XXX University
Analysis of Work Placement Vacancy
There are many skills that are needed when evaluating a work placement vacancy with the first step being to see how many of the qualifications that you meet. If you do not meet the required qualifications, then there is no need to apply for the position. As an example, if the positions calls for a Bachelor’s Degree and you do not have that degree, you do not meet the requirements that are required for the position (Joyce and Joyce, 2014). While this may seem like an unnecessary statement, many people overlook the obvious when applying for positions.
The next consideration is whether or not the position looks like a job that you as an individual would enjoy doing. The majority of jobs require a minimum of 8 hours a day, which means that at least half of your waking hours will involve being at work. As an example, as an assistant project manager, the position requires the management of a team as well as working in a team environment (Careers-valdezicorp.icims.com, 2016). If the individual applying for the position does no enjoy working in a team environment, this would not be a good fit.
There must also be an understanding of how the organization desires the candidate to apply for the position. Many organizations require a candidate to fill out an online application first. In this manner, the Human Resource Manager can view the application to ensure the candidate meets all requirements for the position (Uweccareerservices.org, 2016). The next step of the process may involve the Human Resource Manager contacting the candidate to set up a telephone interview followed by a face to face interview. There are also times when an organization may require a skills assessment test which can be performed online right from the candidate’s computer. The process is set by the individual organization.
It is also necessary for the candidate to ensure that the position is a real job for a real employer. In today’s marketplace, there are all types of job scams placed by people who simply desire to collect personal information to be used in non-legitimate ways (Uweccareerservices.org, 2016). The candidate seeking the job can use a search engine to ensure that the company is legitimate and can also confirm that the posting has been listed by the company.
My Skills Assessment for the Position of Assistant Project Manager
In looking at the job description for an Assistant Project Manager, (Indeed.com, 2016), major requirements include ensuring that the warehouse is maintained in a clean and orderly fashion and that employees follow all company safety procedures to include training. I meet the first two qualifications but would need to learn each employee’s position in order to have the ability to train the employees. This means that I would need to be trained in order to fill the gap for this position.
The position also calls for the maintaining of the warehouse relative to inventory, accomplish warehouse operations, communicate job expectations, planning, monitoring, appraising, and appraising job results, planning and reviewing compensation actions, and the enforcing of policies and procedures. Production goals and priorities need to be discussed with the General Manager to ensure correct implementation. Human Resource responsibilities must be performed for subordinate staff, as well as communication with the customer and staff.
My skill set meets the needed qualifications; however, new responsibilities would need to be learned to include working efficiently to meet the needs of the position and the organization. Working with the General Manager will require my ability to listen effectively thereby ensuring that I follow instructions in excellence. Filling the gap will involve my ability to learn new skills and to be an effective communicator.
Skills Based CV
While many people are familiar with a resume, there are some differences between a resume and a Curricula Vitae (CV). A resume is viewed as a general and brief introduction of an individual’s experiences and skills as those experiences and skills relate to the position that the individual is seeking (The Writing Center at UNC-Chapel Hill, 2016). This document is usually one page but can be two pages. The resume is most often accompanied by a cover letter which provides a record of the transmittal of the resume.
The CV is a more detailed document as it covers the individual’s life accomplishments to include any accomplishments relative to academia. This document is viewed as a living document that is frequently updated. The typical CV for an individual beginning a career can be from two to three pages while a more seasoned individual’s CV can be many pages. Information within the different sections is organized chronologically (Bates.edu, 2016)
The Skills Based CV which is sometimes called the functional CV is skills based thereby promoting the individual’s skills and achievements in three to six functional headings. The reason for this is that the focus of the skills based CV is on the individual’s transferable skills and experience versus job titles, companies, and the time frame taken for the individual to gain that experience (Nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk, 2016). Any experience that the individual has gained whether as an employee or a volunteer should be included within the CV.
The Cover Letter
Many have asked the question concerning whether or not a cover letter is needed when applying for a position; however, according to Martin (2016) a well written cover letter is very important and is viewed as even more important than an impressive resume. The cover letter unveils the individual’s work ethic and attention to detail which is most important to a future employer. Since the cover letter should be tailored to the position, this is one way in which Martin (2016) weeds out candidates for positions. The cover letter allows the candidate to communicate the experience and skills that have been gained over the years and how those experiences and skills are relevant to the position that the candidate is applying. This is just another way in which the candidate can reveal important assets to include attention to detail and effective communication
The Importance of Goals
No matter what an individual may be planning, it is important to set goals in order to meet the challenge. Setting goals is of importance because those goals will enable the individual to move forward with a plan thereby accomplishing the goal (Me, 2016). Being strategic in planning goals also enables success. A SMART goal is a strategic goal planning process that enables and individual’s continued success.
