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Workplace Readiness Season 2 June 4, 2016; 9am-5pm

Workplace Readiness – Season 2: Agenda

01

Context

Setting

03 Hire for

Attitude…

05

“Positioning”

for Success

07

Q & A

02 Employers

say…

04

Basic Skills

06 Finding &

Charting

Your Course

What Employers need

02 Employers

say…

01

Context

Setting

What Employers Need: Survey Response

Non-Profit

92%

4%

Private

Government

4%

47%

Managers

Ex. M

gt/

Bu

s. O

wn

ers

30%

HR Managers/Recruiters

23%

ROLE SECTOR

… a fair representation amongst Executive Management/Business Owners, Managers and HR Practitioners; primarily from the private sector

Medical 4%

Real Estate 2%

4%

6% Oil & Gas

4% Agriculture

Consulting/Professional Services Retail Trade

6%

13%

4%

FMCG/Manufacturing

29%

25%

Financial Services

Education/Training

Transportation

2%

Public Sector

… 79% representation from Financial Services, Consulting/Professional Services, Retail Trade, Oil & Gas and Education industries

INDUSTRY



M O S T I M P O R T A N T S K I L L S

01 Analytical & Critical Thinking

Communication

Problem Solving

Team Work

Ethics & Integrity

Positive Attitude

IT/Computer

Trainability

Innovation & Creativity

Interpersonal

Customer Orientation

02

03

04

05

06

07

08

09

10

10


1 Enthusiasm & Energy

2 Initiative

3 Goal Oriented

4 Reliability/Dependability

5 Professionalism

6 Research

7 Job/Function Knowledge/Skill

8 Resilience & Adaptability

9 Working Under Pressure

10 Passion

O T H E R I M P O R T A N T S K I L L S


1 Persuasion

2 Academic Achievement

3 Leadership

4 Networking

5 Entre/Intra-prenuership

6 Work Experience

7 Commercial Awareness

8 Selling

9 Confidence/Courage

10 Commitment

Is it really true that employers

ask for work experience and the

ability to bring in business from

recent graduates?

L E A S T I M P O R T A N T S K I L L S

What Employers Need: Top ’10’ Skills

Analytical & Critical Thinking

Communication

Problem Solving

Team Work

Ethics & Integrity

Positive Attitude Computer Skills

Trainability

Innovation/Creativity Interpersonal

Customer Orientation

Behavioural Attributes

What Employers Need: Top ’10’ Skills

“Hire for attitude, train for skills” - Anonymous

Critical Behavioural Skills

03 Hire for

Attitude…

Detoun Ogwo ED, Skills Dev. Practice

Topic:

Critical Behavioural

Attributes that Employers

require

Detoun Ogwo, currently a doctoral researcher at the University College

London(UCL) Institute of Education UK is a Development & Human Resources

Practitioner passionate about making a difference in the youth employment

sector. With a career spanning over nearly two decades, she has functioned in

the human capital, strategic recruitment and customer care divisions of several

multinationals in Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

She holds a degree in Biochemistry from the University of Lagos, certification on

effective youth employment policies & the impact evaluation of youth programs

including a Masters in Development from the ILO International Training Centre

of the United Nations System.

An Ashoka Fellow, Fortune Global Women program mentee, twice nominated

and shortlisted for the Schwab Foundation Social Entrepreneur of the Year

award (Africa), Detoun has attended several leadership and enterprise

development programs at the EDC of Lagos Business School, the London School

of Economics and Political Science UK, Columbia Business School USA and

received a World Bank Institute scholarship for studies on Global Strategies for

Education Reform.

An experienced project manager, she was the pioneer Executive Director and co-

founder of AGDC, a Federal Ministry of Education accredited national career

centre for 7 years and sits on the board of several organisations including The

Skills Development Practice, where she actively supports training and coaching

programs for youth burdened by the scourge of unemployment. She advocates

for systemic and efficient school-to-work transition enablers that guarantee that

the skills and potential of young people are harnessed maximally and ensures

businesses stay competitive through a robust pipeline of work-ready personnel.

Detoun, who currently serves as the Editor of the Woman Leader magazine of

the Fountain of Life church is married to Amechi, an Architect and they are

blessed with 4 children.

DETOUN OGWO

COVENANT CAPITAL WORKPLACE READINESS SERIES LAGOS, NIGERIA

CRITICAL BEHAVI OURAL ATTRIBUTES THAT EMPLOYERS REQUIRE

4 T H JUNE, 2016 .

Birth of an Idea…

2006-CRITICAL INCIDENT.HR MANAGER. BOTCHED RECRUITMENT TESTS. WORK READINESS FACTOR.

2014-CUSTOMS RECRUITMENT TEST. SIGNALS-INSTITUTIONAL CHALLENGE, POLICY/REFORM GAP.

16

Representatives from all sectors are worried about the skill gaps of Nigerian graduates.

Problem

“Nigerian youths are unemployable.” Dr Ngozi-Okonjo-Iweala, Finance Minister

“The core problem of the rising unemployment crisis is lack of employability development by 99 per cent of today’s graduates.” Mr Kennedy Brake Director, Brakins Resources

“Many graduates from Nigerian tertiary institutions don't get jobs because they are not employable.” Toyin Ademola , Head of ACCA, Nigeria

“Nigerian graduates are not employable, because quality and focus of the training offered by the universities are not in tune with the needs of society.” Prof. Julius Okojie, NUC Executive Secretary

“Nigeria needs to improve the quality of education to produce quality graduates.” Professor Oye Ibidapo-Obe, Vice-Chancellor of FUNAI, Ebonyi State

Survey Data 2010..Employability Skills of Graduates In Nigeria

Employers express concerns about the competency of the graduates that do apply for very limited job vacancies. The problem is that these skills are rarely taught or harnessed in schools even when the jobs are there.

Findings have shown that

o48% of employers rated young graduates ‘poor’ in conceptual and creative thinking.

o44% of employers rated young graduates ‘poor’ in self awareness.

o39.6% of employers rated young graduates ‘poor’ in time management

o36% of employers rated young graduates poor in global and commercial awareness

o34.1% of employers rated young graduates poor in sense of career direction

o34.1% of employers rated young graduates poor in emotional intelligence.

31.9% of employers rated young graduates poor in managing school to work transition.

Task…Critical Behavioural competences that stand YOU out from the crowd.

If you are one of those graduates that make the mistake of equating your ‘skills’ with your degree or qualifications, you should remember that while what you have studied and what you can do are connected, they are not the same thing!

Rather than a narrow interpretation of your skills that is based on your discipline, think in terms of ‘transferable skills’ or ‘employability skills.

Q: How can the knowledge and competencies you have acquired be applied to a workplace environment? ( i.e Who you are + What you know + What you can do)

Your Game: Think about other ways in which you can differentiate and market your unique SELF.

Your next level may demand you hone/master these skills… Personal Skills Interpersonal Skills Study Skills

Mastery of who you are, what you carry. How you relate to others. What you know/do with your spare time.

Entrepreneurial Skills Influencing/ Management Career Management Skills

How you turn problems into income How you persuade others/inform outcomes How you navigate the labour market

for self & value for society . for preferred outcomes

Translating to Reality

Critical Thinking

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZLyUHbexz04

Self and Career Management techniques

- Tell me about yourself

- The power of A4 Paper

- Interview answers from REALITY.

- Career Profiling



Critical Behavioral Competences

Employers like to see that applicants have some commercial awareness – an insight into how firms operate, what is happening in the business world and the impact this could have on their organisation.

Drive – are you results orientated and proactive? Core Values of Integrity,honesty,disciplined work ethic.

