Southamptonjobs

It it very important to know ourself well. In my career I have constantly try to figure out what do I want to do and what is suitable for me. Since secondary school time I have started to think hard on what I want to be in the future. During University time I did a lot of reading and test to understand myself more. I wanted to be an entrepreneur. However I dont know where to start and what industry I should go into. I have tried to start some small business in university time and I learned that passion is very important. I simply need to love what I am doing. So I planned to gain some working experience before I go into any business. I started my career as a programmer. I figure out that I wanted to become an system analyst, which I have already achieve it today, after 5 years of working.

I did an aptitude test on Test You Own Job Aptitude by Jim Barret and Geoff Williams 6 years ago which I think its worth to mention. Following are the results of my test. According to the test I am a mixed of Research and Literary type. Below are some descriptions of the categories:

Research

This attraction shows how much you enjoy acquiring knowledge. As a result of this you seem prepared to devoted a great deal of time to study and the careers which appeal to you generally need academic, professional or special qualifications.

At school, you would have preferred scientific subjects, particularly the main-stream diciplines of mathematics, physics, chemistry and biology. You will have enjoyed objective problem solving and being able to sift through information in order to draw conclusions. You will have enjoyed experimenting and working with formulae.

Careers in this category: astronomer, bacteriologist, botanist, chemist, dietitian, mathematician, microbiologist, physicist, surgeon, computer scientist

Literary

You are attracted by carrers involving words, ideas and communication. You will be happy reading or writing a lot – probaly both. Other interests or activities might also appeal, but these can be saved for leisure time. It is with a literary activity that you want to spend most of your time.

If you have not been engaged in literary events hitherto, it is possible that your self-awareness has changed. Perhaps now is the time to find out whether you have any talent. Some people have produced a first novel after retirement.

Careers in this category are: actoractress, editor, historian, interpreter, journalist, language teacher, librarian, literary critic, novelist, proof reader

Research and Literary

You may be able to combine these preferences in a career which fuses science with art. In this case, you are likely to be high qualified: you will be one of the lucky few who are very highly specialised and for whom there are careers available. Most careers will be in an academic or educational environment. If your background is in research you may also have a literary talent which allows you to write about your subject. Additioanl personal skills would be required if you are to be successful in presenting your work to others as a lecturer or trainer.

Careers in this category are: anthropologist, archaelogist, information scientist, science writer, technical writer.

I found that the test result are indeed very true for myself, not only 6 years ago, but even until today it remains true. Today I am a system analyst, but that is not my final destination. I have something else that I wanted to achieve. I wanted to be a writer. I wanted to further my study in master degree. I wanted to be an entrepreneur. I know that I need to focus on one at a time.

Knowing yourself is important. It helps you to keep focus on your lifelong journey.

When applying to colleges andor universities, it is best to do so as early as possible. The earlier you apply, the better chances you will have of being accepted into your program of interest. As expected, many college courses fill up quickly, which is why early applications often stand a better chance of acceptance.

Before applying to certain colleges andor universities, it is a good idea to review their freshman enrollment requirements. These requirements generally pertain to anyone who has graduated from high school within the past five years. Beyond that, required high school courses are not as highly considered due to the fact that so much time has passed. Therefore, even if you did not take the necessary high school courses, you may be able to attend the college of your choice if you are willing to wait for five or more years before enrolling.

Almost every college andor university charges an application fee when applying. This fee is generally very reasonable and is often less than 50.00. This is a non-refundable fee, which is not refunded for any reason including a denial of acceptance. Applications to colleges andor universities will often be under advisement for several weeks. At that time, the school will either send a letter of congratulations or one of denial.

Many modern colleges and universities have websites and even allow applications to be submitted online. This is believed to speed up the application process and may result in a quicker decision than if submitted by mail. In the case of online applications, the application fee will generally be charged to a major credit card. If you do not have a credit card, you may have to mail your application along with a check or money order. It is important to remember that, under no circumstances, should you ever send cash through the mail.

Once you receive the college or universitys acceptance, if applicable, it will be time to begin plans for enrollment. Many do not know this, but there is a big difference between acceptance and enrollment. Being accepted does not automatically mean the student is enrolled as this is just another step in the quest for a college education. During enrollment, a class schedule will be granted and, if requested, a campus room will be assigned. There are a number of living arrangements for college students, which may include on-campus housing, living with roommates, living alone or living at home with family. Living on campus is not a requirement of colleges or universities, but it does make for an easier commute to and from class.

