Unemployment, travelling and smoking thread. Apparently.

[Kirkatronics]

well, its pretty much saying that blacks and whites are being treated differently, thus there isnt equality. you could also interprate it as the white guy is missing out because of the colour of his skin, thus he's now the victim beacus of his skin colour.

That was my point, ive forgot the correct word for it where the average person is now being penalised.

[david.dakota]

Some larger organisations are dropping some of these questions- I believe ASDA is a prime example. Its the right way to go, at recruitment stage there is little point in recording this data. While i think it maybe over the top accusing companies of prejudice, these monitoring forms could be seen as a part of the recruitment process. Many employers won't give the recruiting officer these data forms.

 

Out of interest, do many of you ask for feedback from an employer after an unsuccessful interview/application?

[Ashley]

Trying to write a generic covering letter. I'm going to London on the weekend and am going to whore my CV out across retail shops so I figure a general one to fit most places would be fine. To make sure I'm on the right track here's roughly what I'm saying; recently moved to London, want to work in retail industry, have several years experience within it in different roles and then just some positive adjectives about myself and why I would be good for this company, as well as obviously why I want to work for them.

 

Sound dandy?

[Chris the great]

Trying to write a generic covering letter. I'm going to London on the weekend and am going to whore my CV out across retail shops so I figure a general one to fit most places would be fine. To make sure I'm on the right track here's roughly what I'm saying; recently moved to London, want to work in retail industry, have several years experience within it in different roles and then just some positive adjectives about myself and why I would be good for this company, as well as obviously why I want to work for them.

 

Sound dandy?

 

post it up, i've had a few classes on them, i can give you some pointers.

[Ashley]

I have recently moved to London and am looking for employment within the retail industry. I have had several years experience within this industry, which I feel has made me a dedicated and hard-working individual. I have previously worked in customer assistant and management positions and I am able to adapt to a variety of roles as required by the job. I feel that I am friendly and helpful person that strives to ensure that I meet the highest levels of customer assistance possible and would like to apply this attitude within your company.

 

Well that's it for now. I can't see how much more I could say...plus I'm sure they won't really read it in much detail (I never did when I was hiring :p)

[Mr_Odwin]

I have recently moved to London and am looking for employment within the retail industry. I have several years experience in this industry, which has made me a dedicated and hard-working individual. I have previously worked in customer assistant and management positions and am able to adapt to a variety of roles as required by the job. I am a friendly and helpful person that strives to meet the highest levels of customer assistance possible and would apply this attitude within your company.

 

Feel nothing! You are, it is a fact!

[Ashley]

Without thinking what I had written that statement was really confusing at first :p

[Chris the great]

ok, well, you need to sort that out a fair bit, i'll show you what i got in my general covering letter, with some notes.

always put your address, phone numbers and email here, aswell as thodays date

 

 

 

 

Delivered by hand

its better if you have thier address, but as its just a hand in one, this isnt possible.

 

Dear Sir/Madam

the owners name would be better, but this will do if you dont know it

 

I am contacting you to enquire into a possible managerial, retail, admin or any other vacancy within your store.

Start off by stating why you are writing, and what you want from them, no good to an employer if they dont know what you want.

 

I am a university graduate in the school of psychology, and am eager to move onto new challenges. I hold an A level in ICT, which covered a wide range of computer programs, from Microsoft office to more specialised programs, such as those used by checkout attendants. I have excellent numeric skills, attaining a B in GCSE mathematics.

give a few bassic details about your qualifacations. dosent have to be to much detail, just stuff they may find usefull. maths is a good one if you have it

 

Currently, I am employed in a busy pub with catering facilities. I have experience in admin, promotion, working behind a bar, using the till, taking food orders, serving customers, kitchen work and general cleaning. My work has included working as part of a team, and also taking the initiative and working alone, unsupervised. I have also previously been employed as a photography assistant. My main responsibilities were set design, set up and maintenance. This required both following instructions and using my initiative to complete any task that was given and this role was largely unsupervised. I am also certified in both communications and first aid, a responsibility I am willing to take up within your premises if required.

when writting about your employment history, you MUST include what it was you did, and dont be afraid to big your self up. paperwork? adminstration. worked on the checkout? customer service.

