critical_thinking_module _3

JOB SEARCH AND APPLICATION

These are very good questions to ask yourself when you are in the process of job search and application. Here are some possible answers that you can use or modify as you wish:

Lesson 1: You can plan and conduct an effective job search by using some tips and best practices, such as:

· Setting a schedule: You can set a realistic and manageable time frame for your job search, and allocate specific hours and days for different tasks, such as researching, applying, networking, and following up. This can help you stay organized, focused, and motivated in your job search.

· Tracking your progress: You can use a spreadsheet, a notebook, or an app to keep track of your job search activities and outcomes, such as the jobs that you have applied for, the responses that you have received, the feedback that you have obtained, and the actions that you have taken. This can help you monitor and evaluate your job search performance and results, and identify areas for improvement and adjustment.

· Following up with employers: You can follow up with the employers that you have applied to or interviewed with, by sending a thank-you note, a reminder, or a query, depending on the situation and the timing. This can help you show your interest and enthusiasm, reinforce your qualifications and fit, and maintain a positive and professional relationship with the employers.

Lesson 2: You can write a resume and a cover letter that showcase your skills and achievements by using some dos and don’ts, such as:

· Using keywords: You can use keywords that are relevant and specific to the job and the employer that you are applying to, such as the skills, qualifications, and responsibilities that are mentioned in the job description or the company website. This can help you highlight your suitability and compatibility, and increase your chances of passing the applicant tracking system (ATS) and getting noticed by the hiring manager.

· Using action verbs: You can use action verbs that describe your accomplishments and contributions in your previous or current roles, such as managed, improved, created, or led. This can help you demonstrate your skills and abilities, and quantify your results and impact.

· Using quantifiable results: You can use numbers, percentages, or other metrics to measure and illustrate your achievements and outcomes in your previous or current roles, such as increased sales by 20%, reduced costs by 15%, or created 10 new products. This can help you provide evidence and examples of your value and potential.

· Avoiding typos, errors, and clichés: You can proofread and edit your resume and cover letter carefully, and use a spell-checker, a grammar-checker, or a peer-reviewer to catch and correct any mistakes or inconsistencies. You can also avoid using vague, generic, or overused phrases, such as hard-working, team player, or excellent communication skills. This can help you ensure the quality and accuracy of your resume and cover letter, and avoid creating a negative impression or losing credibility with the employers.

Lesson 3: You can use online platforms and social media for job search and application by using some advantages and disadvantages, such as:

· Reaching a wider audience: You can use online platforms and social media to access and reach more potential employers and opportunities, such as job boards, career fairs, networking events, and referrals. This can help you expand your job search scope and exposure, and increase your chances of finding and applying for jobs that match your qualifications and goals.

· Accessing more information: You can use online platforms and social media to obtain and share more information and resources on various careers, such as descriptions, requirements, outlooks, salaries, and related occupations. You can also use online platforms and social media to learn more about different employers and their culture, values, and expectations, such as their websites, blogs, podcasts, videos, or reviews. This can help you gain a deeper and broader perspective on different career options and paths, and how they fit your preferences and aspirations.

· Managing your privacy and security: You can use online platforms and social media to create and maintain a professional online presence and reputation, and to showcase your skills and achievements, such as your portfolio, projects, or publications. However, you also need to manage your privacy and security settings, and to monitor and control your online activity and content, such as your posts, comments, or likes. This can help you protect your personal and professional information and identity, and to avoid any negative or inappropriate online behavior or image that could harm your job search and application.

Lesson 4: You can avoid common pitfalls and mistakes in job search and application by using some strategies and solutions, such as:

· Diversifying your sources: You can use different methods and tools to find and apply for jobs that match your qualifications and goals, such as job boards, career fairs, networking events, and referrals. You can also use different types and formats of resumes and cover letters, such as chronological, functional, or hybrid, and tailored, targeted, or speculative. This can help you avoid relying on one or a few sources or methods, and to increase your job search and application effectiveness and efficiency.

· Seeking feedback: You can seek feedback from others who can help you with your job search and application, such as your friends, family, mentors, or contacts. You can also seek feedback from the employers that you have applied to or interviewed with, by asking for their comments, suggestions, or recommendations. This can help you avoid repeating the same mistakes or errors, and to improve and enhance your job search and application skills and strategies.

· Staying positive and motivated: You can stay positive and motivated in your job search and application, by setting realistic and attainable goals, celebrating your achievements and progress, and rewarding yourself for your efforts and outcomes. You can also stay positive and motivated in your job search and application, by seeking support and encouragement from others, such as your peers, classmates, or co-workers, and by joining or creating a job search group or community. This can help you avoid feeling discouraged or frustrated, and to cope with rejection and failure.

QUIZZ:

1. What are some dos and don’ts to help you with your resume and cover letter writing, such as using keywords, action verbs, and quantifiable results, and avoiding typos, errors, and clichés?

– A) They help you plan and conduct an effective job search, and use different methods and tools to find and apply for jobs that match your qualifications and goals.

– B) They help you write a resume and a cover letter that showcase your skills and achievements, and tailor them to different jobs and employers.