Unit1: Research and

preparation
Teacher: Oubella Imane

2024/ 2025
1) Identifying the stages in the job application process

2) Researching yourself

3) Highlighting your skills and experience

4) Researching the market

 1. Identifying the stages in the job application process:

Most of us spend between 60–80% of our waking hours working, so it’s

important to find a job that brings true satisfaction. If you haven’t found it
yet, then don’t give up. Keep looking until you find a job that you love
doing.
Starting with the search, you'll pick your favorite jobs to apply to, then
see which companies are interested. The hiring process is relatively
standard across industries, and as an applicant.
These are the steps you’ll likely have to take:

A. Job search
E. Assessment
B. Application
F. Reference checks
C. Screening
G. Job offer

D. Interview
 A. Job search:

Knowing what you're looking for can make job searching easier.
Find jobs that align with your interests and skills. You may not be
100% qualified for every job, but that's okay. If you meet most of the
qualifications, still apply as you can learn on the job, and being a good
culture fit and having the right soft skills can make up the difference.
 Factors to consider when applying to jobs:

a) Job title and f) Industry trends  Many of these you can learn by doing a
responsibilities g) Job outlook
little research. Check out a company's
h) Working hours and
b) Size of the company
flexibility career section to discover more about the
c) Industry
values, benefits, etc. You can also read
d) Company culture
reviews from past employees on sites
e) Reviews and like Glassdoor or Comparably.
reputation
 2. Application:

After you find a job you like, you'll need to apply. The application process usually
involves a cover letter and resume.
You can write your own resume and use a template from Canva or Google Docs to
help with the layout. Depending on your industry and the type of jobs you're
applying to.
Most jobs ask for a cover letter in addition to a resume. Your cover letter is a quick
introduction that explains who you are, what you're looking for, and why you're
the best person for the job. While you want to personalize each cover letter for the
job you're applying to, you can use a template to start with and then add details after.
 3. Screening:

Many companies use an ATS as the first step in filtering out candidates. The ATS
scans applications for keywords and phrases and then gives the recruiter a shorter
list of qualified candidates.
Read the job description carefully, then highlight each skill and quality you have that
matches. The ATS pays attention to work experience, education, and skills. The
recruiter will then check for a cultural fit to see who they choose to interview.
Tip: AI tools like Jobscan can help you optimize your resume for the job you're
applying to. It checks for keywords and relevancy and then gives you
recommendations for improvement
 4. Interview:

After the initial screening, recruiters and hiring managers will start the interview process. If
a company wants to interview you, you'll typically get an email or phone call to set up a
time.
The goal of an interview is to establish whether or not you're a good fit for the position.
The recruiters and hiring managers will be looking for your technical skills as well as
qualities that would make you a cultural fit.
you can research common interview questions for your position and industry. Many
questions like "So tell me about yourself" are popular, and you can prepare answers ahead
of time and practice. You may be able to find sample interview questions from the
company on Glassdoor from past job candidates.
 5. Assessment:

As you move through the hiring process, you may need to do an assessment. Some
companies will give you an assessment, like a test or project, that you can
complete before the interview. Others do the assessments in real time during the
interview. These assessments are a chance for you to show off your technical skills
and personality traits that make you the right candidate for the job.
You may need to do a presentation or a group exercise with other candidates.
This is an opportunity to showcase your leadership and communication skills.
 6. Reference checks:

Before you get an offer, your potential employer may want to do reference checks.
The purpose of a reference check is to make sure you're who you say you are and
quickly fact-check your resume. The company may ask for
personal or professional references and their contact information.
You want to choose references who will positively attest to your character and skills
at a professional level. If you haven't had many jobs, you can use a mentor,
professor, or supervisor during any internships or volunteering.
 If the company is interested in making an offer,
they may call your references to ask about you.
 Examples of questions they may ask:
• How do you know the candidate?
• What are their greatest strengths and weaknesses?
• Would you re-hire this candidate if you had the opportunity?
• How did you work together?
• Why did the candidate leave their position?
• Does the candidate work better independently or as part of a team?
• What responsibilities did the candidate have in their position?
 7. Job offer:

If you make it through all the interviews and the company thinks you're the right
person for the job, they’ll send a job offer. While they may call or email you first
to let you know they're offering the position, you should receive an official
written offer.
Start date
A job offer typically includes: Job title
Compensation Job description
Benefits Hours and schedule
Reporting structure
Time off
Each step of the job application process tests a different skill. At
first, you have to stay organized and be proactive, looking for jobs
that match your skill set. Once you have an interview, it's time to
sell yourself and demonstrate that you're the best person for the job.
You may need to advocate for yourself and negotiate a higher salary
or more perks before accepting an offer.
 2. Researching yourself:

Before you look for the perfect job, write a CV or apply for a job, you need to do
some research. Researching yourself is the key to finding the job that is right for
you.
Your strengths and weaknesses : the first thing you need to do when starting the
job-hunting process is a self assessment of your own strengths and weaknesses.
This process will help you identify the skills, qualifications, experience,
knowledge and personal characteristics that employers are looking for.
A. Mind Map :to highlight your strengths
and weaknesses :
 B. Your qualifications:
At all stages during the job application process you will need to be able to
describe your academic qualifications clearly
You should answer the following questions:
Task e: Answers
2c 3e 4d 5b 6a

Task a: Answers
2 read; completed (obtained)
3 graduated; hold; completed (obtained)
4 graduating; awarded; read
 3. Highlighting your skills and
experiences:
Employers will ask for skills or competencies that they consider necessary for a particular job.
Discuss:

1. What general skills and knowlwdge do most employers look for in job applicants?
2. Apart from specific qualifications and technical exprtise, what skills and knowldge have
you got that make you employable?
• Anwers: 2 d 3a 4g 5e 6h 7
c 8b
• Chair a meeting: the person in charge of a meeting
• Delegate tasks: when manager assigns specific tasks to their
employees
4. Researching the market: