Most people go on an interview thinking that their resume and skills are all that matter. But if you really want to land that job, you need to make a good impression too by dressing well for that interview. You must then dress to look smart and tidy, but most importantly, you have to look professional. It is best to learn about what position you are applying for or learn about the company culture to have an idea on how to dress for a job interview.
There are different dress code and tips to live by for men and women. If you want to make a lasting good impression, then you need to start with a few basic tips. Dressing up for an interview does not solely refer to what you wear, but also how you groom yourself. Below are tips categorized for men and women.
Proper Interview Dress Code for Men:
• Choose a conservative and professional-looking suit. Preferably, it must be navy blue, black, or dark grey in color.
• If you do not have a suit, wear a long-sleeved polo shirt on the interview.
• Wear a necktie with basic color and patterns. Avoid jazzy designs or too colorful ties that look unprofessional.
• If possible, do not wear any jewelry except for basic items such as a watch.
• Wear socks that match the color of your pants.
• Carry your resume or other important documents required to bring during interview in a briefcase.
• Cut your hair short or neatly style it.
• Do not wear perfume, especially the ones that have pungent scent.
• Clean your fingernails by trimming them. Also, clean shave your face.
Proper Interview Dress Code for Women:
• Wear a conservative business suit, whether you prefer pants or skirt. For women wearing skirt, opt for ones that are knee-length or below the knees in length. Make sure that the skirt or pants are well fitted and not too tight.
• When pairing your pants or skirt, choose professional and no-frills blouses. Opt for professional colors such as cream, pale blue, or white. Avoid wearing blouses that have a low neckline.
• Wear leather shoes. If you can find any, opt for shoes that match the color of your outfit. If not, then settle for neutral colors so it would suit whatever you are wearing.
• Minimize your use of jewelry. Stick to the basics such as a watch or earrings.
• Wear simple and natural looking makeup. If you wear your makeup too thick, it does not exhibit a professional look and it would create a completely different impression on your employer.
Remember the above tips for dressing up properly for a job interview if you want to secure your job. It might not guarantee that you will be hired, but it will give you a good enough impression, especially if they are considering a lot of applicants.
Showing posts with label Interview English. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Interview English. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Sunday, July 24, 2011
The Dos and Donts at a Job Interview
We could also call them tips and tricks for interviews and we should start with being there on time. Do not be late because that will show that you are not reliable even before the actual interview starts.
Appearance is crucial at interviews. Avoid excessive jewelry; go for neutral colors, elegant clothes and tidy nails and hair. Avoid excessive make-up and piercing if possible; they are not what employers are looking for.
Ask intelligent questions addressing stupid or no questions to your interviewers is certainly a dont if you want real chances of getting a job.
Be informed! Information means power, so knowing what the company and its products are all about is a required thing for a successful interview.
Be sure of yourself! No matter if you end up employed or not, with every interview you get more experience and self confidence for future interviews, so youll have nothing to lose in the end.
Try to overcome your emotions! Remember that the interviewer is also human, and he can make mistakes and have emotions too, so you are not the only one with some butterflies in the belly.
Show your future employer that you can handle stressful situations. A candidate that can prove, with his former activities, that he or she solved some problems on the former job, came up with solutions and took control in desperate situations, will be much more interesting in the eyes of his/her employer. Initiative and interest are two valuable traits an employee should have.
If you had a job before, be certain that one of the questions you will receive will involve the reasons of why you left your previous work place. Do not talk rude about your last boss or company even if that is true because that will not help you obtain employment. Your future employer will think that you are the complaining type and that wont help with the morale of his other employees.
When asked for references from other people you should only provide persons that gave you their consent to be used in this sense, because this will save you from an unpleasant situation.
Remember these basic tips and tricks and try to control yourself from making stupid mistakes that might ruin your chances despite what is wrote in your resume. If you need it, you can even practice answering to different possible questions in front of your mirror. There is no shame in not knowing something, but there is no excuse for indifference. As a rule, any employer wants a person that can commit to their job and looks for the specific signs from the interview.
Appearance is crucial at interviews. Avoid excessive jewelry; go for neutral colors, elegant clothes and tidy nails and hair. Avoid excessive make-up and piercing if possible; they are not what employers are looking for.
Ask intelligent questions addressing stupid or no questions to your interviewers is certainly a dont if you want real chances of getting a job.
Be informed! Information means power, so knowing what the company and its products are all about is a required thing for a successful interview.
Be sure of yourself! No matter if you end up employed or not, with every interview you get more experience and self confidence for future interviews, so youll have nothing to lose in the end.
Try to overcome your emotions! Remember that the interviewer is also human, and he can make mistakes and have emotions too, so you are not the only one with some butterflies in the belly.
Show your future employer that you can handle stressful situations. A candidate that can prove, with his former activities, that he or she solved some problems on the former job, came up with solutions and took control in desperate situations, will be much more interesting in the eyes of his/her employer. Initiative and interest are two valuable traits an employee should have.
If you had a job before, be certain that one of the questions you will receive will involve the reasons of why you left your previous work place. Do not talk rude about your last boss or company even if that is true because that will not help you obtain employment. Your future employer will think that you are the complaining type and that wont help with the morale of his other employees.
When asked for references from other people you should only provide persons that gave you their consent to be used in this sense, because this will save you from an unpleasant situation.
Remember these basic tips and tricks and try to control yourself from making stupid mistakes that might ruin your chances despite what is wrote in your resume. If you need it, you can even practice answering to different possible questions in front of your mirror. There is no shame in not knowing something, but there is no excuse for indifference. As a rule, any employer wants a person that can commit to their job and looks for the specific signs from the interview.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
How to Determine whether You Did Well In a Job Interview
When you are invited for an interview, you often have lots of question about how well you did. However, you do not have to wait for the employer’s call to determine the answer to that question since you can use a few common parameters to assess your own performance.
In addition, you will do well when you are well prepared for the interview in all aspect. Being in time is important thus you already made good impression for the company.
Lengthy interview
The interviewer will not bother to waste time if he is not interested in you. When the conversation takes a long time, you are doing well in answering his questions and he wants to know more about you. The more information they get from you, the more plus point that could add in evaluating you.
Follow up interview
The interviewer shows interest on you if they called you up for the next round of interview. This means that you have been chosen as a candidate for the job. The manager might see potential in you thus he wants to ask more questions which are not been ask in the initial interview. In this way, they will be able to test your consistency after doing well in the first round of interview.
Salary Discussion
Once the manager took the conversation in salary discussion, it is certain sign that you are hired. It is like the company is dealing with you about the price of your work. It is where they figure out how they invest in you.
Request for reference
Request for reference at the closing stages is a sign that the interview gone well. They just have to check your background to support the interview through asking references.
Planning for the future
If the interview gone in a part where you were making future plans, it indicates that the manager wants to visualize your facility. After you impressed the manager, he wants to look beyond after seeing your capability.
Body Language
This is one the signs we often noticed to the interviewer during the process of the interview. Showing positive body language also expresses that you’ve been like. If you feel comfortable with your conversation with the interviewer, he shows politeness, pays attention and smile at you, you’re doing well. You will also notice if the interviewer is not interested to hire you at all when he seems don’t listen to you and in a hurry.
Contact
Another obvious way to determine if you are doing well in an interview and enticed the interviewer is when he tells you to call him for further questions or give you a business card. Obviously they won’t bother to communicate with you if they are not interested.
In addition, you will do well when you are well prepared for the interview in all aspect. Being in time is important thus you already made good impression for the company.
Lengthy interview
The interviewer will not bother to waste time if he is not interested in you. When the conversation takes a long time, you are doing well in answering his questions and he wants to know more about you. The more information they get from you, the more plus point that could add in evaluating you.
Follow up interview
The interviewer shows interest on you if they called you up for the next round of interview. This means that you have been chosen as a candidate for the job. The manager might see potential in you thus he wants to ask more questions which are not been ask in the initial interview. In this way, they will be able to test your consistency after doing well in the first round of interview.
Salary Discussion
Once the manager took the conversation in salary discussion, it is certain sign that you are hired. It is like the company is dealing with you about the price of your work. It is where they figure out how they invest in you.
Request for reference
Request for reference at the closing stages is a sign that the interview gone well. They just have to check your background to support the interview through asking references.
Planning for the future
If the interview gone in a part where you were making future plans, it indicates that the manager wants to visualize your facility. After you impressed the manager, he wants to look beyond after seeing your capability.
Body Language
This is one the signs we often noticed to the interviewer during the process of the interview. Showing positive body language also expresses that you’ve been like. If you feel comfortable with your conversation with the interviewer, he shows politeness, pays attention and smile at you, you’re doing well. You will also notice if the interviewer is not interested to hire you at all when he seems don’t listen to you and in a hurry.
Contact
Another obvious way to determine if you are doing well in an interview and enticed the interviewer is when he tells you to call him for further questions or give you a business card. Obviously they won’t bother to communicate with you if they are not interested.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
How to build your resume
Your resume is what your potential employer will first learn about you, so it should be built in such a manner in which to put you in a good light as you have plenty of time at your disposal to elaborate it, but remember to keep it clean, to the point and as real as possible. Too many lies can be eventually noticed and that can lead to unemployment.
Your resume is the main document necessary when you are applying for a job and since your future employer doesn’t know you, he has to rely on your image presented in this document.
The ideal size for a resume consists of one page written on both sides that involves your name, studies, past experiences and related extra curricular activities that might provide some insight for the kind of person you are or the other work that you have performed in a relevant field.
If you are still in school, then you will need a transcript to show your possible employers. Anyone who plans to apply for a new job will find the transcript useful in creating their resume. Starting from your transcript you should build an achievement resume.
What do you want to do in life? Is probably the question that every one of us considers when taking their first official exams. The lucky ones, who have already decided their career in the early stages of life before choosing what college to join, have probably created a plan of action already on how to measure their goals.
If you don’t know what you want to do yet and you are still trying to figure it out, you have to consider the direction of your present actions and studies.
Many application forms contain the following questions:
“What are your career objectives?” and “Why have you chosen field x?” and they will be expecting a well reasoned answer. If you had a plan of action, you can elaborate on the direction you took from the start and explain what motivated you in a convincing way.
“What other fields are you considering?” This is another question that is often used for young college graduates that apply. Your future plan should also include back up solutions, just in case your favorite choice won’t work.