Analytical thinking – do you possess the ability to break down a problem into its component parts, identifying implications and causal relationships?

Conceptual thinking – can you recognise patterns and the key underlying issues, making the complex simple and finding creative solutions?

Business sense – do you have a desire to make or save money? To generate value above your pay/cost?

Influence – Are you persuasive? Can you convince others of a view,benefit or position? Empathy and Humility

Leadership – do you enjoy teamwork and cooperation while leading a group of people, articulating a purpose for the group and motivating people to fulfil that purpose?

Teamwork – are you good at working with others – seeing issues from another person’s point of view? Are you willing and able to work cooperatively and collaboratively with others?

Task…Get a Sample Job Description

Begin with the end in mind.

Craft your language of Value

Customer: ____________ (who your customer is).

Problem: ____________(what problem you're solving for the customer).

Solution: ____________ (what is your solution to the problem).

AND

For ____________ (target customer)

who ____________ (statement of the need or opportunity)

our (product/service name) is ____________ (product category)

that (statement of benefit) ____________

BE PREPARED FOR YOUR OPPORTUNITY OR CREATE ONE! According to Jide Ogunsanwo, statistics show that in the last 90 days, 1,598,642 more people entered the labour market. Signaling that Nigeria has a 31.2% unemployment rate.

Successful employees are flexible, able to evaluate options to determine the best approach for a given situation and adapt accordingly…

Begin with the end in mind. Take your best YOU to the market place. No one ever said No to real Value!

Useful Links

edX.org — Take online courses from the world’s best universities.

More Critical Thinking Resources

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0yEAE5owWw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6OLPL5p0fMg

Coursera.org — Take the world’s best courses, online, for free. Coursmos.com — Take a micro-course anytime you want, on any device.

goHighbrow.com — Get bite-sized daily courses to your inbox.

Why should we hire you resource-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLdboEjNSdM





Useful Links Skillshare .com— Online classes and projects that unlock your creativity.

Curious.com — Grow your skills with online video lessons.

lynda.com — Learn technology, creative and business skills.

CreativeLive.com — Take free creative classes from the world’s top experts.

Udemy.com — Learn real world skills online.

Competences Employers seek http://www.workforce.com/articles/31-core-competencies-explained

Job Person Specification Template

http://lynda.com/

http://lynda.com/

http://www.workforce.com/articles/31-core-competencies-explained







Thank you!

Detoun A Ogwo

Twitter: Dets4Change

Ig: Dets_DT

Linkedin Detoun Ogwo

Critical Technical Skills

04

Basic Skills

Olatunde Samuel-Ipaye Partner, Phillips Consulting

Topic:

Critical Technical Skills

that Employers require

‘Tunde Samuel-Ipaye is an Associate Partner and leads the Human

Capital Management and Recruitment practices of Phillips Consulting.

His extensive experience spans directing, managing and executing

business transformation, strategy, organisational design, talent

management, and business growth/expansion projects in Nigeria and

some key markets across Africa. He has led projects for clients in various

industries including Oil & Gas, Telecommunications, Financial Services,

Power, Infrastructure, Agriculture, and Government institutions.

‘Tunde’s passion is to drive organisational transformation towards

achieving corporate renewal and market dominance. At the core of this

is his drive for building high-performing teams through fast-paced

professional development and project execution. With over 18 years

industry and consulting experience, Tunde is poised to delivering

business and enterprise-level impact geared towards creating

stakeholders value.

He is a graduate of Computer Science with a post graduate degree in

Management from the University of Calabar, and is currently concluding

his MBA at the Warwick Business School. He is a Certified Knowledge

Management practitioner, a certified Thomas International (a renowned

Psychometric Analysis institution) practitioner and an Organisational

Development (OD) specialist. He has also attended several leadership

development programs at prestigious institutions such as Aston

Business School, London Business School, Wharton Business School and

Warwick Business School.

He currently seats on the board of two companies in Nigeria.

Workplace READINESS SERIES

Essential Basic Skills That Employees Require

A recent study by Payscale showed the perception gap

between Millenials and their Managers on their

preparedness for the workforce

20% 9%

68%

46%

10% 33%

2%

13%

Extremely Prepared

Mostly Prepared

Minimally Prepared

Unprepared

Managers Millenials

It also showed the top 6 skills Managers feel Millenials lack

the most

44%

of managers think millennials

lack writing proficiency skills.

60%


lack critical thinking skills

56%


lack attention to detail

46%


lack communication skills

39%


lack public speaking skills.

36%


lack data analysis skills

If this is the

situation in an

environment in

which students are

given better

education and have

more opportunities,

what do you think

the case is here?

A survey for this very program was done and had responses

from Managers, Business Owners and Recruiters.

The top 10 skills which Employers say they need include:

1 Analytical & Critical Thinking

2 Communication

3 Problem Solving

4 Team Work

5 Ethics & Integrity

6 Positive Attitude

7 IT/Computer

8 Trainability

9 Innovation & Creativity

10 Interpersonal

10 Customer Orientation

Hold that thought for a second…

…Lets build a little Background

What kinds of Tasks are Entry Level persons often required to

do?

Shadow work of superiors

Research and Analyse information Track and Prepare

reports

Receive requests from

internal and external customers

Comply with organisation policies, consistently

Monitor quality of own work

Accept and use constructive criticism

Work with a team

Follow Procedures

Learn new skills related to your job

Solve basic problems

Data Entry, Filing and Record keeping

Assist senior colleagues

Scan, mail, print

These Tasks are the same irrespective of the fields or industry in

which an entry level staff is working

So what specific Skills do you need to have to be able to perform

these tasks?

There are clusters of skills expected from any Entry Level Staff

regardless of the job type, whether blue collar, white collar or pink

collar.

Foundational or Basic

Skills, knowledge and capabilities to perform specific tasks. They

apply to any type of job

Behavioural

Attributes or Skills used to successfully interact with others in the workplace.

Involves how you conduct yourself

Job Specific

Skills that apply to your specific job type e.g accounting,

electrical engineering, marketing

Leadership

Managerial and strategic thinking skills

required for higher job levels

When we say Basic Skills, what do we mean?

This refers to abilities acquired through learning and practice. They are often job or task specific; in other words, a particular skill set or proficiency required to perform a specific job or task.

Source: investopedia

For the purpose of this presentation, we shall be focusing on

the Foundational Skills

Foundational Skills

Job Specific Skills

Remembering our surveys, lets pull them all in. These

Technical Foundational Skills include:

Writing Proficiency Goal Setting Presentation Skills Effective

Communication

Public Speaking Data Analysis Time Management

Researching Planning &

Organisation

IT Skills Problem Solving

Critical Thinking

Today we will focus on the following

Researching

Critical Thinking

Business

Communication

Knowledge and Use of

Technology

Planning &

Organisation

Problem Solving

Time

Management

Knowledge and Use of

Technology

Word Powerpoint Excel Outlook

A. Use of MS Suite The Basics:

Knowledge and Use of Technology

B. Use of professional internet tools

Others:

Project

Visio Access

and many others

1. Save, print, protect a document

2. Change fonts, colours, size of words

3. Insert comments, track changes

4. Use smartArt, insert and edit chart

5. Edit margin, orientation, columns

6. Separate pages with page break

7. Publish to pdf 8. Mail merge

Assess yourself: How many tasks can you do?

1. Send and receive mails

2. Set appointment

3. Set meeting request

4. Mail merge

5. Group mails


2. Change number formats (general,

text, date, custom)

3. Simple functions: SUM, LINK CELLS 4. Manage data: FILTER, SORT, REMOVE

DUPLICATES 5. PIVOT TABLE


2. Change fonts, colours, size of

words

3. Create templates,

4. Create and modify shapes

5. Insert pictures, smartArt, charts

6. Animate objects

7. Edit SlideMaster 8. Hyperlink

For every task, give your self 1 point, if you can only perform part of the task listed then rate your self 0.5

Assess yourself: How many tasks can you do?

