CV Workshop -Top tips for creating a successful CV-

Enhancing Your Chances• What is a successful resume? • A successful resume is a clear summary of

your job skills (what you can do). Think of it as an organized YOU on a piece of paper. It is actually a summary of a product that you want to sell (you!). This product will be sold by using a great Cover Letter, which is your salesperson.

Enhancing Your Chances• What makes a resume successful?• A terrific resume, introduced by a great Cover

Letter will get your foot in the door for an interview. Remember: This is the purpose of the Cover Letter and Resume! An interview is simply a way for the employer to see your Cover Letter and Resume in person, not on paper! A clear summary of your job skills will be a valuable tool for the employer looking for a qualified employee.

• Look at the bridges that you have not burned and use them to your advantage.

• Ask former bosses and colleagues to write a letter that describes your strengths. Send them along with your CV.

• Never say “references upon request.” Of course you will provide them. But head them off at the pass by being the proactive candidate they can’t refuse.

• Get all your information in one place.• Recruitment is totally different than 10 years ago.

Polish Up Your References

..and now for..

....your covering letter!

• There is only one of you, but every job has unique expectations. • Granted, many employers don’t read them, but many do.• Some read them first and only look at the CV if interested.• This is the best chance to stand out from the crowd.• Look at the selection criteria on the job posting and address each

of the qualifications that you have related to the job. • Like your opening CV paragraph, concentrate on your

accomplishments. Don’t forget, many employers are looking for new blood and new ideas. Tell them what you will do for their organization. Focus on your success and good things will happen.

• But don’t write war and peace and keep it focused

Key Support to Your CV – the Cover Letter(more on this pm)

Getting Prepared – Action!

• Goal: To show initiative through your OWN actions first and then request action from the employer. Achieve this in 2-5 action-oriented sentences. In other words, you will show action, then request it!

Getting Prepared – Objective!

• To show a strong interest in this job!• To create a strong desire for the potential

employer to call you.• How to do this – Research & Personalisation.• This can be: of the Company, or of the

Industry.• You wish to be viewed as an expert!

Getting Prepared – Gaining a Response

• Offer an invitation for the employer to contact you.

• Be specific – not ‘general’.• Timeframe the action you will take to contact

them – You need to keep the initiative!

Your Covering Letter

• You will need to incorporate what, in the ‘trade’, are known as ‘AGI’s’.

• Never ever use ‘acronyms’.• So what does ‘AGI’ stand for?• ‘Attention Grabbing Ideas’• In laymans terms – How to make the recipient

take notice, or ‘How to Stand Out from the Crowd’

• Shoot for the Sky – but not for the MOON!• Be Ambitious - but avoid Arrogance.• Be Courageous – but remain Credible

With this in mind, invest your time in a carefully crafted cover letter.

Reality Check

..and now for..

....your Interview!

• This not a mountain – as long as you’re clear about your objective.

• No hard and fast rules – but aim for an ‘am’ appointment.

• Remember – the person at the other end is human! Be natural.

The Phone Call(Are You Ready?)

• You will arrive on time!

• What to wear?

• Have 3 spare copies of your CV.

Arrival For Interview

• The Hiring Manager is looking for what you can do for the company! This interview is NOT about you!

• There is no ‘I’ in ‘TEAM’ (trite but true!)

• Ensure you ask questions about the company and the role in question. (This will demonstrate you have undertaken some basic research.)

The ‘Inner Secret’

• Listen closely to what is said. That way you will ask only relevant questions!

• Don’t memorise ‘model’ answers – they’ll be spotted a mile off!

• Remember…’People Buy People’…just be honest and be yourself.

Be Prepared – but DON’T Overtrain

• A bit of adrenalin sharpens the wits!• Say ‘Hello’, as you walk into the room. Shake

hands firmly and maintain eye contact.• Wait to be asked to sit and then don’t slouch.• Let the interviewer begin the conversation.• Remember…’People Buy People’…just be

honest and be yourself.

It’s Natural to be Nervous

• YOU should never introduce salary into the discussions!

• If raised by the interviewer, answer appropriately.

• Do not talk about past compensation. This will create the opportunity for the interviewer to focus on this subject.

Interview ‘No-No’s’

• How will you be remembered by the interviewer?

• Prepare something appropriate and memorable to say before you leave.

• What would you say?• Remember…’People Buy People’…just be

honest and be yourself.

Last Impressions

• Immediately following the interview, make notes. Who interviewed you? What did you understand to be the key drivers that the situation demands?

• What is your planned follow-up (Keep the Initiative!)

• Follow up letter, phone call, email????• Remember…’People Buy People’…just be

honest and be yourself.

Get off Your Arse!(It’s your life)

Hope You’ve Found This Helpful

-Good Hunting For The Future-