Write Right: Get your CV up to speed

thecareerdude — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 03:54:25 +0000

Is your CV getting chucked into trashbins or being overlooked by hiring managers?

Take a look-through of your resume or CV. Does it really give a clear representation of what you do, and your achievements; does it clearly state your career objectives or bear any relevance to the positions you are applying for? Is your resume or CV even updated?

Perhaps it’s time to re-write your CV, and here are some tips on how you can re-craft a CV that at least gets you noticed:

Use titles or headings that match the job you are applying for. Employers receive dozens of resumes for jobs advertised, and you want to make sure yours captures their attention. One way to do this is to use headings that reflect your job title and skills that relate to and match the job you’re applying for.
Use a design or format that grabs attention. It’s all about presentation: use a resume format that highlights the most important information about your work, education qualifications and skills. This should be done that allows the employer to be able to understand your strengths and experience at the first glance. Avoid using fanciful backgrounds that will distract the reader.
“Sell” yourself through the contents. Resume design should get attention, but the contents of your resume, i.e. descriptions of your skills and abilities, knowledge and experience, determines how many interviews you will get. For instance, rather than say “managed sales accounts”, you might want to plug in figures: “Managed more than 1,000 accounts in the Asia Pacific region”.
Use Power Words. Particularly if you were applying for a managerial or supervisory position, use “management speak”on your resume. Words and phrases like “directed workflow”, “change agent”, “supervised 5 staff” conjures an image of someone at a higher level compared to “gave work assignments to staff”.
Analyze Ads and Job Descriptions. Job ads and job descriptions contain vital clues as to the skills, attributes, qualifications and experience the employer is seeking in a potential candidate. This would better allow you to include words and phrases that better reflect these qualities in your resume. Customising your resume is a good idea, because job requirements differ even for similar jobs in the same industry.
Identify and Solve Employer’s Hidden Needs. It’s a good idea to gather some intel on the company before you send out your resume. Corporate websites are a good source for information that you can use to figure out where the employer’s corporate focus is, anticipate their needs, and show how you can meet those needs.
Hard-sell your skills. For instance, if you have strong networking skills, reflect it on your resume with a statement like “Managed to create 100 new accounts through personal networking contacts”, “Was responsible for, and oversaw the process of, the company’s ISO certification in 2006″.
Synergise contents of your resume and cover letter. It’s always a good idea to craft out a well-written cover letter that summarises relevant experience, skills and attributes you think makes you a suitable candidate for the role. It is especially important that the claims made on your cover letter are substantiated by what is written on your resume.

Nine Steps to Interview Success

thecareerdude — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 02:59:29 +0000

[by: Zohra Sarwari ]

These days, the average person changes their career seven to ten times within their life span. This means that the average person is going to send out several hundred copies of their resumes in their lifetime…and yes, they’re going to have to go through several interviews in their lifetime.

Scary, huh?

If the interview process makes you nervous, well, you’re not alone. But right now, it’s time to stop worrying. You’re about to learn the nine vital steps for interview success…how to pass any interview you face!

Step 1: Research the Company that you are being interviewed for:

It’s a pretty obvious trick: research the company you’re interviewing for and be prepared to show off what you know about them. Way too many people show up for an interview without having the first idea about what the particular company stands for. The truth is that you should know at least something about the company’s mission, its general business process, and its particular needs. Know how long the company has been in business and whether they’re financially sound and profitable. Research the company with a view to determine what you can do to help them achieve their goals. Be prepared to say specifically how your personal goals and experience are going to be valuable to the company.

Step 2: Know your resume:

In virtually any interview situation, you’re interviewer is going to ask you questions about your resume, about your experiences and even about the quirky stuff you’ve listed to pad it out. You should read your resume over and over, and know the details of it because you never know when you’re going to be asked about your chess playing experience or your interest in literature. Make sure there’s nothing detailed on your resume that you’re uncomfortable talking about.

