THE JOB SEARCH PROCESS

The job search process consists of several steps:

 Preparation – doing your homework before you send out your application
 Cover Letter – using an effective analysis to compose the best application for the occasion
 Resume – tailoring your content, form, and format as needed
 Interview – saying the right things at the right time
 Follow-up – remembering that you’re probably not the only player in the game

PREPARATION
Your first step in seeking employment should be preparation. Assess yourself: What are your
personal goals? What are your career goals? What qualifications do you have to help you meet these
goals? This assessment will give you a better understanding of what you enjoy and what you are
good at and will help you focus as you begin your job search.

Assess Your Goals Checklist

Personal Goals Career Goals

 What do I most enjoy doing?  What kind of work do I enjoy?
 What are my interests?  What do I want to be doing five years from
 How important is recognition? now?
 Where do I want to live?  How much do I want to earn next year? Five
 Do I want to work inside or outside? years from now?
 Do I want to work mainly with people? With  Where do I want to work?
machines? With ideas?  What is my ideal balance between personal
 How frequently do I want to travel for the and work obligations?
job?  Do I prefer steady, predictable work hours or
a varied, flexible work schedule?

Analyse your qualifications

Analysing your qualifications, skills, abilities, and accomplishments gives you the information you
need to prepare a resume and sell yourself during an interview.

Communicative Aviation English II | Seeking an Engineering Job

Try this!
Find an advertisement and compare the requirements needed by the company and your
qualifications.

Job Advertisement Requirements Your Qualifications, Experience & Qualities

Portfolio
You might begin by creating a file, or portfolio. Items you might include in your portfolio are as
follows:
 Academic transcripts
 Letters of recommendation
 Copies of job application forms
 Awards
 Test scores
 Certificates, diplomas, or other evidence of course work completed
 Samples of work or projects completed

Beginning Your Job Search

Here are some suggestions for beginning your job search:
a) Network – People know people who know people who know people; therefore, get to know
people.
b) Read ads carefully – Treat the text that of advertisements as a combination of explicit and
encoded information. Pay attention to what the ad says and to what it likely implies. Judge
yourself – if you’re not thoroughly familiar with all the terminology in the ad, perhaps you
shouldn’t apply.
c) Research your field – research your field that you think might interest you.
2

Communicative Aviation English II | Seeking an Engineering Job

 d) Use a variety of sources to identify job openings – look beyond your local newspaper, check
with personal contacts, employment agencies, internships.

COVER LETTER
Cover letter is sometimes known as a letter of application or application cover letter. The purpose of
a cover letter is to convince an employer to read your resume and grant you an interview. So it must
be written professionally.
Content
An effective cover letter should incorporate well-reasoned points to press your case.
a. Address the letter to a specific person. If you do not know the name of the person in charge
of the department you are applying to (or the person in charge of employment), call the
company and ask.
b. Refer precisely to what you are applying for. If you are responding to an advertisement, be
specific. For example, referring to "your recent advertisement in the local paper” is vague.
Specifying “Mechanical Engineer, described on page F8 of the Careers Section in the April 8,
2011, edition of the News Straits Times” does two things: it tells the reader what you are
talking about, and it suggests to the potential employer that you will be specific and precise
in your work.
c. Avoid superfluous information. For example, beginning with “Let me introduce myself. My
name is …. , and I would like to apply for…”
d. Focus explicitly on what you can do for the company, not on what the company can do for
you.
e. Include a clear call to action. Consider the language you are using such as “If you have any
questions, please don’t hesitate to call me at…” – you are telling your reader not to call you
unless he or she has questions. A much stronger closing – “I would appreciate the
opportunity to discuss my qualifications with you. Please call me at 75525252 between 8.30
a.m. and 4.30 p.m. any weekday.”

Communicative Aviation English II | Seeking an Engineering Job

Format of a Cover Letter

709 Jalan 2/5 Desa Casuarina

Alamanda Low
Cyberraya
60000 Selangor
(Your address, no name, no commas/full stop)

Date

Mr. Rushman Bin Samurai

Human Resource Manager
FlySystem Sdn. Bhd.
Sultan Azizul Azlan Airport
42700 Subang
Selangor

(Employer’s Name if available, position, address, no commas/full stop)

Dear Sir (Salutation – Sir/Madam/Mr. Gerek/Ms. Mihun, No commas)

APPLICATION FOR THE POST OF POWERPLANT ENGINEER (Title – in bold and capital letters)