You should not mention your current income unless it is explicitly requested by the employment ad so try to avoid giving this information away until the time of your interview because if you are earning less than the offer in question, you can be considered to weak for the job.
Your resume is the main document necessary when you are applying for a job and since your future employer doesn’t know you, he has to rely on your image presented in this document.
The ideal size for a resume consists of one page written on both sides that involves your name, studies, past experiences and related extra curricular activities that might provide some insight for the kind of person you are or the other work that you have performed in a relevant field.
If you are still in school, then you will need a transcript to show your possible employers. Anyone who plans to apply for a new job will find the transcript useful in creating their resume. Starting from your transcript you should build an achievement resume.
What do you want to do in life? Is probably the question that every one of us considers when taking their first official exams. The lucky ones, who have already decided their career in the early stages of life before choosing what college to join, have probably created a plan of action already on how to measure their goals.
If you don’t know what you want to do yet and you are still trying to figure it out, you have to consider the direction of your present actions and studies.
Many application forms contain the following questions:
“What are your career objectives?” and “Why have you chosen field x?” and they will be expecting a well reasoned answer. If you had a plan of action, you can elaborate on the direction you took from the start and explain what motivated you in a convincing way.
“What other fields are you considering?” This is another question that is often used for young college graduates that apply. Your future plan should also include back up solutions, just in case your favorite choice won’t work.
You should not mention your current income unless it is explicitly requested by the employment ad so try to avoid giving this information away until the time of your interview because if you are earning less than the offer in question, you can be considered to weak for the job.
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Confidence is the Key to a Winning Job Interview
Job applicants always put their best foot forward during job interviews to ensure that they can overcome tough competition and land the job they want. Making a good first impression might be an overused tip for those who want to ace their job interview, it still holds true. You must therefore exhibit confidence during a job interview because it helps you to stand out amongst other applicants. If you want to be remembered, then make sure that you showcase this confidence during your interview. However, there is a fine line separating confidence and arrogance and you must learn how to tread that carefully.
If this is your first time to attend a job interview, make sure to educate yourself on what you should do and what to expect. That way, you won’t be surprised and know how to carry yourself throughout the interview. The more you know about what is waiting up ahead for you, the more confident you can be about your ability to perform well during the interview. Also, take the time to learn more about the position you are applying for and the company that is hiring to answer all the questions asked on you during interview with confidence.
Indeed, this is true not just during interviews but in life in general. If you are familiar with a given situation, you can tackle it with more confidence because you know what is waiting for you up ahead and know how to deal with the situation. The same principle applies during a job interview – knowing about what possible questions are going to be asked will enable you to prepare how to respond to them in such a way that you’d make a good impression on the prospect employer.
Once you are at the actual job interview and you are asked a question that you did not anticipate, do not panic. Just answer the question truthfully. Sometimes, employers will appreciate an honest answer from you. However, never lose the confidence in your demeanor. Or else, it might hint the interviewer that you are not capable of handling yourself during stressful situations.
Another secret to maintaining confidence during a job interview is to always think positive. With the economy’s dire situation, it can be easy to become frustrated and feel like you have no chance of taking the position that you are applying for. But when you are confident, you can easily plan your ways to reach your goal, and then the rest is history. If you do not believe in yourself first, how do you expect your future employer to trust your own capabilities to do the job?
If this is your first time to attend a job interview, make sure to educate yourself on what you should do and what to expect. That way, you won’t be surprised and know how to carry yourself throughout the interview. The more you know about what is waiting up ahead for you, the more confident you can be about your ability to perform well during the interview. Also, take the time to learn more about the position you are applying for and the company that is hiring to answer all the questions asked on you during interview with confidence.
Indeed, this is true not just during interviews but in life in general. If you are familiar with a given situation, you can tackle it with more confidence because you know what is waiting for you up ahead and know how to deal with the situation. The same principle applies during a job interview – knowing about what possible questions are going to be asked will enable you to prepare how to respond to them in such a way that you’d make a good impression on the prospect employer.
Once you are at the actual job interview and you are asked a question that you did not anticipate, do not panic. Just answer the question truthfully. Sometimes, employers will appreciate an honest answer from you. However, never lose the confidence in your demeanor. Or else, it might hint the interviewer that you are not capable of handling yourself during stressful situations.
Another secret to maintaining confidence during a job interview is to always think positive. With the economy’s dire situation, it can be easy to become frustrated and feel like you have no chance of taking the position that you are applying for. But when you are confident, you can easily plan your ways to reach your goal, and then the rest is history. If you do not believe in yourself first, how do you expect your future employer to trust your own capabilities to do the job?
Monday, June 27, 2011
5 Points to avoid During Interview - Do This and You Won’t Get a Job!
The job interview process is a critical step towards sealing the job position that you are applying for. Indeed, you need to be able to put your best foot forward in order to create a good impression on your future employer. However, your chances of landing that job can be put in jeopardy if you commit some of the common mistakes that job applicants do. To save yourself from the possibility of ruining your job application, make sure to take note of what these common mistakes are.
1. Arriving late for your job interview. This is one of the most fatal error committed by a lot of job interviewees, and yet they take it lightly especially for those who think they have high qualifications. Work ethics is an integral part used by employers in evaluating job applicants and there is nothing more that creates a negative impression than not getting to your scheduled interview on time. You have to consider that a hiring manager considers their time valuable and you can’t waste it by making them wait. In addition, it will create a negative impression on you because employers consider time as a valuable business asset.
2. Trashing their former employers. Even if you have had a bad experience with a previous employer, resist the urge to talk negative things about them. Even if the cause of your separation from a previous employer is negative, try to play it coy instead because it will leave your hiring manager or prospective employer wondering if you’d do the same to them.
3. Don’t try too hard to be friendly. Here is another complaint by hiring managers during a job interview. In an effort to show off confidence, most job applicants seem to forget that this is not a casual conversation but a formal job interview. It is acceptable if you try to maintain a good conversation but you have to observe proper interview etiquette, as well.
4. Dressing up for an interview in an inappropriate manner. Some job applicants can’t dress up properly for a job interview, which makes them look cheap or informal. This is one of the most common mistakes committed by job applicants and is something that you should not commit. Women are often the most common culprits, such as those that wear blouses with plunging necklines, very short skirt, or putting on too much makeup.
5. Asking for pay or benefits too early. When you do this, it gives the employer the wrong impression on you – that you have no commitment to the growth of the company and that all you are in it for is the pay. While this might be true, you do not have to be blatant about it, especially during your initial interview process.
1. Arriving late for your job interview. This is one of the most fatal error committed by a lot of job interviewees, and yet they take it lightly especially for those who think they have high qualifications. Work ethics is an integral part used by employers in evaluating job applicants and there is nothing more that creates a negative impression than not getting to your scheduled interview on time. You have to consider that a hiring manager considers their time valuable and you can’t waste it by making them wait. In addition, it will create a negative impression on you because employers consider time as a valuable business asset.
2. Trashing their former employers. Even if you have had a bad experience with a previous employer, resist the urge to talk negative things about them. Even if the cause of your separation from a previous employer is negative, try to play it coy instead because it will leave your hiring manager or prospective employer wondering if you’d do the same to them.
3. Don’t try too hard to be friendly. Here is another complaint by hiring managers during a job interview. In an effort to show off confidence, most job applicants seem to forget that this is not a casual conversation but a formal job interview. It is acceptable if you try to maintain a good conversation but you have to observe proper interview etiquette, as well.
4. Dressing up for an interview in an inappropriate manner. Some job applicants can’t dress up properly for a job interview, which makes them look cheap or informal. This is one of the most common mistakes committed by job applicants and is something that you should not commit. Women are often the most common culprits, such as those that wear blouses with plunging necklines, very short skirt, or putting on too much makeup.
5. Asking for pay or benefits too early. When you do this, it gives the employer the wrong impression on you – that you have no commitment to the growth of the company and that all you are in it for is the pay. While this might be true, you do not have to be blatant about it, especially during your initial interview process.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Overcoming Job Interview Jitters - 3 Best Points
Anyone going into a job interview is naturally going to feel nervous. After all, your ability to land a job depends on how well the interview goes. More pressure is then added by the fact that you will be asked a lot of questions and you need to deliver well to ensure that you will make a good impression.
To avoid these common jitters, you need to follow a three-step action plan that will increase your chances of becoming successful at this interview process.
Step 1: Know Yourself Better
There is only one goal for companies when interviewing applicants: to get to know more about the applicant and determine if they are a good fit for the job. Hence, you need to know yourself better. If not, then how are you supposed to showcase what you can offer to the employer through the interview?
You can therefore overcome job interview jitters by reviewing your resume. Focus on the specific details that you know will enable you to stand out from competition. You might want to review the list of requirements provided by the employer for the position you have applied for. Hence, you know which qualities or accomplishments in your resume to focus more on.
Step 2: Practice What to Say
Upon stepping into a job interview, most employers would tell the applicants this: “Tell us something about you”, or any variants of that question. For job applicants, this can be a source of great stress. Hence, the first step above is very important so you know exactly what to share to your potential employer about who you are and what you can do.
You must therefore prepare a recap of your life, job experiences, skills, and accomplishments within 30 to 60 seconds. Think about the interview process as a way of selling yourself. Focus on your professional accomplishments, not your personal hobbies or interest. Think about what details about yourself will be beneficial for the company, or at least would make them think that your addition into their company will benefit them. You must then practice this piece over and over until you have become more comfortable with this.
Step 3: Have a Goal
It is important to set a goal during the job interview so you know how to respond to your interviewer. However, you can have several goals to ensure a successful interview. You can start by familiarizing yourself with the company. The more you know about the company, the better able you are to respond to the questions of your interviewer, especially if you intend to become a part of their company. By educating yourself about the company, not only are you able to overcome job interview jitters but also in creating a good impression during the interview.
You must also have a personal goal because corporate professionals prefer to hire individuals that are goal-oriented. With a goal, it will be easier for you to provide focus in your answers and respond to specific questions with ease.
To avoid these common jitters, you need to follow a three-step action plan that will increase your chances of becoming successful at this interview process.
Step 1: Know Yourself Better
There is only one goal for companies when interviewing applicants: to get to know more about the applicant and determine if they are a good fit for the job. Hence, you need to know yourself better. If not, then how are you supposed to showcase what you can offer to the employer through the interview?
