Contacting the Employer

An important way to gain more information about a position is to phone the contact person listed in the advertisement. The contact person should be able to provide more detailed information about the position, what it involves and the skills and abilities required. Talking to this person is a chance to impress since they are likely to be on the selection panel. You should talk to the contact person before you write your application, because even if you think you understand the job, you may pick up subtle tips that will improve your application.

Listening to conversations

Please open and listen to the following (mp3) sound files.

(If you need audio software, you can download this for free Windows Media Player or Real Audio Player).

• Job Sound Recording 1 - Listen to the first conversation and list the things that were good about the job applicant Marsha's questions. Also list the things that didn’t work and why.
• Job Sound Recording 2 - Listen to the second conversation and compare this to the previous role-play. Was this a better conversation? What could be improved? What worked and what didn’t?
• Job Sound Recording 3 - Listen to the third conversation and compare this to the first two. What was good about this conversation? What information did Marsha get that she didn’t get in the first two conversations?

Questions to ask the contact person

• Why is the position vacant?
• What are the key responsibilities of the position?
• What direction is the organisation/sector taking?
• What are the key obstacles the person in the job may have to face?
• What expectations do you have for this position and the person in it?
• With which people or sections would I be working in this position?
• What is the composition of the workforce?
• What is the organisation’s approach to professional development?
• What is the culture and general atmosphere of the organisation like?
• What are the key priorities for this position in the next 6 months?

How else can I gain further information about the position?

• Website: Obtain an overview of the organisation from its website, particularly documents such as the annual report or business plan, organisational structure, policy documents, strategic plan, newsletters, brochures, media releases or information sheets.
• Staff: Do you or your friends know anyone who has worked there before or knows about the culture of the organisation? Talk to other staff of the organisation – past and present – but exercise care and don’t believe everything you are told.
• Newspaper/Magazine Articles about the organisation can indicate key issues, major policy developments and operational matters. Company publicity material via the website may also be useful.
• Professional associations: Many associations can provide you with detailed information about particular companies or contacts that are members of their association. They can also provide you with valuable information about further study options, professional development and networking events.