For every task, give your self 1 point, if you can only perform part of the task listed then rate your self 0.5

0 – 5 Very Poor

6 – 10 Poor

11 – 15 Average

16 – 20 Good

21 – 26 Excellent!

8 points

8 points

5 points

5 points

Total Points

How to learn / improve on these skills

•Go through Microsoft Office

Training online (microsoft.com)

•Go through the ‘Help?’ Tool in

any of the MS programs

•Compete with your friends

•Watch free tutorials on

youtube.com

•Practice, practice, practice!

Critical Thinking

Critical Thinking

If a plane crashes on the border of Germany

and Poland, where do you bury the survivors.

A. Germany

B. Poland

C. You dont

D. There is no German poland border

E. Switzerland

In what sport are the shoes made of metal?

A. Soccer

B. Basketball

C. Athletics

D. Horse racing

E. Tabletennis

Answer

C. You don’t bury survivors

Answer

D. Horse racing


Critical Thinking

Josh has twenty years of typing experience behind him; therefore, if you are looking for

an efficient typist to enter your data into the new system, you need look no further.

The speaker assumes that

A. Twenty years of practice ensures typing efficiency

B. The type of typing required for the new system is identical to what Josh has been

doing

C. Josh’s job profile is the best that the new employer is going to get

D. Josh is an outstandingly fast and accurate typist

E. Josh will fit well into the new office

Answer

A. Twenty years of practice ensures typing efficiency

An assumption is an unstated premise. So we are looking for something that is implied in the argument, and if

wrong, will undermine the argument. All that the speaker implies is that Josh is efficient because he has twenty years

of practice, and so answer A is correct.

Eliminate B because the word ‘identical’ is not implied.

Eliminate C because we are talking about typing not the whole ‘job profile’. The argument claims that Josh is efficient

but without defining efficiency we cannot assume that it involves both speed and accuracy, and certainly

‘outstandingly’ is not warranted. Nothing is implied about fitting into the office.

Let us take it up a notch


Critical Thinking

Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dItUGF8GdTw

Why is Critical Thinking important

How to Think Critically


Play

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dItUGF8GdTw

workplace readiness-Technical SKills/5 tips to improve your critical thinking - Samantha Agoos.mp4

Business

Communication

Business Communication

This is the sharing of information between people within and outside

the organization that is performed for the commercial benefit of the

organization

Source: wikipedia; skillsyouneed.com

5 Ways to Improve your Business Communication Skills

1. Increase your vocabulary: focus on terminologies that are used in your field of

interest

2. Read Business-Related Material: harvard business review, forbes.com

3. Play Games: a fun way to improve your business communication is with

crosswords and puzzles

4. Watch Business oriented programs: focus on programs by experts in your field of

interest. Even when you don’t fully understand what they are saying keep watching,

you will catch on

5. Practice! Use what you have learnt as often as possible and it will stick

Planning &

Organisation

Planning & Organisation

Answer

C

D

B

A


Planning simply is the organisational process of creating

and maintaining a plan; and the psychological process of

thinking about the activities required to create a desired

future on some scale

&

Organising is making optimum use of the resources

required to enable the successful carrying out of plans

Source: Phillips Consulting


Steps to Planning & Organisation:

Identify your sources

Make a list of tasks and

prioritize

Create timelines

Determine how to measure

yourself

Make adjustments

Establish your goals

1

2

3

4

5

6

Researching

Researching

To research means to conduct investigation

systematically to establish facts and reach conclusions.

There are many ways to conduct a research, this will

depend on your objective and field you are working in, for

instance

An engineer researching on the causes of gas leakages is

different from a marketer researching on the preferred

products for customers

Source: Research Paradigms: Introduction to basic Concepts

Researching

You would most times either be doing:

Desk Research

Relying on existing data and information published on the

internet, printed magazines or valid sources

Field Research

Collecting new data through primary research techniques

Source: Research Paradigms: Introduction to basic Concepts

Researching

To be a good researcher you must:

• Know the techniques- surveys, online

search, interviews

• Be very curious, keenly interested in

finding answers

• Approach the task analytically; ask

questions-when should I do it, how best

do I communicate, what are synonyms

of the words

• Be patient

• Be systematic, check and check again

Source: mustardresearch.com

• Use your network

• Check your sources

Problem Solving

Problem Solving

Problems solving involves setting out to achieve some objectives or

desired state of affair and can include avoiding a situations or events.

Problem solving involves overcoming the barriers or obstacles that

prevent the immediate and long term achievement of goals.

Source: skillsyouneed.com

Stages to Problem Solving:

Structure the problem

Look for possible solutions

Identify the problem 1

2

3

4

5

6

Implement

Monitor and seek feedback

Make a decision

Problem Solving

Problems solving Exercise:

How do I catch the rat that has been eating my books

Source: skillsyouneed.com

Structure the problem

Look for possible solutions

Identify the problem 1

2

3

4

5

6

Implement

Monitor and seek feedback

Make a decision

Books

• Move the books?

• Spring clean and rearrange books

• Trap the rat with gum ekute

• Kill with otapiapia or sniper

My books are being eaten by rats

Rats

How

Important

How large

Buy Sniper from the market and spray it

strategically

Check your books after a week

Use Sniper

How many How often

How large

Time

Management

Time Management

oI feel as though I am constantly trying to catch up at work

oI feel as though I am constantly trying to catch up with responsibilities

oI am regularly late to appointments and scheduled activities

oThere is rarely a break in my schedule

oMy shoulders are not relaxed right now

oA vacation? I’ve never had one of those

oKeeping up with household chores is a struggle because of time constraints

oI don’t have time to exercise

oMy e-mail is piled up and I haven’t had time to open it

oMy to-do list rarely gets completely checked off for the day

oI have not gotten together with friends for fun in over a month

You see where this is going?

Source: Time Management, The 3 P’s

Which of these apply to you?

Time Management

“Gosh, I’ve been so busy lately, I didn’t even notice that I gave birth Tuesday!”

Time Management

“Tips to Managing Time”

Source: entrepreneur.com

Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=go5XyuI7DkA

Play

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=go5XyuI7DkA

workplace readiness-Technical SKills/How to Manage Time With 10 Tips That Work.mp4

Time Management

It is very essential to always have a note pad and pen anywhere you

go.

• You go to a meeting, you take notes

• You are in the car on your way out and you get a bright idea, you

take notes

• Your boss is giving you instructions, you take notes

• You are in a Workplace Readiness Seminar,…..

There are several time management tips but my best and one of the most

essential is “Taking Notes”

Source: entrepreneur.com

One more thing…

In addition to picking up, building and improving on all

these skills, it is absolutely necessary to,

Build

Build your

Build your personal

Build your personal brand

What do you want to be known for?

Making extremely good presentations

The go-to for finding information online

Being a “Harvey

Specter (from suits)” to any problem

The most Reliable staff

Eloquent and poised

Selling ice to an eskimo

Effective Management in any project

Making it happen, no matter what

An early bird

A Ms Excel Guru

Specialist in any kind of analytic tools

QUESTIONS

CV Writing

05

“Positioning”

for Success

David Ashiru CEO, Value Endowment Co.

Topic:

CV Writing &

Interviewing Skills

David Ashiru is a business strategist, management consultant, executive

coach, certified trainer and passionate people developer with proven

record of success in business development, leadership development,

personal development, organisational transformation, entrepreneurship

development & general management. He has over fifteen years leadership

and management experience garnered in corporate establishments

(United Kingdom & Nigeria) and government (Nigeria).

