Planning & Conducting a Job Search: Resume & Cover Letter BBS 2nd Year Business Communication

 

Planning and Conducting a Job Search

Employment communication encompasses the internal and external communication within an organization. Internally, it involves communication among employees through emails, meetings, and newsletters to share information and foster collaboration. Externally, it includes communication with job applicants, clients, and customers, such as job postings, recruitment messages, and customer service interactions.         

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Planning and conducting a job search involve a series of strategic steps to identify and secure employment opportunities. This process begins with a self-assessment to understand one's skills, interests, and career goals. Researching potential employers and industries, networking to build professional relationships, and preparing tailored resumes and cover letters are crucial steps. Job seekers also need to apply for positions, prepare for interviews, and follow up with employers. Evaluating job offers and transitioning into a new role are important final steps. Continued professional development and networking are essential for long-term career growth. There are some steps involved in planning and conducting a job search which are briefly discussed below: 

a.      Identifying the Right Job: Begin by exploring your interests, values, and strengths to identify the type of job that will be a good fit for you. Consider factors such as work environment, job responsibilities, and potential for growth.

b.     Evaluating Skills and Qualifications: Take stock of your skills, experiences, and qualifications. Identify your strengths and areas for improvement, and consider how you can leverage your strengths in your job search.

c.      Identifying Employment Trends: Research current employment trends in your industry or field of interest. Look for areas of growth and demand, as well as any emerging job roles or skills that are in demand.

d.     Choosing a Career Path: Based on your self-assessment, skills, qualifications, and employment trends, choose a career path that aligns with your goals and interests. Consider the long-term prospects and potential for advancement in your chosen field.

e.      Conducting a Job Search: Use a variety of methods to search for job openings, including online job boards, company websites, professional networking sites, and job fairs. Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant skills and experiences for each position.

f.       Networking: Build and maintain professional relationships with others in your field. Attend networking events, join professional organizations, and use social media to connect with industry professionals. Networking can help you uncover hidden job opportunities and gain insights into the industry.

g.     Preparing Application Materials: Develop a strong resume and cover letter that effectively highlight your skills, experiences, and qualifications. Customize your application materials for each job application to make a strong impression on employers.

h.     Interview Preparation: Prepare for job interviews by researching the company, practicing common interview questions, and developing thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer. Dress professionally and make a positive impression during the interview.

i.       Follow-Up: After submitting your application or attending an interview, follow up with the employer to express your continued interest in the position. Thank the interviewer for their time and reiterate your enthusiasm for the opportunity.

j.       Recording and Organizing: Keep track of the jobs you have applied for, including the date of application, job title, company, and contact information. Organize this information in a spreadsheet or document to stay organized and on top of your job search efforts.

Resumes and Cover Letters

A resume is a short and brief description about, what a person possesses in context to the respective job like qualifications, previous job experiences, and achievements, competencies and skills. It is in the form of a document which is required at the time of applying for business, government and industry jobs. It is a snapshot of an individual’s professional profile. The term Resume is a French expression which means ‘summary’ i.e. summary of a person’s work life. It only outlines the job applicant’s relevant qualifications and experience which is required for the specific job. It should be prepared in such a manner that will make an impression on the potential employer because a resume can open the doors of an interview. 

 

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Moreover, it also helps the recruiter to pick the most suitable candidate for an interview. The job seeker should present the latest details first in the resume. A resume is a document that reflects a candidate's qualifications, skills, work experience, education, and achievements. It is prepared to apply for jobs and serves as a summary of an individual's professional background. A resume showcases skills and experience relevant to the job, helping candidates stand out from other applicants. It demonstrates professionalism and attention to detail, providing employers with a concise overview of why the candidate is a strong fit for the position. Overall, a resume is a crucial tool in the job application process, helping candidates present their qualifications effectively to potential employers.

Curriculum vitae, in Latin words, refers to a ‘course of life’ that is a document with accurate and up-to-date personal details, experience, and achievements. Academic and non-academic CVs are two different types of CV as academic CVs seem to be longer than others. And non-academic CVs have unverifiable insertions. Curriculum Vitae is a written document which contains details about a person’s past education, experience, knowledge, skill, competencies, accomplishments, projects, awards, and honours, etc. The CV is a biography of an individual’s academic background and professional experiences. It also includes details about a person’s area of interest, hobbies and extracurricular activities. It is not modified according to the job; it remains same for all jobs. It should be systematically arranged so that a proper sketch about an individual’s career can be drawn.

Difference between CV and Resume

•      A CV is a descriptive document which lists out all the details about a person’s career. A Resume is a snapshot of a person’s working life, presenting all the details which are required for a job.

•      A CV is comprehensive while a Resume is concise.

•      The word CV is an abbreviation for Curriculum Vitae, which is a Latin word. The word Resume is a French term.

•      The length of a resume is shorter as compared to CV.

•      CV gives emphasis on academic details whereas a Resume is focused on non-academic details along with highlighting key skills and competencies, matching with the job.

•      CV cannot be customised; it remains static, but a Resume is dynamic, and it changes according to the job.

•      A CV includes references. In contrast to Resume, which do not include references.

A cover letter is a document sent along with your resume when applying for a job. It serves as an introduction to your resume and provides a brief overview of your qualifications and experiences relevant to the position you are applying for. A well-written cover letter highlights your skills, achievements, and interest in the job, and can help you stand out from other applicants. It should be tailored to the specific job and company you are applying to, and should complement, not duplicate, the information in your resume. A cover letter typically includes a greeting, an introduction, a body paragraph or two highlighting your qualifications, and a closing paragraph thanking the employer for considering your application.

Different between Cover Letter and Job Application

Cover letter and job application are slightly different from each other so they can be:

•      Cover Letter: A cover letter is a document that accompanies your resume when you apply for a job. It provides an introduction to who you are, highlights your qualifications and experiences, and explains why you are interested in the position. A cover letter allows you to customize your application for each job, showcasing how your skills and experiences make you a strong candidate.

•      Job Application: A job application is a formal document that typically includes your personal information, education background, work experience, skills, and references. It is often a standardized form provided by the employer that you fill out to apply for a job. The job application is a more comprehensive document than a cover letter and provides a detailed overview of your qualifications and background.

 

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