Methodical approach in 5 steps
to optimise your job search
to optimise your job search
STEP 1 – SELF-ASSESSMENT
A self-assessment enables you to learn about occupations that are a good match for you; to write more personal, detailed resumes and cover letters; to name your main skills and qualities and the highlights of your career. On the other hand, it allows you to identify your weak points or areas in which you need to acquire new knowledge or experience. Contact us for further information on self-assessment.
Step 2 – SEARCHING FOR COMPANIES OR ORGANIZATIONS TO APPLY FOR
Spontaneous application: Browse the directories of employers' organisations (GICAM, etc.), the Chamber of Commerce (CCIMA) or the General Tax Directorate (available on their respective websites) to find out companies to apply for.
Jobs announcements: Read CameroonTribune on a daily basis and check the websites of recruitment agencies, FNE and companies to see the jobs announcements.
Jobs announcements: Read CameroonTribune on a daily basis and check the websites of recruitment agencies, FNE and companies to see the jobs announcements.
Step 3 – WRITING YOUR CV AND COVER LETTER
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Aim of the CV: Make the recruiter want to meet you.
Sections of a CV:
Personal information :First and Last Names, Phone, Email, Marital status, Driving license if necessary for the position;
Headline :State your job goal such as “Project Manager”.
Education :List in chronological order your diplomas and certificates (from the most recent to the A-L, specifying the titles, years obtained and names of the institutions; specify the mentions only if they are noteworthy: very good...);
Work Experience :List your work experience (internship or volunteer work, etc.) starting with the most recent; indicate the period of work, the name of the company, the city, the position held, your tasks and achievements in a clear and concise style;
IT-Skills :List the software mastered (computer programming, etc.);
Language skills :List all languages mastered;
Miscellaneous :This heading may contain several sub-headings, namely “Interests” such as reading, board games, etc., “Sport”, “Community involvement”, etc.
NOTA BENE
Insert a photo only if it is required (in this case, in the right format and taken by a professional);
Insert the current date and your signature at the bottom of the page;
Adapt your CV to the profile of the position sought and to the company.
Cover letter (for internships)
Purpose of the cover letter: explain why you are applying for an internship and convince the recruiter of your motivation. It can be written as follows:
First part:Opening and introduction – Explain who you are, degree prepared, institution and formulation of your internship’s application (nature of the internship’s, function and duration).
Second part:Body – Motivate your choice of company and your interest in the internship by explaining what you intend to learn there and how it will help you in your further training or career. Mention your willingness to learn but also your qualities, especially those appreciated in the company: punctuality, autonomy, reliability and sociability, etc.
Third part:Assertive closing. Express your expectations in relation to the skills you will have developed. Thank the person for taking the time to read your letter. Use an appropriate closing, such as “Sincerely.”
Cover letter (Young graduates/1st job application)
The cover letter complements your CV; it should explain the reasons for your application and convince the recruiter that you are the right candidate. To do this: :
Support your motivation for the position without exaggeration in a clear, precise and concise style;
Highlight your skills and knowledge that are essential for the position and the tasks;
Explain how your experience could be useful to the company;
Avoid duplicating your CV.
ADVICE:
Unless otherwise instructed by the recruiter, type your letter on a computer; use a structured layout and the same font throughout the document;
Avoid mistakes (grammar, spelling, syntax, etc.), the use of colloquial language and cutting and pasting; have your letter proofread by a more experienced person;
Tailor your cover letter to each company and position you apply for;
When you are looking for a job, always have an up-to-date CV with you, as a PDF in your smartphone and/or printed.
Step 4 – SENDING YOUR APPLICATION FILE
Job announcements: send your application (CV, covering letter, copies of diplomas, etc.) before the deadline and by the required means: e-mail or physical file, online, etc.
Spontaneous application: send your application in paper form or by email (rapid and less expensive).
Follow up with the company by visiting or calling every two to three weeks. Tip: Don't hesitate to politely ask to speak with the HR manager; this will show your self-confidence but also your interest in the job or internship.
Caution! Before applying for a job, take the time to carefully read the job description to make sure that your education and skills match it.. Do not apply, if the company is for instance looking for a bilingual candidate with previous professional experience and you do not meet these requirements.
Step 5 – PREPARING FOR THE INTERVIEW
Before the interview:Find out about the company via the Internet: history, sector of activity, products, turnover, strategy, competitors, etc.
Practice presenting yourself in less than 3 minutes without miming your CV, by summarizing your background around a few major points (skills and qualities, experience, professional project, etc.);
Be punctual; wear decent and formal clothes and do not perfume yourself too much.
During the interview:Do not sit down until you are invited to do so;
Pay close attention to questions, be a good listener and do not cut people off;
When you have not heard or understood a question or sentence, always politely ask the speaker to repeat it!
Be able to show without exaggeration how your experience, skills and qualities will help you to fulfill the tasks of the job and make you the ideal candidate; illustrate each argument with a specific example, figures, facts, etc.
Prepare a few questions of interest to recruiters, such as: Are there any prospects for the position in the company? Are there opportunities for staff development? etc.
At the end of the interview:If you have not been told this by your interviewers, ask them politely about the rest of the recruitment process: will I be contacted if I am successful or not? Will further interviews be taking place?
Thank them (again) for their interest in your application and say goodbye last.
REFERENCES
Christel DE FOUCAULT et illustré par Benoît POUYDESSEAU. (2018). 50 erreurs à éviter pour trouver un job, Eyrolles.
Hervé BOMMELAER, Philippe DOUALE, et Nicolas PAVESI. (2018). Recherche d'emploi : secrets de pros, Eyrolles.
Karine AVERSENG. (2015). Les 5 minutes qui comptent pour réussir un entretien d'embauche, Larousse.
Daniel POROT (2018). L'entretien d'embauche en 202 questions, Solar.
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