He is an Alumni of the Harvard University and Lagos Business School. A

Myers-Briggs Certified Practitioner; John Maxwell trained & certified

Coach, Speaker & Trainer and a certified Micro-MBA Entrepreneurship

Trainer & Mentor.

As a people developer, David has been and is involved in several skill

enhancement and development programs on behalf of several

organisations in the areas of Talent Sourcing and Management,

Leadership and Management Competencies development, Organisational

Change Management, etc. David’s style is impactful and candid; he uses

daily and familiar anecdotes to ensure understanding and assimilation.

He specialises in other areas including customer service mastery, team

building & career counselling.

Early in life, he imbibed a personal mantra that “one is not successful until

you make success happen for others/of others around you”; as such, he

keeps developing himself and has attended several training programmes

in human competence and performance related fields both within and

outside the country with the aim of further expanding his capacity &

capability to help individuals and companies reposition for greater

success.

EFFECTIVE CVS & COVER LETTER

Learning Objectives

By the end of this session, you should

• know the importance of writing a good CV

• identify different types of CVs and the rationale for choosing one or another

• identify your skills and personal qualities to include in your CV

• understand how to write an effective CV and cover letter

• know how to proof-read your CV for spelling, punctuation, grammar and meaning.

The Curriculum Vitae What it is

What it does

Types and How to write it

Why have or write a CV?

• A CV will get you an interview, not a job! • A well written CV informs an employer about your education,

work experience, interests and persuades an employer to invite you for interview

• It is primarily a self marketing tool that presents you in the best possible light by painting a factual and positive picture of YOU

• A well written CV should sell your best qualities by drawing the attention of an employer to your relevant skills, achievements and potential.

• It is not an application and should not substitute one.

A well-designed CV should

• show an employer why you are the ideal candidate for a role or job

• set a positive tone for the interview

• guide the interviewer when drafting questions for you

• influence decision maker(s) in your favour

Types of CV

• Chronological: the most traditional and standard format. Summarises work experience and education by time periods listing most recent experiences first.

• Skills-based / Functional: allows you to demonstrate how your skills, knowledge and abilities can be applied to different job roles.

• Blended / Combination: allows you to frame your skills to be relevant and complementary to the job you are seeking as well as maintain an employer preferred chronological work history.

Chronological

Advantage:

• Most widely accepted and more familiar to interviewers

• Easiest to write

• Useful if you have work experience directly related to the job you are applying for

• Highlight / reference relevant skills in various sections of the CV

Disadvantage:

• Boring to read

• Difficult to show themes in work experience

EMPLOYMENT

April – December 2011: Venture – Editing

Assistant

Working with Photoshop, I have learnt

various editing styles. I have gained

customer service experience and

understand the importance of listening to

what customers want in order to achieve

high sales.

February 2009 – March 2010: Zara –

Retail Assistant

My interest in fashion enabled me to help

customers and to suggest styles that might

suit them. I helped to design the layout of

the stock in the store, with an aim to

increase our revenue by positioning various

items in ‘eye-catching’ places.

Skills-Based/Functional

Advantage:

• Well defined skills section that focus on the skills and attributes you have that are relevant to the job

• Useful if you have limited or unrelated work experience

• Often more interesting to read

Disadvantage:

• May result in minimal details in other sections, therefore creating an imbalanced structure

SKILLS

• Attention to detail – as an Editing

Assistant at Venture, I needed to prove

that I could spot any mistakes or flaws in

the photographs, as well as being

attentive to the requests of the

customers

• Computer skills – I regularly used

Photoshop during my time at Venture. I

am also a competent user of Microsoft

Office, which I proved throughout my

time as a Retail Assistant at Zara, where

I was often required to produce reports

on our sales

• Customer service – in all of my roles,

customer service has been of key

importance. I have experience of

dealing with difficult customers, and try

to ensure that every customer is satisfied

with the service they have received.

Blended

85

• Combines the best and most relevant aspects of chronological and skills-based CVs

• Includes a separate but shorter skills section than in pure “skills” CV

• Includes commentary within the work experience section

MARY ANN JONES 2069 Cherry Lane Plateau, AL 12345 Phone: (256) 555-1212

[email protected]

Professional Educated and skilled in classroom management, instruction and training.

Profile Excellent problem-solver. Team-player able to establish positive rapport

with others. Creative, energetic self-starter motivated to succeed.

Education University of Alabama

B.A., Elementary Education, May 2006 anticipated GPA: 3.95 Calhoun Community College A.S., Elementary Teacher Education, May 2004 Graduated: Phi Theta Kappa

Achievements

Brochure Design. Designed brochure for Sandman Daycare Rising Toddler Program. Classroom Practicum. Received “Assistant of the Year” Award for Sasquatch District. Presentation. Co-presented “Phonics I-O-U” at NACCE Regional Teacher’s Conference.

Work Experience

Teacher’s Aid, SEESAW ELEMENTARY, Seesaw, AL 2003-2005

Assisted teacher with reading and basic math instruction

Supervised playground activities and Story Days

Tutored students in after school program Day Care Assistant, HAMNER DAYCARE, Relevance, AL 2001-2003

Organized recreational activities for toddler group

Coordinated after school arts program for pre-teens

Maintained bulletin boards and updated newsletter

Activities

President, Gamma Beta Phi Education Service Fraternity 2005-2006

Member, Student Government Association, Philanthropy Chair 2004

Summer Softball Coach for Sasquatch Little League, 1999-2002

Computer and Technical Skills

Can operate Windows XP, 2000, and 98 operating systems

Proficient with Quark Express and Adobe Photoshop

Utilize email, Explorer, and Netscape efficiently

CV Facts

• It must be concise; no more than two sides of A4

• It should market you and your suitability for the role

• There is no such thing as a general CV. It should be targeted to the sector, the employer, the job

• Clear layout and ordered structure

• Avoid ready-made templates

• Information in it must be true

• Information in it must be relevant

• Highlight relevant skills

• Use positive language, avoid jargons

• Spell check

• Grammar check

• Proof read!

Creating My CV What structure do I

use?

What do I

include?

How do I package and improve my

chances?

Creating My CV

What do I include in my CV?

• Personal details

• Personal profile or career objective

• Accomplishments

• Education and qualifications

• Work experience

• Skills profile

• Interests/extra curricular activities

• References

How do I structure my CV?

Start with your personal details………

………………decide what you want to include and how to structure

……………………………and end with your references

Creating My CV - Personal Details

• Name

• Address – use only one correspondence address if possible

• Telephone number

• Email –use an appropriate one

• Date of birth – not needed

• Gender – not needed

• Photographs – situational

Creating My CV - Personal profile or Career Objective • Not compulsory but good to have

• Use it to play up key points that you want an employer to know and those that will make you look attractive and qualified for the new job

• Use action verbs and strong, positive language

• Avoid excessive superlatives

• Less is more. Keep each statement to one line and have 1 – 3 statements with maximum of 4 lines

“During my studies, I successfully combined my studies with work and other commitments showing myself to be self-motivated, organised and capable of working under pressure. I have a clear, logical mind with a practical approach to problem solving and a drive to see things through to completion. I enjoy working on my own initiative or in a team”.

“Objective: An entry-level position in mechanical engineering where strong leadership ability and good communication skills are needed”.

Creating My CV - Education

• Should be listed in reverse chronological order

• post graduate

• first degree

• secondary school.

• Only include subjects or modules that have a clear link to the job / role being applied for

• Only state good grades!

• For degrees obtained overseas, show the name of the qualification and indicate a Nigerian equivalent.

