Employment Tips for Job Seekers | Employees:
If your current resume is not generating the interview offers you want, it is
time to start assessing it. Check to see that the following descriptors
apply:
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Layout is neat and uncluttered, with an easy-to-read sequence of sections.
-
Contains no errors in spelling or grammar; and all unnecessary words have been
eliminated.
-
Begins with a succinct, clearly stated career objective tailored to the
particular job for which you are applying.
-
Highlights how your skills and qualifications match the company's specific
needs.
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Employs appropriate titles for your previous jobs to demonstrate clearly that
you are suitably qualified for the advertised position.
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Gives a concise description of your previous employers - their products,
services, industry, etc. - and your role in the company.
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Uses Problem / Action / Result statements to describe your accomplishments.
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Quantifies your accomplishments using numbers, amounts, percentages, etc.
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Makes effective use of the key words and phrases contained in the job
advertisement to describe your skills and areas of expertise.
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Each sentence starts with an action word, for example:
"increased production by 20%
while saving £200,000 in operating costs".
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Examples of effective action words are: conducted, created, designed,
developed, established, implemented, introduced, invented.
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Explains how, in your previous jobs, you achieved results, for example:
"increased sales and profits, improved productivity, established good
customer relationships, etc."
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Employment history is logical and consistent; and gaps of more than one year
between your jobs are clearly explained.
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Provides your educational history and details of training related to the
position you are seeking.
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Presents evidence of your communication and interpersonal skills,
flexibility, initiative, organizational ability, and teamwork.
-
Hobbies and interests have been included only if they demonstrate skills,
characteristics or accomplishments that are consistent with your career
objective and directly related to the job for which you are applying.
It is important to prepare thoroughly for your telephone interview.
Begin by studying the job description and the candidate profile. This will
enable you to identify the company's particular needs and demonstrate that you
possess the skills required to meet them.
Find out all you can about the company's products, services, history, and
culture. Make a special effort to identify any areas where your skills and
experience may be of particular value.
Familiarize yourself with the company's website and be prepared to comment
constructively upon it if asked.
Prepare a list matching your accomplishments to the company's stated
requirements. Keep this list in front of you during the interview and refer to
it at every opportunity.
Specify and quantify your accomplishments, e.g. 'increased sales by 35%' or
'reduced overheads by 27%'.
Interviewers are keen to hear about relevant challenges or problems you faced
in the workplace, the specific actions you took, and the measurable results you
achieved. They seek to identify key competencies such as communication skills,
analytical skills, teamwork, drive and initiative. Be prepared to give examples
of how and when you have demonstrated these key competencies.
To get the feel of being interviewed over the phone, compile a list of
probable questions and ask a friend use them in a simulated phone interview.
Prepare your answers carefully, using key words and phrases from the job
description and candidate profile. Do not attempt to write out your answers in
full or they will sound wooden and scripted.
Select a quiet place where you will not be disturbed during the phone call.
Keep your resume and cover letter, a copy of the job advertisement, and your
notes in front of you. Jot down key points throughout the course of the
interview.
It is a good idea to stand during a telephone interview as this makes you
sound more confident and helps project a positive and professional image.
Matching your speaking rate and pitch to that of the interviewer will help you
to establish rapport.
Professional radio broadcasters can vouch for the fact that smiling creates a
friendly and enthusiastic impression. So make an effort to smile appropriately
during the call.
Since it is important to convey the impression that you are genuinely
interested in the company and eager to make a contribution, refer to salient
information you discovered during the course of your research.
Listen attentively to the interviewer's questions and comments. Respond
appropriately to verbal or tonal cues. If you don't understand a question, ask
for clarification. Provide well-developed, balanced, and analytical answers.
Avoid monosyllabic 'yes' and 'no' replies.
If asked to explain your reasons for leaving your previous job, make sure to
have positive reasons prepared. Under no circumstances should you criticize
your previous employers or colleagues.
Having researched the company and analyzed the job description as suggested,
you should find it easy to prepare a few thoughtful questions to ask the
interviewer when afforded the opportunity.
At the end of the phone call, emphasize your interest in the job and the
company and reiterate your qualifications. Stress that you would welcome the
opportunity of a face-to-face interview.
After the interview, write a short thank-you letter.
By Gerard McLoughlin. Published by Assignments Plus Business
Publications.
http://www.assignmentsplus.com