You can therefore overcome job interview jitters by reviewing your resume. Focus on the specific details that you know will enable you to stand out from competition. You might want to review the list of requirements provided by the employer for the position you have applied for. Hence, you know which qualities or accomplishments in your resume to focus more on.
Step 2: Practice What to Say
Upon stepping into a job interview, most employers would tell the applicants this: “Tell us something about you”, or any variants of that question. For job applicants, this can be a source of great stress. Hence, the first step above is very important so you know exactly what to share to your potential employer about who you are and what you can do.
You must therefore prepare a recap of your life, job experiences, skills, and accomplishments within 30 to 60 seconds. Think about the interview process as a way of selling yourself. Focus on your professional accomplishments, not your personal hobbies or interest. Think about what details about yourself will be beneficial for the company, or at least would make them think that your addition into their company will benefit them. You must then practice this piece over and over until you have become more comfortable with this.
Step 3: Have a Goal
It is important to set a goal during the job interview so you know how to respond to your interviewer. However, you can have several goals to ensure a successful interview. You can start by familiarizing yourself with the company. The more you know about the company, the better able you are to respond to the questions of your interviewer, especially if you intend to become a part of their company. By educating yourself about the company, not only are you able to overcome job interview jitters but also in creating a good impression during the interview.
You must also have a personal goal because corporate professionals prefer to hire individuals that are goal-oriented. With a goal, it will be easier for you to provide focus in your answers and respond to specific questions with ease.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Interview exercise - roleplay as interviewer and job seeker
Task 2: You
have been called for an interview in a reputed school for the post of
teacher of Mathematics. A panel of experts on the subject is conducting
the interview. Complete the mock interview given below and role-play with a partner.
Savita : Good morning gentlemen.
Member 1 : Good morning Ms. Savita. Please take a seat.
Savita : Thank you, sir.
Member 1 : We learn from your bio-data that you have an excellent academic record. Why do you want to teach and not study further?
Savita : Teaching is my passion sir. And teaching mathematics to children is a real challenge. I want to excel in it and plan to take up higher studies after gaining some teaching experience.
Member 2 : Have you taught before?
Savita : Yes sir. I worked in a rural school in South TamilNadu for three years, soon after completing my graduation.
Member 3 : As you must be aware this school places a lot of importance on academic excellence.How will you motivate students to give their best?
Savita : Sir, I believe in making learning fun and that’s the only way students will enjoy learning. Once they enjoy themselves they will apply it in the examinations.
Member 1 : Well, we have …………………….. If selected when would you join us?
Savita : …………………………………………………
Task 3: In pairs go through the Classifieds section of anyEnglish newspaper. In the “situations vacant” section choose any one job that you might be interested in applying for. Write down the job requirements and other relevant information and write a role-play using the mock interview as model. Then present to the class.
Task 4: Given below is a job profile. Using it as a model make a job profile of your own ‘dream job.’
Creative Director
As a Creative Director, the responsibilities are to develop graphic representation of company product lines in print and electronic media, and to create and implement plans for introduction of new product lines.
Education A Bachelor’s degree in graphic arts, marketing or related field.
Experience A minimum of two-years’ experience working with manufacturers in creative development, and familiarity with computer design and word processing software.
Résumé Builders Work with start-up sporting goods manufacturer. Develop computer experience with broad range of software packages.
Salary Ranges from Rs.25,000, average Rs.35,000, to the top Rs.50,000.
Savita : Good morning gentlemen.
Member 1 : Good morning Ms. Savita. Please take a seat.
Savita : Thank you, sir.
Member 1 : We learn from your bio-data that you have an excellent academic record. Why do you want to teach and not study further?
Savita : Teaching is my passion sir. And teaching mathematics to children is a real challenge. I want to excel in it and plan to take up higher studies after gaining some teaching experience.
Member 2 : Have you taught before?
Savita : Yes sir. I worked in a rural school in South TamilNadu for three years, soon after completing my graduation.
Member 3 : As you must be aware this school places a lot of importance on academic excellence.How will you motivate students to give their best?
Savita : Sir, I believe in making learning fun and that’s the only way students will enjoy learning. Once they enjoy themselves they will apply it in the examinations.
Member 1 : Well, we have …………………….. If selected when would you join us?
Savita : …………………………………………………
Task 3: In pairs go through the Classifieds section of anyEnglish newspaper. In the “situations vacant” section choose any one job that you might be interested in applying for. Write down the job requirements and other relevant information and write a role-play using the mock interview as model. Then present to the class.
Task 4: Given below is a job profile. Using it as a model make a job profile of your own ‘dream job.’
Creative Director
As a Creative Director, the responsibilities are to develop graphic representation of company product lines in print and electronic media, and to create and implement plans for introduction of new product lines.
Education A Bachelor’s degree in graphic arts, marketing or related field.
Experience A minimum of two-years’ experience working with manufacturers in creative development, and familiarity with computer design and word processing software.
Résumé Builders Work with start-up sporting goods manufacturer. Develop computer experience with broad range of software packages.
Salary Ranges from Rs.25,000, average Rs.35,000, to the top Rs.50,000.
Interview on internet - How to prepare - tips
Preparing for an interview over the Internet (Chat with
web camera)
Hiring experts are using the Internet to conduct interviews more often these days because it is a cost-effective way to sort through candidates without flying them all in.
Tips for preparing for an interview over the Internet:
.Be sure to spend time up-front to chat informally with the interviewer; get acquainted and feel comfortable, just as you would for in-person interviews.
.Be careful of what information you are passing over because the electronic record of an interview can theoretically be used to discriminate against a candidate based on their appearance, a violation of equal opportunity laws.
.Look at the camera, not at the screen: it creates the impression that you are looking directly at the person at the other end.
.Dress smartly and sit comfortably. Be conscious of your body language. You are on camera!
.Make sure the headphones or microphones are adjusted properly.
.Chat room lingo is highly informal; in an interview avoid being too casual; and ‘flaming’ (insulting remarks) is definitely unacceptable.
.Be alert and prompt in answering questions.
Task: At the computer lab or Internet centre conduct a mock interview in pairs based on the transcript given in the section ‘Preparing for an Interview’. Make sure you follow the instructions. Save the chat transcripts and review in class.
web camera)
Hiring experts are using the Internet to conduct interviews more often these days because it is a cost-effective way to sort through candidates without flying them all in.
Tips for preparing for an interview over the Internet:
.Be sure to spend time up-front to chat informally with the interviewer; get acquainted and feel comfortable, just as you would for in-person interviews.
.Be careful of what information you are passing over because the electronic record of an interview can theoretically be used to discriminate against a candidate based on their appearance, a violation of equal opportunity laws.
.Look at the camera, not at the screen: it creates the impression that you are looking directly at the person at the other end.
.Dress smartly and sit comfortably. Be conscious of your body language. You are on camera!
.Make sure the headphones or microphones are adjusted properly.
.Chat room lingo is highly informal; in an interview avoid being too casual; and ‘flaming’ (insulting remarks) is definitely unacceptable.
.Be alert and prompt in answering questions.
Task: At the computer lab or Internet centre conduct a mock interview in pairs based on the transcript given in the section ‘Preparing for an Interview’. Make sure you follow the instructions. Save the chat transcripts and review in class.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Example interview conversation in English
The
following mock interview will give you an idea of what to expect from a
potential employer, as well as suggested responses and answers to
avoid. Practising with a friend or teacher will give you confidence for
when you have to do the real thing.
The Interviewer
Ms. Lalitha Raj -
Associate Director of Personnel Services
Retail Services Corporation (RSC)
Introduction Session
Interviewer: “Hello, I’m Lalitha Raj, Associate Director of Personnel Services. It is very nice to meet you this morning. Please follow me back to my office. Could I offer you a cup of coffee or a soft drink?”
Recommended Answer: “Thank you, Ms. Raj, it’s very nice to be here. I appreciate the opportunity to speak with you this morning.Thank you for the offer of coffee, but I’m just fine right now.”
Answer to Avoid: “I’m just glad I could find the place. Sure, I’ll take a cup of coffee, extra cream and sugar. Nice office you have here.”
Remember: Maintain eye contact and offer a firm handshake.
The Interview
Interviewer: “Have a seat; I’d like to ask you a few questions this morning if I may. Tell me a little bit about yourself, what you like to do in and out of school. How would you describe the way you deal with people?”
Recommended Answer: “Thank you for the opportunity to meet with you today. I would describe myself as a typical teenager. I enjoy school, extracurricular activities, and I work a few hours a week after school. Dealing with people is one of my strong points, as I seldom find someone I cannot work with. I have many friends at school and get along with all kinds of people. I’m involved in a club at school in which I am often called upon to mediate between groups with very different ideas.”
Answer to Avoid: “I don’t do much besides going to class. I hang out with my friends a lot and we play video games. I guess I get along with people OK, and this job looks like it is something fun to do.”
Next Question
Interviewer: “What makes you interested in retail sales as a place to start your career? Have you ever had any retail sales experience?” Recommended Answer: “I have retail experience in several areas, from selling raffle tickets for the marching band to my experience in the high school bookstore. I’m interested in a retail career because I enjoy working with people, and I’m looking for a position which offers both personal and financial growth based on my sales initiative.”
Answer to Avoid: “I don’t have much work experience. I’ve done a few things in higher secondary school sort of like this, but I don’t know how much it is really like it.”
Next Question
Interviewer: “It sounds like you’ve had interesting experiences;I appreciate your honesty. Would you describe yourself as apunctual person? How would you rate your maths and computer skills compared to others in your class?”
Recommended Answer: “I have always been an early riser and enjoyed getting to high school on time. I don’t think I’ve been late for school during my entire high school career. I enjoyed maths, although English was my favourite subject. I have taken several computer courses and feel my skills are among the best in my class. I used a computer to track the inventory and ordering in the school bookstore.”
Answer to Avoid: “I get to school on time most days and don’t skip classes. I really didn’t like maths much. I took a computer class; it seemed pretty easy. I play video games, so I know how to use one.”
Next Question
Interviewer: “Unfortunately, many young people do not develop a strong commitment to their work; how will you be different?Why should I hire you for this position?”
Recommended Answer: “Sticking with a job to its completion is a value I truly believe in. I’ve learned through my school studies and my music lessons that the only way to succeed is to do the best job from beginning to end. You should hire me for this job because I am the type of person you need to continue your success.I’m a hard worker who learns quickly, I already possess many of the skills you’re looking for, and I have the personal motivation to
get the job done right!”
