“the do’s and don'ts of looking for a job.” · 2008-11-20 · hr inc (cambodia) co., ltd...

“The Do’s and Don'ts of looking for a job.”

Presented by:Sandra D’Amico

Managing DirectorHR Inc (Cambodia) Co., Ltd

Your Human Resource Specialists

HR Inc (Cambodia) Co., Ltd Who we are and what we do

• For employers: Ensuring Employers have…

• The right people, the right skills at the right time

• Recruitment, Training, Consulting Services

• For employees: Ensuring Employees have…

• The right skills and tools to get the job done effectively and efficiently

• Training, Development & Counseling services

• For job seekers: Assisting you….

• To find the right job so you can achieve your career goals

We are a Human Resource Professional Services Company providing HR services to employers, employees and job seekers.

Helping you be the best you can be!

HR Inc (Cambodia) Co., Ltd Recruitment Services

Our recruitment services are designed to assist employers and job seekers to match their needs. We work closely with both parties.

Understand your interests and career goals – where you are now, and where you want to be.Understand what you want to doUnderstand your skill set and abilitiesProvide realistic advice on salary, expectations and career development challenges that you face…

Understand the companyUnderstand the cultureUnderstand the job and the challengesUnderstand the skill set that is requiredUnderstand the responsibilitiesUnderstand the accountabilities…

Job SeekersEmployers

By understanding both the employer and job seeker we help the employer find the right employees at the right time and we help the

job seeker achieve their personal and professional goals!

HR Inc (Cambodia) Co., Ltd Recruitment Services

Helping employers and job seekers is not an easy processes.

Are anxious to find jobs but don’t know how…Are anxious to find good jobs with good salaries but often have unrealistic expectations…Are often not prepared or well equipped for the recruitment process…

Need new employees in a timely manner – often this needs to happen quickly, especially if someone resigns, falls ill or something unexpected happens...Need the right skills at the right time and it is not easy to find the right skills all the time…Need to continue running their organisation while trying to find the right people……

Job SeekersEmployers

If we do not understand the employer and the job seeker, we cannot help either party to achieve their objectives...

Looking for a Job…

…and it is the same challenge every job seeker is faced with.

If you do not understand the employerand the job market, it can be very

difficult to find a job.

What we will learn today…

Applying for jobsEmployer challengesTips and tricks

InterviewingEmployer challengesTips and tricks

Applying for JobsEmployer Challenges: Do you understand the employer?

Depending on the position the employer can receive up to 200 CVs to screen for the position –especially entry level positions.Most CVs the employer receives do not address what the employer advertised or asked for.Many applications have two levels of English: the cover letter and the CV.Many applications arrive with a lot of irrelevant information.…

When an employer is recruiting the HR/Recruitment Department becomes extremely busy.

And the list is very long…

Applying for JobsEmployer Challenges: Do you understand the employer?

This is what the employers say…

“Candidates do not know exactly about the position they are applying for ...”

“Some CVs too short while the others are too long”

“The emails I get are 5MB! with over 10 attachments I didn’t askfor! Please put the cover letter and CV in ONE document.”

“Excessive information which is not relevant to the post”

“They put the wrong company’s address and draw a funny company logo!”

“They get someone else to write their CV and then when you meet them it’s a completely different person!”

“We get so many certificates and we’re not sure how to evaluate them. The most important thing for us is that candidates show their actual ability and work on their CV rather than send us many certificates.”

Applying for JobsHow can you be more effective?

Here are a few things you should do before applying for a job…

KNOW YOURSELF: Do a self assessment to determine your strengths and weaknesses and what you want to do.

Email: [email protected] to get a self assessment form.

What you study is not what you have to becomeHow can your skills be transferred to a profession that you really enjoy and like.

READ THE JOB ANNOUNCEMENT: Try and understand what the employer wants.

One cover letter, one job application

Make sure your CV and cover letter addresses what the employer is looking to recruit

Use your network:Family, friends, professors, teachers to find out more about thecompany so that you can put in a good application.

Make sure your CV has all the relevant information required

Only send the employer what they ask for.

Developing your CVHow to develop your CV

Developing your CV is not an easy task. Start now! It is a document that you will use the rest of your life!

Your CV is often your first introduction to an employer.

Remember that FIRST IMPRESSIONS COUNT.

Your CV is YOUR Marketing Material just like an employer has marketing material.

At HR INC we always advise to have TWO CV’s:A detailed CV representing everything you have ever done professionally.The second CV is developed and tailored to each job you apply for focusing on the skills and strengths your new job mostly requires.


Your CV MUST….

Represent YOU and sell YOUR STRENTHS

Have all the required information the employer

requested

If the job announcement says NO ATTACHMENTS, don’t attach

anything.

Have NO spelling errors

perform a spell and grammar check

Be neat and visually appealing

avoid using excessive font styles and headings

Be HONEST – do not misrepresent facts to get a job!

Be no longer than 3 pages – 2 pages is the norm


START TODAY!

Developing your CV takes time!

