Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
Job application crash course Find and land your next job/internship in Thuringia
This intensive seminar is designed to provide you with the critical information you need to successfully complete a job application in Germany. Attendees are welcome (and encouraged) to bring a hard copy of their CV to the workshop.
Lecturer: Katharina Palko, M.A.
Thuringian Agency for Skilled Personnel Marketing
(ThAFF)
Thüringer Agentur Für
Fachkräftegewinnung (ThAFF)
Marketing and promotion for
education, training, and employment
in Thuringia
ThAFF: Support of students,
graduates, commuters and returnees
Online job portal
Online CV check – in German &
English
Organization and participation in
regional and national Job Fairs (e.g.
Academix)
All our services are free of charge!
Thüringer Agentur Für Fachkräftegewinnung
(ThAFF)
Thuringian Agency for skilled personnel marketing
Seite 3
08.06.2019; 10.00 AM until bis 3.00 PM
Erfurt, Comcenter Brühl
Our next ThAFF event – career fair in Erfurt
www.academix-thueringen.de
Self analysis, Hard and soft skills
How to find a job; how to search for job
How to write successful job application, How to submit
How to read job vacancies
Content of Presentation
Seite 6
Your skills and goals – how do you plan your career start?
Where do you want to start your professional career?
Define your goals
Plan and orientate
Seite 7
Where do you want to work?
What is important for you in working life?
Which area of my studies was exciting for me?
How do I imagine my desired company?
Before you start with your application
documents
Seite 8
It must be a big company? Maybe a small or medium sized
company?
Which industries and tasks do you consider?
I see myself as a specialist or generalist?
In which region do I want to work?
How do I imagine my working day?
Define your goals…
Seite 9
Recognize your potential
What skills do you have? What can you offer an employer?
only when you have an accurate picture of your qualifications, your
strengths and weaknesses, you will be able to present yourself
convincing.
What do you have to offer?
Seite 10
what qualifications and professional skills can you show?
What professional experience do you have?
Which languages do you speak?
Have you been abroad for long time?
Do you have special IT skills?
You can show continuing education and further education?
Did you volunteer?
Hard Skills
Seite 11
Personal key qualifications
interdisciplinary social skills to be able to survive in everyday
working life
Communication skills, learning readiness, analysis capability,
empathy, team ability, intercultural competence, creativity
Soft skills
Seite 12
Ask a person who you trust and whose judgment you appreciate
and let her give you an assessment
Almost everyone does not perceive his strengths
Many job seekers tend to see only their own weaknesses
Recommendation
Seite 13
Handout:
Action Words, Self-Describing Words, Transferable skills
5-10 Minutes – check which is relevant to you
Please work in teams and ask your neighbour:
What are your interests?
Where are your strengths?
Where are your weaknesses?
Which skills you have are very strong?
Which personal qualities and abilities are especially valuable for
human beings around me?
What have you achieved in your life so far?
Who or what support you in your personal development?
Excercise:
Who or what stop you in your personal development?
What influence does my intended activity have on my private life?
which personal reasons speak for or against a move to another
town?
Excercise – work in a team
Seite 15
Lets talk about you…
Where will you live?
What does your personal situation look like?
With what do you earn your money?
Please take 5 minutes time to write answers down
Exercise: imagine 10 years have passed and
you have managed to make your life the way
you wanted it
Why are you studying?
Why this course of studies?
What is your course of studies?
What (professional) chances are opened by your program?
What have you learned until now?
Education: Why…?
Discuss with your neighbour
Inform yourself in time which qualifications you need in addition to
your solid expertise for the field of your choice
acquire appropriate competencies already during your studies
Seminar on key skills (project- and process-oriented work, team and
conflict behaviour, communication and presentation)
Language Courses
IT Courses
Such qualifications increase your chances of starting a job
additional qualifications are worthwhile
Volkshochschule: volkshochschulen.de
Agentur für Arbeit: kursnet-finden.arbeitsagentur.de
MOOCs: mooin: mooin.oncampus.de, iversity: iversity.org, Coursera:
coursera.org, edX: edx.org
Further education courses
Seite 21
XING – What can you do with your degree
Seite 25
Technical skills
Project Management skills
Communication skills
Creativity
Critical Thinking
Why do engineer need the following
skills? Do you agree?