Step 3: Dress for Success:

Appearance can become nine-tenths of the law if you don’t pay attention to it. For every interview, make sure you wear garments that are professional and appropriate the position that you’re seeking. Your clothes should be comfortable, clean, and pressed. Don’t create a crisis for yourself on the morning of the interview when it comes to your clothes. Pick out your outfit and make sure it’s ready the night before your big interview.

Step 4: Make sure that you wake up early and are on time:

Just as you shouldn’t let your wardrobe run you down on the big day, you shouldn’t let traffic or public transport delays upset you either. It’s also crucial that you don’t get lost on the way so have directions –and confirm them if you have to – well before you set off. These days, with MapQuest, you have no excuses. Make sure you leave the house early, and plan to be at the interview at least ten minutes early.

Step 5: Review interview questions:

Interviews may be pretty scary but they’re also pretty predictable. It doesn’t take much to predict the basic questions you’re going to be asked. Here are some examples:

Tell me about yourself?

Tell me about a time you failed miserably in your career?

What is your greatest strength/weakness?

Where do you see yourself five years from now?

What are your salary expectations for this position?

Why should we hire YOU?

Prepare sample answers to these questions. Memorize a couple of key responses. Remember that no matter who you’re interviewing for or with, if it’s a job interview, the basic focus is going to be on your experience, your goals, and your potential to contribute to the company. Be sure you can argue a case for yourself on these key points.

Step 6: Let the interviewer lead you:

The interviewer is the one running the interview but you can set the pace. Wait for the interviewer to ask the questions. Take your time to listen to the questions. Give your answers carefully; make sure they are considered. That said, each of your answers should be given with an energetic and enthusiastic voice. Above all, smile and enjoy the interview. Be courteous and always thank the interviewer at the end of the interview. Tell them that you’re well qualified for the job, and that you will prove it to them upon being hired. Don’t be afraid to be confident in yourself and your abilities.

Step 7: Ask for the next step:

The interviewer will ask most of the questions but you will have a chance to get a word in shortly. Find out what will happen next, and what you should expect after the interview. When should you be hearing from them about the job? When will the hiring decision be made?

Step 8: Send a thank you note:

Everything you do regarding your interview has consequences. Just as a good sales person follows up on a lead, after each interview you attend you should be sure to send a thank you note to the employer and the interviewer, thanking them for their time. Going the extra mile in this way will generally show that you’re qualified for the position, or at least that you’re a serious and diligent person.

Step 9: Follow-up:

Of course, sending a thank you note is something you do immediately after the interview. A reasonable period after, usually a week or two at least, you should take one further step to follow up. Call the company offices and ask if you can speak to the hiring manager who interviewed you. You can start the conversation by asking if they received your note. Then you can ask them if any decisions were made and, if not, approximately when you should call back or otherwise expect to hear from them. Don’t be pushy; above all, be polite and courteous, even if a response is not forthcoming.

WHEN YOU’RE HIRED…THINGS TO THINK ABOUT…

If you are hired, remember that you need to stand up to your promises. You should always be putting 110% effort. An unspoken trick to get comfortable in interviews and to always get the job you want: in every job you accept, make yourself shine. Regardless of how much you are paid or how much responsibility and work you’re given, take the initiative to do more. The more you’re prepared to do for your job, the future each of your jobs will take you. Don’t worry about being rewarded, just keep working hard, and it will pay off. I guarantee it.

About The Author

Zohra Sarwari has a Bachelors Degree in Psychology and a Masters Degree in Business Administration. She is currently working on a Bachelor’s Degree in Islamic Studies. She is a mother of three beautiful children, and spouse to a great man. She is currently home schooling her own children, and teaching others about Business and entrepreneurship trainings while balancing home life. She is an author of the new ground breaking book, “9 Steps that Will Change Your Destiny”. She has also written two e-books “Become a Professional Speaker Today” and “Time Management For Success”. Her book has been reviewed in Al-Jumuah magazine, and there is an article about her up coming in Azizah magazine. She is a motivational and inspirational speaker to youth and adults. She loves teaching and learning.

http://www.zohrasarwari.com/

The Career Dude

Write Right: Get your CV up to speed

Nine Steps to Interview Success