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WHERE TO START?
Start at
the beginning. If you look at any Resume (or CV), you will have noticed
that generally you are asked to provide information about yourself
under three headings. These are your Education/Training
qualifications, your Employment record (and for those of you
still in education this means any part time work while studying).
Finally you are asked for information about your Hobbies/Sports.
In addition some people insert a short profile about themselves.
The first
thing you should do before embarking on any job search is to list as
much information about yourself as possible under those headings. The
object is to compile a Master Resume, which will be for your own
use only. From this Master you can produce an individual Resume to suit
a particular purpose
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WHAT
IS AN EMPLOYER LOOKING FOR?
It may surprise you to know that an employer is looking for more than
your formal educational qualifications. Your
SPM, STPM, O Levels, degree and any other relevant qualifications are
important of course, however they are not always enough when applying for
a job vacancy.
Employers are
looking for the "rounded person" one with the
personality and qualities to compliment the academic qualifications.
The type of qualities or skills that are looked for include: -
1.
Someone who
can work as part of a team.
2.
A good Time Keeper
3.
Some one with good written and verbal communications
skills.
4.
Flexibility
5.
Confident and self-motivated
6.
Good self discipline, plus an ability to listen to
and act on instructions given
7.
Must have pride in a job well done
8.
A willingness to keep learning
9.
Being able to think for themselves and do things
without being told to do them
How many of
these skills or qualities do you have?
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WHY
IS THERE A VACANCY?
Have you ever
stopped to ask yourself why there is a vacancy with a particular
company?
The answers
are varied but include the following,
- Increased business so the company is expanding
- To replace a member of staff who is leaving or
left.
- Specialist required.
- Promoted staff need
replacing.
Whatever the
reason a vacancy has arisen and YOU are the person to fill it.
The employer is looking for the right person to help propel the
business forward; YOU are that person. Think positive at all
times. Remember the employer needs you as much as you need him/her.
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THE
STEP BY STEP APPROACH TO FINDING THAT JOB
There are usually three main steps. 1) The sending off of your Resume.
2) The completion of an Application Form and 3) finally the Interview.
Resume + Application form + Interview = Selected for the vacancy.
Your Resume
Many people make the mistake of having only one resume or CV, in fact
more than one is necessary. You should have a master copy with
all your details on it and from it you can produce a resume tailored to
a particular vacancy. Treat a resume like a fisherman uses bait to
catch a fish. The objective is to tailor your resume to a particular
vacancy in order to be invited to an interview. Always remember that
your resume will not get you a job however it should get you an
interview for the job.
Not only is it your marketing tool to sell yourself to an employer, it
also allows the employer to see what you can offer and you control the
content. While you should always tell the truth in a resume, you should
also portray a positive image of yourself. First impressions are very
important.
To ensure that
the impression you create is a favourable one, your Resume should:
- Be well thought out and to the point
- Extend to no more than 2 pages
- Be free of errors
- Contain no handwritten corrections
- Be produced on good quality paper
- Be easy to read
Things to
include in a Resume/CV:
- Your name, address, phone number, e-mail
address
- Education
- Qualifications
- Employment Experience
- Skills
- Personal Qualities
There is no
one correct style of Resume (CV). Outlined below are two different
approaches:
The
Chronological Resume (CV)
This is the traditional style Resume. Jobs you have done are listed in
reverse chronological order, starting with your present or most recent
job, which should contain the most detail. You should stress your
particular responsibilities in the job and your main achievements.
The amount of
specific detail you give will be determined by its relevance to the job
for which you are applying.
This style may
be useful if:
There have
been no breaks in your employment record
The
vacancy for which you are applying is closely related to your present
or most recent job
The
Functional Resume (CV)
This style focuses on skills and achievements. It can be a useful
approach if:
You have
had a number of different jobs or if there have been any gaps in your
employment record
You have
no relevant experience but over time have acquired skills that would be
useful in the job
You are
changing career direction
If you are
applying for your first job
Your Resume
should be a 'living' document. Keep a copy on file and periodically add
to it information about any new skills, qualifications etc. that you
acquire.
Application Forms
The next stage in the process of securing the job you are seeking is the
completion of the application form. This is important and again some
applicants can slip up by not treating it seriously.
Because many
of the details asked for on an application form are in the resume, some
applicants leave spaces and enclose a second resume or refer the
employer to the original. WRONG. If you do this, your application form
could be rejected.
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Action
to Consider
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Complete the
application form in the detail that is asked for. Write clearly and
in black ink (easier to photocopy). Check your spelling and do not
use slang or other words (or initials) that an employer would not
understand.
Make a copy of the
form you have received and put it in a safe place. Complete the copy
in the first instance. Once you have got it right, complete the
original. This way any mistakes are made on the copy. If you are
applying on line different rules apply
Make sure you
complete every section on the application form. Leaving gaps indicate
to the reader that either you are lazy or that perhaps you have something
to hide. If necessary use the words NO or NOT APPLICABLE (N/A)
If you wish to give
more information than the application form will allow; then continue
on plain paper and attach it to the application form when you send it
off.
Whatever you do, try
not to miss the deadline that the company may have imposed. If you
have a good reason for not making the deadline; then contact the
company and ask for more time.
Never use the name/s
of any referee/s unless you have asked permission.
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Interview
The final stage of the process is the Interview. If
you are invited to attend an interview it is because the employer
believes you can do the job he/she has advertised. This belief is based
on the information contained in your resume and application form. If
you have lied, this is when you will be found out. If you have told the
truth, this is your great opportunity.
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Action
to Consider
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Before the interview
day, you should have found out as much about the Company and the
advertised post as you could.
Ask for a Job
Description if one is not sent to you
Remember the reason
you are there, ie to get the position
Realise you are in
competition with others, You will have to "sell" yourself.
Remember, if you
have got to the Interview stage, you have an excellent chance of
being offered the post.
Realise that you
will have to convince the employer that you are the best candidate.
Make sure you know
the date, time and place of the Interview, plus the name of the
contact person.
Aim to arrive at
least five minutes before your appointment time. This will allow you
to settle down and collect your thoughts
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If for any reason you are going to be late, make sure the person who is
going to interview you is informed.
1.
dress correctly for the occasion.
2.
smile, try to relax and be friendly.
3.
try and maintain normal eye contact with the
interviewer.
4.
answer all questions fully and with confidence.
5.
have some questions of your own to ask.
6.
If you are not sure of a question, ask for it to be
repeated.
Remember when
you went into the interview you had an excellent chance of securing the
vacancy. If you were successful then congratulate yourself and make
preparations for your first day in work. If you were unsuccessful then
ask yourself why?
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Action
to Consider
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Where did you go
wrong? Think about it
Think about your
preparation, was it good enough?
Contact the company
and ask your interviewer why you didn't get the job. The reply you
get (if you get one) will allow you to prepare better for your next interview.
Always remember that if you were unsuccessful, you will have to go
through the whole process again. That being the case the more
feedback you can receive, the better your chances next time.
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