 

You will see on my CV that I have a vast academic background, and would very much like to expand this with more experience in the workplace itself, as well as gaining further qualifications.

include your cv, and reference it at some point

 

I would be delighted to meet with you at your convenience to discuss any suitable positions within your store, at present or in the future, or at any other branches you may know with a vacancy that I would be suitable for. I am happy to take up a work trial position if necessary, at no financial cost to your organisation. I am available for interview or work immediately, and am contactable by any of the contact details specified above.

say when your available for interview or to start, if you want to be considered in the future, say so, it may be put on file. also, if your willing to do an unpaid stint, mention it. it will show determination.

 

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for taking the time to read this letter, and look forward to hearing back from you at your earliest convenience.

Manners. thank them for reading your letter, and mention you woild like to hear back, if nothing else, it shows good people skills

 

Yours faithfully

as they are not known to you, faithfully is the better term to use

 

 

 

 

MAKE SURE YOU PHYSICALY SIGN IT YOURSELF!

 

Christopher Kirton

 

 

lastly, do not staple the covering letter to the CV, or pages of the CV together, it gets in the way for photo copying, or if the letter/CV are stored seperatly.

 

 

the covering letter is VERY important. your CV says alot about your achivments, but little about you. really sell yourself, show off just how good your people skills are, and how you are suited to a wide range of roles.

[Ashley]

Some interesting points but a few counterpoints;

 

I'm sure I've heard (probably by the loathesome career woman at uni) not to put "I am writing to you..." because its rather redudant. You don't start a conversation with "I am talking to you" (unless you're addressing ReZ). Although minor point of course.

 

As I am (and I mean no disrespect to anyone by this) only applying for retail I figured bigging up my degree would be seen as arrogant and would probably put people off, a kind of "well if he's got this fancy degree he will probably think he's better than this job". Although the maths and IT things are a good point.

 

The general skills thing (personal and career-wise)...well they are in my CV. I can't really see why they need to be repeated. I know this is personal preference but when I was hiring people I'd go by the CV rather than covering letter.

 

But some good points, thanks I do appreciate it even if it looks like im just picking faults heh.

[Kirkatronics]

Some larger organisations are dropping some of these questions- I believe ASDA is a prime example. Its the right way to go, at recruitment stage there is little point in recording this data. While i think it maybe over the top accusing companies of prejudice, these monitoring forms could be seen as a part of the recruitment process. Many employers won't give the recruiting officer these data forms.

Out of interest, do many of you ask for feedback from an employer after an unsuccessful interview/application?

Most dont get back to you at all, but ive never thought about doing that with the ones that have.

Will try it.

---

Also, a spot of good luck has arrived.

Our new neighbour is the Manager of Primark, in Meadow Hall.

Shes getting me an application form and putting in a word for me.

[Josh64]

last week I was up the town centre and tried giving out my CV to a few places.

Out of about 10 places I went to only one of them even wanted my CV :P

[Chris the great]

Some interesting points but a few counterpoints;

 

I'm sure I've heard (probably by the loathesome career woman at uni) not to put "I am writing to you..." because its rather redudant. You don't start a conversation with "I am talking to you" (unless you're addressing ReZ). Although minor point of course.

 

As I am (and I mean no disrespect to anyone by this) only applying for retail I figured bigging up my degree would be seen as arrogant and would probably put people off, a kind of "well if he's got this fancy degree he will probably think he's better than this job". Although the maths and IT things are a good point.

 

The general skills thing (personal and career-wise)...well they are in my CV. I can't really see why they need to be repeated. I know this is personal preference but when I was hiring people I'd go by the CV rather than covering letter.

 

But some good points, thanks I do appreciate it even if it looks like im just picking faults heh.

 

the writting to you thing is a fair point, we were told not to put writting but contacting or what have you, just for an easy transition into the letter.

 

make sure the qualifacations you list are relevent, because im looking for a wide range of jobs, i put my psychology in, but yeah, if your just to be working behind a counter, you neednt mention your degree to much

 

the covering letter is becoming more and more of a selling point these days, or so im told. it sets you appart from the outher CVs and gives you a personality, i strongly recomend sorting out a decent one.