Education and Qualifications 2011 – Present University of Lagos B.Sc. (Hons) Business Administration Modules include: Book keeping and Finance, Management Human Resources

Project: Mergers & Acquisition in Nigeria 2005 – 2011 Lekki Grammar School SSCE: 8 SSCEs including English and Maths Subjects: Economics (A), Information Technology (A), Fine Art (B)

Creating My CV - Work Experience / History • Include full time, part time, voluntary work and industrial attachments, especially

those that show experience related to the job

• Include ALL jobs IF you have very little work experience

• Use reverse chronological order or group into “relevant” and “other” work

experience

• Show the employer/company name, location and nature of business

• Show dates of employment, job title and responsibilities

• Focus on the skills used and your accomplishments

• Avoid repetition of duties – use job groupings

• Avoid lengthy paragraphs or statements; use bulleted lists.

• If you are CURRENTLY unemployed, find an immediate short-term opportunity to

get some unpaid volunteer work experience, preferably in your area of qualification

• If you have gaps in your work experience, explain what you were doing.

Creating My CV - Work Experience

FEB. 1999 TO 2001 DIGICOM SOLUTIONS LIMITED LONDON, ENGLAND ABUJA, NIGERIA BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Recruited high achievers as company staff; Managed daily business operations; Prepared management and in-control accounts; Conducted monthly reconciliation and internal audit; Prepared budget forecasts using historical and current data; Responsible for budget management ensuring that agreed expenditure levels

are adhered to; Liaised with company retained solicitors; Developed proposals for identified viable opportunities; Set-up of regional office in Abuja.

Creating My CV - Identifying relevant skills • It is important to know the skills you have and / have use(d)

• It is important to know what skills are required for a job. Get these from • The job description • The person specification • The job advert • The company’s website

• Informational interview: this is one of the most resourceful ways to find out exactly what skills a job requires

• Research – industry and occupational

• It is important to make links between your skills and the job to show how you are a good match with the job requirements

• Involves two elements - giving an example (broad or specific) of when you have used the skill - defining the skill in a way that is relevant to the job or employer concerned

• Only include skills which are relevant to the job/role and for which you can provide evidence – DO NOT LIST SKILLS

Creating My CV - Skills profile

96

Chronological CVs include references to

skills throughout the CV

SKILLS AND ACHIEVEMENTS

Effective communication

• Improved client communication by showing interest, carefully listening to their needs and relaying their concerns to management for immediate resolution and/or follow-up

• Developed good oratory skill and confidence through delivery of bi-weekly sales presentations to groups of five to fifty.

Customer service

• Assisted customers in products selection

• Built rapport with and gained the trust of customers by calmly dealing with any problems in the high pressure environment of Shoprite

• Maintained professional relationships through email and other written correspondence such as monthly newsletters. This led to longstanding business relationships with customers that is needed for repeat business.

Skills-based and Blended CVs often have

separate skills sections

2008 (Jan – Aug) DASH Financial Services Ltd (Ikoyi, Lagos)

Financial Assistant • Client statement reconciliation: Worked in a

team of four matching invoices to payments made on account

• Matched income to expenses over the financial period.

Computed and recorded inventory valuation on a monthly basis; Verified the amount outstanding clients weekly in the Accounts Payable account.

Your skills profile provides another

opportunity to use ACTION VERBS /

STATEMENTS – take advantage of it!

Creating My CV - Action Verbs

created instructed analyzed produced

negotiated designed calculated maintained

administered controlled reviewed

consolidated delivered founded increased

studied invented supplied detected

programmed recommended distributed

developed solved prepared installed

selected arranged formulated solved started

Creating My CV – Interests and Achievements

• This is optional so if you are low on space, leave it out

• If you have the space, think about what the information adds to your CV

• Use it to highlight relevant personal development, training or education in the line of work

• Share a special achievement or recognition or interests that you are comfortable being questioned about in an interview

• Talents, special knowledge, your attitude or work ethics

• Choose interests and activities which can demonstrate skills relevant to the job e.g.

• Teamwork

• Organising

• Commitment

• Intellectual artistry.

Creating My CV - References

• Provide the contact details of two referees (name, address,

job title, telephone no. and email address)

• For recent graduates, it is okay to provide one academic and a

character referee

• For 1-3 years experience, one academic referee and your line

manager

• Out of courtesy, ask permission from your referees and let

them know what position(s) you have applied for

• If you prefer not to include details on your CV, you can state

“References available on request”

Creating My CV – DOs and DON’Ts Do

• Use a standard font size in black ink

• Include recent and relevant work experience (paid

or voluntary)

• Be consistent in your layout

• List your skills and achievements and back up with

evidence

• Keep it short (maximum 2 pages)

• Use positive action verbs

• Include a statement about your career aspirations

and what you have to offer the employer

• Be honest but positive (negatives can always be

turned into positives).

• Proof-read for spelling, punctuation, grammar and

meaning

• Ask someone to review for you.

Don’t

• Write your CV in a hurry

• Leave gaps in employment

• Lie or Fabricate

• Include irrelevant personal details

• Simply write a list of duties under work

experience (remember you are selling

yourself!).

• Use flashy or large font

Creating My CV – Reminders • The reality is that there is no single way to write a CV; but it must be

structured and presented within acceptable framework.

• It is your marketing communication tool so make the first impression count as it may be the only opportunity you get

• Every job and employer is unique even in the same industry; as such, find out what each is looking for and emphasise the relevant parts of your CV. What may seem or is time consuming now will eventually stand you out

• Please ensure your CV is

• Easy to read – logical, clear, organised

• Focused – targeted at the opportunity

• Prioritised – it gives the most important and relevant information towards the beginning

• Positive – it includes pro-active language.

Cover Letters

What is a Cover Letter?

• A cover letter generally accompanies a CV (never send a ‘naked’ CV)

• It completes and builds on the information in the CV

• Two types • Speculative letter

• Letter of application

• It must be targeted at the job you are applying for and accentuate your key skills and suitability for the job clearly, concisely and positively

Cover Letters - Speculative applications

• Should be no more than three paragraphs

• Opening paragraph – why you are writing: state broad type of

work you are interested in and when you are available.

• Paragraph 2 – demonstrate knowledge of employer; include some

information about YOU linking your skills and experience to the

job and/or company

• Paragraph 3 – Refer to your CV and inform that you will follow up

with a telephone call within a certain period e.g. a week

• Be genuine – it shows in how you convey your interest in

the company and / or job

Cover Letters – Responsive applications • Use a responsive cover letter or letter of application when applying for a specific

vacancy and / or asked to ‘apply in writing’ or ‘send CV and cover letter’

• Three concise paragraphs

• Paragraph 1 should focus on the purpose of your writing: name specific job vacancy and where advertised

• Paragraph 2 should address your motivation for wanting the job; demonstrate your understanding of the job role; cover why you want to work for the company: answer questions as to why the company, the job and/or industry.

It should also answer the question of why you should be considered for the job

It should include statements with evidence that match your skills, experience and qualifications to the job

• Paragraph 3 is your closing paragraph and should convey interest and enthusiasm in the role, state what you can offer the employer and indicate your availability for interview.

