Job Loss - Emotional Support & Advice
Losing your job is one of the most stressful things that can happen in your life. You have lost your main source of income, your daily relationships, structure and sense of purpose. Some people choose to ignore how they feel and then become more stressed as their feelings begin to overwhelm them. You may experience some or all of the stages associated with grieving as you have lost something so valuable.
Your emotions probably feel like a rollercoaster at the moment. You might feel angry, shocked, depressed or frustrated. It is important that you recognise these feelings but stay focussed, positive and take the first steps in moving on with your life.
Finding Work
There is life after losing your job and for most people their focus is on finding another role as soon as possible. The first step is to get together a CV which really sells you. Rewrite and revise it until it is the one on the pile that will really stand out. Make sure you keep a record of every job you apply for, what the job was, who you applied to and what their response was. Seek feedback at every opportunity.
CV Advice
Your curriculum vitae (CV) or resume is usually the first point of contact between you and a potential employer. You want to create the right impression so they take your application to the next level. If it has been some time since you last wrote a CV you may need a quick refresher on the best way to create a CV which really sells your skills.
- A CV provides a prospective employer with a summary of your education and experience. Sometimes you may be asked to complete an application form in place of or in addition to a CV.
- The purpose of your CV is not to get you the job. It is intended to get you an interview and remind the interviewer about your skills and experience. Remember you are writing your CV for the reader so make sure you put yourself in the reader's shoes and write about what would interest them - leave out irrelevant or negative information.
- If you apply for a job where a CV is requested then make sure you follow the instructions within the job advertisement. Always send a covering letter with a CV which outlines why you are applying for the job.
- Your CV is all about you - your skills, qualifications and experience. It is your chance to really sell yourself to your employer. The aim is to get an interview, so you need to emphasise your strong points and if possible, tailor your CV to be relevant to the job you are applying for. Make sure your CV is up to date.
- To start writing a CV you need to gather factual information in relation to the jobs you have had, including dates and your qualifications, including grades. In addition, you need to think about the skills that you can offer. The easiest way to do this is to carry out a personal SWOT.
- There is no set order for the headings in a CV, but you should always have your name and contact details at the top. Choose headings that present you in the most positive light. All CV's need to include sections on your employment history, education and qualifications. However, you may want to present yourself using headings such as skills and achievements to demonstrate a breadth of experience.
- Including information about your personal interests will give a more rounded view of you as a person. Either include references or state that they are available on request.
Job Application Letter Advice & Tips
If you are applying for a new job or sending speculative CVs to prospective employers then you will need to include a covering letter with your CV. A covering letter isn't supposed to be War and Peace but a succinct letter that emphasises your strong points. It should detail your skills, achievements, work experience and qualities and show what you have to offer the employer.
- Your first step should be to find out all you can about the company you are applying to. You need to be sure why you are applying for the job and clearly communicate this in the letter. You also need the correct name and address to send the letter to.
- Your letter should be one side of A4 paper, typed (unless a handwritten letter is specifically requested) and on good quality paper without spelling mistakes, typos or bad grammar. Keep the language precise and be clear in what you are trying to say. Put your address and telephone number at the top right of the letter and the date, name and address of the company you are applying to on the left-hand side.
- Address letters to a specific person, you can always call the company and ask for the name and title of the person who is dealing with the application. Start and end your letters correctly. If you are writing to Mrs Elaine Brown then you should start the letter 'Dear Mrs Brown' and finish it with 'Yours sincerely'
- Be careful that you use the correct title, especially if it is to a woman. If you are unsure of the title of a female person you can address it to Ms. If you have to start the letter 'Dear Sir/Madam' then it is correct to finish the letter with 'Yours faithfully'.
- Mention where you saw the advert and any specific information that they request such as a reference number. In the second paragraph, let them know how your interests and abilities link to the needs of the company and why you want to work for them.
- Make sure you are enthusiastic about the job advertised and the company in general. In the final paragraph, summarise your main strengths that are relevant to the job and conclude with a confident 'I look forward to hearing from you'
The final thing to remember is to get your application in on time. If there is a closing date make sure your CV and letter are there - otherwise you won't be in the running for that new post.
Interview Techniques
If you haven't faced an interview for some time it can be a daunting prospect. One of the easiest ways to overcome interview paralysis is to thoroughly prepare beforehand.
- The first step when you find out you have an interview is learn as much as you can about the company. Check the internet, news sites, get hold of a copy of their annual report and any company literature (most companies will happily provide this information). Be knowledgeable about the company so you can ask intelligent questions in the interview.
- Preparation is the key. Plan your route to the interview, make sure you leave plenty of time and take a map.
- Presentation means a lot. Make sure you have planned and prepared your outfit days, not hours before. Think carefully about the image you are projecting. Do you need a hair cut? Have you cleaned your shoes?
- Before the interview make sure you have re-read your own application, considering and anticipating any questions they may have - do you have gaps in your CV? Why did you leave your last post? You can also prepare for typical interview questions ahead of the interview.
- Remember first impressions count. Keep your body language positive, arms uncrossed with your body pointed at the interviewer. Try not to fiddle and look at whoever is asking you a question.
- Keep positive and professional about former employers – no one wants to hear how horrible they were, it just reflects badly on you.
- Keep your answers clear and succinct, don't waffle but do explain yourself fully. Don't make the interviewers drag information out of you. If you think something is relevant then mention it - you are selling yourself after all.
- Finally, make sure you have prepared a few questions for the interviewer but remember this isn't the time to ask about the staff canteen. Here are some suggested questions.
Leave the interview with a smile, handshake and a positive attitude. One last thing to keep in mind is that a company may be employing you but you are choosing where you want to work.
Job Opportunities & Career Advice with ETT
ETT Training Officers will be making enquiries on your behalf with propsetive and suitable employers in your area. However, you will probably have more time to devote to the important business of a job search. Please consider the following:
- Make use of the yellow pages. Some of the subscribers to this service provide website and e-mail details. Make polite telephone calls to employers and ask about vacancy opportunities that are coming up or are currently available. Make sure you ask for the name and contact details of the person responsible for recruitement.
- Make use of the internet. The internet is an excellent tool for researching prospective employers. Make search of the ECA website www.eca.co.uk and the NICEIC web site www.niceic.org.uk for emloyer listings.
- Make use of your ETT Training Officer. We are here to help and support you. Keep in touch with your ETT Training Officer, let him know how you are getting on. He may be able to put you in touch with an employer who is looking for an apprentice.