Job Search Success: Skills, CVs, Cover Letters, and Interviews

Hard and Soft Skills for Career Success

Hard skills are technical knowledge gained through education or training. These are teachable and measurable abilities, such as writing, computer programming, holding a degree, woodworking, or construction.

Soft skills are personality traits developed through personal and work experiences. These include time management, etiquette, teamwork, and active listening.

Soft skills like time management, self-management, autonomy, problem-solving, and adaptability are increasingly in demand by employers.

Finding Job Opportunities

To prepare for your job search, consider your diploma's final grade, as it demonstrates your achievements. Internships and work experience can give you an advantage over other candidates. Prepare a CV highlighting your skills and any extra qualifications, such as multilingualism or computer proficiency.

Where to Look for Jobs

• Search company websites for job postings.
• Submit your CV to recruitment sites.
• Use social media professionally, as employers may check your profile.
• Apply for internships.
• Check the EURES web portal.
• Inform your network of your job search.

Crafting a Compelling Cover Letter

A cover letter accompanies your CV, explaining your interest in the job and demonstrating how your skills align with the employer's needs.

How to Write an Effective Cover Letter

• Ensure it's easy to read.
• Maintain a professional and formal tone.
• Proofread for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors.
• Be concise and informative.
• Support your application by linking your skills and experience to the job requirements.
• Customize each cover letter to the specific job you're applying for.

Cover Letter Structure

• Include your contact details and the date.
• Mention where you saw the job advertisement and the role title.
• State your reason for applying.
• List your hard skills, work experiences, and soft skills.
• Explain your interest in the company.
• Thank the reader for their time.

Creating a Winning Curriculum Vitae (CV)

A Curriculum Vitae (CV) is a marketing tool designed to showcase your skills and experience to secure a job. To write an effective CV:

• Choose the right layout.
• Check spelling and grammar.
• Keep it concise.
• Quantify your skills and accomplishments with specific data.
• Describe your work experience.
• Include a variety of hobbies to provide insight into your personality.
• Present yourself in the best possible light while remaining honest.

Structure your CV with:

• Personal and contact information
• Education and training
• Previous and present jobs
• Skills and competencies
• References

Navigating Job Interviews

An HR representative, the hiring manager, or both may contact you by phone to ask further questions about your CV and provide more details about the role, ensuring you possess the required skills and are interested in the opportunity.

Types of Job Interviews

• One-on-one/face-to-face: Typically conducted by the hiring manager to assess if your competencies and skills match the required profile.
• Panel interview: Conducted by two or more people from different departments, who share questions and compare feedback.
• Group interview: Involves one or more interviewers questioning multiple candidates together.

Interview Approaches

• Behavioral: Questions focus on past experiences and how you reacted in specific situations.
• Situational: Aims to understand how quickly you can think and react.
• Stress: Applies pressure by asking questions rapidly or displaying aggressiveness or indifference.
• Technical: Used for highly technical positions.