Cover Letters – Samples Dear Ms White, I am writing to enquire about administrative vacancies in your company. I have had extensive vacation work experience in office environments, the retail sector and service industries, giving me varied skills and the ability to work with many different types of people. I believe I could fit easily into your team. I am a conscientious person who works hard and pays attention to detail. I'm flexible, quick to pick up new skills and eager to learn from others. I also have lots of ideas and enthusiasm. I'm keen to work for a company with a great reputation and high profile like DASH Business Support Services. I enclose my CV for your information and peruse. I would be delighted to discuss any possible vacancy with you at your convenience. In case you do not have any suitable openings at the moment, I would be grateful if you would keep my CV on file for any future possibilities. Yours sincerely

Dear Mr Black, Please find enclosed my CV in application for the post advertised in the Guardian on 30 November. The nature of my degree course has prepared me for this position. It involved a great deal of independent research, requiring initiative, self-motivation and a wide range of skills. For one course, [insert course], an understanding of the [insert sector] industry was essential. I found this subject very stimulating. I am a fast and accurate writer, with a keen eye for detail and I should be very grateful for the opportunity to progress to market reporting. I am able to take on the responsibility of this position immediately, and have the enthusiasm and determination to ensure that I make a success of it. Thank you for taking the time to consider this application and I look forward to hearing from you in the near future. Yours sincerely

Cover Letters – Presentation

• Maximum 1 side of A4, word processed

• Consistent font size and type (and consistent with your CV)

• Send to a named person where possible

• Correct spelling and grammar

• Formal “business letter” layout

• E-mailing – send the letter as an attachment with your CV

References

• Career Service Office Materials of • Oxford University

• University of Kent

• Middlesex University

• McGill Career Planning Service Guide to Writing a CV

Interviewing Skills

05

“Positioning”

for Success

ACING YOUR JOB INTERVIEW

Learning Objectives

• By the end of this session, you should:

– understand the different types of interviews

– know how to adequately prepare for interviews

– know how to do well in any job interview

First

• “The secret of success in life is for a person to be ready for his/her opportunity when it comes” – Benjamin Disraeli

Interviews – what they are • Interview = A meeting with an objective: it is a two way process

• Employer’s objective is to find the best person for the job

– Employer: reviews candidate’s experience and abilities • Can you do the job? (to establish whether you have the competencies (skills,

abilities, qualifications) for the job

• Will you do the job? (to establish your knowledge, interest and motivation)

• How will you fit into the organisation? (to find out what you are like - personality)

• Your objective is to market yourself, skill set and knowledge

– You: impress employer and assess position on offer • Who is this employer?

• What does this position offer me?

• How does it fit with my career plans?

The Key – Market yourself as the top candidate

Interviews – what to expect • Introductions – process explained by interviewer

• Warm up questions - on your skills and experience

• Questions and discussions

– CV/application form questions

– Questions based on selection criteria – “probing”

– Behaviour based questions

– Questions from candidate

• Summing up – next steps

Interview components • a job interview consists of three components:

– Before the interview

– During the interview

– After the interview

BEFORE THE INTERVIEW (PREPPING)

Failing to Prepare is Preparing to FAIL!!!

Interviews - Prepping

• Adequate preparation enables you to

– Make a good first impression

– Prepare for predictable questions

– Respond to interviewer’s criteria

– Answer questions effectively

– Present skills and experience effectively

– Cope with unpredictable questions

– Cope with increasingly probing questions

Typically, your interview starts before you walk into an interview room; interviewing is a skill and preparation is the key to success. Like any other skill, your interviewing improves with practice so, practice for interviews with family or friends.

Interviews - Prepping • Always, always, always make sure you prepare for the

interview

• Preparation involves knowing about: – Yourself

– The Job

– The Company


KNOW & UNDERSTAND YOURSELF – review your life

• Education (post-secondary)

• Experience (IT year, internships, holiday, NYSC etc)

• Skills and competencies

• Accomplishments

• Extra-Curricular and Social activities

• Community service and Volunteer work

• Work ethics

• Personal values

Interviews - Prepping KNOW & UNDERSTAND YOURSELF • Why do I want the job?

• Why am I a suitable candidate and what evidence do I have of

this?

• What have I gained from my academic / employment / extra-

curricular activities?

• What are my career ambitions/what do I want to be doing in

5years?

• What was my - best/worst decision, my greatest achievement?

• When did I - work in a team/solve a problem/use my initiative?

• What are my main strengths and weaknesses?

• Be sure of your strengths & how they apply to the job

Interviews - Prepping KNOW & UNDERSTAND YOURSELF • Now that you’ve perfected your CV, it’s a good strategy to develop your

‘commercial pitch’. Your ‘Commercial Pitch’ or ‘Elevator Speech’ is a

clear, brief message about you – ‘who you are’, ‘what you’re looking

for’ and ‘how you can add value to a company or organisation’.

• You must be able to recite it confidently and articulately within 60

seconds

• The idea behind having one is so that you can use it to introduce

yourself to prospective employers and answer the all important “Tell

me about yourself” question

• It must sound and be natural; as such, only use language you're

comfortable with and familiar to you. Once a final version is

produced, rehearse it out loud in front of a mirror or with a

friend or family member.

Interviews - Prepping KNOW & UNDERSTAND THE JOB

• Research job and occupational area

– Job description / duties of the position

– Current issues

• What do I know about this type of work?

• What attracts me to this type of work?

• What relevant work experience do I need and have?

• What kind of training/additional skills do I need or am I hoping to

gain?

• Other things

− Compensation range

− Location

− Work schedules

− Benefits

How to get to the top of the pile in

a very competitive market place?

Do your homework.

Research, Research, Research. (Carl Gilleard,

Association of Graduate Recruiters)


KNOW & UNDERSTAND THE COMPANY • Research the organisation

– Name – Status - Private or public – Industry – Products and/or services – Key management team

• Sources of information – Company Websites, reports, articles, literature etc – Personal Contacts with knowledge of organisation or sector/Networking – Relevant articles in the press – Conduct informational interviews

– Personal visit or telephone call

How to get to the top of the pile in

a very competitive market place?

Do your homework.

Research, Research, Research. (Carl Gilleard,

Association of Graduate Recruiters)

DURING THE INTERVIEW (D-DAY)

5Ps - Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance

• Choose your attire, review and make ready days before the interview day

• Be well-groomed and ensure a smart, wrinkle-free appearance

• Rest well and have a good night's sleep

• Watch your dietary intake - eat a healthy meal and hydrate adequately

• Pre-plan your travel route and allow plenty of travel time

• Prepare necessary materials (copies of CV, academic qualifications, pen/pencil, pocket notebook, breath mints).

Interviews – D Day Physical and Mental Alacrity

• Arrive early at least 15mins before scheduled time; compose / dress yourself and relax

• Realise that the interview begins when you step into the company’s premises

• First impressions are very powerful

– Halo effect or Devil effect

• Greet everyone in a friendly and professional manner; as staff are often asked their opinion of candidates

• Turn your mobile phone OFF – vibrations make noise

• No BlackBerry, WhatsApp, Instagram and ………………….

Interviews – D Day

• Conservative two-piece business suit (navy or dark grey)

• Conservative long-sleeved shirt/blouse

• Clean, polished conservative shoes

• Well-groomed hairstyle

• Clean, trimmed fingernails

• Minimal perfume

• Empty pockets - no bulges, tinkling coins or keys

• No chewing gum or cigarettes

• Light briefcase or portfolio case for extra copies of your CV, credentials and references

• No visible body piercing (nose rings, eyebrow rings, etc.)

Interviews – Dress the part

• Ties - conservative colour and pattern

• Shoes - black lace-ups, classic single monks or loafer

• Dark socks

• Groomed haircut and mustache - No beards

• Wedding ring and wristwatch

• No earrings

Interviews – Dress the part (Male)

• Always wear a suit with a jacket

• Court shoes - conservative heels

• No handbag - small or large; use a briefcase

• Nail polish - not required, otherwise clear or a conservative colour

• Makeup - minimal

• Jewelry – wedding band, wristwatch, no bangles or wrist chain

• Earrings – studs, single set

Interviews – Dress the part (Female)

Interviews – Greeting & Introductions

For sweaty palms, ensure you carry a clean

handkerchief on you and wipe your hands before

stepping into the interview room.

