English for Ophthalmic Opticians (Englisch für Augenoptiker)

There are a variety of ways to complete a job application. Employment applications can be completed online at large number of jobs sites or application forms can be completed directly at company web sites. In many sectors, employment application forms are completed in person. When companies do not require a job application, send a resume and cover letter as your employment application.

In some cases, even if you do submit a resume, you will also be asked to complete an application. This way the employer will have consistent data on file for all prospective applicants. Also, your signature on the application acknowledges that the information is accurate.

The most important rule to remember when applying for jobs is to follow the directions. If the employer tells you to apply in person, don’t call. If the job posting says to mail your resume, do not send it via email. When the job listings says apply via a form on the company web site, don’t email your application directly to Human Resources. There is not much more annoying to hiring managers than job seekers who don’t follow the rules!

Effective letter writing is an essential aspect of your job search. Do you want to convince a potential employer not to hire you? Send a resume with no cover letter. Send a form letter addressed to “The Hiring Manager”? Or address your letter to “Dear Sir”? and have it opened by a female manager!

Good writing takes time. Compose letters that reflect your own personality. Do not copy someone else’s letters. Send handwritten correspondence only when requested by the employer.

You may be in contact with several hundred people during your career exploration and work search activities. If you do not already know, obtain the name and title of the person to whom you should write and ensure that you have the correct spelling. Telephone the organization to ensure your information is current. Use Ms to address a woman unless you know that she prefers Miss or Mrs . Your correspondence will be better received when addressed to the correct person and not to a job title.

Decide on the focus of your letter, tailor your information to the reader, and ensure that all the points keep on topic. Base your correspondence to employers around what you can do for them, not on what you want them to do for you. One page is the maximum for letters. Let your enthusiasm be apparent. You do not want to lose the reader’s interest before the person finishes the page. Avoid the words „as you can see“, because the reader may not be able to „see“ the point the way you do.

Check your first draft for the number of times you have written „I“. Overuse of „I“, mono- tony of sentence structure, and rambling, boring text defeat your goal of writing an effective letter. Try to limit your paragraphs to no more than four or five sentences and your sentences to a maximum of two lines. The first sentence in a paragraph introduces the topic to be covered in that paragraph.

Send an original, not copies that look mass-produced. Keep a copy of your correspondence. Follow-up at the appropriate time because the person to whom you have written may not contact you.

Most employers issue their own pre-printed company application to job seekers. Therefore, job application styles will vary widely from company to company. It is a good idea to prepare a fact sheet with all of your personal information before beginning your job search. Take your fact sheet with you when searching for work. That way, if an employer asks you to fill out an application you will have your information readily available to complete their application. Having your fact sheet on hand will save you time and help you prevent errors.

Your fact sheet is a useful tool for you, but remember not to turn it in to an employer. Keep your fact sheet up to date for future job searches.

It is important that you read the entire application form before you start filling it out. Read the instructions carefully and follow them exaclty. Completing the application properly is very important, because the application is your first chance to present your skills to the employer.

Employers review the infor-mation on job applications when decicing who to schedule for job interviews. Remember that employers often judge the appearance of an application as a clue to how much importance you put on the quality of your work.

First impressions are important. Your appearance is important, even when submitting an application. Every time you make contact with an employer, dress as though you are ready to go to work. The employer may have a job that needs to be filled and want to interview you immediately.

Remember to bring everything with you that you will need when filling out applications. It does not create a business-like impression when a job seeker needs to borrow the employer´s pens or telephone books to complete an application. Be organized. Bring the following items with you when you think you might be completing applications:

Your completed application is a reflection of you. Make a good one!

Õ The next issue will give you information about job interviews.

The participants of the school exchange programme of your school and your English (Italian, French, …) partner school are visiting you in your company. They show you a (German) brochure about job application and interviews.