In Austria, a female migrant, a married mother of three children, has found a job ad in office administration that seems to fit her qualifications and needs: it is a part-time vacancy at an engineering company that exports its products globally. Qualifications required include graduation from secondary school, basic bookkeeping knowledge, ICT (Information and Communication Technology) skills, English language skills, team competence, as well as motivation. The migrant is sure she can meet these requirements but insecure about how to prepare appropriate application documents.
I have found my dream job! Have a look at this job ad. It fits perfectly.
“Wanted: Administrative assistant”. Why do you like it?
This is exactly the job I was doing before. So, I know what’s expected. And the employer is a big, renowned company. I’m sure they pay well…
I see. It is an engineering company that exports worldwide, with 500 employees, 200 million € turnover, headquarters here in our city.
Yes, and they are looking for a part-time assistant. You know I have three children, so 20 hours a week would be ideal. My husband could look after the kids when I work.
Let’s check the job profile. Required qualifications: secondary school certificate, work experience in the office, basic bookkeeping knowledge, ICT skills, English language skills…
I meet all these requirements: After school, I worked in an office as a secretary for five years.. I am good at numbers, and I am good at using the PC. I know the most common office programmes. English as a working language is no problem; I have worked in an international company before… It would be nice to practice my English at work again.
Often employers appreciate soft skills as much as qualifications. Here they particularly ask for ability to work in a team, and a high level of motivation.
I know. I am a good team player and enjoy working together with colleagues. And I really am keen to work!
Fine, please be as convincing as you are now if you are invited to a job interview! But be aware, there will be a lot of applicants so don’t be frustrated if you don’t get a positive response.
I’m not sure if I can write an application that is good enough. It’s difficult to do that in a foreign language.
Don’t worry; this is what my colleagues and I are here for. Of course, we will support you in preparing the application documents: a professional cover letter, a convincing CV, and of course, all the certificates you have.
Thank you very much. I can also provide a reference from my former company. They were very pleased with my performance.
Excellent, employers take such references very seriously! And if you are invited to present yourself, we will practice this before in a mock interview: I will play the employer and ask you….