• Greet interviewer by name (or when greeted, introduce yourself), smile and make eye contact as you shake hands

• Offer a firm handshake unless prohibited by religion or physical challenge

• Extend your hand; your palm should touch the palm of the interviewer

• Use a firm handshake; adjust your grip to the other person’s hand

• Hold the handshake for 2 to 3 seconds making a slight up and down pumping motion

• Be calm; be aware of non-verbal / body language of interviewer

• Be aware of your environment and your own movements

• Remain poised and confident.

Interviews – Greeting & Introductions • Mind your poise and body language as you most likely will be

assessed on

− Appropriate eye contact and posture

− Correct pronunciation of interviewer’s name

− Verbal expression – do you talk easily or are overly formal and reserved

− Enthusiasm and confidence

• Do not sit until interviewer is seated and / or motions you to

• Never chew gum during an interview

• Ask permission to take a few notes during the interview in case

you need clarification at the end of the interview

• Your first five minutes in an interview tells a lot about

you as a person so make a good first impression.

Interviews – Answering questions • Listen carefully, understand the interviewer’s questions and seek clarification when

necessary

• Speak slowly and clearly

• Pause for a moment to collect your thoughts if required

• Keep your answers specific using factual examples and evidence to support claims

• Keep your answers brief but avoid yes/no answers

• Be alert to interviewer’s body language and give positive nonverbal feedback to the interviewer by smiling, showing enthusiasm and a positive attitude

• Know what you want to say and find the opportunity to talk about your PERSONAL contributions

• Be honest – do not try to cover up mistakes, rather focus on lessons learned from them

• Avoid negative terms and comments; describe positive outcomes

• Confidence and a pleasant disposition bring out the positive energy in you

• Enjoy the interview and be enthusiastic when responding to the interviewer's questions.

Interviews – Asking Questions & Closing Statements

• Prepare at least two or three intelligent or researched questions. REMEMBER, questions give away how much you know or do not know

• Start off with what you do know based on your research

• Do NOT ask about salary, benefits or vacation time; focus more on responsibilities, career development opportunities, ideal staff profile, reporting structure, next steps after the interview

• Avoid asking questions that have been answered elsewhere

• Turn the table by asking your interviewer: “Why did you join? How would you describe the culture here? What do you like/dislike in

your job?”

• If you have had all your questions answered, say so and make your closing statement

Interviews – Body language: dos and don’ts

DO

• Firm handshake • Eye contact • Smile! • Open posture • Relaxed, but alert • Look neat & professional • Adopt appropriate dress code • Listen actively – ‘head nods’ • Sit in the right seat • Visit the toilet beforehand!

DON’T

• Limp/clammy handshake • Bring in carrier bags/clutter • Wear jeans • Look down • Cross arms(?) • Flop into chair • Wave arms • Stare out of window • Shake with nerves • Adopt a threatening posture

THE INTERVIEW

Types of Interview • One-on-One Interview

• Panel Interview: Two, three or more people interviewing you at the same time. You are to engage each member of the panel when answering a question. Start by making eye contact with the person who asks the question then gradually shift your focus to each of the other panel members while continuing to answer the question

• Peer Group Interview: utilizes the people within the organization to gain a more complete idea of a candidate’s appropriateness for a position for team-based operations, as it allows the organization to get a more complete idea of a candidate’s overall fit.

• Task or Technical: you are given a problem or topic for which you must prepare a presentation, either before arriving or directly on the spot. They want to see how you communicate your ideas in front of a small group. That’s why you do

you homework and show up ready to perform. Keep in mind who your audience is, what they might be expecting to hear, and the time limit you’ve been given to make your pitch.

Regardless of the interview type, your goal is to always come across as the best candidate. Knowing in advance which format you will be facing can help you prepare effectively.

• Telephone Interview: Same as ‘one-on-one’ but on the telephone; prepare as

thoroughly as for ‘real’ interview. Ensure your environment is comfortable,

private and quiet. Have a copy of your CV, researched information, pen and

paper at hand. Be yourself, smile and use gestures

• Video/Video Conference Interview: One-on-one or Panel interviewing by

video conference.

• Competency/ Behavioural : Competency based interviewing is focused on

discovering how you acted in specific situations. It is founded on the logic that

“past behaviour/performance is predictor of future ones.

Types of Interview Regardless of the interview type, your goal is to always come across as the best candidate. Knowing in advance which format you will be facing can help you prepare effectively.

Interviews – FAQs About you

– Tell me about yourself - Bring me up to date with your CV?

– Why did you choose that particular degree programme?

– What experience have you had that is relevant to this job role?

– Which of your achievements/ideas do you feel most proud of?

– What was your contribution to a recent team task?

– Why do you want a career in this area?

– What do you see as the most significant

personal challenge for you in this career?

– What skills will you have to learn or develop to be successful?

About the job

– What interests you about this job?

– What do you know about our company?

– What other options are you considering?

– How do you see your career developing over the next 5 years?

General knowledge

– What do you think of the Government’s policy on privatising Universities?

– What’s your opinion of the recent leadership tussle in the National Assembly?

– If you could advise the President, what would you say about the deregulation of petroleum products?

• “What if” Questions – No experience - how are you likely to respond to a situation

• Probing Questions – How exactly did you deal with the situation?

– How did you know it worked?

– How did you feel about the outcome?

– Could you have handled it differently?

• Competency-based Questions – Describe a team project you worked on. What problems arose?

How did you deal with them?

– Describe a time when you took responsibility to achieve a

challenging goal.

Interviews – Other Question Formats

Interviews – STAR Technique

• Provide complete answers to competency-based questions by using the STAR Technique

– Situation – describe the situation, problem, or issue that you encountered.

– Task – describe the tasks/responsibilities you took on to help solve the problem.

– Action – discuss the steps you actually took to effect a solution.

– Result – describe the positive results of your actions.

Interviews - Top 10 Skill Employers want SKILL/COMPETENCE DESCRIPTION

1 Verbal Communication Able to express your ideas clearly and confidently in speech

2 Teamwork Work confidently within a group

3 Commercial Awareness Understand the commercial realities affecting the organisation.

4 Analysing & Investigating Gather information systematically to establish facts & principles. Problem solving.

5 Initiative/Self Motivation Able to act on initiative, identify opportunities & proactive in putting forward ideas & solutions

6 Drive Determination to get things done. Make things happen & constantly looking for better ways of doing things.

7 Written Communication Able to express yourself clearly in writing

8 Planning & Organising Able to plan activities & carry them through effectively

9 Flexibility Adapt successfully to changing situations & environments

10 Time Management Manage time effectively, prioritising tasks and able to work to deadlines.

University of Kent Careers and Employability Service

Interviews –What creates a bad impression

• Poor personal appearance

• Negative attitude – evasive, using excuses, blaming

• Lack of interest and enthusiasm

• Lack of preparation

• Poor knowledge of role

• Failure to give concrete examples of skills

• Over emphasis on money/rewards

• Lack of career plan.

AFTER THE INTERVIEW

Title Interviews – After the interview • Be prepared with your closing statement restating your interest and abilities

• Leave positively: thank the interviewer(s) and ask for a business card(s)

• Confirm the correct spelling of interviewer(s) names, don't make assumptions

• Send a thank you note immediately

• Make notes regarding the things you learned about the company as it may be helpful for your next follow up interview

• Summarise your interview experience and evaluate if the job is right for you

• Review your performance thoroughly and honestly

– what went well

– what went badly

– what you wished you had said

– prepare for next stage

• Research salary information in preparation for potential negotiations

• Rejection letter / email – do not be discouraged – each interview is a skills development opportunity

– if you can, request feedback and use it

Finally

"Teachers open the doors, but you must enter by yourself.”

