A. Resume writing basics.
CV, curriculum vitae
Your resume is the first impression you will make on a potential employer.
We can look at the resume as a powerful selling tool such as a marketing brochure.
Your resume has less than a minute!!! To catch a recruiter's attention,
Therefore, writing effective resume can give you opportunity to stand out from the crowd and be invited for an interview.
A rule of thumb is to stick to a one page resume. Employers need only see a snapshot of your background - something that will make them want to learn more about you. However, if you have had a number of years of experience specific to the job you are applying for, two pages are also acceptable.
When putting together your resume, evaluate the needs of the employer and then determine how you can fill those needs. It's very common to design a targeted resume for every job for which you apply. Use a simple font Avoid columns and tabs and other spacing adjustments. Also avoid bold, italics, script, graphics, borders and underlining.
A resume should include the following parts:
- Personal Data -at the top of the resume begin with: Your name, complete mailing address and telephone number(s). Date of birth, marital status (In Ukraine, like in other European countries, prospective employers expect a CV to provide a clear, complete picture of the potential employee;
- Objective - The objective is a short sentence describing what type of work you hope to obtain;
- Education - summarize your education, including important facts (degree type, specific courses studied) that are applicable to the job you are applying for;
- Work experience - begins work experience with your recent job, including the:
- Company specifics, your responsibilities. Focus on the skills you have identified as transferable.
- Continue to list all of your work experience, job by job, progressing back wards in time.
*A short period of employment might raise a lot of questions. On the other hand, you should never lie on your resume. Rather than include specific dates on your resume, include only years. For example, for each job you list, state the years or year that encompassed your tenure there.
- Languages spoken - begin with your mother tongue .for each languages you should write the level (advanced, elementary, intermediate) ;
- Computer knowledge -programming languages known or software used;
Level of knowledge (professional or user)
- Additional skills - here you should include any other information that might interest a potential employer;
- Finish with the phrase: REFERENCES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST
B. Cover letters.
Anytime a resume is sent by mail it must be accompanied by a cover letter. The resume is an impersonal description of your qualifications, much like a product brochure. The cover letter is your opportunity to personalize your resume and target your skills to that specific employer.
COVER LETTER FORMATS
Dear Mr. /Ms. ______________________:
First Paragraph: State the reason for writing. Name the specific position or type of work for which you're applying. Mention how you learned of the opening.
Second Paragraph: Explain why you're interested in working for this employer and specify how you're PERFECT for this position. Don't repeat the information on your resume. Include something special or unique about yourself that will benefit the employer. Remember, the reader will consider this an example of your writing skills.
Third Paragraph: Mention your resume is enclosed and indicate your desire to meet with the employer. Be sure to communicate your plan to follow-up.
Finally, thank the employer for his/her time.
Sincerely
C. Job interview.
'There will be no second chance
For a good first impression'
Interviews are stressing but they're much better when you're prepared. . Most people make up their mind about you in the first few minutes, so first impressions are all-important. If you can make people feel positive about you as soon as you enter the room, the whole interview will be a lot easier.
Observe basic etiquette, dress to impress for work interviews, smart and crease -free.
Smile, make eye contact and shake hands with the interviewer Use a clear and confident voice
Etiquette calls for listening politely to the interviewer, letting him or her finish speaking without interruption, and maintaining a cordial atmosphere. Avoid the temptation to talk too much. Be aware of your body language try to sit up straight. Be positive, even if your last job was the pits, if asked for your reasons for leaving, don't let a negative word pass your lips forward makes you appear attentive and enthusiastic - being slumped conveys boredom.
Be there! Dates set for interviews should be kept. Cancellations and postponements do not create an impression of reliability.
Work on your fluency. It's important to polish your languages and be ready to express yourself well, in an appropriate style and tone.
Types of interview.
A series of one-to-one interviews with different people.
1) Unstructured: This is where an employer might ask you questions about your interests, your educational background, your previous work experience and any other subject that they feel is important in their organization or to the job.
2) Structured interview: These are where an employer will ask you about your skills, knowledge and experience in areas that relate to the job you are being interviewed for. Employers want to get an idea of whether you have the necessary skills to do the job. Example question
'Give me an example of a time when you have had to plan and organize your own work.'
3) Interview by a 'panel' - usually about two to four people. Intimidating, but common. Listen when the interviewers introduce themselves and try to remember their names. This will help you make a connection when you are talking to them. Answer the person who asked you the question, as trying to eyeball everyone will just leave you looking confused.
4) A presentation. Common for jobs like sales where you'll be making presentations to clients or colleagues.
5) Group activities- role-playing& assessment centers .These simulate the types of situations you might find yourself in. What will employers are looking for? How good your communication skills are when expressing your views to others, your ability to cooperate and accommodate others' needs, views and skills in order to achieve a goal. (Join in without being bossy).
Assessment centers normally last between half a day and two days. Employers use them to gain a range of information about your mental agility, your personality, your skills and experience.
Sample of common Job Interview Questions.
These questions will help you prepare for your next job interview.
* Tell me about yourself (leave out the life history; this is a chance to show them you're normal and break the ice).
* Why do you want this job? (Enthuse about how your skills are perfect match).
* What are your long term goals? (Keep them relevant to the job you're after. Ambition is a good quality so don't hold back).
* What can you bring to this job/ company? (Highlight your relevant skills, strengths, experience and qualities).
* What are your strengths/ weaknesses? (Confidently state two or three strengths that match the job and one 'positive' weakness, like: I'd like to have more skills and training in ____ area").
* What do you enjoy most/least? (It should be relevant to the job. What you enjoy least should be something you have no power over, such as those days when you achieve very little due to cancellations, interruptions and circumstances beyond your control. However, let them know that, although you dislike it, you can handle it).
* What's your greatest achievement so far? (Keep it relevant to the job).
* What would you like to be better at? (let them know you're open to developing your skills in relevant areas).
* How would your colleagues describe you? (Don't be bigheaded, but don't put yourself down. Be honest and try to use real positive examples from your last appraisal with a college coach).
* What do you know about our business? (Show them you've done your research).
* What type of decisions do you make in your current position?
* Give us an example of your ability to make decisions under pressure.
* Why did you make a career change?
* Why do you want to leave your current position?
* How does your experience qualify you for this job?
* How does your education qualify you for this job?
* How do you deal with conflict? Tell us about a situation in which you were required to work with people at various levels within your organization? What was the most important step that you took to work effectively with these people?
* Tell us about an incident in which you dealt with an irate customer, which would demonstrate your ability to work effectively with others?
* How do you handle difficult people?
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