Developing your CVRequired information in your CV – part 1

Name, Address, Telephone Number, Email Address

So that people can contact you easily

Objective & summarized skill-set tailored to the job you are applying for*

So that the employer has a “snap shot” of who you are

Education & Training

All education & Training experiences must be included including

What you studied and the course you took or degree you received

Where you studied

Start and end date of study programme

* Not always necessary but professional

Developing your CVRequired information in your CV- part 2

Work ExperienceIncluding start and end datePosition Title & Company NameSummary of company and/or roles and responsibilities*Bullet points on your actual responsibilities

Computer Skills

Interests, Extracurricular & Hobbies

References

Always put a reference when you are a junior job seeker. Never use family or friends.

* Not always necessary but professional

Developing your CVINFORMATION NOT REQUIRED

* These things may lead to discrimination. You can put them on, but it is not necessary.

Your religion

Your marital status

Your age

# of children and family details

Male or female (Discrimination)

Political affiliations

Disability

Photo

Health Status

Developing your CVFormat of your CV

For graduates and junior employees:Education is your strengthKnowing yourself is your strength – a powerful statement about your strengths and who you are is useful for employersPut this type of information first on your CV

For experienced job seekers

Your experience is your strength as you become a more senior professionalPut this information first

Putting the most important information first always helps to ensure you get the employers attention. Your personal information willalways be at the top of your CV for easy reference.

Developing your CVFormat of your CV: Graduate Application

Ms. Sandra D’AMICOEmail: [email protected]: 012 766748Physical Address: #13Bis, Sothearos Blvd, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

PERSONAL STATEMENT / CAREER GOALI am a dynamic individual with an outgoing personality. I enjoy working with people and have excellent communication skills. I have excellent multi tasking skills and am able to apply and adapt myself to different situations easily.

EDUCATION2003 Graduated B.B.A., National University of Management, Cambodia

Major: Management2003 B. Ed, Norton University, Cambodia

Major: Teaching1998 High School Certificate, Samdech Mer High School

OTHER TRAINING COURSES2003 Graduated B.B.A., National University of Management, Cambodia

Major: Management2003 B. Ed, Norton University

WORK EXPERIENCE…………

Developing your CVWHAT NOT TO DO!

Send a 10MB email with a lot of attachments.Zip big files to make them smallerWhen you scan, reduce the quality of the scan to reduce the size.

Don’t send a Cover Letter Attachment and a CV attachment – SEND ONE DOCUMENT or make your email your cover letter.Don’t send all your training course certificates in hard copy unless requested.

Employers typically don’t look at these unless they are accredited e.g. Microsoft, ACCA etc.

There are a few things you shouldn’t do when sending your CV to an employer.

Interviewing Skills

INTERVIEWING SKILLS

Interviewing SkillsWhat employers say

• “They project themselves differently from what they wrote in their CV’s as they do not produce the application letter and CV’s themselves”

• “They come for an interview without knowing certain information about the company e.g. services, products, position they applied for etc.”

• “Most don’t ask questions – it’s important that employees ask questions.”

• “A lot of candidates don’t listen in interviews! The always answer something else.”

• “They try and be somebody else which is not their real attitude.”

• ....

Interviewing SkillsHow can you be more effective

Research the company so that you know what the do. Write down some facts that are interesting that will show your knowledge about the company.Read the job announcement carefully

For every job requirement ask yourself the question: DO I have this skill? Write down your experience or how you will do the job if you don’t have the skills.

Write down three questions that you can ask the employer about the job or the company.

NEVER ASK ABOUT SALARY in your first interview.

Try and find out about the interview process, length of interview, type of interview and who you are meeting before you go to the interview.

Before you go for an interview, you need to prepare. Here are a few tips to help you in your preparation.

Interviewing SkillsA Typical Interview Format…

Every company will have a different format but here is some advice on WHAT employers will be testing in interviews.

— Your technical competence and knowledge

— Will you be able to do the job?— Though process, ability to solve

problems and come up with solutions?— Can you show examples from your

experience to answer the questions?

TECHNICAL & INTELLECUTAL QUESTIONS

Questions related to the jobQuestions related to your knowledge

and skills that who you can do the job.

Part 3

— Is your CV correct?— Clarify any discrepancies?— Communication ability and nerves? How

quickly can you relax?

Make the interviewee comfortable:As easy questionsTalk about CV and past experienceGeneral CV questions

Part 2

— Where you on time.— If you were late, did you apologise for

the inconvenience— How are you dressed?— …

FIRST IMPRESSIONS COUNTPart 1

WHAT THE EMPLOYER IS ASSESSINGCONTENT OF INTERVIEW

Interviewing SkillsA Typical Interview Format…

Every company will have a different format but here is some advice on WHAT employers will be testing in interviews.

— Bidding good byeCLOSEPart 6

— Did you take an interest in the company and job and do research?

