resume and interview preparation
TRANSCRIPT
-
7/31/2019 Resume and Interview Preparation
1/107
Click to edit Master subtitle style
5/30/12
Resume and interview preparation
Marketing Your Self Effectively
-
7/31/2019 Resume and Interview Preparation
2/107
5/30/12
Why do organizations recruit?
To find the Right Fit for the Right Job
-
7/31/2019 Resume and Interview Preparation
3/107
-
7/31/2019 Resume and Interview Preparation
4/107
5/30/12
The Cover or Job application letter
The covering letter shows the employerwhy they should consider your rsum.
It is the first impression you make onthe employer and shows how well youcommunicate in writing.
-
7/31/2019 Resume and Interview Preparation
5/107
5/30/12
The Cover or Job application letter
When writing your cover letter (andresume), keep in mind that thereviewer is only interested in one thing;
the facts.Avoid negatives
Spend time thinking about the layout ofyour letter, and make sure that it iseasy on the eyes.
-
7/31/2019 Resume and Interview Preparation
6/107
5/30/12
The Cover or Job application letter
A cover letter should be typed unlessthe employer specifically requests ahandwritten letter.
It should never be more than one pagelong.
Break the text into short paragraphsthat makes it easier to read.
The cover letter provides theopportunity to highlight how your skillsand ualifications will benefit the
-
7/31/2019 Resume and Interview Preparation
7/107
5/30/12
Cover Letter - Info to Include
Contact Info
The Job
The OrganizationYour Qualifications
Additional Skills
Conclusion
Sign-off
-
7/31/2019 Resume and Interview Preparation
8/107
5/30/12
Contact Info
This is the header of your cover letterand should show the employer how toreach you. It should include:
NameFull addressPhone number
Fax number (optional)E-mail address (optional)
Address It Right!
-
7/31/2019 Resume and Interview Preparation
9/107
5/30/12
Contact Info
The address should include:
Name and title of the person reviewingyour application - spelled correctly.
Full address of the organization.
Employers are always impressed when
a cover letter is addressed to themspecifically
-
7/31/2019 Resume and Interview Preparation
10/107
5/30/12
Example of Address Line
Gerald Linklater, Office ManagerGenTech Ltd.234 Parsons Road
Kingston 21
-
7/31/2019 Resume and Interview Preparation
11/107
5/30/12
The Job
This paragraph should indicate:
The position you're applying for
How you found out about the opening.If your information is from someone thehiring manager knows--for example, aperson inside the company--make sureyou say so
A brief statement about why you wouldfit the position.
-
7/31/2019 Resume and Interview Preparation
12/107
5/30/12
Example
I am pleased to respond to youradvertisement for a receptionist asadvertised in the Chronicle Herald on
May 7, 1996. My qualifications veryclosely meet the needs outlined in theadvertisement.
-
7/31/2019 Resume and Interview Preparation
13/107
5/30/12
The Organization
This paragraph should:
Show that you've researched theorganization, and understand its needs.
Demonstrate why you want to work forthe organization.
-
7/31/2019 Resume and Interview Preparation
14/107
5/30/12
Example
I have read about GenTech in our localnewspapers and am familiar with yourchemical-cleaning products and the
environmental services you offer tomanufacturers. I would be veryinterested in working for a company
that is helping the environment andalso has an excellent reputation as anemployer in our community.
-
7/31/2019 Resume and Interview Preparation
15/107
5/30/12
Your Qualifications
Show the employer why you're a goodmatch for the job and the organization.
This paragraph should include:
One or two of your most relevantqualifications/skills, and how they canbe of value to the employer
One or two accomplishments thatdemonstrate your experience
Be as specific as possible, and refer thereader to our resume for details.
-
7/31/2019 Resume and Interview Preparation
16/107
5/30/12
Example
As you will see in the attached resume,I have worked as a receptionist at RBEnterprises for five years where I
handled incoming calls, mail andcourier services. During that time, Ialso assisted with the selection of the
Signex 320 telephone system andtrained others in its use.
-
7/31/2019 Resume and Interview Preparation
17/107
5/30/12
Additional Skills
Show the employer that you have otherskills or abilities appropriate for the job.
This paragraph may not be necessary if
the 3rd paragraph is sufficient.
-
7/31/2019 Resume and Interview Preparation
18/107
-
7/31/2019 Resume and Interview Preparation
19/107
5/30/12
Conclusion
This paragraph should include:
A request for an interview
Indication that you will follow up with aphone call. It is recommended tofollow-up within 2 weeks.