Work in a team and ask your partner:
which professional activities I strive for?
In which industry do I want to work?
In which company do I want to work?
I am looking for a direct entry or would like to participate in a
trainee program
which previous practical experience I liked?
Which previous practical experience I did not like?
I prefer to work alone or in a team?
Self analysis – your professional future career
Seite 29
Group discussion – ask your partner:
Where do you want to work?
I am willing to travel?
What salary do I want to earn?
Which postion do I want to reach?
What does „professional satisfaction“ mean to me?
Quelle: http://blog.realmatch.com/job-boards/5-tips-writing-effective-job-descriptions/
Plan your career already during your studies
Internships, study-related holiday jobs, student trainee, working
student
Writing the final thesis in a company
Gain practical experience already during your
studies
Direct entry position
Internship
Working student
Trainee Programms
Voluntary Service
Volontariat / Traineeship
Referendariat / Traineeship
Self Employment
What are the options for starting a career?
How do you find your dream job?
How to search for job vacancies?
Excercise – please answer these questions and
discuss for about 5 minutes with your
neigbour!
Search and Find
Seite 34
Building a network (Family and circle of friends…)
Excercise: How to build networks?
What is important to do job search?
Seite 35
Internships and part-time jobs, holiday jobs with potential employers.
Write final thesis with potential employers.
Contact to professors
Visit of Career Fairs
Participation in mentoring programs
Visiting information sessions at the university
Volonteering
Answer: how to build networks?
Seite 36
Job-Portals and Job Boards in Internet help to find vacancies.
Create a profile – presentation of skills and qualifications, explain
what kind of jobs you are looking for.
Which keywords fit with your expecations?
Excercise: Which Job Boards to search for vacancies
online do you know?
Job Search in Internet
Job Portal of your University (Career Center)
Job Portal German Federal Job Agency (BA)
Job Portal for Students and Graduates (absolventa.de,
academics.de, audimax.de, berufsstart.de, campusanzeigen.net,
connecticum.de, euni.de, faircompany.de, jobmensa.de,
jobsuma.de, karista.de, meinpraktikum.de, mylittlejob.de,
staufenbiel.de, karriere.unicium.de, univillage.de
Webpages of Companies (Career Webpage) – do a list of companies
you would like to work for, check their webpages regulary
Job Search in Internet
Seite 38
Company and Industry Associations, regional economic promotion
Search engines for corporate websites, jobscanner.de, yovadis.de
Search in yellow pages: gelbeseiten.de, dasoertliche.de,
meinestadt.de
General job portals: jobboerse.de, jobs.de, jobware.de, kalaydo.de,
gigajob.com, monster.de, stellenanzeigen.de, stepstone.de
Meta search engines: automatically search job ads on the online job
boards (indeed.com, jobanzeigen.de, jobkralle.de, kimeta.de,
opportuno.de, stellenonline.de)
Job Search in Internet
Seite 39
Small and medium sized businesses: mittelstandskarriere.de,
yourfirm.de
Be visible through digital networks: XING, LinkedIn – you need a
updated and reasonable profile
Job and Industry-specific portals (Engineer: ingenieurkarriere.de, t5-
karriereportal.de; Scientist: jobvector.de; Economics, Marketing,
Media: bigredonline.de, horizontjobs.de, IT: it-jobs.net,
jobspotting.com, Humanities Scientist: smork.net, wila-
arbeitsmarkt.de, Public Sector: interamt.de, bund.de
Seite 40
10 tips and tricks for the successful use of job
boards Use five or more job boards for your job search.
You greatly increase your chances of searching through different job
portals.
Search through at least one supraregional job portal, an industry-
specific one, look in a regional job exchange, take also the
Arbeitsagentur.de and use a Meta search engine like indeed
Create a visible profile in the job boards you use, wherever possible.
Employers look specifically in these profiles for suitable applicants.
