Mairead FlemingDeputy Managing Director

Presentationin association with

Leitrim County Development Board

5 Ways To Being Job Ready

Thursday 3rd March 2011

5 Ways To Be Job Ready

1. Cover Letter

2. CV Preparation

3. Interview Preparation

4. Competency Based Interviews

5. Using Social Media In Your Job Search

Cover Letter

• Tailor your cover letter

• Include your contact details

• Brief outline of your skills and experience

• Use same stationery as your CV

CV Preparation

• Presentation

• Order of Information

• Spelling & Grammar

• Tailored vs Generalist

CV Presentation

• Black ink on white paper

• Clear typeface – choose font carefully

• Bullet points – not essays

• Same font & stationery as cover letter.

CV - Structure• Personal Details – contact

• Personal Profile– Education

– Qualifications

– Professional memberships

• Career History– Reverse Chronological Order

– Brief bio of company, job title, responsibilities

• Interests and Hobbies

• References

CV - Pitfalls• Gaps in CV– always explain

• Correct dates

• References – on request or ask permission

• Spelling and grammar

• Know your CV inside out

• Keep skills / qualifications updated

Tailored vs Generalist CV• Think about your audience

• Single generalist CV unlikely to be enough

• Specific job – specific skills highlighted

• Research company – highlight relevant

experience

Sample of a Bad

CV(1)

Sample of a

Bad CV (2)

Sample of a

Good CV

Sample of a

Good CV (2)

Interview Preparation• Research company

– Location– New products, expansion plans– Via website, industry publications, media

• Research role– Go through job spec carefully.– Talk to previous employees or people in similar roles

• Research interviewers– Courtesy– Inside track on interviewing manner– Connection to job ie: HR Manager or Line Manager

• Dress Code

Interview Pitfalls• Prepare sample questions

– Become familiar with your own skills / experience– Will come across as knowledgeable / confident

• Prepare sample answers– Quantifiable information to measure your success against

employers’ needs– Show interest in the company

• Know your CV inside out– Don’t stumble on easy questions

• Bring all documentation – copies of CVs etc.

Competency Based Interviews

• Basic premise is that your past performance is the best indicator of your future performance.

• Examples of what you have done that demonstrate key characteristics of what the employer needs.

Competency Based Categories

• Organisational awareness

• Strategic thinking

• Communications

• Client focus / client relationship

• Teamwork

• Leadership ability

• Innovation

• Time management skills

Competency Interview Pitfalls

• Always have examples ready – how you dealt with situations

• Relate your answer to real life situations in order to highlight your skills

• Know how to assess your own skills and give examples of what you have learned from each situation

Using Social Media

• LinkedIn.com

• Facebook.com

• Twitter

LinkedIn

• Most professionally orientated site• Used by HR professionals• Build network of valuable contacts• Join Groups

– Alumni groups– Professional associations– Industry specific groups

• Recommend / get recommendations• Basic accounts free of charge

Facebook

• Put up a profile

• Status update – looking for a job.

• Be careful what you post– Always stay professional– No criticising bosses / colleagues

• Source of jobs / leads

Twitter

• Follow posts of who you’re targeting; companies / individuals

• Follow your next employer – target a specific company, helps to understand company culture

• Companies post jobs on Twitter

• Keep Twitter updates professional

Q&A

QUESTIONS?