If you are looking for a job in the UK, whether as a foreigner wishing to relocate, or as a British national, you may find yourself faced with having to fill in a job application form.

What is the difference between an application form and a CV?

When designing your CV, you can choose the layout and, more importantly, what to include and what not to include. For example, if you have been working for more than 10 years, it is common to include only the last 10 years experience on a CV, or if you have changed career, to include only the experience and training relevant to the post for which you are applying. However, in the interests of equal opportunities, a job application form requires every applicant to fill in all of their work and educational experience.

In addition, you will usually be asked to fill in a large blank sheet of paper sometimes referred to as the supporting statement. The directions at the top of this page will ask you to explain why you are suitable for the job. In other words, you must produce a detailed piece of writing selling yourself to the company. This is something which causes panic in many applicants and unfortunately the formula for writing this isnt taught at school or university.

However, there is a standard approach to writing the supporting statement. First of all, read all the instructions. As well as the information at the top of each page, you will be sent guidelines on how to complete the form. You should read these very carefully and make sure that you follow them exactly. Some companies will ask you to set out the information in a precise way, such as using specific headings, whereas others will allow you to use your own format.

In the latter case, you should use the job description as your guide. Take each of the points in turn and write a short paragraph highlighting your experience in this area. You should use examples, rather than just saying that you have excellent communication skills. Where possible, use figures to illustrate your achievements, such as increased sales by 25% in my first month. Use bullets and strong, active verbs to give your application punch.

Write your supporting statement on a separate piece of paper first. Be sure to edit and proofread and when you are satisfied, write it on a photocopy of the original to make sure it will fit. In some cases, you are permitted to add an extra sheet, but only do this if absolutely necessary, that is, if you cant abbreviate your statement and the additional information is crucial to the application. If you find you have only a few extra lines, go back and cut out anything unnecessary. Remember, employers are busy and dont want to read pages and pages of information unless it is highly relevant. Your task is to show them, as concisely as possible, that you are suitable for the job and that you should be on the interview shortlist.

Waller Jamison 2006

For many people the thought of finding an ideal overseas assignment and then relocating abroad for a few years is a dream.

For a few people that dream actually becomes a reality.

So whats the difference between those who dream about making it happen and those who actually find work abroad and experience a whole new exciting lifestyle away from home?

Application thats what!

Application in the form of applying oneself to the task of finding suitable work abroad, and application in the form of the CV, resume and covering letter sent to suitable employers and recruitment agencies

Applying yourself: -

If you want something in life, experience should tell you that you have to go out there and get it for yourself. Opportunity seldom knocks on the door quick enough for any of us; therefore if you dream of working abroad you need to start looking for suitable vacancies in your overseas location of choice.

If you speak a foreign language you might be drawn to countries where they speak that language because you will have an obvious advantage over other overseas candidates. If on the other hand speaking English is your only linguistic skill you should either look at opportunities in English speaking countries or target countries like Dubai in the United Arab Emirates where the business language is English and where there are a plethora of job vacancies.

Whichever country you settle on you can use the internet to search for employment offers, recruitment agencies and potentially suitable employers based in that country, and you can then begin contacting them one by one.

Making an application: -

To get anywhere in life it is sometimes necessary to put yourself forward and if youre looking for work overseas youre going to have to put yourself forward to be noticed in the form of an online application or CVresume and covering letter.

Because your CV will be your initial contact with any recruiter it has to represent you in the best possible light possible.

This means that your resume and covering letter have to be well written; if youre applying in a language other than your mother tongue you should consider paying for a professional translation to be done because recruiters hate receiving poorly put together job applications. In their view someone who cannot be bothered to make the maximum effort with their personal CV probably cannot be bothered to do a good job full stop and are therefore hardly worth considering for employment. Therefore it is up to you to put together the most well written, compelling and interesting application for employment possible.

Dont fill out your CV or covering letter with lots of flowery embellishment, be succinct and to the point. You should illustrate why you think should be considered for employment with examples of relevant experience you have and you should ensure you supply details of qualifications you have, referees who can supply personal and employment references and you should include all your personal contact information.

Finally, having targeted employers and recruitment agencies and having made the best application for employment possible, you should follow up your application and remain proactive and relentless in your search for that ideal overseas assignment. After all, only those who live their dreams have a chance of true fulfilment.