1. Searching for and Applying For a Job
Fiona Coombs

2. Objectives
• Describe different methods of applying for a job
• Explain how to obtain job application information
• Collate the information appropriate for a job
application
• Complete a comprehensive and accurate job
application
• Carry out checks of a job application for accuracy
• Review a job application for fitness for purpose

3. How Do I Find A Job?
What do I want to do and what type of job do I
want?

4. What type of job do I want
• What are my strengths and weaknesses and how can I use them best?
• What industry segment – design, marketing, retail, sales…..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gtoz3XTBZ04
• Where do I want to work – home, travel or re-locate (abroad or in the UK)
• Part time or full time
• How you are paid – salary or bonus
• Contract or Permanent
• Customer Facing or Back Office

5. Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths Weaknesses

6. How Do I Find A Job?
Where do I search for jobs?

7. Where do I search for jobs
• Online Job Boards (http://www.monster.co.uk) and
Search Engines (www.google.com)
• Company Websites (http://www.whistles.co.uk)
• Linkedin (job search and CV’s) (www.linkedin.com)
• Personal Networks –Family & Friends.

8. Where do I search for jobs
• Company and User Group Facebook
Profiles:https://www.facebook.com/pages/Textile-
Fashion-Designer-Jobs/122556851163228)
• Recruitment Agencies: http://www.smithandpye.com &
www.denza.co.uk
• Job Centre Plus: www. https://jobsearch.direct.gov.uk and
the Work Programme: http://myworksearch.co.uk/#
• Smartphone applications – e.g.
http://www.indeed.co.uk/mobile

9. Linkedin Job Search

10. Linkedin Job Application

11. UK Job Search

12. Example Job From jobsearch.direct.gov.uk
Contains:
• Company
• Location
• Job Type (Full or Part Time)
• Experience Required
• Ability to Apply Online

14. Online Application -
Example from
TopMan

15. I have found a job. Now how do I apply?
Describe different methods of applying for a job
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2nxUmWevGM

16. How do I apply?
• Prepare a CV using a template or online CV builder
(e.g.http://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/cv/cvexamples.htm or
http://cvmkr.com
orhttps://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/Pages/Home.aspx
• Write a tailored covering letter – lots of templates online
• Send your CV and Letter – email, hand delivered or registered
delivery
• Submit the Application Form, CV and Letter Online - example for
TopMan
• Follow up with a phone call – show that you are keen

17. Preparing for Interview
• Research the Company, the Role and the Person interviewing you.
Call the Human Resources (HR) Department and Search Online:
http://www.whistles.co.uk/fcp/content/jane_shepherdson/content
• Visit the Stores, what is the product type (ladies, children, denim),
who is their competitor?
• Prepare your portfolio and gear it up towards the company you are
going to
• Where is your interview, how will you get there, how long will it take,
is there anything specific they would like to see?

18. Getting to Interview
• Get a Good Nights Sleep
• Dress Smartly and Appropriately.
• Arrive 15 Minutes Before the Interview
• Find a Coffee Shop Round the Corner and Sit There
• Turn Your Phone Off In the Interview
• Ensure the presentation of your portfolio is immaculate
and bring a copy of your CV
• Practice Answers for The Difficult Questions
• Have at least two questions ready – even if you know the
answer

19. Top Interview Questions
• Tell me about yourself? This question or something similar usually starts every
interview. Your answer should be well-rehearsed, confidently delivered and last between 3-
5 minutes. It should also:
– Focus on the areas of most relevance to the job in question
– Include some impressive achievements e.g. improvements made
– Convey your enthusiasm for the job
– Avoid personal or irrelevant information e.g. your children, un-related jobs
• What are your key skills/strengths? Focus on what you know they are looking for, even if it
has been a smaller part of what you have been doing to date. The job advert or person
specification form will give you the information you need about their requirements.
• What are your weaknesses? Choose a weakness that: Doesn't matter for the job e.g.
languages for a UK firm. Is a positive e.g. "I like to make things happen and get frustrated if
too long is spent sitting around discussing it without action" Used to be a weakness but
which you have improved upon e.g. presentations

20. Top Interview Questions
• Why did you leave your last job? Your answer should be positive and upbeat even if the
circumstances were difficult. If you were made redundant, depersonalise it by talking about
company restructuring rather than your individual circumstance. Never criticise a previous
employer no matter how tempting.
• Why do you want this job? Your answer should reinforce why you are such a good fit for the
job and then convey your enthusiasm for the role e.g.
– Good match between your skills and their requirements
– Interested in the product/market/sector
– Company's excellent reputation, exciting challenge etc.
– Do not say (even if it's true) that you just need a job, or you want it because it's local.
• Tell me about a difficult scenario at work and how you dealt with it They are testing how
you cope under pressure as well as your problem-solving and communication skills. Good
examples are where you:
– Helped resolve or improve a difficult situation
– Were resilient in adverse conditions
– Showed emotional intelligence and cool-headedness
– Avoid any examples which still feel sensitive, because in a high-pressure interview situation, old emotions can easily
resurface and throw you off balance.

21. Top Interview Questions
• Tell me about an achievement of which you are proud? Choose work-related examples that shows a
tangible benefit to the business. Personal achievements should only be included if they are very
impressive or prestigous. More experienced candidates looking for a specific roles eg FASHION EXAMPLE
• What are your career goals? They are checking if you are likely to stay and if so, for how long. Reassure
the employer that the role you are applying for fits your career plan and your longer term commitment to
the company.
• What are your salary expectations? Salary negotiations are best handled at the job offer stage so try to
avoid this at interview if you can. If forced to name a price, give a realistic but wide salary range and say
that you feel that salary won't be an issue if you decide to work together.
• What do you know about our organisation? You need to know the following:
– Company structure, finances, products and services, key staff
– Customers and competitors
– Market trends and challenges
More Good Resources at: http://jobs.telegraph.co.uk

22. Searching for and Applying For a Job
Fiona Coombs