Answer to Avoid: “I don’t mind working; it’s what we all have to do. I know you will make it clear what I have to do and I’ll get it done. I think I can do a good job for you and you won’t have to watch over me all of the time.”
Exiting the Interview
After the interview, don’t forget to say thank you and good-bye to any individual with whom you have had contact during the day. Leaving the potential employer with a positive attitude is as important as walking in the door with one!
Interviewer: “I’ve enjoyed our conversation today. Thank you for your answers and observations. We have several days of interviews scheduled for the position, so I will be in touch with you over the course of the next several weeks. Good-bye.”
Recommended Answer: “I have enjoyed the opportunity to learn more about the Customer Service Representative position. The opportunity this job affords me is of great interest. I look forward to hearing from you soon. Again, thank you for taking the time to see me today.”
Answer to Avoid: “Thanks. I am interested in what might develop
out of this, too. Bye.”
Additional Suggestions
Watch your language. You are in a professional setting, and your choice of words should reflect that. Avoid using slang or any trendy phrases. And for heaven’s sake, don’t swear.Remember that everything you say and do is being observed and evaluated. Be careful to avoid other possible turnoffs, such as:
chewing gum
smoking
slumping in your chair
fidgeting
cracking your knuckles
wearing excessive makeup or jewellery
checking your watch
failing to use proper titles (Mrs., Dr., Mr., etc.)
mumbling
The Interviewer
Ms. Lalitha Raj -
Associate Director of Personnel Services
Retail Services Corporation (RSC)
Introduction Session
Interviewer: “Hello, I’m Lalitha Raj, Associate Director of Personnel Services. It is very nice to meet you this morning. Please follow me back to my office. Could I offer you a cup of coffee or a soft drink?”
Recommended Answer: “Thank you, Ms. Raj, it’s very nice to be here. I appreciate the opportunity to speak with you this morning.Thank you for the offer of coffee, but I’m just fine right now.”
Answer to Avoid: “I’m just glad I could find the place. Sure, I’ll take a cup of coffee, extra cream and sugar. Nice office you have here.”
Remember: Maintain eye contact and offer a firm handshake.
The Interview
Interviewer: “Have a seat; I’d like to ask you a few questions this morning if I may. Tell me a little bit about yourself, what you like to do in and out of school. How would you describe the way you deal with people?”
Recommended Answer: “Thank you for the opportunity to meet with you today. I would describe myself as a typical teenager. I enjoy school, extracurricular activities, and I work a few hours a week after school. Dealing with people is one of my strong points, as I seldom find someone I cannot work with. I have many friends at school and get along with all kinds of people. I’m involved in a club at school in which I am often called upon to mediate between groups with very different ideas.”
Answer to Avoid: “I don’t do much besides going to class. I hang out with my friends a lot and we play video games. I guess I get along with people OK, and this job looks like it is something fun to do.”
Next Question
Interviewer: “What makes you interested in retail sales as a place to start your career? Have you ever had any retail sales experience?” Recommended Answer: “I have retail experience in several areas, from selling raffle tickets for the marching band to my experience in the high school bookstore. I’m interested in a retail career because I enjoy working with people, and I’m looking for a position which offers both personal and financial growth based on my sales initiative.”
Answer to Avoid: “I don’t have much work experience. I’ve done a few things in higher secondary school sort of like this, but I don’t know how much it is really like it.”
Next Question
Interviewer: “It sounds like you’ve had interesting experiences;I appreciate your honesty. Would you describe yourself as apunctual person? How would you rate your maths and computer skills compared to others in your class?”
Recommended Answer: “I have always been an early riser and enjoyed getting to high school on time. I don’t think I’ve been late for school during my entire high school career. I enjoyed maths, although English was my favourite subject. I have taken several computer courses and feel my skills are among the best in my class. I used a computer to track the inventory and ordering in the school bookstore.”
Answer to Avoid: “I get to school on time most days and don’t skip classes. I really didn’t like maths much. I took a computer class; it seemed pretty easy. I play video games, so I know how to use one.”
Next Question
Interviewer: “Unfortunately, many young people do not develop a strong commitment to their work; how will you be different?Why should I hire you for this position?”
Recommended Answer: “Sticking with a job to its completion is a value I truly believe in. I’ve learned through my school studies and my music lessons that the only way to succeed is to do the best job from beginning to end. You should hire me for this job because I am the type of person you need to continue your success.I’m a hard worker who learns quickly, I already possess many of the skills you’re looking for, and I have the personal motivation to
get the job done right!”
Answer to Avoid: “I don’t mind working; it’s what we all have to do. I know you will make it clear what I have to do and I’ll get it done. I think I can do a good job for you and you won’t have to watch over me all of the time.”
Exiting the Interview
After the interview, don’t forget to say thank you and good-bye to any individual with whom you have had contact during the day. Leaving the potential employer with a positive attitude is as important as walking in the door with one!
Interviewer: “I’ve enjoyed our conversation today. Thank you for your answers and observations. We have several days of interviews scheduled for the position, so I will be in touch with you over the course of the next several weeks. Good-bye.”
Recommended Answer: “I have enjoyed the opportunity to learn more about the Customer Service Representative position. The opportunity this job affords me is of great interest. I look forward to hearing from you soon. Again, thank you for taking the time to see me today.”
Answer to Avoid: “Thanks. I am interested in what might develop
out of this, too. Bye.”
Additional Suggestions
Watch your language. You are in a professional setting, and your choice of words should reflect that. Avoid using slang or any trendy phrases. And for heaven’s sake, don’t swear.Remember that everything you say and do is being observed and evaluated. Be careful to avoid other possible turnoffs, such as:
chewing gum
smoking
slumping in your chair
fidgeting
cracking your knuckles
wearing excessive makeup or jewellery
checking your watch
failing to use proper titles (Mrs., Dr., Mr., etc.)
mumbling
Monday, June 6, 2011
Common Mistakes to Avoid During a Job Interview
There are plenty of common mistakes that one should avoid during a job interview because they can put you in a bad light in front of your future employer and you certainly don’t want this, especially with today’s lack of jobs and increase in the number of people applying for the same job.
If you had a job before you will be asked why you left and it is best if you don’t talk rude about your ex-boss even if he was the worst out there. So be sure to avoid condemning your other employers.
You should show your possible employer that you know how to solve problems, not create them, so be sure to avoid talking about the fact that you have participated in a court room no matter the outcome, because it will not increase your credibility in the eyes of a future boss.
Although you are encouraged to ask questions during the interview you should avoid being to anxious about the offered salary because this will be discussed for sure. You don’t want to seem desperate for a job, as this will put you in an unfavorable light in relation with your future company and you can forget negotiating for a better salary.
If you are going to use a person when asked for people who can vouch and talk about your activities during your last job or college performance, you should make sure that you have the consent of that person, because this will save you from embarrassing yourself.
Many employers often request potential candidates to fill out a standard application. Although they have probably read your resume, they want the information of all candidates to be presented in a standard format that will offer them an easier comparison. Never write “see resume for requested info” on an application form, be sure to always write down the wanted information again.
Show interest in the company or product. A candidate who does not care and has no information regarding either the company or its products is likely to fail, so make your own research before you go to the interview.
Appearance is not everything, but make sure to have decent clothes, adequate to the job and the company you are applying, take care of your hair, nails and avoid excessive jewelry.
Remember that you are trying to make a favorable impression, so do your best to avoid a possible rejection because of clumsy mistakes.
If you had a job before you will be asked why you left and it is best if you don’t talk rude about your ex-boss even if he was the worst out there. So be sure to avoid condemning your other employers.
You should show your possible employer that you know how to solve problems, not create them, so be sure to avoid talking about the fact that you have participated in a court room no matter the outcome, because it will not increase your credibility in the eyes of a future boss.
Although you are encouraged to ask questions during the interview you should avoid being to anxious about the offered salary because this will be discussed for sure. You don’t want to seem desperate for a job, as this will put you in an unfavorable light in relation with your future company and you can forget negotiating for a better salary.
If you are going to use a person when asked for people who can vouch and talk about your activities during your last job or college performance, you should make sure that you have the consent of that person, because this will save you from embarrassing yourself.
Many employers often request potential candidates to fill out a standard application. Although they have probably read your resume, they want the information of all candidates to be presented in a standard format that will offer them an easier comparison. Never write “see resume for requested info” on an application form, be sure to always write down the wanted information again.
Show interest in the company or product. A candidate who does not care and has no information regarding either the company or its products is likely to fail, so make your own research before you go to the interview.
Appearance is not everything, but make sure to have decent clothes, adequate to the job and the company you are applying, take care of your hair, nails and avoid excessive jewelry.
Remember that you are trying to make a favorable impression, so do your best to avoid a possible rejection because of clumsy mistakes.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Telephone conversation between interviewer and job eeker
Conversational English can be hard. Even if you know correct grammar and proper sentence structure, you might still find it difficult to hold a conversation because of lack of fluency. It becomes more of a problem when you have to communicate in a formal manner such as when giving your job interview. Surely, lack of fluent English speaking skills can discourage any person, and they might avoid the opportunity just because of it.
It is indeed a fact that no single person can get a job without giving a job interview as it is the most important method of selecting and hiring candidates. If you are unable to talk in the medium the interviewer is using, then even if you deserve the job, you will not get selected due to hurdles in communication.
Sample Conversation Between Interviewer and Candidate
Candidate: May I come in, sir/ma’am?
Interviewer: Yes, come in.
Candidate: Good morning.
Interviewer: Good morning. Please, take a seat.
Candidate: Thank you.
Interviewer: Well, I have seen your CV. It was impressive, and that's why we have selected you for this interview. Tell me, why did you opt for this job?
Candidate: Because I believe that I possess excellent knowledge regarding it and I have three years of experience working in the same field too. Besides, working for a reputable company is what I always wanted, which is why I opted for this job.
Interviewer: Nicely put. Why did you leave your previous job?
Candidate: I want to expand my career as much as I can. I don’t want to stick to the same position forever unless it is a reputable organization.
Interviewer: Well, thanks for coming. You will be informed in two weeks if you get selected.
Candidate: Thank you so much. Goodbye.
Interviewer: Goodbye.
ask 1: Role-play the following dialogue between a company representative and a job seeker.
Ram: Hello, can I speak to Ms. Gita?
Gita : This is Gita. May I know who’s calling?
