CEL 2106

COMMUNICATION FOR PROFESSIONAL

DEVELOPMENT

SEMESTER 2, 2019/20

MATERIAL 1 (WEEK 1):

ENTERING THE
JOB MARKET

1
INTRODUCTION

Before you step into the job market, it is very crucial that you are equipped with the
right knowledge and information regarding the path that you plan to take. Searching for
a job is a process, and it can sometimes be a lengthy one. There are a few vital steps
and preparations to be done in the process of job searching.

Firstly, it is very important to know possible jobs that may fit an applicant’s
personalities, skills and knowledge. It may not entirely be based on an applicant’s field
of study, but other criteria like interests, skills and values can be taken into account
in opting for a job.

Activity 1

Fill in the chart below and pick jobs that may fit well with your criteria.

Assess yourself

Career-related
Skills Personal values
interests

Possible job(s)

2
Discussion

How can you use the information above in searching for jobs?

The next step after determining a suitable job is to prepare for the job searching
process.

Activity 2

Identify the steps to be done in job searching process based on the pictures below.

Step

3
Discussion

1. From the four steps above, which is the most crucial in the job searching
process? Justify.

2. Why is it important to have both written and video resumes nowadays?

Once all the necessary preparations have been done, an applicant can now look for
job vacancies. Vacancies can be found in many sources.

Activity 3

With a partner, discuss possible sources of job vacancies in Malaysia.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

4
 Analysing Commonly Used Words and Phrases in Job
Advertisements and Inferring their Meaning

Apart from preparing yourself in job searching process, it is also essential to analyse the
commonly used words and phrases in job advertisements. Certain words and phrases are
repeated frequently because it is hard to encapsulate a job, company, and desired qualities
of an employee in a short space. However, do not dismiss these keywords just because of
overuse – the words and phrases in job advertisements can provide so much insight into
the role, culture, expectation and company.

Activity 4
Listed below are some of the commonly used words in advertisements. With a partner,
try to infer the meaning of the words. Use the internet to find two more words.

Keyword Inferred Meaning Expected role/company

culture
e.g: A person that takes note of The company does not
Detailed-oriented every detail and ensures tolerate carelessness
that all the works are error- and expects work to
free before submission. always be perfect.
1. Self-starter

2. Goal-oriented

3. Flexible

4. Dynamic

5.

6.

5
Activity 5

Analyse the given advertisement. List down important keywords found in the
advertisement. Then, reflect whether you have the right quality to apply for the position.

6
Keywords Do I have this quality? (Yes/No) Why?

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.