When it’s time, you’re going to search the job market for that first job. It’s an exciting and nerve-wracking time and we hope this content will help place you in the front of the job queue.
In the workplace
“Introducing…you!”
Are you looking for employment? Are you finding it frustrating? Have you noticed most employers want a “Motivation Letter”?
“What is that?” students often ask…and you’ll go from one post to another because you don’t understand how to write a motivational letter.
What is it?
A motivational letter is a short presentation of yourself that accompanies your CV. It allows you to give some relevant and interesting insights about yourself, prove that you are the right and most motivated person for this job. It gives you a platform to promote your skills and knowledge, attributes, and experiences. It’s a letter to highlight your previous achievement and is the most personalized document of your application.
What should it include?
- two addresses (yours and company to whom you’re applying)
- State where you found the position to which you are applying.
- Explain why hiring you will benefit the employer.
- Briefly summarize your strengths, qualifications, and experience.
- Paint a picture of yourself that’s not just the facts in your CV.
Check out this great example of a motivation letter…from Google
Prepping for the job interview
Once you’ve secured the job interview, you can beat the competition with a little preparation. The following four tasks are easy to complete and will prepare you for the interview.
Conduct basic interview research
Find out as much as you can beforehand. Call the person who scheduled your interview and ask questions like:
Who will you be talking to? What will they expect? What’s the dress code?
Get directions to the office. Plan to leave early. Keep a phone number to call if you get stuck on the bus or in traffic. Ask for a detailed job description, to help you prepare.
Learn about the company online
Do some research. Go to the employer’s website and get familiar with their products or services and recent news.
Think of some stories
Be ready to answer typical interview questions with a story about yourself. To prepare, write down 3 achievement stories. These stories should explain your qualities like initiative, teamwork or leadership.
Pick your outfit, and go to bed early
Prepare your outfit the night before, get a good night’s rest, and always get an early start.
Be prepared for anything
A few sneaky questions people could ask in an interview
- “Would you rather fight 1 horse-sized duck, or 100 duck-sized horses?”
- “If you’re the CEO, what are the first three things you check about the business when you wake up each morning?”
- “If you were a musician what would the name of your first album be?”
- “If I gave you R40,000 to start a business, what would you do?”
- “If I was talking to your best friend, what is one thing they would say you need to work on?”
By the way, there are no correct answers…just be prepared.
Oh Behave
Every employer’s dream is to have employees with wonderful manners and the right behaviours. Why? Quite simply it makes the task of managing employees easy!
So what behaviours will make an employer sit up and take notice of you?
Positive ‘Can-Do’ Attitude
Be ready, available and willing to get the job done, and done well.
Courteous and Friendly
Be the one to brighten up the office.
Meets Deadlines
Lighten the load of the manager by getting your work done on time.
Takes Responsibility
Put your hand up and help
At work and on time
Let the manager know they can count on you!