In addition, you will receive suitable offers.
specify your own profile and search strategy
Define the keywords that match your profile and that you can write
in your profile
let XING profiles inspire you – what people work where you want to
end up
set up automated e-mail agents or newsletters that match your
personal profile and send them to you
Research your working world and suitable occupational profiles at
an appointed level. There, too, you will receive information that you
can change to sharpen your profile and improve your search
strategy.
update your profiles and search agents on a regular basis if your
target company, target industry or your own profile changes during
job
Use the laws of Marketing – keep it smart and simple
Handout:
Once found a job vacancy you want to apply for…
Deconstruct a Job Posting (Worksheet)
Did you bring a job vacancy you want to apply for – please do it for 5-10 Minutes
Set goals Look for appropriate
openings
A beginners guide to writing successful job/ internship
applications
Analyse the job ad (in detail!)
Prepare your application documents (Cover letter & CV) Check!
Self Analysis
Prepare supporting documents
Modified and translated from © Trueffelpix – Fotolia.com
your application documents will open your doors when you start
your career - if they are convincingly, orderly, completed.
Application in German or in English? – depend to the job vacancy..if
in Englisch – eng, if in German – de.
Your application….
Which documents belong to the application?
Excercise:
Whether you send it digitally or by mail, all applications in Germany
contain: Cover letter
CV (curriculum vitae)
Copies of references and certificates*
* The job description precisely tells you which documents you should include with the application.
The job application portfolio
Classic Portfolio
CV (incl. Photo) page 1
CV page 2
Annexes page 1
Annexes page 2
Annexes page 3
Annexes page 4
Cover letter
Annexes page 5
Classic Portfolio with cover page
Cover page with photo & personal
details/ Personal statment
CV page 1
*no photo
CV
Page 2
Annexes page 1
Annexes page 2
Annexes page 3
Cover letter
Annexes page 4
Annexes page 5
Classic Portfolio with index
CV (incl. Photo) page 1
CV page 2
Annex Index
Annexes page 1
Annexes page 2
Annexes page 3
Cover letter
Annexes page 4
Annexes page 5
Annexes page 6
CV Basics
CV (incl. Photo) page 1
CV page 2
Annexes page 1
Annexes page 2
Annexes page 3
Annexes page 4
Cover letter
Annexes page 5
from your point of view to get the interview (not the job)
demonstrate in the CV that you have the skills, experience and motivation
to sell yourself
from the employers’ point of view weed out unsuitable candidates quickly
make a short list
Purpose of a CV
Handout:
ThAFF CV Sample
Unacceptable job application photos
Is an application photo necessary?
Quelle: Fotografie Bettina
Volke 2014, google search
bilder
Quelle: Strüwe Fotodesign 2006;
google search bilder
Quelle: Blonde 11; google
search bilder
Quelle: Blonde 11; google search bilder
Quelle: Blonde 11; google search bilder © János
Gehring
Layout, formatting and structure tips for an attractive & reader-friendly CV
Step-by-step guide to a successful CV: Layout ●○○○○
Unless specified in the internship/ job offer!
Step-by-step guide to a successful CV: Layout ●●○○○
Step-by-step guide to a successful CV: Layout ●●●○○
Seite 57
Check point size, but headingscan be larger, you can use
bold, italic appropriately and underline sparingly . CAPITALS CAN BE
UGLY
Font
Verdana
Arial / Helvetica
times new roman/ Cambria
Trebuchet MS
Palatino Linotype
Calibri
Step-by-step guide to a successful CV: Layout ●●●●○
Seite 58
Thematically subdivided
Content
a. Personal Information
b. Education and training
c. Work Experience/
Practical Experience/
Internships
d. Personal Skills and
Competences
e. Further Information
f. Date and signature
Step-by-step guide to a successful CV: Content ●○○○○○○○○○○○
Seite 59
Surname, Name
Address (room number not
necessary)
Cotact details: mobile + (serious)
Date of birth
Nationality; alternative: place of birth.
Residence status (if relevant)
Business-like photo
Personal information
© Copyright Purdue University, 2000.
Personal Information
ThAFF Thüringen9
ThüringerAgentur Für
Fachkräftegewinnung
EEUROSPA FFÜR TH•
ÜRINGEN •EUROPÄISC HE UNION
EUROPÄISCHER SOZIAL FONDS Europäischer Sozialfonds
Why is this section so
important? Persuade employers your
educational background is relevant
to the job by providing evidence of
your relevant qualifications
Help your résumé stand out from
the others
Construct your professional identity
In the Education Section:
In reverse chronological order
Dates (month and year) Name of institution, if applicable,
institute designation, city (country)
The degree(s) you earned or pursued
(ex. a B. Sc. in Chemistry)
Major/ relevant fields of study:
usually listed or described briefly
If applicable, thesis title
Education
full qualification title (Bachelor, MA, MSc…)
Or as individual point
Why is this section so important? Demonstrates your most relevant
experience in work or activities.
