cv & interview preparation and inter… · cv & interview preparation cv layout...

CV & Interview Preparation


The purpose of this presentation is to;

Gain an understanding into job hunting in this competitive environment.

Gain useful and practical advice on how job seekers can market themselves successfully as the ideal candidate to potential employers.

Upon completion of the presentation;

Know how to make an immediate impact with your CV

Know key format and content for your CV and Cover Letter

Know how to prepare for interview

Uncover essential interview tips and techniques


Todays Job Market

Competitive

Added Value

Unique Selling Point

Job Searching Methods

Transferable Skills

Adaptable

Strong References


Jobsearch & Job Seekers

Know Job Seeking Process;

Job Application to Job Offer Stage Advert CV & Letter, Application Form, Online, Telephone Interview, Aptitude or Dexterity Test, 1st Interview, 2nd Interview, Medical, Garda Clearance, Job Offer.

(Can take minimum 2 – 10 weeks)

Job Function & Tasks; Transferable Skills.

Be able to speak about your duties in a past job. Be specific.

Demonstrate Skills/Abilities

S.T.A.R. Situation

Task

Action

Result

Use Networking Opportunities


How People Find Jobs…

(From HSE WNO 2010)


Job Hunters (In order of preference in job seeking)

1. CV

2. Advertisement

3. Agencies

4. Colleagues

5. Referrals

6. Contacts

7. Drop Ins

8. Inside the Company

Employers(In order of preference in recruitment)

1. Look inside Company

2. Colleagues

3. Referrals

4. Drop Ins

5. Contacts

6. Agencies

7. Ads

8. CV


Job Seeking Process

Curriculum Vitae

Generate interest in you and your skills, which will

lead to interview, allowing opportunity to sell

yourself.

Passport to a Job.

Record of all Education, Work History, Skills.

Most Important Document a Job Seeker can

produce.


CV Should be;

Personal; Marketing Tool, Sells your skills/abilities to

future employers.

Comprehensive; Present Full Potential, have solid

examples to back up each item listed.

Concise; Have a good balance of information, may need

a few drafts. Opportunity to expand further at interview.

Attractive; Must appeal to the reader, identify unique

selling points and include them in profile


CV Content

Personal Details;

Essential; Name, Contact Phone Numbers, Email Contact.

Optional: Address, DOB.

Profile

Highlight History e.g. Over 3 year experience in Retail Sales.

Transferable Skills e.g. Good Organisational, Numeracy and I.T. Skills.

Personal Qualities e.g. Reliable, Hardworking, Friendly Individual.

Education/Training

Dates, College Name, Course Title/Qualification (Level)

List Subjects from Course.

Work History/Employment History

Dates, Employer Name, Job Title; Function/Tasks of Job.

(Work Placement)


CV Content contd./Additional Information

e.g. Holder of Driving License/Safe Pass Card.

Voluntary Work

e.g. Volunteer Youth Assistant

Assisted with Summer Camp Activities for kids aged 10-14yrs.

Hobbies/Interests

Show a balance of group and individual activities.

References

Name, Title, Company Name, Phone, Email Contact.

Signed & Date

Shows ownership of CV & CV is up to date.


Types of CV

Functional CV; Focuses on Skills

Combination CV; Skills and Jobs

Chronological CV; Job History in

reverse order


CV Layout Presentation

KISS (Keep it Short & Simple) 2 Pages.

Use Action Words

Use Phrases not sentences

Make it easy for interviewer to Find you.

Minimise Personal data

Keep it Clear and Clean

Design C.V so that it is easy on the eye.

Check Spelling and Typing.

Writing from Present to Past.

Avoid Gaps.

Tell the Truth.

Keep your C.V Up to Date.

Put your name on Every Page.


Sample CV….


Cover Letters

Why?

Provides opportunity to highlight how your specific skills

match job requirements.

The Letter….

Good Appearance

Make it Perfect

Use a Business Correspondence Format

Write to a specific person


Writing Cover Letters

Use a grabber first sentence.

Why you are attracted to position.

Highlight experience, skills relevant to job.

Include information about training, personal traits.

State your next step.

Thank person for time/consideration.


CV Mistakes.…..

I have never been backwards when it comes to coming forwards.

My duties included greeting laundrette customers, removing their clothes, and washing them.

A great lover of languages, I speak intermediate German, high-level Russian, and fluent Spinach.

This document outlines my experience, skills, and qualifications, which I trust you will carefully overlook.

“Career break in 1999 to renovate my horse”

“I am anxious to use my exiting skills.”

"Education: Curses in liberal arts, curses in computer science, curses in accounting."

"Instrumental in ruining entire operation for a large chain store."


Interview Purpose

Business meeting with both parties

having an agenda.

Two-way conversation when both

parties are evaluating each other.


Interview Purpose…..

Suitability for Job Personality

Trustworthy Confident

Information from CV

Character Opinion Responsible

Reliable Appearance


Interview Preparation

Believe in yourself & shine

Do your homework

Make a good first impression

Body Language

Sounding Positive

The Interview is a 2 way process


Types of Interview

One to One Interview

Panel Interview

Telephone Interview

Group Interview

Video Interview


Interview Stages

Welcome Stage

The Acquiring Information Stage

Supplying of Information Stage

Parting/Closure Stage


Types of Interview Format

Competency Based Interview(Probing for information to understand candidate)

Chronological Interview(Takes lead from CV/Application Form)

Case Study Interview(Present case study, what action to take,/work out solution)

Technical Interview(Questions about technical work; final year projects/research etc)


What types of questions are asked at interviews?

Introductory Questions

Tell me about yourself ? Why do you want this job?

Why you left your last job? What is your understanding…?

Qualifications Situation – Scenario

Previous Experience Why should we hire you?

Skills / Strengths Weaknesses

Hobbies / Interests Future plans

References Do you have any questions?


Interview Questions

Categories

Self

Education/Training

Work

The Job

All emphasis your Skills (Personal, Practical)

Knowledge, Experience & Personal Traits


Group Exercise

Think Like an Employer

What Skills are Required?

What interview Questions to Ask?


Useful Websites

www.irishjobs.ie www.recruitireland.ie

www.monster.ie www.worky.ie

www.bestjobs.ie www.loadzajobs.ie

www.employireland.ie www.gumtree.ie

www.jobs.ie www.munsterjobs.ie

www.computerjobs.ie www.fas.ie

Networking websites;

www.linkedin.com

www.facebook.com

www.myspace.com

http://www.irishjobs.ie/

http://www.recruitireland.ie/

http://www.monster.ie/

http://www.worky.ie/

http://www.bestjobs.ie/

http://www.loadzajobs.ie/

http://www.employireland.ie/

http://www.gumtree.ie/

http://www.jobs.ie/

http://www.munsterjobs.ie/

http://www.computerjobs.ie/

http://www.fas.ie/

http://www.linkedin.com/

http://www.facebook.com/

http://www.myspace.com/

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