— How keen are you to work for the employer

QUESTIONS and ANSWERS for Interviewee

Part 5

— Ensure that you can work the required hours

— Ensure you have a work and lifestyle balance

— Ensure you can work in company situations

PERSONALITY QUESTIONS / START CLOSING INTERVIEW

Situational questionsChat about hobbies

Part 4

WHAT THE EMPLOYER IS ASSESSINGCONTENT OF INTERVIEW

Interviewing SkillsHow can you be more effective

• Please introduce yourself, including your background and education and why you think you are suitable for this job?

• What are your strengths?

• What are your weaknesses?

• Tell me what you know about my company and why you applied for this job?

• What are your career goals or ambitions for the next 3 – 5 years?

• How will this job help you achieve your goals?

• What are your salary expectations?

Here is a list of typical interview questions. Ask a friend or family member to ask you these questions and give you advice on your answers. Practice makes perfect!

Interviewing SkillsHR INC Experience – BAD INTERVIEWS

• “Please introduce yourself, including your background and education and why you think you are suitable for this job?”

• Bad Answer: “My name is Sandra, I am 22 years old, I have a father and a mother and 4 brothers and I studied Management. I like management so I think I will be good for this job”

• Better Answer: “I am a professional individual with an outgoing personality. I studied management because I have a keen interest in working with people. I have researched your company quite extensively and believe that your mission to … is well suited to my personality, skill set and longer term career goals. I believe I will be an asset to your company and be able to develop my career with you.

Here are some examples of bad answers in interviews…


• “What are your strengths?”

● “I don’t know”

● “I like watching TV and singing karaoke”

• “What are your weaknesses?”

• I don’t know… I don’t have any.

• I don’t like talking to people but I can if you want me to.

• I have terrible writing skills.

• If I don’t eat food at lunch time, I will get dizzy and cannot work.

• My health is bad, I get sick quite a lot

• I love shopping and always spend all my money before the end of the month.

Here are some examples of bad answers in interviews…


• “What are your strengths?”

• “I am outgoing and can work under pressure”

● “I am results orientated and will always go the extra mile to make the customer happy”

● “I have excellent communication and computer skills”

• “What are your weaknesses?”

• I am a perfectionist and like things to be 100% correct. Although this is also a strength of mine, I need to ensure that I am perfectionist when it matters, and not on small things where it doesn’t matter.

• I do believe I can improve my communication skills, especially my writing skills as my career develops. Although this does not affect my work direcly, I believe that working for your company in this position of Executive Secretary will help me to improve these skills.

Better Answers would be…

Interviewing SkillsConclusion

• Know what job you applied for

• Know what you wrote in your CV and covering letter.

• Prepare yourself for the interview

• research the company

• research the position

• when they call you for an interview – ask for more information, be prepared for the email or the call


• Interviews make everyone nervous –practice makes perfect, practice with your friends, relatives and alumni so that you can get used to talking to people in an interview situation.


•Have at least 3 questions to ask the interviewer about the job or company.

•Don’t ask obvious questions e.g. what does your company do?

•Asking about salary is not appropriate in a first round interview.

•LISTEN carefully to what the interviewer asks

•rephrase if necessary

•Be proactive – the most successful interviewees are those who are proactive in their interviews.


•Don’t be scared of taking notes

•If you are not successful, don’t think you are a failure

• LEARN from each interview you go to.

• When the right job comes, you WILL get it.

• Remember, practise makes perfect.


• Ask the interviewer during the interview when you will be expected to hear from them.

• Get their business cards and contact details DURING the interview

• Send an email after the interview

• Thanking the interviewer for their time

• Your continued interest in the position

• You look forward to hearing from them

• Because the employer is generally interviewing and testing a lot of people, telephone calls are not always the best way to follow up.

Interview Follow upWhat to do after the interview..

• When you get over 150 CVs for a position and you are recruiting for several positions, it is difficult to respond to everyone.

• When employers state they will only get back to short listed candidates for CV screening – that is international practice.

• If you go for interviews – you are entitled to feedback, if you don’t get it, ask for it.

Both employers and employees need to develop their recruitment skills and techniques – if we all take small

steps to improve and feedback our experiences, the process will improve.

Employer Reality

• You will not only look for a job when you leave university –YOU WILL LOOK FOR A JOB AGAIN IN THE FUTURE.

• CV writing and interviewing is a skill we all need to develop and nurture as we develop our careers.

• Don’t let your career develop and your CV fall behind – it’s an important document that is PART OF YOUR CAREER.

• Practice makes perfect!

• Job hunting should be “serious fun” and a great learning and networking experience.

• Keep learning, keep networking and good luck with your job search!

The End…

Keep learning, keep networking and good luck with your job search!

HR Inc (Cambodia) Co., Ltd Your Human Resource Professionals

FOR MORE DETAILED INFORMATION:

www.hrinc.com.khPOST YOUR CV ONLINE Today

In June 2006 there will be many tools for you to use on our website to develop your job searching

skills.

Contact us: Looking for a job? [email protected]

Looking for advice? [email protected] Office Address: #13 Sothearos Blvd,

(Opposite Lucky 7), 2nd Floor

“the do’s and don'ts of looking for a job.” · 2008-11-20 · hr inc (cambodia) co., ltd...

Documents