good writing skills” (Brewer, 2015) is vital.
Research
Make sure you know what you are talking about, one mistake could easily make the potential employer doubt your credibility, but good research shows that you are willing to put in the work to achieve results.
Communication
- Let them know what you can bring to the business, whether it is specific skills, abilities etc.
- Let them know why you would like to work for them if it the email is part of your application process. Do not make the mistake of saying what you want to get out of working for them, as this makes it sound as if the business is doing you a favour. Instead use phrases that relates to the job role. If the job role states that your role will be diverse you could say things such as “My personality suits a role that is diverse, as I like the challenge of doing different things”.
Writing Skills
- Do NOT use colloquial language. Saying things such as the job role sounds like a ‘piece-of-piss’ will never sit well with any employer.
- Make sure that you proofread and even have another person look through your email.
- Don’t make it about you. Obviously talk about yourself so they know who you are, but show interest in the company.
How to present yourself to a prospective employer
Look the Part – The first impression the interviewer has of you is visual. This makes it incredibly important to be well groomed. You shouldn’t just be in
Do – Keep calm, be polite, show interest in them as a person, not just the job, be natural (do not force jokes) and listen to each question carefully before giving an explanation. Don’t – Disagree with them, interrupt, lie, talk about how good you are, be aware of how much you are saying and one that is often over looked, do not complain about previous employers.
* Always have questions prepared. More often that not the interviewer will ask you something along the lines of “Do you have any questions about the role etc.?”
How to write a cover letter in NZ
Briefly introduce yourself – This should include interests, where you are from, and anything in general in your life that is relevant to the position you are applying for.
Explain why you want the job -
Explain what you can offer the employer
Highlight skills, qualifications and experience that you have that match the job position.
*Have your cover letter proofread by somebody else to make sure there are no mistakes that could ruin your chances of landing the job.
How to write a CV in NZ
Structure
Contact details – Name, address and contact phone number/ email.
Skills – Include skills and experience that are relevant to the job position. These should include qualifications.
Extra curricular – Achievements and voluntary work.
Previous employment – The last 2-3 jobs or one that are relevant to the position you are applying for.
Include references – These are people that know you well and are usually previous employers.
Tips
- Keep the CV concise, one to two pages max.
- Include things such as extra curricular achievements, interesting hobbies and any voluntary work done.
- Keep your CV up to date.
- Get it checked by somebody else.
Technical Skills vs. Soft Skills
Technical
-Presentation and speaking
-Negotiation
-Format of work
-Research skills
-Logical thinking, problem solving, numeracy, literacy, IT, specific skills to your degree, data analysis.
Soft Skills
-Listening
-Vocab
-Logical argument
-Passion or charisma
-Time management, self-motivation
-Emotional Intelligence
-Dealing with criticism
Working with people is more than 50% emotional intelligence (EI). If you cannot work with your co-workers, how can you do your job effectively as a team? Why would you want Joe Bloggs in your office, if they didn’t care about you, respect your thoughts/ideas and care about your personal life? This is why soft skills are incredibly important, as they help you deal with your colleagues.
https://www.recruiter.com/i/mastering-the-intro-email-to-a-prospective-employer/
