Week 2: Creating strong job applications

Introduction

Developing your career will involve applying for the work you want to do. This might be with your existing employer, with a new employer, voluntary work, short-term contracts or work experience. Whichever option you decide to pursue, you will need to be able to match yourself to the work and the expectations of the employer. This week the focus is on helping you to do that successfully.

The first step is to analyse what is needed for a particular job. You need to find out what is needed and then present yourself in the best way.

In the first part of this week, you will consider how to do this in response to advertised jobs. In the second half of the week, you will create a CV which allows you to respond effectively to more formal opportunities which arise.

By the end of this week, you will be able to:

• review a job advert
• consider what makes a good job application
• explore why it is important to have a current curriculum vitae
• create or update your curriculum vitae (CV).