Ram: I’m Ram Prakash from Accel Computers. You have been short-listed for the first round of interviews. I need some more information from your side.
Gita : Oh sure Mr. Prakash. Please go ahead.
Ram: You have completed your MCA with high first class. Why did you apply for this job?
Gita : Market sources say Accel Computers is among the front runners in computer education. I therefore thought it was the best place to start a career.
Ram: I see. But given your academic background, won’t you be tempted to try for bigger and better prospects abroad? What kind of a commitment can you give us?
Gita : I have no intention of going abroad, Sir. I prefer to work for an indigenous company rather than faceless MNCs or foreign companies.
Ram: That’s very interesting. When will you be available for employment?
Gita : Immediately, Sir.
Ram: Great. I will get back to you in a couple of days through e-mail.
Gita : OK, Sir. And thank you for your time.
Ram: You are welcome Gita. Have a good day.
Gita : Thank you, Sir.
Below are tips that can help you speak fluent English during your job interview.
Create Dialogues
If you appear in a job interview, you must definitely know the general questions that an interviewer asks candidates. You can also search for these questions on the internet. Once you've finished, try to answer them according to your experience. Don't copy answers from the web, though you can read them to get an idea. Create dialogues by yourself for a job interview and practice them every day.
Try to Be More Fluent
To make vocal and ongoing conversations, you need to practice. You need to understand that the sentence you're speaking does not have to be entirely correct but fluent. Fluency shows that you are a confident person. A good thing about fluency is that sometimes, it makes your mistakes go unnoticed. Another thing to remember is that fluency here doesn't mean that you have to talk fast. It means that talk without pausing every now and then. Talking fast is another disadvantage. Speak in a moderate tone; just don't break your sentence by taking a lot of intervals.
Practice, Practice, Practice
The best thing you can do to improve your conversational English is, without a doubt, practice. The more you practice, the more quickly you'll be fluent. Write your own dialogues and practice in front of the mirror so that you can see your impression as well.
successful telephonice interview tips - do's and don't list
Telephonic Interviews
The dearth of time has set off a new-fangled recruitment practice these days - most organisations have now begun to interview the candidates telephonically as a preliminary assessment to sift through the large number of applicants. The desired response of a telephone interview is to secure a face-to-face interview. The response of a telephone interview is slightly different from that of a face-to-face interview.
Successful Telephonic Interview Tips
. Although, it is customary for interviewers to give you an advance notice of a telephone interview, some will not. They will just ring up and go for it. Once you start sending out applications, be prepared for telephone interviews. That call can come at 8 am Monday morning, 7 pm Friday evening or 9 pm Sunday night.
. Practise your voice projection. Speak aloud to practise. Ask someone else to listen to you or even record and play yourself back. It’s amazing how different you sound. You will notice the bad habits...the “errrrrrs” and “ummmmmms.”
. Obviously, telephone practice as well as general interview and question practice are essential. Further, you should be able to demonstrate a good knowledge regarding the job, the company, its products and services and even its competitors...that means undertaking research.
.Try to anticipate the questions you’ll be asked that demonstrate you can do the job. Then, prepare accordingly. Technical questioning on the telephone is common - as a means to screen candidates. The questions may not be in great depth, but should be known by a good candidate.
.During the interview, the interviewer has only ears with which to judge you, and that is something you must exploit.
.Have your research and company notes to hand. You should also have a copy of the résumé that you sent to that company. Remember, the most effective résumés are those that are especially tailored.
.Take a “surprise” call in your stride. If you are looking for work then no telephone interviews should really be a “surprise.”
.Be calm and collected. Remember to slow your breathing...at least try by counting to 5 with each inhale and exhale.
.Smile - it really makes a difference in your voice so much so that the person on the other end can tell when you are smiling.
.Sound positive, friendly, and collected.
.If you need time say... “Thank you for calling. Would you wait just a moment while I close the door?” Rest the phone as you pull out your resume and company information.
.Be professional, as if it was a face-to-face interview. Don’t be over-familiar with the interviewer. It does happen!
.You should always refer to the interviewer by his or her surname until invited to do otherwise.
.Listen carefully to the interviewer. Listening and communication skills are essential.
.Be factual in your answers.
.Do not smoke or eat while on the phone.
.Shut out all background noise, such as pets, children playing and the television.
.Take notes. They will be invaluable to you in preparing for the face-to-face meeting. No need to record the conversation...that is a bit over the top!
.Prompt the interviewer to invite you to interview by saying, “I am immediately available for interview if you would like to arrange one now.”
.Taking care to ascertain the correct spelling and pronunciation of the interviewer’s name shows your concern for the small but important things in life - it will be noticed.
.If you require more details like a Job Description or Person Specification ask for one.
.Thank the interviewer for her time and that you hope to hear soon. No harm in saying that you are very keen for a face-toface interview. One school of thought asserts that you should ask three times for an interview; subtly of course. “I am immediately available for interview.”
“I really would like an opportunity to meet you and look around the company.” “I will be in the area on Monday and it is no problem to pop in.”
.It is difficult to evaluate an opportunity properly over the telephone. Even if the job doesn’t sound right, go to the interview. At the very minimum it will give you practice. Moreover, once you attend a face-to-face interview the job may look that bit more attractive as you gather more facts. You might even discover a more suitable opening elsewhere within the company; it does happen.
It is indeed a fact that no single person can get a job without giving a job interview as it is the most important method of selecting and hiring candidates. If you are unable to talk in the medium the interviewer is using, then even if you deserve the job, you will not get selected due to hurdles in communication.
Sample Conversation Between Interviewer and Candidate
Candidate: May I come in, sir/ma’am?
Interviewer: Yes, come in.
Candidate: Good morning.
Interviewer: Good morning. Please, take a seat.
Candidate: Thank you.
Interviewer: Well, I have seen your CV. It was impressive, and that's why we have selected you for this interview. Tell me, why did you opt for this job?
Candidate: Because I believe that I possess excellent knowledge regarding it and I have three years of experience working in the same field too. Besides, working for a reputable company is what I always wanted, which is why I opted for this job.
Interviewer: Nicely put. Why did you leave your previous job?
Candidate: I want to expand my career as much as I can. I don’t want to stick to the same position forever unless it is a reputable organization.
Interviewer: Well, thanks for coming. You will be informed in two weeks if you get selected.
Candidate: Thank you so much. Goodbye.
Interviewer: Goodbye.
ask 1: Role-play the following dialogue between a company representative and a job seeker.
Ram: Hello, can I speak to Ms. Gita?
Gita : This is Gita. May I know who’s calling?
Ram: I’m Ram Prakash from Accel Computers. You have been short-listed for the first round of interviews. I need some more information from your side.
Gita : Oh sure Mr. Prakash. Please go ahead.
Ram: You have completed your MCA with high first class. Why did you apply for this job?
Gita : Market sources say Accel Computers is among the front runners in computer education. I therefore thought it was the best place to start a career.
Ram: I see. But given your academic background, won’t you be tempted to try for bigger and better prospects abroad? What kind of a commitment can you give us?
Gita : I have no intention of going abroad, Sir. I prefer to work for an indigenous company rather than faceless MNCs or foreign companies.
Ram: That’s very interesting. When will you be available for employment?
Gita : Immediately, Sir.
Ram: Great. I will get back to you in a couple of days through e-mail.
Gita : OK, Sir. And thank you for your time.
Ram: You are welcome Gita. Have a good day.
Gita : Thank you, Sir.
Below are tips that can help you speak fluent English during your job interview.
Create Dialogues
If you appear in a job interview, you must definitely know the general questions that an interviewer asks candidates. You can also search for these questions on the internet. Once you've finished, try to answer them according to your experience. Don't copy answers from the web, though you can read them to get an idea. Create dialogues by yourself for a job interview and practice them every day.
Try to Be More Fluent
To make vocal and ongoing conversations, you need to practice. You need to understand that the sentence you're speaking does not have to be entirely correct but fluent. Fluency shows that you are a confident person. A good thing about fluency is that sometimes, it makes your mistakes go unnoticed. Another thing to remember is that fluency here doesn't mean that you have to talk fast. It means that talk without pausing every now and then. Talking fast is another disadvantage. Speak in a moderate tone; just don't break your sentence by taking a lot of intervals.
Practice, Practice, Practice
The best thing you can do to improve your conversational English is, without a doubt, practice. The more you practice, the more quickly you'll be fluent. Write your own dialogues and practice in front of the mirror so that you can see your impression as well.
successful telephonice interview tips - do's and don't list
Telephonic Interviews
The dearth of time has set off a new-fangled recruitment practice these days - most organisations have now begun to interview the candidates telephonically as a preliminary assessment to sift through the large number of applicants. The desired response of a telephone interview is to secure a face-to-face interview. The response of a telephone interview is slightly different from that of a face-to-face interview.
Successful Telephonic Interview Tips
. Although, it is customary for interviewers to give you an advance notice of a telephone interview, some will not. They will just ring up and go for it. Once you start sending out applications, be prepared for telephone interviews. That call can come at 8 am Monday morning, 7 pm Friday evening or 9 pm Sunday night.
. Practise your voice projection. Speak aloud to practise. Ask someone else to listen to you or even record and play yourself back. It’s amazing how different you sound. You will notice the bad habits...the “errrrrrs” and “ummmmmms.”
. Obviously, telephone practice as well as general interview and question practice are essential. Further, you should be able to demonstrate a good knowledge regarding the job, the company, its products and services and even its competitors...that means undertaking research.
.Try to anticipate the questions you’ll be asked that demonstrate you can do the job. Then, prepare accordingly. Technical questioning on the telephone is common - as a means to screen candidates. The questions may not be in great depth, but should be known by a good candidate.
.During the interview, the interviewer has only ears with which to judge you, and that is something you must exploit.
.Have your research and company notes to hand. You should also have a copy of the résumé that you sent to that company. Remember, the most effective résumés are those that are especially tailored.
.Take a “surprise” call in your stride. If you are looking for work then no telephone interviews should really be a “surprise.”
.Be calm and collected. Remember to slow your breathing...at least try by counting to 5 with each inhale and exhale.
.Smile - it really makes a difference in your voice so much so that the person on the other end can tell when you are smiling.
.Sound positive, friendly, and collected.
.If you need time say... “Thank you for calling. Would you wait just a moment while I close the door?” Rest the phone as you pull out your resume and company information.