Paragraph 1 – Introduction
 State WHY you write the letter – position you are applying for
 State WHERE the job was advertised or where you learned about it
 From newspaper or magazine – state the name of the publication
 If it is a referral – give the person’s name

Paragraph 2 – Body
 State your education and work experience and relate to the qualifications stated in the advertisement
 Education – provide the name of the institution or training programme
 Graduating student – give the full name of the course
 If you do not have any working experience – identify courses which have prepared you for the job and
explain how the skills and knowledge you have acquired at university qualify you for the job
 Make a link between your work experience and the job you are applying

Paragraph 3 – Closing
 State that your resume is enclosed and request an interview
 Express your willingness to meet the employer 4

Communicative Aviation English II | Seeking an Engineering Job

  Explain how the employer may reach you

Yours faithfully
ArissaAnisa
ARISSA ANEESA MD. RAMLY

Communicative Aviation English II | Seeking an Engineering Job

 No Name

No Phone number

http://www.graduan.com.my/Page/LearningCenter/Career-Matters/Sample-Cover-Letter

Communicative Aviation English II | Seeking an Engineering Job

Communicative Aviation English II | Seeking an Engineering Job
Resume formats

Communicative Aviation English II | Seeking an Engineering Job

 RESUME

PERSONAL PARTICULARS

Name : ARISSA ANEESA MD. RAMLY

Sex : Female
Date Of Birth : 17 February 1988
Age : 24
Place of Birth : Teluk Intan, Perak Darul Ridzuan
Nationality : Malaysian
Marital Status : Single
Identification Card No. : 880217 – 20 – 2020
Address : 709 Jalan 2/5, Desa Casuarina
Alamanda Low
Cyberraya
60000 Selangor
Personal E – mail : [email protected]
Contact number : 012 - 3456789

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
Institution Year Qualification

Universiti Kuala Lumpur Malaysian Institute of 2007 – 2010 Bachelor in Aircraft Maintenance
Aviation Technology Technology
Sekolah Menengah Tinggi Muar 2004 – 2006 Sijil Tinggi Pelajaran Malaysia
Sekolah Menengah Tinggi Muar 2002 – 2003 Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia – Grade 1

WORKING EXPERIENCE
On-Job Aircraft Maintenance Trainee. January 2010 –  Reported to LAE, Mr. Kassim Baba of
AEROSYSTEM Sdn. Bhd. June 2010 Hangar 2, Ampang Airport.
 Responsible in learning the maintenance
trade from LAE. Being given hands-on Base
Maintenance training in doing Boeing 737
Landing Gear Servicing, Airbus A320.
 Responsible in assisting the ASU engineers
and technicians for Line Maintenance such
as in performing Transit Check on Airbus
A330, Boeing 737 and Boeing 747.
 Given the trust to operate Ground Power
Unit for the final D-Check on a Boeing 747-
400.
 Worked on night and day shifts.

RESEARCH 9

Communicative Aviation English II | Seeking an Engineering Job

2010
Composite Radome and Toolbox, Final Year Project, Universiti Kuala Lumpur Malaysian Institute of
Aviation Technology (UniKL MIAT)

COURSES ATTENDED
2009 : Seminar on Job Hunting Skills, USM Pulau Pinang
2009 : MUET Seminar on the Learning and Assessment of the Speaking and Writing Skills

SPECIAL SKILLS
 Fluent in written and spoken English and Bahasa Melayu.
 Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, SPSS and AutoCAD.
 Conversant in Mandarin.
 Experienced in office administration and technopreneurship.

ACTIVITIES

2008 : Committee of Orientation Week

Member of SPSS Malaysia
2009 : Assistant Coach for the Selangor swimming team
2010 : President of Debate Club

REFERENCES

Mr. Mohd Kassim Baba Bin Labu

Licensed Aircraft Engineer
Aerosystem Sdn. Bhd.
Sultan Abdul Aziz Airport
42700 Subang
Selangor
(603) 5525-7112 Extension : 1090

Miss Rizwanah Binti Radzi

Dean
Universiti Kuala Lumpur Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology
Lot 2891 Jalan Jenderam Hulu
Jenderam Hulu
43800 Dengkil Selangor
(609)0009990

10

Communicative Aviation English II | Seeking an Engineering Job

JOB INTERVIEWS
If your letter and resume are effective, you may be short-listed for an interview. Once you have been
offered, you must start preparing for it.

One of the main purposes of an interview is for the employer/interviewer to find out whether you
can really do the job and fit into the company. The interviewer will assess your qualifications, skills,
capabilities, appearance, manners, the way you ask and answer questions and whether you will be
comfortable working for the company.