Provide information to help
persuade prospective employers that
your experiences make you qualified
for the job
Help your résumé stand out from
others in the stack
Construct your professional identity
The experience section
Can you think of other common names for this section?
Image credit: experience concept © cacaroot – Fotolia.com
In reverse chronological order
Dates (month and year) Full company name/institute
designation, city (country)
Exact position description (job title)
Short listing of the activities
performed (main tasks / focus points
/ projects)
Use accomplishment statements
Remember, action verbs!
Practical Experience
If available
Only those relevant for the position you are applying to
Analyse your latest position by answering the following questions:
Who?…With whom did you work?
What? …What duties did you perform?
Where? …Where did your job fit into the organization?
Why? …What goals were you trying to accomplish?
When? …What timelines were you working under?
How? …What procedures did you follow?
Use accomplishment statements
Exercise
Planned events
Planned monthly workshops on the topic of applications for
international bachelor and master students
Responsible for charge orders
Processed charge orders
Example of accomplishment statements
Modelled […] to […] using […]
Analysed […] using […] resulting in […]
Developed […] model to solve […]
Prepared and maintained […]
…Or complete the following sentences
Tailor for your audience
Use appropriate language: industry related, job-related
Included required content
Develop your descriptions each time
See through a potential employer’s eyes
Formula for success:
Personal Skills and Competences Can be subdivided thematically:
Language skills
Computer skills
Mother tongue
Further languages: indicate fluency level
IT resumes will list hardware, software, operating
systems, etc.
“Proficient in” and “Familiar with” to qualify skill
level
Volunteering/ military service/ civil service (always as a separate item)
incl. institution & location
Leisure / hobbies / personal interests *Specify items only if relevant to the requirements of the targeted position. ** You can use these items to mention soft skills.
Further Information
Other/ additional skills and competences
Further training
Mm/yyyy – mm/yyyy certificate/course name, institution
any further relevant information
Scholarships
Experiences abroad
Driving license
Selected publications (?)
Conferences (?)
*Specify items only if relevant to the requirements of the targeted position.
Language skills: European Language Framework (A1-C2) and/or further description (eg. Linkdin or Xing)
** You can use these items to mention soft skills.
! Avoid time gaps ! Explain time gaps
Date and signature!!
Not too long (two A4 pages max.)
Do not overload
CV Conclusion
Important in
written
applications!
E-mail: print
name
Everything on the CV must be true but not everything that is true must be on the CV
Golden rule: write as much as necessary but leave out as much as
possible
Only those stages/ activities, which have a direct or at least indirect connection to the position you are applying for, are of
interest to your potential employer
Excercise (15-20 Minutes):
Please work in groups – show your CV to your neighbour and ask him/her for honest feedback and improvement
Cover letter essentials
CV (incl. Photo) page 1
CV page 2
Annexes page 1
Annexes page 2
Annexes page 3
Annexes page 4
Cover letter
Annexes page 5
Cover Letter essentials
Handout:
Cover Letter Example +
Action Verb List
Maria Musterfrau Allgemeingasse 23
60005 Berlin
Telephone:**** ******
Rights Watch Foundation
Contact Person/ HHRR
Inventostraße 10
080075 Berlin
Tel. +49 ** ** ** **
Jena, 10th June 2015
Application for an Internship as a Researcher junior at the Rights Watch Foundation
Dear Mr./Ms./Dr. LastName,
With the enclosed resume, I would like to make you aware of my interest in being
considered for an internship within your organisation, Rights Watch Foundation. Opening
paragraph: State why you are writing; how you learned of the organization or position, and
basic information about yourself.
As you will see from my enclosed résumé, etc. 2nd paragraph: Tell why you are interested
in the employer or type of work the employer does (Simply stating that you are interested
does not tell why, and can sound like a form letter). Demonstrate that you know enough
about the employer or position to relate your background to the employer or position.
