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EURES
Job hunting
Applying for jobs in Switzerland
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Job hunting
Internet, especially online job portals Regional employment centres (RAV) EURES advisors Job advertisements in local and national
newspapers Private recruitment agencies Personal network of contacts
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European Employment Services
www.ec.europa.eu / your (EURES website)www.eures.ch (EURES Switzerland website)www.ch.ch (information about Switzerland – several links)www.bfm.admin.ch (Federal Office for Migration)www.sbfi.admin.ch (State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation - Recognition of qualifications)www.alle-immobilien.ch (flat hunting in Switzerland)www.treffpunkt-arbeit.ch (job hunting in Switzerland)www.swissstaffing.ch (membership list of staffing agencies)www.lohnrechner.ch (calculation of take-home pay)www.comparis.ch (health insurance comparisons)
Web links for Switzerland
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Web links for Switzerland
www.seco.admin.ch (homepage, State Secretariat for Economic Affairs)www.publicjobs.ch (public administration jobs)www.treffpunkt-arbeit.ch/dateien/Broschuere/b_rav.pdf (booklet ”How to apply for jobs”, in German)www.verbaende.ch (trade umbrella organisations)www.schaufenster.ch jobs (the top 100 companies in Switzerland)www.tel.search.ch (company addresses)
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Job advertisements
Figures as at October 2011
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Job advertisements
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Applying for a job
• Personal letter of application• CV in table-like format• Work certificates• Vocational diplomas• Degree certificates• Training and continuing education certificates
A written application is the standard, expected practice
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Applications
Writing effectively
• Your application should be personalised• It should be tailored specifically to the company to which
you are applying
• Send CV together with a cover letter (letter of application)• No formalities • Cover letters should neither repeat details on the CV nor
contain overworked phrases. Rather:
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Applications
Application documents = Business card
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Applications
There are two types of applications:
• Replying to an advertisement
• Unsolicited application
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Sample application in reply to job advertisement
Your advertisement for a Town Bailiff in the Emmen News
Dear Ms Sänger,
Your advertisement describes an exciting and varied job position for a responsibly minded self-starter. In addition, the town of Kriens is known as a pleasant, up-and-coming area in which to work. That is reason enough for me to take an interest in the change of direction represented by your job offer.
I believe that my profile corresponds to this position as I have broad experience that includes people skills and administrative matters. After twenty years of educational work, I am intent on pursuing "something new". Furthermore, I am willing to relocate to Kriens.
I would be delighted to learn more about your administration and this job position, as well as meeting existing staff. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Yours sincerely,
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Sample unsolicited application
The motto on your homepage:Personalised advice, quality service and reliability
Dear Mr Liechte,
Your company is already familiar to me from my previous jobs. Through the purchase of your products I got to know you as a reliable supplier with competent personnel. Because I have the impression the motto on your homepage is a reality, I would be interested in your company as a potential employer.
I am looking to broaden my experience in electrical engineering and customer service, and would also like to take on more responsibility. I offer a wide range of skills and would gladly consider pursuing new avenues. The following keywords indicate the direction in which I see my work heading: A responsible individual oriented to organisational tasks, offering team leadership, instruction and training in the areas of:
Installation, commissioning, spare-parts management, service provision and customer trainingContract and warranty issuesPurchasing and sales (support)
My enclosed CV shows that this application rests on a broad foundation. Since I am not under time pressure, I can wait, should you indeed find this enquiry into employment at your company to be of interest. In any case, I would be delighted to discuss the matter further with you. Should you not object I will call you next week so that we can discuss possibilities.
Yours sincerely,
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Applications
References Job huntingMs G. Sperisen, Personnel ManagerGrossengasse 144052 BaselTel: (061) 212 16 17
Müller AGMs. D. Müller, CEOMoosmattstr. 24Tel: 061 522 21 50
Meier AGMr P. Meier, Head of Human ResourcesRiedweg 174055 ReinachTel: 061 311 31 97
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Ten successful interview rules
1. Carefully prepare for the meeting
2. Enjoy the fact that you are being offered an opportunity to have a worthwhile discussion with an interesting person
3. Approach the interview with confidence right from the start.Greet the person by name. Offer a firm handshake and a friendly smile. Keep it short and simple: natural small-talk works best
4. If you feel insecure, work on your "first impression". If you give a good first impression, and this is conveyed back to you, then you will act more confidently during the rest of the interview
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Ten successful interview rules
4. Focus on the first four minutes. Research has shown that these four minutes are decisive as to whether you are perceived as likeable or unlikeable.
5. Be a good, attentive listener. Maintain eye contact with the person interviewing you. Express interest in the issues facing the company, especially those within the remit of the interviewer.
6. Never interrupt
7. Ask questions
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Ten successful interview rules
8. Respect the amount of time available to the interviewer. Watch out for signs of impatience. If so, cut short your questions.
9. Try to be neither humble nor arrogant, neither too rigid nor over-familiar. Rather, talk in a manner in which you would converse with a business partner. You are not there to beg for a job but as someone with something to offer.
10. And again, the most important point: Do not settle for simply answering questions - use this
opportunity to "sell yourself"
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EURES - Portal
Where to find more information?
2) EURES Switzerland
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Merci pour l'attention!
Vielen Dank für die Aufmerksamkeit!
Grazia fitg per l'attenziun!
Grazie per l'attenzione!
Thanks for listening
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