Types of interviews
One-to-one interviews

Interviewer Types of questions

Prospective employer Job, qualifications and specific job-related questions
HR department General questions
Prospective supervisor More specific to the post you are applying

Panel interviews

Interviewer Types of questions

Prospective employer You may be asked by each panel member from a prepared
+ list of questions and your responses will be noted.
HR Department
+
Prospective supervisor
+
Co-worker
(3 – 6 members

Multi-level interviews
For more important or higher profile position, it needs to go to through two or more levels or
stages of interviews. The interviewee must succeed in the first interview in order to proceed to
the next level.

The Basic Structure of the Interview

Most interviews follow the same three-part basic structure:
The beginning
The middle
The ending

11

Communicative Aviation English II | Seeking an Engineering Job

 The Beginning The Middle The Ending
 Introduction; Casual  The essence of the  Opportunity for candidates
informal conversation; interview. Structured to ask questions, to relate
Getting to know you”. questioning. Giving interest in the job and
 Usually quite short. Allows information about the job company, to thank the
the “ice to break”. responsibilities, working interviewer for the
hours, terms of service, and interview, and appreciation
work conditions. by interviewer for the
 The “nitty-gritty” of the applicant’s attendance at
interview and usually the the interview.
longest.  Depends very much on you,
your interest in the job and
your willingness to ask.

Preparation
a. Find out all you can about the company
WHO are the company leaders
WHAT are their goals and values
Their business philosophy
Their accomplishments
The products or services they provide
Their clients

b. Anticipate questions that might be asked at interviews

Get-acquainted / educational experience questions
 Tell me about yourself.
 Where did you study for your tertiary education?
 What did you major in? Why?
 Which courses did you like best? Least? Why?
 Which part of your college/university life did you enjoy most?
 How do you spend your spare time?
Questions about your experience and accomplishments
 Tell me about your internship.
 What were your major achievements in your previous job?
 Why do you want to leave your current post?
 Why do you want to work for this company?
 Describe a typical day on your last (or present) job? 12

Communicative Aviation English II | Seeking an Engineering Job

 Questions about your future plans
 Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?
 What are your goals in life?
Questions about your commitment to the company
 Would you consider relocating if the company moved to another state?
 Would you consider working overtime if the company needed you to?
Questions about Human relations
 What kind of people do you enjoy working with? What kind of people do you
find difficult to work with?
 How do you get along with others in work situations?
Questions that will make you uncomfortable
 What are your weaknesses?
 Which part of your personality would you change if you could, and why?
Questions about $$
 How much salary do you think you are worth?
 What is your expected salary?
 Would you consider a pay cut if the company is not doing well?

Illegal Interview Questions

1. Are you married (single, divorced, widowed)?
2. Do you have small children? Do you plan to have children?
3. What is your date of birth?
4. Have you ever been arrested?
5. Where were you born?
6. Where does your husband (wife, father, mother) work?
7. Are you pregnant?
8. Do you rent or own your home?
9. Do you have a girlfriend (boyfriend)?

Plan your own questions

You can ask questions like: What will be my duties? What are the possibilities of promotion? How is
13
job performance evaluated?
Communicative Aviation English II | Seeking an Engineering Job
Communicative Aviation English II | Seeking an Engineering Job
WOMEN:
 Women should never wear anything too tight or too short.
 Avoid plunging neck-line and too short mini-skirts.
 Women look smart in a three-piece suit, too. However, avoid pants. It could be a minus for
you.
 Women should never wear see-through clothes to an interview.
 Never wear shoes with heels that are very high.
 For women, make sure your hand-bag and shoes match your outfit.
 Women should never apply too much make-up – remember the employer is not going to
employ you if you are dolled up. The employer is interested in you as a person who will give
a good company image to the company. No one these days wants to hire a mannequin!
 If you use perfumes, make sure it is not too strong – mild eau-de-toilettes are best. They are
not too overbearing.
 And above all, always choose colours that bring out the best in you.
 Do not wear a lot of jewellery.

Example: WOMEN

Remember to bring ALL related documents

15

Communicative Aviation English II | Seeking an Engineering Job

 Interviewers may ask to see your testimonials, certificates, resume, portfolio notebook, and
samples of your work as evidence of your credentials.
 Keep your documents neatly in a briefcase or folder, because the way you present your
materials is an indication of how organized you are.

16

Communicative Aviation English II | Seeking an Engineering Job