Mention specific qualifications which make you a good fit for the employer’s needs. (Focus
on what you can do for the employer, not what the employer can do for you.) This is an
opportunity to explain in more detail relevant items in your resume. Refer to the fact that
your resume is enclosed. Mention other enclosures if such are required to apply for a
position.
3rd paragraph: Indicate that you would like the opportunity to interview for a position or to
talk with the employer to learn more about their opportunities or hiring plans. State what
you will do to follow up, such as telephone the employer within two weeks. If you will be in
the employer’s location and could offer to schedule a visit, indicate when. State that you
would be glad to provide the employer with any additional information needed. Thank the
employer for her/his consideration…. I am looking forward to hearing from you and further
discussing this position with you.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
(Your handwritten signature [on hard copy])
Your name typed
Company Address with contact person
(4-5 lines spacing underneath)
Subject in bold (do not use word
"Subject“!)
Introduction-body- ending structure
Signature/ Print name
Cover Letter essentials
Introduction
Cover Letter essentials
Why are you interested in and what makes you qualified for the
position?
Start with a sort of objective statement.
An “at a glance” picture of you and your career interests
„…an internship allowing me to utilize my
knowledge and expertise in different areas”
Well-written but raises too many questions: What kind of internship/ position?
What knowledge?
What kinds of expertise?
Which areas?
How will you contribute to this company?
What position(s) are you applying for? (use the same term – be
specific)
What are your main qualifications?
What are your career goals? (in relation to the position/ company)
What is your professional identity? (show them!)
How can you help the company? (it´s not about what the company
can do for you!)
Flipping the coin…answer these questions in
the cover letter
The Objective Statement:
Emphasizes key qualifications, skills, and/or goals
Helps your readers find what they need quickly
Makes a good first impression
Relates company goals to personal goals
To utilize my [qualifications, strengths, or skills] as a [position title]
A position as a [position title] for [company name] allowing me to
develop my [qualifications, strengths, or skills]
An opportunity to [professional goal] in a [type of organization,
work environment, or field]
[position title] with emphasis in [areas of expertise]
Fill in the brackets:
one size does NOT fit all
Each person and employer is unique in certain
ways
Aim for a custom fit when possible if you don´t have time:
focus on job-types or industry-based options
(where you can quickly change the company name)
What knowledge and skills do I posses, and how do I show
that I am the prefect candidate for the job?
Body – don’t repeat your CV
Cover Letter essentials
Demonstrate how your skills match the specific requirements of the job
description
What other skills have you acquired that may interest your employer and set
you appart from other candidates?
While working as a [position] I gained experience in […]. This
experience…
My academic background also includes […]
My […] experience has helped me develop the […] skills, key for this
[position]
As a [current studies] student with genuin interest in […], I look
forward to sharing my […] knowledge/skills as a [position].
My experience in […] is extensive and diverse, having […]
academically and […] experience.
As a […] intern, I was tasked with [development/
design/implementation…] of […]
Complete the following sentences…
Some more examples…
My background includes… Most recently I worked on… where my responsibilities included… . The nature of my degree course has prepared me for this position. It involved…
Previously, I worked … In this positions, I demonstrated the ability to… In addition, I gained considerable customer service skills during my part- time employment as a … to finance my studies.
My technical expertise includes cross-platform proficiency (Windows, Linux, VxWorks), fluency in 8 programming languages (including C, C++, VB and SQL) and advanced knowledge of developer applications (Including OOD).
These skills also equipped me for my internship at…. It was a small but busy think tank, where I worked effectively within a team, meeting deadlines and coping with pressure.
Cover Letter essentials
Have you identified the skills that you need to succeed in the
industry you have chosen?
Have you demonstrated evidence of skills that are outlined in the
job advert?
Have you listed transferable and technical skills?
Do you provide real-life examples (academic, hobbies, from work or
university etc.) of how you meet these skills?
Checklist
Cover Letter essentials
End
Wrap things up!
Don´t be rude. Thank the reader for his/her time and consideration.
Crucial information you keep forgetting:
Availability
Length of Internship (if applicable)
Compulsory vs. voluntary internships
Cover Letter essentials
What to watch for… Content:
DON’T merely repeat what is on the CV.