– Chinese Proverb

Identifying and

Charting a Career Path

06 Finding &

Charting

Your Course

Oluwatosin Okojie CEO, Total Ascent

Topic:

Identifying & Charting

a Career Path

Tosin Okojie is a Leadership Consultant and Technology Entrepreneur with

over fifteen years of experience in Consulting, Corporate Finance,

Leadership Development and Executive Level Management. He has a track

record of successfully building businesses in multiple industries including

Financial Services, Telecommunications, Manufacturing, FMCG, Retail, Oil &

Gas, and Media/Entertainment sectors. His passion is “building leadership at

all levels” and consequently creating sustainable profitable enterprises.

Tosin has a first degree in Electronic and Electrical Engineering from the

Obafemi Awolowo University and an MBA from Yale University. He has held

various senior leadership positions in the United States and Nigeria,

including Finance Manager for Unilever, Director of Sales Planning for

Merisant (Monsanto Group), Director of Marketing Finance for Sears

Holdings Corporation, Group Chief Operating Officer for Minaj Holdings

Limited and Country Manager for Invensys Operations Management (a

multinational listed on the London Stock Exchange).

He is the Founder and CEO of Total Ascent, a Leadership Development and

Human Capital Management company that specializes in empowering

individuals and organizations with the skills, knowledge and tools to fulfil

their potential and achieve success in business and life.

Tosin is an Executive Coach and an MBTI Certified Practitioner, and has

successfully applied this Psychometric tool as a framework for Leadership

Development, Career Management and building critical competencies such

as Strategic Planning, Communication, Team Management, Decision

Making, Conflict Resolution and Coaching.

He is a regular speaker at Leadership events, a trainer across Finance,

Strategy, Sales, Operations and Marketing functions, and a facilitator for

Corporate and Team Building initiatives.

“…building leaders, building organizations, building nations…”

Total Ascent presentation at:

Covenant Capital:

Workplace Readiness Program (June 4, 2016)

Introducing Tosin Okojie: 3 Things

• POSITION: CEO, Total Ascent and TotalPrep

• QUALIFICATIONS:

– BSc. EEE (OAU)

– MBA (Yale University)

– Certified MBTI Practitioner

• EXPERIENCE:

– Over 15 years (US and Nigeria)

– Functions: Finance, Sales, Marketing, Operations, Strategy, HR and Supply Chain

– Industries: Oil and Gas, Financial Services, Telecoms, Mining, Trading, Education and Training, etc.

151 www.total-ascent.com

About Total Ascent

Who We Are

“…a Leadership Development and Training company that empowers organizations and

individuals with the skills, tools and insights to succeed in business and life…”

Our Vision

“…to be the foremost Talent Management company in Nigeria by the year 2020”

152

www.total-ascent.com

Our Services

www.total-ascent.com 15

3

Leadership Development

Training

Testing and Assessments

Professional Services

Some of Our Clients

www.total-ascent.com 15

4

“we equip organizations and individuals with the skills, tools and insights required to achieve their goals”

Career Pathing 101: Identifying and Charting a Career Path

The Road Not Taken…

156


Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, And sorry I could not travel both And be one traveler, long I stood

And looked down one as far as I could To where it bent in the undergrowth;

I shall be telling this with a sigh Somewhere ages and ages hence:

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I-- I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference.

Career Pathing 101


• What is a Career Path?

• Why is it important?

• Identifying a Career Destination

• Exercise: Psychometrics

• Charting a Course

• Review and Conclusion

What is a Career Path?


• The Journey of your Career from your First Job through to Retirement

• The way you Progress in your work, from first foray in employment to Final Position

Finding Purpose

Achieving Potential

Enjoying the Ride

What is Career Pathing?


Career Pathing is a systematic approach to career development,

enabling employees to map multiple career path scenarios, review job competencies and

evaluate skill gaps.

WIIFM: Why Is It Important?


Both Hands on Deck Numbers Game

The Destination: Where Should I End Up?

Destination: Critical


"If you don't know where you are

going, any road will get you there.“

– Lewis Carroll

What is Your Destination?

Passion/

Interests

Personality

Skills/

Experience

Finding Purpose

Achieving Potential

Enjoying the Ride

Digging Deeper: Psychometrics

• Understand your innate preferences and behaviors

• Discover and develop your potential

• Identify Strengths and Weaknesses

• Identify Job Families and Career Options

• Improve Career Choices


Exercise: Psychometrics

Where we focus our

attention and get energy

Extraversion (E) or Introversion (I)


E–I Illustration


Where People Focus Their Attention

People who prefer Extraversion (E) • Are energized by

interacting with others

• Have broad interests in many things

• Learn best through doing or discussing

• Prefer to communicate face-to-face

• Work out ideas by talking them through

People who prefer Introversion (I) • Are energized by

opportunity to reflect

• Focus in depth on their interests

• Learn best by reflection, mental “practice”

• Prefer to communicate by writing

• Work out ideas by thinking them through


Key Words Associated with E–I

Extraversion

Action

Outward

People

Interaction

Many

Expressive

Do-Think-Do

Introversion

Reflection

Inward

Privacy

Concentration

Few

Quiet

Think-Do-Think


E–I Self-Assessment

Given the choice, which do you prefer:

Extraversion or Introversion?

your self-assessment


Self Assessment: E/I Dichotomy

• People with a preference for Introversion:

– "inward-turning" and tend to be thought-oriented

– enjoy deep and meaningful social interactions

– feel recharged after spending time alone

• People with a preference for Extraversion:

– "outward-turning" and tend to be action-oriented

– enjoy more frequent social interaction

– feel energized after spending time with other people

“How we interact with the world and direct our energy”


Application: Career Pathing

172


E/I

S/N

T/F

J/P

Strengths

Weaknesses

Make better

choices e.g.

career

Understand

self and

others

Develop self

and others

Career Satisfaction (Illustration)

“How we interact with the world and direct our energy”

Dimension Me My Career

Motivation E I

Communication E I

Idea Development E I

Interests E I

Learning Style E I


The Journey: How Do You Get There?

4 Step Process (Repeat Regularly)

1. Know Yourself

– Who are you? Where are you? Where are you going?

2. Explore The Possibilities

– Research and Interview

– Internships and Volunteering

3. Make (hard) choices

– Delay gratification

4. Make it happen

– “if it’s going to be, it’s up to me” mentality

– PAY THE PRICE


Stay Focused on the Destination

176

Final Notes

• Be TRUE to yourself…or find someone who will be!!

• Have a BIG dream

• BELIEVE in yourself…life’s a journey

• WATCH OUT for diversions, twists and turns

• DEVELOP yourself (both on and off the job)

• The only constant thing in life is CHANGE

• It takes a VILLAGE to raise a child

• Delay gratification and PAY THE PRICE

• DO YOU!!!!!


The Road Taken…

178


Finding Purpose

Achieving Potential

Enjoying the Ride

179


The White House, 120/12 Bosun Adekoya Street Off New Market Road, Oniru – Lekki

Lagos, Nigeria

“…building leaders, building organizations, building nations…”

Question & Answer Session

07

Q & A

Oluwatosin Okojie CEO, Total Ascent

David Ashiru CEO, Value Endowment Co.

Detoun Ogwo ED, Skills Dev. Practice

Olatunde Samuel-Ipaye Partner, Phillips Consulting

The Workplace Readiness Panelists

Workplace Readiness Season 2

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