Job Seeking Skills

When you are applying for a new job, whether it be via cold-canvassing or answering an advertisement consider the following:

Research the position by obtaining all information readily available. In addition to the job description, this may include:

Product catalogues
Media releases, or brochures for the organisation
Annual General reports
Informal discussion with employees of the organisation
Informal discussion with clients of the organisation

Put yourself in the employer's position and consider the skills and personal qualities the employer is seeking.

Prioritise these in order of importance to the employer (look at selection criteria if these are available).
Match your own skills and personal qualities to those sought by the employer.
Put together a 20 minute spiel featuring your skills and personal qualities in relation to employment and/or personal experience and be ready to adapt these to present in:

• A telephone introduction.
• An application letter (cold-canvassing, or answering an advertisement).
• An interview, either as an introduction in cold-canvassing, or by appointment.