The cover letter must be tailored to the employer and the job opening for
which you are applying
Realize that the employer may view this letter as a writing sample, so your
grammar, spelling, punctuation and style must be perfect!
Format:
Matches the CV style
Neat, professional
Cover Letter essentials
Supporting Documents
CV (incl. Photo) page 1
CV page 2
Annexes page 1
Annexes page 2
Annexes page 3
Annexes page 4
Cover letter
Annexes page 5
educational transcripts
certifications
a reference list
employment/ internship certificates
enrollment certificate
internship confirmation letter
letters of recommendation
… & any other documentation as specified in the job posting.
May include:
Proofread your application (and/or have someone proofread it for
you too!) and then…submit it!
And now –what?
Cover Letter essentials
Submitting your application
Neutral e-mail address (first and last name)
Meaningful subject line
E-mail text: make a reference to the application portfolio. It is not
the cover letter.
Attachments in PDF format: One file with the application portfolio: (cover page), cover letter, CV, copies of
qualifications, certificates…
Application via e-mail
consist of data fields and free text fields
Fill out all the fields!
Free-text fields: "Why are you interested in our company?" "What should we know about you?"
Free text fields are use to present personal strengths and special skills eg.
abroad working/ studying experiences
Do not answer in bullet points
Fully formulated texts
Store the various application documents as separate PDF files, so
that you can upload them individually if they are needed (read the
instructions attentively, also regarding file size, normally it should
not exceed 4Mbs, or even 2,7Mb)
Online application forms
file size. Do not exceed 4Mb (or specified as specified in Job
advertisement)
File name: Application_bosch_final_final_2.pdf
CV_20.04.2017.pdf
Final_version.pdf
Resume.pdf & CL.pdf
Resume-Maria-Vincent.pdf or AnthonMustermann.pdf
Follow the Directions in the Job Posting One file? Two files? Separate documents? Photo separately?
Watch out for…
No foldable Application Folders
Application folder: handy, see-through folder (front page at least)-
not in plastic pockets!
Clean copies and printouts DIN A4 5800
Do not overload the application folder
Layout: Cover letter
CV
Copies of qualifications, certificates…
Written application
Seite 101
Conclusion: Don´t rely on the same CV and
cover letter & take time to tailor your
application
Approach each employer differently: Job descriptions are unique
to each position
Select a user-friendly format
Write and rewrite
Have someone read thorough it – Don´t be shy!
Invest (money and/or time!) in a professional “Bewerbungsfoto”
Signs of a poor application
poorly word processed or printed gap
s in
ch
ron
olo
gy
irrelevant, trivial details
ignoring the job requirements
Overstatement/ exaggeration
Poor punctuation Spelling mistakes
section breaks over page gimmicky fonts
quirky presentation
To strengthen our team we are looking for an engineer ( f/m )
01.01.2018
We are a planning office with 7 employees at our site in Nordhausen involved Anhalt - in national projects in Thuringia and Saxony for more than 25 years
and look forward to your application
To strengthen our team we are looking for opportunity, at our site in Nordhausen a
Engineer (m / f)
of Urban Water Management and Hydraulic Engineering
We are
a planning office with 7 employees at our site in Nordhausen
for more than 25 years in national projects in Thuringia and Saxony - Anhalt involved
look forward to your application
Learn how to read job vacancies…
Job Description
Development of the Planungsunterlagungen Leistungephasen 1-9 of HOAI for
Drainage systems drinking water lines Planing
flood control projects
restoration projects
dyke construction
Hydraulic calculations
discharge simulations
water level calculations
expert opinions
Requirements
Technician, bachelor, master, engineer, Dipl.-Ing. in the fields of civil engineering, water management, landscape
architecture
Entrants or experienced employees Eigenständiges- and team-oriented work for comprehensive training Good
knowledge of MS Office, AutoCAD
Learn how to read job vacancies…
You receive
A perpetual full- or part-time employment Comprehensive training
flexible working hours
Continuous training
further good opportunities for professional development
Please send your application papers to:
Ingenieurbüro Meinecke GmbH
z.Hd. Mr. Maulhardt
Bochumer Str. 22
99734 Nordhausen
Learn how to read job vacancies…
Read the job vacancy several times slowly and carefully.