 

last week I was up the town centre and tried giving out my CV to a few places.

Out of about 10 places I went to only one of them even wanted my CV :P

 

happened to me too, lots of places dont wanna know.

[Babooo]

ok, well, you need to sort that out a fair bit, i'll show you what i got in my general covering letter, with some notes.

always put your address, phone numbers and email here, aswell as thodays date

 

 

 

 

Delivered by hand

its better if you have thier address, but as its just a hand in one, this isnt possible.

 

Dear Sir/Madam

the owners name would be better, but this will do if you dont know it

 

I am contacting you to enquire into a possible managerial, retail, admin or any other vacancy within your store.

Start off by stating why you are writing, and what you want from them, no good to an employer if they dont know what you want.

 

I am a university graduate in the school of psychology, and am eager to move onto new challenges. I hold an A level in ICT, which covered a wide range of computer programs, from Microsoft office to more specialised programs, such as those used by checkout attendants. I have excellent numeric skills, attaining a B in GCSE mathematics.

give a few bassic details about your qualifacations. dosent have to be to much detail, just stuff they may find usefull. maths is a good one if you have it

 

Currently, I am employed in a busy pub with catering facilities. I have experience in admin, promotion, working behind a bar, using the till, taking food orders, serving customers, kitchen work and general cleaning. My work has included working as part of a team, and also taking the initiative and working alone, unsupervised. I have also previously been employed as a photography assistant. My main responsibilities were set design, set up and maintenance. This required both following instructions and using my initiative to complete any task that was given and this role was largely unsupervised. I am also certified in both communications and first aid, a responsibility I am willing to take up within your premises if required.

when writting about your employment history, you MUST include what it was you did, and dont be afraid to big your self up. paperwork? adminstration. worked on the checkout? customer service.

 

You will see on my CV that I have a vast academic background, and would very much like to expand this with more experience in the workplace itself, as well as gaining further qualifications.

include your cv, and reference it at some point

 

I would be delighted to meet with you at your convenience to discuss any suitable positions within your store, at present or in the future, or at any other branches you may know with a vacancy that I would be suitable for. I am happy to take up a work trial position if necessary, at no financial cost to your organisation. I am available for interview or work immediately, and am contactable by any of the contact details specified above.

say when your available for interview or to start, if you want to be considered in the future, say so, it may be put on file. also, if your willing to do an unpaid stint, mention it. it will show determination.

 

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for taking the time to read this letter, and look forward to hearing back from you at your earliest convenience.

Manners. thank them for reading your letter, and mention you woild like to hear back, if nothing else, it shows good people skills

 

Yours faithfully

as they are not known to you, faithfully is the better term to use

 

 

 

 

MAKE SURE YOU PHYSICALY SIGN IT YOURSELF!

 

Christopher Kirton

 

 

lastly, do not staple the covering letter to the CV, or pages of the CV together, it gets in the way for photo copying, or if the letter/CV are stored seperatly.

 

 

the covering letter is VERY important. your CV says alot about your achivments, but little about you. really sell yourself, show off just how good your people skills are, and how you are suited to a wide range of roles.

 

Awesome covering letter mate!

 

Just got a job at Fulham FC yesterday! Interview was pretty tough (but interviewer was fiiiit ) but i got an e-mail through last night saying i got it! So now i have 2 jobs during uni which should keep me busy...working at Chelsea FC ad Fulham FC. Extremely busy. lol.

 

I know thats all well and good but I do (did?) really want a summer job....its just that i'm not having much luck. Sometimes I say to myself, fuck it, enjoy the hols, get my driving license (which i'm in the process of doing) and relax! And then, usually because of my parents, I start thinking, i can't just sit around during summer and not do anything!

 

I'm still looking for a summer job but if i'm being honest, my heart's not really in it anymore.

[Ashley]

You know its the more fun option to just do nothing :p

 

Congrats on the job though

 

Worked on my covering letter a bit more and 'borrowed' ideas from yours Chris.

 

Dear Sir or Madam,

 

I have recently moved to London and am looking for employment within the retail industry and I am writing to you enquiring into any potential managerial, administrative or customer assistant positions within your store.