.Be professional, as if it was a face-to-face interview. Don’t be over-familiar with the interviewer. It does happen!
.You should always refer to the interviewer by his or her surname until invited to do otherwise.
.Listen carefully to the interviewer. Listening and communication skills are essential.
.Be factual in your answers.
.Do not smoke or eat while on the phone.
.Shut out all background noise, such as pets, children playing and the television.
.Take notes. They will be invaluable to you in preparing for the face-to-face meeting. No need to record the conversation...that is a bit over the top!
.Prompt the interviewer to invite you to interview by saying, “I am immediately available for interview if you would like to arrange one now.”
.Taking care to ascertain the correct spelling and pronunciation of the interviewer’s name shows your concern for the small but important things in life - it will be noticed.
.If you require more details like a Job Description or Person Specification ask for one.
.Thank the interviewer for her time and that you hope to hear soon. No harm in saying that you are very keen for a face-toface interview. One school of thought asserts that you should ask three times for an interview; subtly of course. “I am immediately available for interview.”
“I really would like an opportunity to meet you and look around the company.” “I will be in the area on Monday and it is no problem to pop in.”
.It is difficult to evaluate an opportunity properly over the telephone. Even if the job doesn’t sound right, go to the interview. At the very minimum it will give you practice. Moreover, once you attend a face-to-face interview the job may look that bit more attractive as you gather more facts. You might even discover a more suitable opening elsewhere within the company; it does happen.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
successful telephonice interview tips - do's and don't list
Telephonic Interviews
The dearth of time has set off a new-fangled recruitment practice these days - most organisations have now begun to interview the candidates telephonically as a preliminary assessment to sift through the large number of applicants. The desired response of a telephone interview is to secure a face-to-face interview. The response of a telephone interview is slightly different from that of a face-to-face interview.
Successful Telephonic Interview Tips
. Although, it is customary for interviewers to give you an advance notice of a telephone interview, some will not. They will just ring up and go for it. Once you start sending out applications, be prepared for telephone interviews. That call can come at 8 am Monday morning, 7 pm Friday evening or 9 pm Sunday night.
. Practise your voice projection. Speak aloud to practise. Ask someone else to listen to you or even record and play yourself back. It’s amazing how different you sound. You will notice the bad habits...the “errrrrrs” and “ummmmmms.”
. Obviously, telephone practice as well as general interview and question practice are essential. Further, you should be able to demonstrate a good knowledge regarding the job, the company, its products and services and even its competitors...that means undertaking research.
.Try to anticipate the questions you’ll be asked that demonstrate you can do the job. Then, prepare accordingly. Technical questioning on the telephone is common - as a means to screen candidates. The questions may not be in great depth, but should be known by a good candidate.
.During the interview, the interviewer has only ears with which to judge you, and that is something you must exploit.
.Have your research and company notes to hand. You should also have a copy of the résumé that you sent to that company. Remember, the most effective résumés are those that are especially tailored.
.Take a “surprise” call in your stride. If you are looking for work then no telephone interviews should really be a “surprise.”
.Be calm and collected. Remember to slow your breathing...at least try by counting to 5 with each inhale and exhale.
.Smile - it really makes a difference in your voice so much so that the person on the other end can tell when you are smiling.
.Sound positive, friendly, and collected.
.If you need time say... “Thank you for calling. Would you wait just a moment while I close the door?” Rest the phone as you pull out your resume and company information.
.Be professional, as if it was a face-to-face interview. Don’t be over-familiar with the interviewer. It does happen!
.You should always refer to the interviewer by his or her surname until invited to do otherwise.
.Listen carefully to the interviewer. Listening and communication skills are essential.
.Be factual in your answers.
.Do not smoke or eat while on the phone.
.Shut out all background noise, such as pets, children playing and the television.
.Take notes. They will be invaluable to you in preparing for the face-to-face meeting. No need to record the conversation...that is a bit over the top!
.Prompt the interviewer to invite you to interview by saying, “I am immediately available for interview if you would like to arrange one now.”
.Taking care to ascertain the correct spelling and pronunciation of the interviewer’s name shows your concern for the small but important things in life - it will be noticed.
.If you require more details like a Job Description or Person Specification ask for one.
.Thank the interviewer for her time and that you hope to hear soon. No harm in saying that you are very keen for a face-toface interview. One school of thought asserts that you should ask three times for an interview; subtly of course. “I am immediately available for interview.”
“I really would like an opportunity to meet you and look around the company.” “I will be in the area on Monday and it is no problem to pop in.”
.It is difficult to evaluate an opportunity properly over the telephone. Even if the job doesn’t sound right, go to the interview. At the very minimum it will give you practice. Moreover, once you attend a face-to-face interview the job may look that bit more attractive as you gather more facts. You might even discover a more suitable opening elsewhere within the company; it does happen.
The dearth of time has set off a new-fangled recruitment practice these days - most organisations have now begun to interview the candidates telephonically as a preliminary assessment to sift through the large number of applicants. The desired response of a telephone interview is to secure a face-to-face interview. The response of a telephone interview is slightly different from that of a face-to-face interview.
Successful Telephonic Interview Tips
. Although, it is customary for interviewers to give you an advance notice of a telephone interview, some will not. They will just ring up and go for it. Once you start sending out applications, be prepared for telephone interviews. That call can come at 8 am Monday morning, 7 pm Friday evening or 9 pm Sunday night.
. Practise your voice projection. Speak aloud to practise. Ask someone else to listen to you or even record and play yourself back. It’s amazing how different you sound. You will notice the bad habits...the “errrrrrs” and “ummmmmms.”
. Obviously, telephone practice as well as general interview and question practice are essential. Further, you should be able to demonstrate a good knowledge regarding the job, the company, its products and services and even its competitors...that means undertaking research.
.Try to anticipate the questions you’ll be asked that demonstrate you can do the job. Then, prepare accordingly. Technical questioning on the telephone is common - as a means to screen candidates. The questions may not be in great depth, but should be known by a good candidate.
.During the interview, the interviewer has only ears with which to judge you, and that is something you must exploit.
.Have your research and company notes to hand. You should also have a copy of the résumé that you sent to that company. Remember, the most effective résumés are those that are especially tailored.
.Take a “surprise” call in your stride. If you are looking for work then no telephone interviews should really be a “surprise.”
.Be calm and collected. Remember to slow your breathing...at least try by counting to 5 with each inhale and exhale.
.Smile - it really makes a difference in your voice so much so that the person on the other end can tell when you are smiling.
.Sound positive, friendly, and collected.
.If you need time say... “Thank you for calling. Would you wait just a moment while I close the door?” Rest the phone as you pull out your resume and company information.
.Be professional, as if it was a face-to-face interview. Don’t be over-familiar with the interviewer. It does happen!
.You should always refer to the interviewer by his or her surname until invited to do otherwise.
.Listen carefully to the interviewer. Listening and communication skills are essential.
.Be factual in your answers.
.Do not smoke or eat while on the phone.
.Shut out all background noise, such as pets, children playing and the television.
.Take notes. They will be invaluable to you in preparing for the face-to-face meeting. No need to record the conversation...that is a bit over the top!
.Prompt the interviewer to invite you to interview by saying, “I am immediately available for interview if you would like to arrange one now.”
.Taking care to ascertain the correct spelling and pronunciation of the interviewer’s name shows your concern for the small but important things in life - it will be noticed.
.If you require more details like a Job Description or Person Specification ask for one.
.Thank the interviewer for her time and that you hope to hear soon. No harm in saying that you are very keen for a face-toface interview. One school of thought asserts that you should ask three times for an interview; subtly of course. “I am immediately available for interview.”
“I really would like an opportunity to meet you and look around the company.” “I will be in the area on Monday and it is no problem to pop in.”
.It is difficult to evaluate an opportunity properly over the telephone. Even if the job doesn’t sound right, go to the interview. At the very minimum it will give you practice. Moreover, once you attend a face-to-face interview the job may look that bit more attractive as you gather more facts. You might even discover a more suitable opening elsewhere within the company; it does happen.
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Resume cover letter - do's and dont's tips
Cover letter Do’s and Don’ts
Here are the keys to writing successful and dynamic cover letters.
Follow these simple rules and you should achieve success in this important
phase of job-hunting.
• Don’t ever send your resume without a cover letter.
• Do address your letter to an individual,if you know the name.
• Don’t use a gender bias, such as ‘Respected sir’ when
answering a blind ad. It could be a woman! Say ‘Respected
Sir/Madam.’
• Do send an original letter to each employer.
• Don’t use such cliches as “Enclosed please find my resume”
or “As you can see on my resume enclosed herewith.”
Employers can see that your resume is enclosed; they don’t
need you to tell them. Avoid wordy and trite phrases.
• Don’t send a cover letter that contains any typos, incorrect
grammar or punctuation; or with smudges and grease from
yesterday’s lunch!
• Do use simple language and uncomplicated sentence structure.
Ruthlessly eliminate all unnecessary words. Follow the
journalist’s rule: Write tight!
• Do speak to the requirements of the job, especially when
responding to an ad.
• Do tell the employer how you can meet his or her needs and
contribute to the company.
• Don’t rehash your resume. You’d be waiting precious space
and the potential employer’s time if you simply repeal your
resume.
• Do avoid negativity. Negativity never has a place in a cover
letter.
• Do be sure the potential employer can reach you and
personally sign the letter, preferably with blue ink.
Here are the keys to writing successful and dynamic cover letters.
Follow these simple rules and you should achieve success in this important
phase of job-hunting.
• Don’t ever send your resume without a cover letter.
• Do address your letter to an individual,if you know the name.
• Don’t use a gender bias, such as ‘Respected sir’ when
answering a blind ad. It could be a woman! Say ‘Respected
Sir/Madam.’
• Do send an original letter to each employer.
• Don’t use such cliches as “Enclosed please find my resume”
or “As you can see on my resume enclosed herewith.”
Employers can see that your resume is enclosed; they don’t
need you to tell them. Avoid wordy and trite phrases.
• Don’t send a cover letter that contains any typos, incorrect
grammar or punctuation; or with smudges and grease from
yesterday’s lunch!
• Do use simple language and uncomplicated sentence structure.
Ruthlessly eliminate all unnecessary words. Follow the
journalist’s rule: Write tight!
• Do speak to the requirements of the job, especially when
responding to an ad.
• Do tell the employer how you can meet his or her needs and
contribute to the company.
