1. 2. 3. 4.
Sessions to cover before GIP EP goes on exchange Sessions’ outline CV tips Interviewing tips
Congratulations! You’ve reached the stage of GIP EP preparation. It means that you made enough effort to raise GIP EPs in your LC. It’s awesome! Let’s see what they need to know before leaving this beautiful country.
All GIP EPs should be trained in the following areas: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
What is AIESEC? – Clarity of Why for EPs Awesome GIP EP form – how to get ready for matching Matching – interviews are not so scary! Understanding cultural barriers – culture shock workshop Rights and responsibilities
If GIP preparation happens during the OPS, steps 1 and 5 will be covered outside of the GIP session. This means that during the GIP block, we will be covering steps 2-4:
Awesome GIP EP form, Matching, Understanding cultural barriers.
This is a brief description of all the trainings we should provide.
Name What is AIESEC?
Awesome GIP EP form
Proposed content
What is AIESEC How AIESEC operates AIESEC in New Zealand Clarity of Why: AIESEC is not an exchange organization, we develop the kind of needed leadership through our exchange experience. How can EPs make an impact? Professional information section CV – the most important part of the EP form CV tips How to edit an EP’s form on myaiesec.net?
Time 60min
40min
Matching
Understanding cultural barriers
Rights and responsibilities
Ideal EP form example Applying to many internships at the same time How to match myself – myaiesec.net manual How does matching work? Interview with host LC – interview with the company Why do they want me to send them my EP AN? Interviewing tips Interview simulation (if you have enough time) The culture shock curve Sharing experiences Discussion www.culture-shock.me XPP – Exchange Programme Policies NPS surveys – EPs will be asked to fill it in before, during and after exchange What to expect from an EP manager Connecting with other EPs and keeping in touch
60min
20min
40min
Below you can find CV and interviewing tips. Please build workshops around these tips. After the preparation seminar, you can send them all the tips.
General comments 1. Keep it short. Employers spend, an average, just 8 seconds looking at any one CV, and the easiest way of landing yourself on the ‘Rejected’ pile is to send them your entire life story. Keep it to the point, and save details for the interview 2. Make sure your CV is up to date 3. Get it checked – ask your friend if it’s clear, logical and without spelling mistakes 4. Sell yourself 5. Make your CV reflect the job description, e.g. use the same words used in the job description and job advertisement 6. Put your name on each page of the CV (as a heading or footer of each page)
7. Always remember the CV hotspot – the upper middle area of the first page is where the recruiter's eye will naturally fall, so make sure you include your most important information there. 8. Tailor your CV to the employment that you want. Make sure all the sections consist of only relevant information 9. Make it as summarized as possible (e.g. different roles in one organisation should be under one point) 10. Don’t use abbreviations someone may not understand 11. Everything should be in the chronological order
Heading 1. You can start from personal introduction but keep it short (2 lines maximum). E.g. “A degree-qualified researcher specialising in European and legal matters.” 2. Don’t include papers and marks 3. If there is something relevant to the job you’re applying for, you can describe it but keep it brief (1 line) 4. If your LinkedIn profile is updated, you can put a linked text next to your personal details 5. If you’re sure your job interview is going to be held via Skype (e.g. GIP in AIESEC) you can include your Skype id (make sure your ID is mature)
Academic background 1. Include only your University background, skip college and other schools (unless there is something remarkable about them) 2. Don’t include papers and marks
Work experience 1. Put your jobs in chronological order 2. Concentrate on your key learning points and achievements not your responsibilities. This means listing things you have done - such as products launched, sales increased, awards won - not rewriting your job description. Quote figures whenever possible.
3. It’s not necessary to write that the job was part-time or full-time 4. If you are successful – show them results. When writing your work history, don’t just say that you increased sales, tell them you increased sales by 70% over a six month period. Other experience 1. Experience besides working experience (e.g. volunteering) – try to classify it and name the section adequately, e.g. “Extracurricular activities” or “Leadership experience and community involvement” 2. Put your roles in chronological order
Additional information 1. 2. 3. 4.
Awards – include only relevant and major ones Same with certificates – only if it’s relevant to the job you’re looking for Don’t include personal interests, hobbies If you have references, in the end include the phrase: “References available upon request” 5. IT skills – nowadays everyone knows Microsoft Office and other basic programmes. Add this section only if you’re applying for a job that requires special IT skills (e.g. graphic design, app development) 6. Languages – only if foreign and you can communicate in them
Formatting 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
Save it as .pdf, not .doc 2 pages maximum Don’t use weird colours Choose an easy to read font (Calibri, Arial, etc.) Ensure your CV is not clustered Name sections and make them visible Don’t include your photo
Follow this structure: 1. Personal Details 2. (Personal Statement)
3. 4. 5. 6.
Academic Background Work Experience Extracurricular activities Additional information (IT skills, languages etc. - only relevant information) 7. (References available upon request)
Top 10 worst mistakes made/used in writing your CV 1. Lie – the bigger the lies you put on your CV then the better the job you will get. 2. Listing all the one-day training courses you have ever been on 3. Including a photo – the more attractive you make yourself look, the better your chances 4. Using elaborate fonts and colours so your CV stands out 5. Divulging sensitive information – make sure that you put your NI and passport number on the front page 6. Changing your CV for every position you are applying for 7. The more gimmicky you make your CV using different shapes and pictures the more improved your chances will be 8. Make sure that you list as many referees as possible, especially if you know the Prime Minister 9. Always start each sentence in the first person, i.e. I, Me and My 10. Try and use as many clichéd terms as possible, I am a highly motivated individual who works well on my own or in a team, with exceptional communication skills and the ability to work under pressure to produce results under strict deadlines.
Practicing Interviews 1. Be prepared for both video and non-video interviews, i.e. Skype, depending on the interviewer. 2. They may only be able to hear you, so bear in mind the language barrier, make sure you slow down, speak loudly and clearly and be enthusiastic. 3. Prepare an introduction. 4. Every answer should be structured and logical.
Preparation 1. Ensure you have a strong internet connection. 2. Go through the JD, write down questions the interviewer may ask and think of answers 3. Research the company as much as possible, use websites and what is available. 4. Write up your strengths and weaknesses, try and think of workable weaknesses. 5. Think of questions you would ask yourself. 6. Write up questions you could ask them at the end of the interview related to your research, show interest in the company’s activities and projects. 7. DON’T EVER, EVER LIE!!!
Interview conduct 1. Be aware of your language, use formal words rather than local adaptations, e.g. chur bro 2. Take time to think and respond, they will appreciate waiting for a welldeveloped answer. 3. Limit laughing 4. Be prepared early, better you wait for them.
5. Assure them of your weaknesses by making them strength or say you’re working on them. 6. Be precise with your answer, no beating around the bush. 7. Be proud but don’t brag or linger on your accomplishments. 8. If you’re asked about your mistakes, focus on what you’ve learnt from these mistakes. Other resources: 1. Common question and best answers: check http://goo.gl/WUYOHn 2. Interviewing tips: http://goo.gl/NW0nnA 3. Tips and questions to ask the employer: http://goo.gl/mSWQSH