-
7/31/2019 Resume and Interview Preparation
20/107
5/30/12
Example
I would be pleased to review myqualifications in more detail during aninterview with you. If you have any
questions, please don't hesitate to callme.
-
7/31/2019 Resume and Interview Preparation
21/107
5/30/12
Sample Cover or Application Letter
September 22, 2000
Gerald Linklater, Office ManagerGenTech Ltd.234 Parsons RoadKingston 21
Dear Mr. Linklater:
I am pleased to respond to your advertisement for a receptionist as advertised in the Chronicle Herald on (date). My qualifications very closelymeet the needs outlined in the advertisement.
I have read about GenTech in our local newspapers and am familiar with your chemical-cleaning products and the environmental services you offer
to manufacturers. I would be very interested in working for a company that is helping the environment and also has an excellent reputation as anemployer in our community.
As you will see in the attached resume, I have worked as a receptionist at RB Enterprises for five years where I handled incoming calls, mail andcourier services. During that time, I also assisted with the selection of the Signex 320 telephone system and trained others in its use.
I am familiar with Windows-based systems and am proficient with Office 2000 and WordPerfect 8. I am also familiar with spreadsheet programssuch as Excel.
5/30/12
-
7/31/2019 Resume and Interview Preparation
22/107
5/30/12
Cover Letter - Do's and don'ts
Because your cover letter is the firsttime you "speak" to an employer, it hasto be "letter-perfect" and professional
in appearance.
-
7/31/2019 Resume and Interview Preparation
23/107
5/30/12
-
7/31/2019 Resume and Interview Preparation
24/107
5/30/12
Dont.
Make the cover letter run longer thanone page;
Use a long word when a short one willdo. For example, use "try" rather than"endeavour";
Clutter the letter with too many facts orthose that are not relevant to the job.Employers are not interested in yourlife story;
Use coloured a er or coloured t e;
5/30/12
-
7/31/2019 Resume and Interview Preparation
25/107
5/30/12
Cover Letters - Employers Talk
A "Window" on You
"A cover letter is like a window thatenables you to view an applicant'scommunications skills, enthusiasm and,to a certain extent, style and personality.I look specifically for a professionally
written letter that has creativity as wellas basics such as accurate spelling,sentence structure and vocabulary."
Laura Sbrocchi, Client Support Assistant,
5/30/12
-
7/31/2019 Resume and Interview Preparation
26/107
5/30/12
Cover Letters - Employers Talk
Good Writing Counts!
"If a cover letter is carelessly written,then I think the person doesn't carehow he or she comes across andprobably won't care who they rent ourcars to."
Angela Sample, Human ResourcesManager, Enterprise Rent-A-Car.
"A well-written cover letter shows that
you're prepared to work to get a foot in
-
7/31/2019 Resume and Interview Preparation
27/107
5/30/12
-
7/31/2019 Resume and Interview Preparation
28/107
5/30/12
Cover Letters - Employers Talk
Promote Yourself
"A cover letter is an opportunity to talkabout yourself and be a self-promoter.Don't be shy."
John Tompkins, Sales Staff Manager,London Life Insurance Co.
5/30/12
-
7/31/2019 Resume and Interview Preparation
29/107
5/30/12
What do you have to offer?
Resume Writing
5/30/12
-
7/31/2019 Resume and Interview Preparation
30/107
5/30/12
Rsum
Employers will scan a rsum for about30 seconds to decide whether toconsider an applicant. Some may use
an automated scan in order to short listrsums. Get your rsum in the forconsideration pile.
5/30/12
-
7/31/2019 Resume and Interview Preparation
31/107
5/30/12
Rsum
A rsum is a "snapshot" of you andneeds to be:
Written with the employers interests inmind
Professional in appearance
Targeted for a particular job ororganization
"Letter-perfect." Spelling and grammar
mistakes can mean an automatic trip to
5/30/12
-
7/31/2019 Resume and Interview Preparation
32/107
5/30/12
Target Your Rsum
Employers look for people who haveresearched the job and can explainclearly how their skill, knowledge and
abilities meet their needs. In today's job market, a generic, "one-
size-fits-all" rsum doesn't work.
5/30/12
-
7/31/2019 Resume and Interview Preparation
33/107
5/30/12
Hit the target!!
Its better to send 10 rsums and get5 interviews than send 100 and get 1.