• Don’t rehash your resume. You’d be waiting precious space
and the potential employer’s time if you simply repeal your
resume.
• Do avoid negativity. Negativity never has a place in a cover
letter.
• Do be sure the potential employer can reach you and
personally sign the letter, preferably with blue ink.
Saturday, December 18, 2010
EXAMPLE CURRICULUM V1TAE in English
SAMPLE CURRICULUM V1TAE
Name
Old no: , New no: ,
Street
Chennai-600018
Ph: 044-1234567, Mobile: 12345-56432
E-maiI: abcd@yahoo.co.in
ACADEMIC TRAINING
POSTGRADUATE FELLOWSHIP- Faculty Development
Fellowship, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, 2000-2001
EDUCATION
Doctorate in Comparative Literature, Madras University, 1999
M.Phil., in Comparative Literature, Madras University, 1996
MA., in English Literature, Presidency College, Chennai, 1994
BA., in English Literature, Presidency College, Chennai, 1991
CERTIFICATIONS
• Diploma from CIEFL, Hyderabad -1995
• Passed UGC-1997
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Faculty of English for many years in leading colleges.
SAMPLE RESUME
Personal data:
Name: Pranav Viswanath
Address: 56, plot D-500 3693, Palliyil Lane,
Ernakulam Post, Cochin.
Telephone number: 0484-324299
Date of birth: 9 January 1980
Place of birth: Cochin
Sex: Male
Nationality : Indian
Education :
1995-1999 School of Facility Management, Tejaswini
Academy of Excellence, Cochin (higher
vocational education)
1993-1995 T I A school, Kerala
Subjects: French, English, Physics, Biology,
Mathematics, Chemistry
Work experience:
1998 - 1999 Arco GmbH, Cochin, receptionist
1995 –1998 Braun Catering, Cochin. I was mainly involved
with logistics
1993- 1994 Holiday job at a summer camp in the
Lakshadweep islands
Interests: Tennis, reading playing the guitar and travelling.
I have travelled through European countries.
I like reading Asian literature.
References: Frank Xavier , Sales Manager
Arco GmbH. Telephone number: 209864
Task: Read through this on line advertisement below. Based
on the above inputs decide whether you need to prepare
a CV or Resume. Accordingly create one which would
suit the requirements of the advertisement.
Designation Ace Call Centre (Customer Care)
Job Description YOU WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR:
Providing voice based customer support to all
International customers, solving queries related
to the product, maintaining and updating the
customer and vendor database, updating the
knowledge of customers related to the product
line and demonstrating a professional attitude
among peers, customers and clients
Desired Profile Candidates residing in “CHENNAI/SCR
REGION” only need apply *B.E/B.Tech /
BCA/MCA/B.Sc M.Sc/Engineers NEED
NOT APPLY*
Candidate’s Desired Profile:
1 Class XII/Diploma holder/Graduate
2. Excellent communication skills
3.Good command over spoken and written
English
4.Good knowledge of computers
5. Good telephone handling skills
6. Ability to empathise with the customer
7.Smart, confident and enthusiastic with a flair
for customer service
8.Good analytical skills
9.Open to work in NIGHT SHIFTS
Maximum experience 0-6 months/ Freshers preferred
Remuneration The best in the Industry
Location Chennai
Contact Sonika Consultant ITES Manpower Services
IndiaPvt. Ltd.
Name
Old no: , New no: ,
Street
Chennai-600018
Ph: 044-1234567, Mobile: 12345-56432
E-maiI: abcd@yahoo.co.in
ACADEMIC TRAINING
POSTGRADUATE FELLOWSHIP- Faculty Development
Fellowship, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, 2000-2001
EDUCATION
Doctorate in Comparative Literature, Madras University, 1999
M.Phil., in Comparative Literature, Madras University, 1996
MA., in English Literature, Presidency College, Chennai, 1994
BA., in English Literature, Presidency College, Chennai, 1991
CERTIFICATIONS
• Diploma from CIEFL, Hyderabad -1995
• Passed UGC-1997
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Faculty of English for many years in leading colleges.
SAMPLE RESUME
Personal data:
Name: Pranav Viswanath
Address: 56, plot D-500 3693, Palliyil Lane,
Ernakulam Post, Cochin.
Telephone number: 0484-324299
Date of birth: 9 January 1980
Place of birth: Cochin
Sex: Male
Nationality : Indian
Education :
1995-1999 School of Facility Management, Tejaswini
Academy of Excellence, Cochin (higher
vocational education)
1993-1995 T I A school, Kerala
Subjects: French, English, Physics, Biology,
Mathematics, Chemistry
Work experience:
1998 - 1999 Arco GmbH, Cochin, receptionist
1995 –1998 Braun Catering, Cochin. I was mainly involved
with logistics
1993- 1994 Holiday job at a summer camp in the
Lakshadweep islands
Interests: Tennis, reading playing the guitar and travelling.
I have travelled through European countries.
I like reading Asian literature.
References: Frank Xavier , Sales Manager
Arco GmbH. Telephone number: 209864
Task: Read through this on line advertisement below. Based
on the above inputs decide whether you need to prepare
a CV or Resume. Accordingly create one which would
suit the requirements of the advertisement.
Designation Ace Call Centre (Customer Care)
Job Description YOU WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR:
Providing voice based customer support to all
International customers, solving queries related
to the product, maintaining and updating the
customer and vendor database, updating the
knowledge of customers related to the product
line and demonstrating a professional attitude
among peers, customers and clients
Desired Profile Candidates residing in “CHENNAI/SCR
REGION” only need apply *B.E/B.Tech /
BCA/MCA/B.Sc M.Sc/Engineers NEED
NOT APPLY*
Candidate’s Desired Profile:
1 Class XII/Diploma holder/Graduate
2. Excellent communication skills
3.Good command over spoken and written
English
4.Good knowledge of computers
5. Good telephone handling skills
6. Ability to empathise with the customer
7.Smart, confident and enthusiastic with a flair
for customer service
8.Good analytical skills
9.Open to work in NIGHT SHIFTS
Maximum experience 0-6 months/ Freshers preferred
Remuneration The best in the Industry
Location Chennai
Contact Sonika Consultant ITES Manpower Services
IndiaPvt. Ltd.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Improve your resume - Five easy steps
Five Easy Ways to Improve Your Résumé
1. Use a bulleted style to make your resume more readerfriendly.
Given that employers screen resumes for between 2.5
and 20 seconds, they will find your resume a lot more readable if
you use bullet points instead of paragraph style. It’s just easier to
read. Proofread carefully. Misspellings and typos are deadly on a
résumé.
2. Eliminate clutter from your résumé. Several elements can
clutter up your résumé and impede readability:
Unnecessary dates
Parentheses: Jobseekers have a particular tendency to set off
dates of employment with parentheses. It’s easier on the reader
if you just use commas.
Articles: Those little words “a,” “an,” and “the.” Generally
speaking, resumes aren’t written in sentence form, but in
concise phrases that have become accepted shorthand that
employers understand.
3. Make sure your resume has a sharp focus. One way to
sharpen your focus is through an objective statement. Another
way is to add a section called something like “Summary of
Qualifications,” or “Profile.”
4. Be sure the reader will understand all the acronyms and
jargon you use in your résumé. Résumés in the high -tech field
are notorious for these mysterious terms.
5. Bonus tip: Be sure to list locations (city and state) for all
your past employers. It’s résumé protocol to do so, and employers
expect to see that information.
1. Use a bulleted style to make your resume more readerfriendly.
Given that employers screen resumes for between 2.5
and 20 seconds, they will find your resume a lot more readable if
you use bullet points instead of paragraph style. It’s just easier to
read. Proofread carefully. Misspellings and typos are deadly on a
résumé.
2. Eliminate clutter from your résumé. Several elements can
clutter up your résumé and impede readability:
Unnecessary dates
Parentheses: Jobseekers have a particular tendency to set off
dates of employment with parentheses. It’s easier on the reader
if you just use commas.
Articles: Those little words “a,” “an,” and “the.” Generally
speaking, resumes aren’t written in sentence form, but in
concise phrases that have become accepted shorthand that
employers understand.
3. Make sure your resume has a sharp focus. One way to
sharpen your focus is through an objective statement. Another
way is to add a section called something like “Summary of
Qualifications,” or “Profile.”
4. Be sure the reader will understand all the acronyms and
jargon you use in your résumé. Résumés in the high -tech field
are notorious for these mysterious terms.
5. Bonus tip: Be sure to list locations (city and state) for all
your past employers. It’s résumé protocol to do so, and employers
expect to see that information.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Preparing good resume - fundamental and basic tips
Preparing appropriate CV/ Curriculum Vitae/ Resume
Fundamentals of a Good Chrological Resume
You probably have about 30 seconds to convince u potential
employer you deserve as interview. A resume summarises your
accomplishments, your education, and your work experience, and
should reflect your strengths.
Wha follows is an outline of a typical chronological resume
best suited for entry -level job seekers or those who have stayed in the
same field. Here are the key components of a standard chronological
resume.
Identification
It is essential that a potential employer can reach you.
This section should include your name, address, Phone number(S)
and e-mail address. If you are a student, this section might also include
a school address and a permanent home address.
Job Objective
A job objective is optional and should only be included for new
college graduates and those changing careers. Otherwise, use you
cover letter to show your career interests and job objective.
If you do use an objective, make sure your objective explain
the kind of work you want to do. and keep it between two to four
typed lines.
Key Accomplishments
Some resume experts are suggesting adding a section that
highlights your key accomplishments and achievements. ‘Think of the
section as an executive summary of your resume; identifyke
accomplishments that will grab the attention of an employer.
This section should summarise (using nouns as keywords and
descriptors) your major accomplishments and qualifications.
This section can also be labelled “Professional Profile,” “Summarv
of Accomplishments,””Key Skills,” “”Summary of ‘Qualificalions,” or
“Qualifications.”
Education
For fresh college graduates, this entry should be your next. For
others with full-lime work experience, this section should follow your
experience section.
This section should include school{s) and colleges attended
(including year of attendance), majors/minors, degrees, and honours
and awards received.
*For new graduates only: There appears to be a growing trend
of employers wanting your overall percentage in this section. If you
decide to do so, make sure to use the one that puts you in the best 1ight.
Professional Experience
This section can also be labelled “Experience, “Work History,”
or “Employment.”
