resume writing and interviewing skills
TRANSCRIPT
Resume Writing and Interviewing Skills
كتابة السيرة الذاتية مهارات ومقابالت العمل
THE FACILITATOR
GROUND RULES .. DON’T FORGET
DO YOU HAVE YOU RESUME
TRAINING AGENDA
What a resume is and its purposes
Types and formats of resumes
Effective Writing of a resume.
Guidelines for preparing cover letters
Be ready for a successful job interview.
Being Online, search for a job.
Your Goal
Writing
The Resume
Search for a job
Interviewing Skills
Follow up
WHAT IS A RESUME ? What is the purpose of the
resume?
Main sections.
CV vs. Resume.
Cover letter
RESUME … IS
A brief summary of your qualifications,
skills, and background which represent
your educational and work experiences in
terms relevant to potential employers.
A self-promotional and marketing tool.
The first impression a prospective
employer has of you.
Your first contact with a prospective
employer will be when he reads your
resume.
You only get one chance to make a first
impression!
First impressions are lasting – so think
of your resume as an extension of you!
Never forget that the goal of a resume is
to obtain a job interview.
Remember
A NOTE TO THE WISE!
There is no such thing as the “right”
or “wrong” resume.
The best indicator of whether your
resume is doing its job is by
answering this question,
“Are employers contacting you?
What is the Purpose of a Resume?
To describe your accomplishments, qualifications,
professional and educational experiences
Serve as a record to leave with an employer
Share information with the people who are
assisting you with your job search
Attach to a job application- Some forms don’t
allow us to express our skills and abilities very
well
To answer “the” question : Why should I be
selected for an interview?
CV
SOME STATISTICS
A single job offer attracts between 100
and 1,000 resumes.
Your resume will get between 10 and
20 seconds of the recruiters time.
Only 1 interview is granted for every
200 resumes received by the average
employer.
Flexible
Live
KISS
Content VS
Presentation
Career Path
WRITE A RESUME STEP BY STEP
1) Understanding the Purpose
2) Understanding the Audience
3) Look at other Resumes.
4) Start writing your first draft.
5) Revise, carefully review and re-organize
your draft
6) Get feedback from a reader.
7) Revise, Proofread and Edit.
TIME TO BREAK.
RESUME SECTIONS:
Contact Information
Objective
Profile/Summary
Education
Experience
Skills
Honors and accomplishments
References
START THE WRITING
1wO1goo.gl/Chttp://
CONTACT INFORMATION
Address
Phone and Mobile numbers
E-mail address
Personal Website (if any)
LinkedIn /Skype
CONTACT INFORMATION
CONTACT INFORMATION
Keep it Simple
Be professional
Use a permanent address
Avoid nicknames
OBJECTIVE
Reason for sending the résumé
A brief paragraph that states your
career plan in relation to what an
employer is looking for.
Focus on your interest as well as
your employers interest.
Tells potential employers the sort
of work you're hoping to do.
OBJECTIVE
To obtain a position as a Software Engineer with a
company offering opportunities for professional
growth.
Seeking a position in the field of Mechanical
Engineering which will both utilize and enhance my
current skills.
Seeking a position as a Civil Engineer in a well
established company that will fully utilize my
experience and expertise in hydrological modeling,
design, construction, construction management,
planning and cost analysis.
OBJECTIVE
Your objective must be specific, clear,
short and concise.
You can targeted specific job title.
Stay focused on one title or two similar
Use general objective when needed.
…..
PROFILE / SUMMARY
• Several concise statements that focus the
reader’s attention on the most important
qualities, achievements, and abilities you
have to offer.
• “10-second sound bite”
• A short phrase describing your profession.
• One or more professional or appropriate
personal characteristics
• Bullet : 3 to 4 one-liners about who you
are.
PROFILE / SUMMARY
A team player with excellent communication skills and
academic qualifications, who has recently graduated with a
degree in Civil Engineering.