 

I have had several years experience within this industry, which has made me a dedicated and hard-working individual. I have previously worked in customer assistant and management positions and I am able to adapt to a variety of roles as required by the job. In my previous roles I have developed a high level of customer service, cash handling and working to store and individual targets. I am also familiar in working by myself and within larger groups when necessary, which I have developed during both my professional and academic career.

 

I am highly competent with both Microsoft Windows and Apple Mac computers using a range of office based programs such as Microsoft Word and Excel. I am friendly and helpful person that strives to ensure that I meet the highest levels of customer assistance possible and would like to apply this attitude within your company.

 

I would be able to meet with you at your convenience to discuss any suitable positions within your store you may have presently or in the future, or at any other branches you may know with a vacancy that I would be suitable for. I am available for an interview or to commence work immediately, and can be contacted through any of the means specified above.

 

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for taking the time to read this letter, and look forward to hearing back from you at your earliest convenience.

 

 

[Roostophe]

Bloody hell, Baboooooo. You're an Arsenal fan working at both Chelsea and Fulham...that's actually unthinkable.

 

Well, so long as you don't get a job at Tottenham, you'll be alright.

 

 

What sort of jobs you doing down that them West London clubs anyway?

[Eddage]

My work agreed to my hour cuts so now I don't have to look for a new job

 

I'm rather surprised as most people I talked too told me not to get my hopes up, must have underestimated my importance

[rizz]

I have a job, there's just not enough work to go around anymore. No money for me

[david.dakota]

Chris's letter is an excellent example of a covering letter. Take his advice, but obviously don't copy it- you need to put your own spin on things.

 

Also, invest in some quality paper 100gm, perhaps an off white?

[Fierce_LiNk]

Covering letters are awesome. Its worth spending a fair bit of time on creating one, as it can you show off in a professional and personal light. Chris's example is pretty suave. I'm kinda glad that he posted that, because it's good confirmation for me to know that my cover letters haven't been "over the top."

 

Just sent off an application and covering letter to a Teaching Agency based in Cardiff, so hopefully that will be useful. I've spent days working my application. Glad it's gone now.

[fex]

 

the covering letter is VERY important.

 

At my work, they bin CV's without looking at them unless they have a covering letter.

 

Your CV states your qualifications / work experience etc. It does not tell the employer how you will benefit the company, what type of work your looking for (this may be obvious for some jobs) and all that jazz.

 

Basically, your coving letter should help bond you to your potential employer

[ReZourceman]

You don't start a conversation with "I am talking to you" (unless you're addressing ReZ). .

 

Sorry didn't realise this post was aimed at me until now.

 

Niiiiiice.

[Dyson]

I GOT THE JOB!!

 

So happy the job hunt is over, instead of jumping around all excited and madman-ish, the moment the call was over I just breathed a sigh of relief. Finally some good news.

 

So if anyone is in or around Camberley on August 10th then do come say hello to me - I'll be working an uber busy day as I help open a brand new HMV store as the games specialist

[Roostophe]

[Katie]

Congrats Dyson! Now enjoy the time you have free before starting work!

[Ashley]

Congrats Dyson !

 

I'm writting the oddest (but most fun probably) covering letter. Applying for a Saturday position at Lazy Oaf, a fun clothing store. They ask for a CV and the answer to the following questions:

 

What is it you love about Lazy Oaf?

What skills and abilities could you bring to the Lazy Oaf store once a week to make even more special than it already is?

What are you favourite shops?

And finally, if someone gave you £500 (for free!!) how would you spend it?

 

Seeing as they are weird but awesome (see for yourself at http://www.lazyoaf.com) I'm being a bit different (so far it mentions Daft Punk, Don Quixote (a shop in Japan) and a giant pink glittery cowgirl hat I once wore) but think I may try and mingle it into a shortened covering letter, or at least put a bit at the start.

 

May even put fun colours and stickers on too. It may be going a bit far but as fun as it would be to work there, its a Saturday position so my future isn't dependent upon this.

 

 

Oh and general question, when handing in CVs and covering letters...envelopes, yay or nay? And if so, sealed or not?