SMART Goals
SMART Goals enable a strategic plan to the goal setting process (Mindtools, 2016):
S = Specific – If the planned goal is not specific, how will the individual be able to measure the goal? This plan enables the individual to decide what is to be achieved, when the goal is to be achieved, how the goal is to be achieved, and defines exactly when the goal is to be achieved;
M = Measurable – This process enables the planner to identify exactly what has been done to accomplish the goal with a metric thereby enabling the defining of the goal with clear objectives;
A = Attainable – The plan is to attain the goal which means that the individual must ensure that the goal can be achieved. Let’s face it, if the planner does not have the time or the talent that is needed to reach the goal, the plan has already failed;
R = Relevant – This part of the goal setting process is what the planner has to ensure. The goal being relevant involves ensuring that the skill set, needed resources, and any other details are in place; and
T = Timely – A tentative plan needs to be in place with a step by step plan. Time is of the essence because any goal must have a set time to be accomplished.
This is an excellent process that can be used throughout life with great success once the individual setting the plan understands the process.
My personal goals at this time include completing my present degree and then possibly pursing an advanced degree. Goals will be set after I complete the first phase of my plan. A professional career in management is my long term goal. Please review my CV and Cover Letter listed below.
Cover Letter and CV
24 June 2016
RE: Assistant Project Manager (298-209) Attention: Human Resource Manager
I am very interested in the position of Assistant Project Manager. I believe my background and experiences enable me to quickly adapt to the Aleut methodology. My resume is enclosed for your review. Of particular interest is my experience in working with team members creating a positive working environment. I am an effective communicator with the ability to ensure that all policies and procedures are obeyed while also meeting organizational goals. I have also gained experience in teaching others by assisting my classmates in performing college assignment.
If you are seeking a talented individual who is 100% committed to the organization and who is as career-committed as it takes to achieve total success, then please consider what I have to offer. I would be happy to have a preliminary discussion with you or members of your team to see if we can establish a mutual interest.
Thank you for your attention to these materials. I certainly look forward to exploring this further.Very truly yours,
Bibliography
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Indeed.com. (2016). Assistant Project Manager - LCJV job - Crescent Resources LLC-Peterson AFB (LCJV) - Colorado Springs, CO. [online] Available at: http://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=84cc4978ec0c4c0c&q=Assistant+Project+Manager&l=Colorado+Springs%2C+CO&tk=1am19tlb7aff28jd&from=web [Accessed 24 Jun. 2016].
Joyce, S. and Joyce, S. (2014). How to analyze a job description before submitting your application - Idealist Careers. [online] Idealist Careers. Available at: http://idealistcareers.org/how-to-analyze-a-job-description-before-submitting-your-application/ [Accessed 24 Jun. 2016].
Martin, E. (2016). Why One Executive Says Your Cover Letter Is More Important Than Your Résumé. [online] Business Insider. Available at: http://www.businessinsider.com/why-cover-letters-are-important-2014-9 [Accessed 24 Jun. 2016].
Mindtools.com. (2016). Personal Goal Setting: Planning to Live Your Life Your Way. [online] Available at: https://www.mindtools.com/page6.html [Accessed 24 Jun. 2016].
Me, K. (2016). On The Importance Of Goal Setting: 6 Reasons Why You Need To Set Goals. [online] Keepinspiring.me. Available at: http://www.keepinspiring.me/why-you-need-to-set-goals/ [Accessed 24 Jun. 2016].
Nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk. (2016). What's a functional CV format? | National Careers Service. [online] Available at: https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/advice/getajob/cvs/Pages/cvfunctional.aspx [Accessed 24 Jun.
The Writing Center at UNC-Chapel Hill. (2016). Curricula Vitae (CVs) versus Resumes. [online] Available at: http://writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/curricula-vitae-cvs-versus-resumes/ [Accessed 24 Jun. 2016].
Uweccareerservices.org. (2016). Analyzing a Position Description. [online] Available at: http://www.uweccareerservices.org/resume_guide/relevant/pd.html [Accessed 24 Jun. 2016].
Bates.edu. (2016). What is the Difference between a Curriculum Vitae and a Resume? | Career Development Center | Bates College. [online] Available at: http://www.bates.edu/career/students/advanced-studies-graduate-and-professional-school-advising/graduate-school/what-is-the-difference-between-a-curriculum-vitae-and-a-resume/ [Accessed 24 Jun. 2016].