A highly talented, professional and dedicated Civil
Engineer with over ten years experience in planning,
designing and directing the construction and maintenance
of roads, bridges and pipelines.
Accounting manager with five years of accounting
experience in real estate and marketing industries. Fully
knowledgeable in general accounting, payroll, budgeting,
and journal entry preparation.
SEVERAL STATEMENTS
A highly efficient, hardworking and talented design
engineer with a comprehensive understanding of design
processes and also manufacturing and construction
methods.
Experienced in all the design stages of a product, including
research, development and manufacture right through to
installation and final commissioning.
Possessing a good team spirit, deadline orientated and
having the ability to produce detailed technical
specifications from client requirements.
Keen to find a challenging & suitable engineering position
with a ambitious company that offers opportunities for
career development and advancement
PROFILE/ SUMMARY
• Think about what you want to say about yourself.
• Create a well-rounded view of yourself.
• Be honest.
• Be confident.
• Avoid trying to answer every question about yourself.
• Use specifics over generalities
Objective:
Desire technical editing position with supervisory
responsibilities in an engineering firm.
Profile:
Highly skilled technical writer with three years
publishing experience. Knowledgeable in current web
design technology.
Objective Vs. Profile by an example
EDUCATION
• Your most recent educational information
is listed first.
• Include your degree (B.A., M.A., etc.), major,
institution attended, minor/concentration.
• Add your (GPA) if it is higher than 3.0.
• Mention academic honors
EDUCATION
2002-2005 Graduate Diploma in Law BBP Law School London
2000-2003 BA in Economics University of Manchester
1995-1998 , B.S. in Business Management , Yeshiva University New York, NY
Certified Public Accountant, CPA, New York State
WORK EXPERIENCE
Briefly give the employer an overview of work that has taught you skills.
Use action words to describe your job duties.
Include your work experience in reverse chronological
Include:
• Title of position, • Name of organization, Location • Dates of employment • Describe your work responsibilities with
emphasis on specific skills and achievements.
WORK EXPERIENCE
WORK EXPERIENCE
Include: paid work, unpaid internships, extensive job
opportunities
Use keywords and jargon from your field : You want
to appear to be an insider.
Include skills, experiences and interests that relate
to the target position.
Begin statements with action verbs. Use short
phrases and concrete examples, numbers and
quantities to describe your experiences (i.e., “Supervised
camp activities for 30 girls, ages 6-12”).
WHAT COMES FIRST
EDUCATION OR EXPERIENCE?
SKILLS
It includes your abilities that are
related to the jobs you are
applying for.
Include skills that are relevant
to the position / career field that
you are interested in i.e.
computer skills, software skills,
and/or language skills.
SKILLS
Skilled in Solid Works, Math CAD, Matlab, MS Office,
PLC programming and machining
Estimating material, construction, and labor costs, and
project timescales.
Supervising Projects: including in house, external
contractors and sub-contractors.
….
SKILLS
Customize the skills section of your resume to
match, as much as you can, the requirements
listed in the job posting.
The closer a match your skills are to the job
requirements, the better your chances of being
selected for an interview.
Employers quickly scan resumes, so long lists are
not likely to get read.
Here you will go into more details than you
did in the objective and summary
Great opportunity to really sell yourself!
List any activities that would show special
skills, community involvement, leadership
ability, etc.
List any special honors you have received
No need to say “References available
upon request” .
You’ll need three to five people to write
or speak on your behalf.
Ask permission before you use someone’s
name.
write contact information for them.
Give them your resume.
WHO ARE THEY ?
TIME TO BREAK.
RESUME FORMATS:
1) Chronological
2) Functional
3) Combination
4) Targeted
5) Mini
COVER LETTER
A business letter that accompanies a resume.
Informs reader of your purpose and requests as in-person meeting.
Highlights and directs attention to the important information in the resume.
May take the form of an email message or a brief note that accompanies an electronic application
First paragraph: State the name of the job
for which you are applying and how you
learned about the job opening.
