Introduction

Your answers to the types of questions found on application forms such as those given in the Self-Analysis section will probably be influenced by what you know about yourself, the company you are applying to, who the likely readers are and what they are looking for. This section will give you practice in understanding more about the company and the job.

• Analysing a Job Advertisement
• Researching Company Information
• Meeting Company Reqirements
• The Hong Kong context

Analysing a Job Advertisement

Read through the job advert for Dun & Bradstreet and write down (or underline or highlight if you have printed this page) the personal qualities that this company appears to be looking for in fresh graduates.

DUN & BRADSTREET As a large U.S. Corporation established in New York in 1841 with offices in over 40 countries, we have developed a global network that makes us a World Leader in business solution services. To further strengthen our growing business, we are inviting high calibre candidates to apply for the position of BUSINESS ANALYST TRAINEE Responsible for data collection and compilation of Business Information Reports. University graduate or F.7 graduate with 1 year's working experience preferably in business field. Good in written & spoken English, fluent Cantonese. Able to meet tight deadlines and work under pressure. Good communication skills with business people at all levels e.g. in an interview situation. Outgoing personality, persevering and willing to learn. We offer competitive benefits package which include: Medical & Dental Benefits, Provident Fund and Housing Allowance to suitable candidates. Please send your application together with your resume, contact phone no., present and expected salary to: The Human Resources Manager, Dun & Bradstreet (HK) Ltd., 12/F, K. Wah Center, 191 Java Road, North Point, Hong Kong, OR by fax to fax no. 25626053, OR by Email to hrd@dbis.com.hk South China Morning Post, Saturday 15th Nov 1997

Researching Company Information

Visit the Dun & Bradstreet website at http://www.dnb.com. Work with some friends to discuss questions a) to c) and produce written work for d) and e).

1. What is the overall company image?
2. How is the company image presented visually?
3. How does the written language reinforce this image?
4. Produce a summary of the corporate image and a list of key language elements that reflect it.
5. Deduce from the images presented the kind of candidates that the company will be looking for and produce a list of things the company can do for you and you can do for the company.

Meeting Company Reqirements

Using the information from the section on the Hong Kong Context about what Hong Kong companies are looking for in potential new employees, compare the qualities from those lists with the list for your own characteristics that you produced in the Self-Analysis Section and the one from Dun & Bradstreet list you have just produced?

When you have prepared yourself enough, write a cover letter applying for the position at Dun & Bradstreet.