This section should include company name, your job title, dates
of employment, and major accomplishments. List experiences in reverse
chronological order, starting with your most current experience.
List your accomplishment in bullet format (rather than paragraph
format). Avoid discussing job duties or responsibilities.
If you don’t have a lot of’ career-related job experience, consider
using transferable skills to better highlight your work experience.
Finally, make sure to use action verbs when describing your
accomplishments.
Affiliations/Interests
This section is optional; include only if you have space on your
resume for for. Items from this section are often used as an ice-breaker
by interviewers looking to start an interview on an informal basis.
This section should only include professional memberships and
non-controversial activities/interests.
References
Usually applicants give the names of two references (name and
address of two responsible persons to whom the prospective employer
may approach for verifying the credentials of the applicant).
Today, many experts say this section is passe, but if you have
room, include it. If nothing else, this section signals the end of your resume.
This section should only include a statement saying references
are available upon request.
Fundamentals of a Good Chrological Resume
You probably have about 30 seconds to convince u potential
employer you deserve as interview. A resume summarises your
accomplishments, your education, and your work experience, and
should reflect your strengths.
Wha follows is an outline of a typical chronological resume
best suited for entry -level job seekers or those who have stayed in the
same field. Here are the key components of a standard chronological
resume.
Identification
It is essential that a potential employer can reach you.
This section should include your name, address, Phone number(S)
and e-mail address. If you are a student, this section might also include
a school address and a permanent home address.
Job Objective
A job objective is optional and should only be included for new
college graduates and those changing careers. Otherwise, use you
cover letter to show your career interests and job objective.
If you do use an objective, make sure your objective explain
the kind of work you want to do. and keep it between two to four
typed lines.
Key Accomplishments
Some resume experts are suggesting adding a section that
highlights your key accomplishments and achievements. ‘Think of the
section as an executive summary of your resume; identifyke
accomplishments that will grab the attention of an employer.
This section should summarise (using nouns as keywords and
descriptors) your major accomplishments and qualifications.
This section can also be labelled “Professional Profile,” “Summarv
of Accomplishments,””Key Skills,” “”Summary of ‘Qualificalions,” or
“Qualifications.”
Education
For fresh college graduates, this entry should be your next. For
others with full-lime work experience, this section should follow your
experience section.
This section should include school{s) and colleges attended
(including year of attendance), majors/minors, degrees, and honours
and awards received.
*For new graduates only: There appears to be a growing trend
of employers wanting your overall percentage in this section. If you
decide to do so, make sure to use the one that puts you in the best 1ight.
Professional Experience
This section can also be labelled “Experience, “Work History,”
or “Employment.”
This section should include company name, your job title, dates
of employment, and major accomplishments. List experiences in reverse
chronological order, starting with your most current experience.
List your accomplishment in bullet format (rather than paragraph
format). Avoid discussing job duties or responsibilities.
If you don’t have a lot of’ career-related job experience, consider
using transferable skills to better highlight your work experience.
Finally, make sure to use action verbs when describing your
accomplishments.
Affiliations/Interests
This section is optional; include only if you have space on your
resume for for. Items from this section are often used as an ice-breaker
by interviewers looking to start an interview on an informal basis.
This section should only include professional memberships and
non-controversial activities/interests.
References
Usually applicants give the names of two references (name and
address of two responsible persons to whom the prospective employer
may approach for verifying the credentials of the applicant).
Today, many experts say this section is passe, but if you have
room, include it. If nothing else, this section signals the end of your resume.
This section should only include a statement saying references
are available upon request.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
frequently asked interview questions - What do you want to be doing five years from now?
"What do you want to be doing five years from now?"
"Where do you see yourself in five years?"
This is a similar question to the short term question, but you should answer it a little differently. Here are some examples.
Short Answers
"In five years, I see myself as a valued employee of a company. I want to be an expert at my position and start training to be a manager."
"In five years, I want to be a senior analyst. I want my expertise to directly impact the company in a positive way."
"My goal is to become a lead in five years. Although not everyone gets promoted to this level, I believe I can achieve this goal through hard work."
"Although I really enjoy working hands on as a mechanical engineer, I want to eventually become a manager. I want to continue gaining experience, and after learning many different aspects, I see myself in management."
Long Answers
"Five years from now, I would like to see myself in a management position. I'm going to be learning and gaining practical experience until then, but eventually, I want to become a marketing manager. I know there are a lot of things to learn, but I'm going to be working hard for the next five years. I believe opportunities come to great workers and I'm going to try to be one of them."
"Five years from now, I want to be a senior sales manager. I'm currently training to become a manager, and if I continue to work hard, I feel I'll have a management position soon. After gaining several years of experience as a sales manager, I want to be in a position where I can train and provide my expertise to newer sales managers."
Both answers display characteristics of working hard. The second example also mentions that he or she wants to train newer managers. This is a good answer because it targets one good trait about upper management... the ability to train managers.
Related Links :
"Where do you see yourself in five years?"
This is a similar question to the short term question, but you should answer it a little differently. Here are some examples.
Short Answers
"In five years, I see myself as a valued employee of a company. I want to be an expert at my position and start training to be a manager."
"In five years, I want to be a senior analyst. I want my expertise to directly impact the company in a positive way."
"My goal is to become a lead in five years. Although not everyone gets promoted to this level, I believe I can achieve this goal through hard work."
"Although I really enjoy working hands on as a mechanical engineer, I want to eventually become a manager. I want to continue gaining experience, and after learning many different aspects, I see myself in management."
Long Answers
"Five years from now, I would like to see myself in a management position. I'm going to be learning and gaining practical experience until then, but eventually, I want to become a marketing manager. I know there are a lot of things to learn, but I'm going to be working hard for the next five years. I believe opportunities come to great workers and I'm going to try to be one of them."
"Five years from now, I want to be a senior sales manager. I'm currently training to become a manager, and if I continue to work hard, I feel I'll have a management position soon. After gaining several years of experience as a sales manager, I want to be in a position where I can train and provide my expertise to newer sales managers."
Both answers display characteristics of working hard. The second example also mentions that he or she wants to train newer managers. This is a good answer because it targets one good trait about upper management... the ability to train managers.
Related Links :
Common interview questions - What are your long term goal
"What are your long term goals?"
This question is asked to see how serious a candidate is about his or her career. Some people might not know their long term goals, and some people might have long term goals of becoming rich and retiring early. Those are incorrect answers for this question. The type of answer you want to give is an ambitious answer that shows you really love your career. A good interviewer will read between the lines and find out if a person is going to be a hard worker or just a mediocre one. Being descriptive and shooting for a big goal is something interviewers want to hear.
Short Answer
"I would like to become a director or higher. This might be a little ambitious, but I know I'm smart, and I'm willing to work hard."
"After a successful career, I would love to write a book on office efficiency. I think working smart is important and I have many ideas. So after gaining more experience, I'm going to try to write a book."
"I've always loved to teach. I like to grow newer employees and help co-workers where ever I can. So in the future, I would love to be an instructor."
"I want to become a valued employee of a company. I want to make a difference and I'm willing to work hard to achieve this goal. I don't want a regular career, I want a special career that I can be proud of."
Long Answer
"My long term goal is to become a partner for a consulting firm. I know the hard work involved in achieving this goal, and I know that many people fail to become a partner. That's not going to stop me from working hard, learning everything I can, and contributing to a company where I'll become a valuable asset. I know it's not a guarantee, but becoming a partner is a long term goal of mine, and I going to work towards this goal throughout my career."
This example shows a candidate with a big goal. This person identifies the difficulty of the goal and shows the steps required to achieve this goal. Despite the difficulty, this candidate shows he or she will not get discouraged with difficult situations and will never give up. It is a short answer that goes a long way.
Related links :
Interview questions - What are your short term goal
What are your short term goals?
This question primarily depends on where you are in your career. A person with 5 years of experience will have different short term goals than a person with no work experience. I'll give an example for both scenarios. But first, here are some short answers.
Short Answers
"My short term goal is to find a position where I can use the knowledge and strengths that I have. I want to partake in the growth and success of the company I work for."
"I've learned the basics of marketing during my first two years. I want to take the next step by taking on challenging projects. My short term goal is to grow as a marketing analyst."
"As a program manager, it's important to understand all areas of the project. Although I have the technical abilities to be successful in my job, I want to learn different software applications that might help in work efficiency."
"My goal is to always perform at an exceptional level. But a short term goal I have set for myself is to implement a process that increases work efficiency."
Long Answers
"My short term goal is to learn everything I can about marketing. I want to find a position where I can contribute what I've learned through education and to gain real life experience. I believe the next couple of years will be very important to me and my immediate goal is to learn and become skilled in all aspects of marketing."
"My short term goal is to get into a management position. The last five years of my career, I've concentrated on learning and acquiring all the skills needed to perform excellent work. Recently, I've taken more responsibilities in management because I eventually want to become a sales manager. I'm excited about the last few assignments I completed because it involved working with vendors and partners while managing a small group of workers. So I hope to be in a management position within a year or two and I feel I'm doing a diligent job by volunteering for extra work to gain more experience."
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This question primarily depends on where you are in your career. A person with 5 years of experience will have different short term goals than a person with no work experience. I'll give an example for both scenarios. But first, here are some short answers.
Short Answers
"My short term goal is to find a position where I can use the knowledge and strengths that I have. I want to partake in the growth and success of the company I work for."
"I've learned the basics of marketing during my first two years. I want to take the next step by taking on challenging projects. My short term goal is to grow as a marketing analyst."
"As a program manager, it's important to understand all areas of the project. Although I have the technical abilities to be successful in my job, I want to learn different software applications that might help in work efficiency."
"My goal is to always perform at an exceptional level. But a short term goal I have set for myself is to implement a process that increases work efficiency."
Long Answers
"My short term goal is to learn everything I can about marketing. I want to find a position where I can contribute what I've learned through education and to gain real life experience. I believe the next couple of years will be very important to me and my immediate goal is to learn and become skilled in all aspects of marketing."
"My short term goal is to get into a management position. The last five years of my career, I've concentrated on learning and acquiring all the skills needed to perform excellent work. Recently, I've taken more responsibilities in management because I eventually want to become a sales manager. I'm excited about the last few assignments I completed because it involved working with vendors and partners while managing a small group of workers. So I hope to be in a management position within a year or two and I feel I'm doing a diligent job by volunteering for extra work to gain more experience."
Related Links :
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