Second paragraph: Emphasize skills and
abilities that relate to the open position.
However, do not repeat what is said on your
resume.
Third paragraph: Thank the employer
and request an interview.
Introduces You; Your Resume
Summarizes Appropriate Aspects of your Education or Experience
States briefly how your Qualifications relate to the Job
Indicates if you have included a Resume, Writing Samples, Transcript, or other documents
Is Brief and to the Point.
Requests an Interview.
An Effective Cover Letter
COVER LETTER
SAMPLE
Your Name
Your Address
Your Phone Number
Your Email
Date
Name
Job Title
Company
Adress
Dear Mr./Ms. LastName,
Please accept my application for the teaching assistant position advertised on Craig's List. I would like to
continue to develop my teaching skills while creating a challenging and fun learning environment for students.
The middle school age group is particularly appealing to me, because students are very impressionable,
interested in learning, and open to new concepts.
I am very well qualified and would be an asset to the school because of my experience working as a teaching
assistant for XYZ School. I have worked with both elementary and middle school teachers, as well as camp
directors to develop curricula that meet the needs of students. I enjoy tutoring students and helping them build
confidence in their ability to achieve, both academically and socially. In addition, I have artistic and computer
skills that will be an asset when developing class projects.
I have attached my resume for your review. Thank you for considering my application. I would appreciate the
opportunity to interview and look forward to hearing from you in the near future.
Sincerely,
Your Signature
Your Typed Name
LUNCH BREAK.
INTERVIEWING SKILLS
52
INTERVIEWING - WHAT IS IT?
A structured meeting
between you and an
employer.
Interviewing is a skill
that can be enhanced by
training.
PRACTICE makes
PERFECT
54
INTERVIEWING IS A TWO-WAY STREET
Employers are attempting
to determine if you are an
appropriate fit for the job
and their culture.
You decide if the work
environment is right for
you.
55
TYPES OF INTERVIEWS
Screening
One 2
One Panel
56
TYPES OF INTERVIEWS
Group Series Tele
Conferencing
57
WHAT MAKES A SUCCESSFUL INTERVIEW
58
59
Be on time Bring your
résumé
Dress appropriately
Be clean
Look and sound
friendly
Ensure you have a high level of hygiene
Answer all the questions the best way you can.
Speak clearly
and show that
you have
prepared
yourself for
the interview
BEFORE THE INTERVIEW…
Do Your Home Work Know
Your Self Prepare
Necessary Material
60
DO YOUR HOME WORK
Research position, company and industry.
Know who you will be interviewing with.
Be ready for a variety of interviewer styles.
Be ready to discuss your strengths and
weaknesses
Know How to reach the location.
61
KNOW YOUR SELF
Be able to articulate skills, strengths,
accomplishments, and career goals
Familiarize yourself with your resume
Make a list of five accomplishments that you
enjoyed.
Make a list of five things you have done with proud.
Make a list of how your colleagues, staff, and
supervisors describe you. Include the positive and
negative feedback.
62
WHAT TO TAKE TO THE INTERVIEW
Copies of your resume.
Copies of letters of recommendation,
and a typed reference sheet to be given
to the interviewer;
Other material relevant to the
interview;
Pen and paper, so that you can note the
name of the interviewer, time for future
interviews and other pertinent
information.
63
GREETING & INTRODUCTION
Smile
Maintain eye contact
Firm handshake
Remain poised and
confident 64
TYPICAL INTERVIEW TIMING
65
Component Time
Introduction/Greeting 2 minutes
Employer questioning 15-20 minutes
Applicant questions 5 minutes
Closing 3 minutes
THE INTERVIEWER EVALUATES
40%
25%
25%
10%
Attitude
Image &
Appearance
Communication
Job
Qualifications
66
WAYS YOU CAN EXHIBIT A GOOD ATTITUDE
• Concentrate on being likable and friendly
• Positive language and non-verbal cues
• Demonstrate enthusiasm
• Demonstrate interest
• Excellent Listener
• Be Professional
67
WHAT DO EMPLOYERS SEEK FOR :
68
Time Management
Communicating
Effectively
Working Well in a
Team
Problem Solving
Using Initiative
Creativity
Being Well Organized
Being Adaptable
Leadership
Customer/
Client Relations
TYPES OF QUESTIONS
Experience
Behavioral/Competency
Opinion questions
Credential questions 69
INTERVIEW QUESTIONS : USEFUL TIPS
Tough Questions
Questions can vary and may be categorized
under Personal Assessment, Education and
Experience, Career ambition and Plans,
Company or Organization.