Think of your rsum as a jigsaw puzzlewith different pieces. In each targetedrsum, you place the pieces in a newway to create a slightly different picture
of yourself.Consider your rsum as your
opportunity to stand out from the
crowd. It's the right place to take pride
-
7/31/2019 Resume and Interview Preparation
34/107
5/30/12Research the occupation to
-
7/31/2019 Resume and Interview Preparation
35/107
5/30/12Research the occupation toidentify:
Standard wording for duties,responsibilities, and requirements,emerging skill requirements.
-
7/31/2019 Resume and Interview Preparation
36/107
5/30/12
-
7/31/2019 Resume and Interview Preparation
37/107
5/30/12
Before Writing Your Rsum
Make a list of your skills.
Sources of transferable workexperience
Part-time or Summer Work
Sports and Recreational Activities
Volunteer WorkEntrepreneurial Experiences
Academic Activities
5/30/12
-
7/31/2019 Resume and Interview Preparation
38/107
5/30/12
Styles
There are two different styles you canuse for your resume:
Chronological
Skills-Based
5/30/12
-
7/31/2019 Resume and Interview Preparation
39/107
5/30/12
Chronological Resumes
For someone with progressive workexperience in the same career field. Itshows the employer who you've
worked for and what you contributed ineach work setting.
-
7/31/2019 Resume and Interview Preparation
40/107
5/30/12
-
7/31/2019 Resume and Interview Preparation
41/107
5/30/12
Rsum Sections
Contact Information
Career Objective
EducationWork Experience
Skills
Professional Qualifications
Awards / Achievements
Affiliations
5/30/12
-
7/31/2019 Resume and Interview Preparation
42/107
/ /
Contact Information
Ensure the employer can contact youeasily
Use a permanent address
Provide an alternate number if you areoften away from your phone and donthave an answering machine
Include an email address especially ifyou are submitting your resumeselectronically
-
7/31/2019 Resume and Interview Preparation
43/107
-
7/31/2019 Resume and Interview Preparation
44/107
-
7/31/2019 Resume and Interview Preparation
45/107
-
7/31/2019 Resume and Interview Preparation
46/107
-
7/31/2019 Resume and Interview Preparation
47/107
-
7/31/2019 Resume and Interview Preparation
48/107
-
7/31/2019 Resume and Interview Preparation
49/107
-
7/31/2019 Resume and Interview Preparation
50/107
5/30/12
-
7/31/2019 Resume and Interview Preparation
51/107
Skills-Based Resume
Knowing what other employers you haveworked for helps the employer assessthe kind of experience you have. In the
skills based resume you provide thefollowing information on previousemployers:
Job Title, Employer, EmployerLocation, and Type of organization(optional)
-
7/31/2019 Resume and Interview Preparation
52/107
5/30/12
P f i l Q lifi i
-
7/31/2019 Resume and Interview Preparation
53/107
Professional Qualifications
This section informs the employer of yourprofessional, trade certifications andlicenses to practice.
Include voluntary and mandatorycertifications.
Include information on the issuing body
for the certification
If your membership is not up to date,get it renewed before including it
-
7/31/2019 Resume and Interview Preparation
54/107
5/30/12
Skill
-
7/31/2019 Resume and Interview Preparation
55/107
Skills
Tell the employer your skill areas andaccomplishments
Describe skill areas
Start with broad skill categories. Undereach category provide detailed examples.
Use action words
Also include results achieved using theskills where appropriate
Use short statements
-
7/31/2019 Resume and Interview Preparation
56/107
-
7/31/2019 Resume and Interview Preparation
57/107
-
7/31/2019 Resume and Interview Preparation
58/107
-
7/31/2019 Resume and Interview Preparation
59/107
-
7/31/2019 Resume and Interview Preparation
60/107
-
7/31/2019 Resume and Interview Preparation
61/107
-
7/31/2019 Resume and Interview Preparation
62/107
-
7/31/2019 Resume and Interview Preparation
63/107
5/30/12
FAQs
-
7/31/2019 Resume and Interview Preparation
64/107
FAQs
What if I've only worked for oneemployer?If you've had different positions within
the organization, then list the positionsseparately and explain yourresponsibilities and accomplishments ineach one.
If you've stayed in one position only,make sure that you list youraccomplishments for that position.
5/30/12
FAQs
-
7/31/2019 Resume and Interview Preparation
65/107
FAQs
What if I have gaps in my workhistory?Under "Work Description" describe
what you were doing while out of thework force, especially if it provided youwith valuable experience. Use a Skills-based resume.
For example: "Travel and study" or"Family management".