Mark the “Must-requirements” and the “Can-requirements”
Consider if you meet the requirements.
Excercise:
Is the job advert up to date?
Can you manage to start working as requested?
Why you are interested in this job advert?
Are you interested in the sector, product, service?
What information do you have about employees, sales, market
position of the company?
Do I like the company culture?
Would you like to work there? Why?
What is the title/position you apply for?
Do the described task correspond to your wishes?
Excercise – apply or not?
Do you have the necessary qualifications that the employer is
looking for?
Do you have relevant working experience in your CV?
What does the employer offer?
Should you apply or not?
Analyze job advertisement: • Is this the position you are looking and qualified for? • Does your personality fit the conveyed corporate image? • Is this job in the geographic region where you wish to work? Full or part-
time? • Will this position help you achieve your long-term career objective? • Are you eligible for the job? Do you possess the qualifications? • what relevant skills do you have for the job?
• Have you performed similar functions in the past?
• Do you have a ‘good story’ to tell of any success in completing these tasks?
• Formalities: Supplemental material requested? Diplomas, references? supporting documentation? Reference number?
Decoding job ads
Reflect on your overall qualifications and career goals:
In what ways are they typical? Unique?
Research individual employers in your field:
In what ways are employers alike? Different?
What information would you most want to see?
What questions would you have about each applicant’s resume?
Imagine yourself a human resources manager
or on a hiring committee. You have an
enormous stack of resumes to go through in a
short time.
What position(s) are you applying for?
What are your main qualifications?
What are your career goals?
What is your professional identity?
How can you help the company?
Flipping the coin…
Questions about You Questions about Employers
What are your main qualifications, strengths, skills, and areas of expertise?
What qualifications are most desired by employers in your field?
What position(s)—or type of position—are you seeking?
What positions are available on the job market? What are they titled?
What are some of your professional goals?
What are some goals of these organizations that interest you?
What type of organization or work setting are you most interested in?
What kinds of organizations are now hiring?
People who apply with resumes and cover letters that are tailored to the job posting have a higher chance of being contacted for an interview.
Do you have any questions?
ThAFF: http://www.thaff-
thueringen.de/fachkraefteservice/fachkraefte/bewerbung
Stepstone: http://www.stepstone.de/cmsde/Karriere-Bewerbungstipps/
Manpower: https://www.manpower.ch/en/candidates/advice/the-
application/the-winning-cover-letter/the-cover-letter-structure/
XING: https://bewerbung.com/ & https://www.xing.com/campus/
University of Victoria toolkits & Career Resources:
http://www.uvic.ca/coopandcareer/studentsalumni/resources/index.php
English Purdue Owl: https://owl.english.purdue.edu/
University of South Carolina: http://www.sc.edu/career/
Reference webpages:
Courses (free/ small investment):
Uni Jena:
General info: http://www.uni-jena.de/en/SPZ_Course_Offers_DaF.html Uni Weimar: Intensive German course: http://www.uni-weimar.de/en/university/structure/central-university-
facilities/language-centre/language-courses/german/#3-Week_Intensive Course (book in advance!)
Other language schools: IIK http://www.iik.de/sprachkurse
imed-Deutsch – Auf individuellem Weg mit gutem Deutsch in die medizinische Arbeitswelt http://www.iik.de/
Webpages (free):
http://www.dw.de/deutsch-lernen/s-2055
https://www.alumniportal-deutschland.org/deutsche-sprache/online-deutsch-lernen.html
http://www.goethe.de/lrn/prj/fer/enindex.htm
Stammtische/ Tandem (free):
http://www.eah-jena.de/fhj/fhjena/de/international/International-Studierende/Stammtische-
Tandem/Seiten/StammtischeTandem.aspx
https://www.introseite.de/index.php/stammtische
http://www.erstenachhilfe.de/tandempartners/Jena
https://www.tandempartners.org/anzeigen
Deutsch lernen… es lohnt sich!
I´m all ears!
Do you have questions…?
Thank you for your
attention! Your point of contact:
Thüringer Agentur Für Fachkräftegewinnung (ThAFF)
0361 5603-620 [email protected]
Petersstraße 5, 99084 Erfurt www.thaff-thueringen.de
