Recruitment Advice

Cover letters are generally one page at most in length, divided into a header, introduction, body, and closing.

Header:

Cover letters use standard business letter style, with the sender's address and other information, the recipient's contact information, and the date sent after either the sender's or the recipient's address. Following that is an optional reference section (e.g. "RE: Internship Opportunity at Global Corporation") and an optional transmission note (e.g. "Via Email to jobs@example.net"). The final part of the header is a salutation (e.g., "Dear Hiring Managers").

Introduction:

The introduction briefly states the specific position desired, and should be designed to catch the employer's immediate interest.

Body:

The body highlights or amplifies on material in the resume or job application, and explains why the job seeker is interested in the job and would be of value to the employer. Also, matters discussed typically include skills, qualifications, and past experience. If there are any special things to note such as availability date, they may be included as well.

Closing:

A closing sums up the letter and indicates the next step the applicant expects to take. It may indicate that the applicant intends to contact the employer, although many favor the more indirect approach of simply saying that the applicant will look forward to hearing from or speaking with the employer. After the closing is a valediction (e.g. "Sincerely"), and then a signature line. Optionally, the abbreviation "ENCL" may be used to indicate that there are enclosures.

Resume is a short (usually one to three pages), and directs a reader's attention to those aspects of a person's background that are directly relevant to a particular position. Many resumes contain keywords that potential employers are looking for, make heavy use of active verbs, and display content in a flattering manner. General structure of a resume should include:

1) Personal Information
2) Academic Result
3) Professional Certification
4) Career Summary
5) Language Ability
6) Other Skills
7) Referees

Here are a few Dos & Don'ts to a successful job interview.

Before Interview:

Do check the location of your job interview before hand to ensure that you know exactly where to go and how long it takes to get there. Do your research and know the type of job you are interviewing for, especially the information of applied position and company. Do plan to arrive about 10 minutes early. If you are running late, Do phone the company and let the person in charge know.

During Interview:

Do greet the receptionist or assistant with courtesy and respect. This is where you make your first impression. If you are requested to fill in a job application, Do fill it out neatly, completely and accurately. Do bring extra resumes to the interview. If you have a job skills portfolio, Do bring that with you to the interview. Do greet the interviewer(s) by their title (Mr., Ms., Dr. etc) and last name. If you are not sure of the pronunciation of their last name, Do ask the receptionist about it before going into the interview. Do shake the hands of the interviewer firmly. Don't offer a limp hand or a clammy handshake. Do wait until you are offered a chair before sitting. And Do remember body language and posture: sit upright and look alert and interested at all times. Don't fidget or slouch. Do place the name cards of interviewers in front of you, and Do communicate and greet the interviewers with their names. Do make good eye contact with your interviewer(s). Do have a high confidence and energy level Don't say anything negative about former colleagues, supervisors, or employers. Don't answer questions with a simple "Yes" or "No". Explain whenever possible. Describe those things about yourself that showcase your talents, skills and determination. Give examples. Do close the interview by telling the interviewer(s) that you want the job and asking about the next step in the process.

After Interview:

Do write thank you letters within 24 hours to each person who interviewed you.