I'm older and worried my age will
-
7/31/2019 Resume and Interview Preparation
66/107
-
7/31/2019 Resume and Interview Preparation
67/107
-
7/31/2019 Resume and Interview Preparation
68/107
5/30/12
-
7/31/2019 Resume and Interview Preparation
69/107
Preparation
Preparation will make or break yourinterview
5/30/12
-
7/31/2019 Resume and Interview Preparation
70/107
Personal
Know your own qualifications and howthey relate to the position
-
7/31/2019 Resume and Interview Preparation
71/107
-
7/31/2019 Resume and Interview Preparation
72/107
5/30/12
-
7/31/2019 Resume and Interview Preparation
73/107
Visual Image
Dress appropriate for the positionyou're seeking. Your attire must fit wellwithin the office and be immaculate.
Your shoes should be polished;pants/skirts and shirts pressed.
Clean hair and fingernails are essential.
Avoid excessive cologne, jewellery ormake-up.
-
7/31/2019 Resume and Interview Preparation
74/107
5/30/12
-
7/31/2019 Resume and Interview Preparation
75/107
The Interview
Do not rely on your application orresume to do the selling for you.Interviewers will want you to speak for
yourself. Your resume was most likelypre-screened by the HR department,and your interviewer hasnt even seenyour resume.
Sell yourself! When you are answeringthe interviewers questions, look theprospective employer in the eye while
-
7/31/2019 Resume and Interview Preparation
76/107
-
7/31/2019 Resume and Interview Preparation
77/107
-
7/31/2019 Resume and Interview Preparation
78/107
5/30/12
The interview
-
7/31/2019 Resume and Interview Preparation
79/107
The interview
Practice responses to interviewquestions - but don't try to memorizethem. Being yourself is essential to
interview success. Responses need tofeel and sound natural.
When you've thought through how you
can add value to a specific employer,you'll be able to easily add examples ofhow in the answers you provide.
To give a top-notch interview, you need
-
7/31/2019 Resume and Interview Preparation
80/107
5/30/12
What do I have to offer?
-
7/31/2019 Resume and Interview Preparation
81/107
What do I have to offer?
Employers want to know why theyshould hire you. To find out, they ask avariety of questions to help them find
out who you are and what you can do.To be prepared, review yourexperiences at work, at school and involunteer activities.
Keep a mental list of youraccomplishments.
Think about challenges you've faced andhow ou dealt with them.
5/30/12
What else do I need to know?
-
7/31/2019 Resume and Interview Preparation
82/107
What else do I need to know?
One of the final questions you'll beasked in an interview is: "Is thereanything you would like to know about
the organization or the job?"Answering "No" sends the wrong
signals--that you're not really
interested in the organization, don'tknow what's important to you in anemployee/employer relationship, orlack confidence and assertiveness.
5/30/12
Tell me about yourself.
-
7/31/2019 Resume and Interview Preparation
83/107
Tell me about yourself.
Purpose:To put you at ease.
To learn from you why they should or
should not hire you.
To find out if your mind is on what you canoffer an employer; or if it is on personal
concerns that may interfere with your workperformance.
To learn a little bit about your background.
To assess your ability to communicate
5/30/12Tell me about your experiencei h hi f k
-
7/31/2019 Resume and Interview Preparation
84/107
with this type of work.
Purpose:To find out whether or not you can do thejob.
Suggestions: If you have done this work, state where
and give examples of your achievements.
If you have done related work, state yourtransferable skills. Show your interest inthe position and your willingness to learn.
If you have not done this work, mention
-
7/31/2019 Resume and Interview Preparation
85/107
5/30/12What are your greatestt th ?
-
7/31/2019 Resume and Interview Preparation
86/107
strengths?
Purpose:To discover reasons for hiring you.
To find out how well you know yourself.
To find out if you believe in yourself; and ifyou are the right person for the position.
Suggestions:
Mention that besides the work skills,training and experience that you wouldoffer, you also offer job-related qualities
such as reliability, enthusiasm,
5/30/12
What are your weaknesses?
-
7/31/2019 Resume and Interview Preparation
87/107
What are your weaknesses?
Purpose:To discover if you are wrong for the job as
a result of lack of experience or training,
poor people skills, refusal to follow orders,poor attitude laziness...
