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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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