Expect the unexpected
Turning a Negative into a
Positive
70
THE BALANCE OF LISTENING AND TALKING
71
Do not be afraid to ask clarifying questions about the
interviewer’s questions.
Listen well so that you can identify opportunities to
link your skills and qualifications to what the
interviewer is looking for.
It is acceptable to take notes.
Do not interrupt the interviewer.
Take time to formulate your thoughts before
answering a tough question and balance talking with
listening.
Be as clear and concise as you can in your answers.
YOUR ANSWERS : SHOULD BE
REAL :
Relevant information, Experience,
Action taken, and Leadership
demonstrated.
STAR :
Situations , Task , Action , Results.
72
BODY LANGUAGE:
WHAT SIGNALS ARE YOU SENDING?
73
Positive Signals
Leaning forward = interest
Smiling = friendly
Nodding = attentive and
alert
Eye contact = curious and
focused
Negative Signals
Crossed arms = defensive
Fidgeting hands or
tapping feet = nervous or
bored
Lack of eye contact =
untrustworthy
Leaning back= discomfort
QUESTIONS YOU CAN ASK
What are the responsibilities of this position?
What are the reputations, academic training and
tenures of the employees in this department?
Do you support professional development? How?
What do you see as the biggest challenge that
someone would face during the first month on the
job?
………….
75
TELL ME ABOUT YOUR SELF
76
GENERAL INTERVIEW STRATEGIES
Be prepared to talk about yourself and your experiences
Master the art of storytelling
Provide specific and concrete examples of your results/accomplishments
Remain positive, enthusiastic, poised, and confident throughout the interview process
78
GENERAL INTERVIEW STRATEGIES
Remember an interview is a formal conversation--avoid filler words like “Um”, “Ah”, & “You know”
Avoid indecisive phrases like: “I think,” “I guess,” “probably,” or “pretty good”
Think before speaking
Avoid long verbose answers--limit your response to 1-2 minutes
If you do not hear or understand a question, ask them to repeat or clarify it for you
79
GENERAL INTERVIEW STRATEGIES
Remain calm, relaxed,
and be yourself
Try to focus on the
message you are trying
to convey--NOT how
well you are doing!
80
REASONS WHY CANDIDATES RECEIVE REJECTION
REPLIES
Lack of proper career planning – purposes and goals
Lack of knowledge in field of specialization
Inability to express thoughts clearly and concisely.
Insufficient evidence of achievement.
Not prepared for the interview.
No real interest in the organization
81
FOLLOW-UP
Ask good questions
Thank the interviewer
Request a business card
Inquire about next steps in the process
82
FOLLOW-UP … CONT
Send a thank you note within
24 hours
Letter may be handwritten or
typed; e-mail is also acceptable
Tailor each one to the
individual.
83
FINAL THOUGHTS
Remember that only 15% of the success of an interview is out of your control
Take some time to reflect
- Overall, how well did I do?
- What went well?
- What steps can I take next time to improve?
84
SUGGESTIONS
Conduct a test run the day before the interview
Practice! Practice! Practice!
Obtain a list of practice interview questions and jot down short answers
Stand in front of a mirror and rehearse your answers
Get a good night’s sleep-be well rested and alert for the interview
Be relaxed and be yourself!
85
THANK YOU
Q & A
YOU CAN FIND ME HERE
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