Suggestions:
Describe a positive attribute, then continuewith a statement of reassurance. Forexample, I feel that it is very important tomeet deadlines; satisfy the customer; ... I
have to really make myself be patient,
-
7/31/2019 Resume and Interview Preparation
88/107
5/30/12
Sit ti ti
-
7/31/2019 Resume and Interview Preparation
89/107
Situation questions
Situation questions provide you with ahypothetical situation and ask how youwould deal with it. Employers can
check your understanding of specificprocesses as well as your interpersonalor working with others skills.
How would you respond to a customer whoisn't happy with the product?
What would you do if a co-worker isn'tpulling their weight?
-
7/31/2019 Resume and Interview Preparation
90/107
5/30/12
B h i b d ti
-
7/31/2019 Resume and Interview Preparation
91/107
Behaviour based questions
When you get a question like this,answer it as if you were telling a storyand:
Identify the skill that your storydemonstrates.
Identify the situation in which you used the
skill.Describe your actions.
Describe the results of your actions.
5/30/12
Prepare your references
-
7/31/2019 Resume and Interview Preparation
92/107
epa e you e e e ces
Select references who will commentfairly and positively.
Ask permission to use them as a
reference.Ask your reference what they would
say about you especially in regards to
such things such as interpersonal andteam work skills, reliability, and workhabits.
Inform our references rom tl about 5/30/12
The Day Before
-
7/31/2019 Resume and Interview Preparation
93/107
y
Organize: Put together the thingsyou'll need for the day: clothes, money,and interview information such as the
name of interviewer, address, anddirections on how to get there.
Give yourself time. Make sure you
give yourself extra time for last minuteproblems.
Documents. Make sure you have all
the papers you need such as:
-
7/31/2019 Resume and Interview Preparation
94/107
-
7/31/2019 Resume and Interview Preparation
95/107
-
7/31/2019 Resume and Interview Preparation
96/107
5/30/12
Perform well
-
7/31/2019 Resume and Interview Preparation
97/107
Listening, confidence, and quality ofpresentation are the keys to successfulinterviewing.
Employers want to see enthusiasm, alittle knowledge about the company,confidence, and an ability to work well
in their environment.The interview is also your opportunity
to assess the company. Do you want to
work there? Can you contribute get 5/30/12
Make your entrance
-
7/31/2019 Resume and Interview Preparation
98/107
Make your entrance
Before you say a word, the interviewerwill make a judgement about you-maybe the deciding one.
A smile, a firm handshake, confidentdemeanor, good eye contact, and afriendly enthusiastic manner will go a
long ways to making that importantfirst impression.
5/30/12
Take notes - Listen carefully
-
7/31/2019 Resume and Interview Preparation
99/107
y
Take your time- a concise logicalanswer that covers relevant factors ismore effective than one that rambles.
Be certain you've heard andunderstood the question. Asking forclarification is acceptable.
Answer the question that's been asked-you don't have to give all the answersyou've practiced.
Kee focused on how ou could add 5/30/12
Ending the interview
-
7/31/2019 Resume and Interview Preparation
100/107
g
Ask questionsAsk questions that show your
knowledge of the organization or its
market.Ask questions about the company:
direction, how the various departments
function together, trainingopportunities, challenges theorganization faces etc.
The last uestion could be when the 5/30/12
Tips to Staying Motivated
-
7/31/2019 Resume and Interview Preparation
101/107
p y g
Most people find that their motivationcan have a "down" spell. Here are sometips to keep going and stay positive.
-
7/31/2019 Resume and Interview Preparation
102/107
5/30/12
Have a schedule:
-
7/31/2019 Resume and Interview Preparation
103/107
set aside a special time and space foryour self-study;
keep track of your progress consider
writing a journal about your learning;expect plateaus no one's learning
ability or motivation remains at one
level all the time;be flexible if you have to change
plans, re-organize yourself.
5/30/12
Keep a balance in your life:
-
7/31/2019 Resume and Interview Preparation
104/107
ensure that your life has a variety ofactivities, not just self-study;
don't begrudge the time spent on your
family and work obligations;give yourself time for leisure and rest.
5/30/12
Stay healthy:
-
7/31/2019 Resume and Interview Preparation
105/107
eat appropriately learning requires"fuel";
sleep well your brain needs its
"down" time;get exercise-many people say they
concentrate better if they've had
physical activity.
5/30/12
Find support:
-
7/31/2019 Resume and Interview Preparation
106/107
share your goals/ambitions with familyand friends;
talk about your successes;
don't be afraid to discuss a setback orask for a pep talk.
5/30/12
Be happy!!!
-
7/31/2019 Resume and Interview Preparation
107/107
Be happy!!!