CV Booklet 2021 - English

CV Guide

Your Passport to the Employment Market

Partnership:

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CV Guide

Contents EUC Career Center - EURES Partnership

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Director’s Message

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Connect to Your Future 6 CSM 6 Highered Virtual Recruitment 7 Career Development Chart 7 How to Prepare a Successful CV 8 Write a Successful CV 8 CV Structure 8 Tips on CV Presentation 9 Documents that Accompany Your CV 9 Things NOT to do on Your CV 10 Europass Tips 10 In Pursuit of a Job – The Writing Campaign Curriculum Vitae Samples Cover Letters Proposal Letters Follow Up Letter Acknowledgement of a Rejection Letter Candidate Acceptance Letter

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Social Media

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Action Verbs/Adjectives and Nouns Useful Vocabulary for CV and Cover Letters

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Job Search Engines

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How to Find Remote Work Opportunities Dos & Don’ts

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The Interview Process 36 The Job Interview 37 Common Interview Questions 38 Soft Skills 39 Prepare to Ask Questions 39 Body Language 40 Have the Right Attitude 40 Do’s and Dont’s for the Interview 40 Negative Factors to Watch For! 41 Closing the Interview 41 Postmortem Analysis 41 Post-Interview Analysis 42 Compensation 42 How to Ace a Digital Interview 43 Pitch Perfect 44 Testimonials 45 3

EUC Career Center - EURES Partnership The European University Cyprus Career Center joined the EURES Network in October 2019. As part of our firm belief that the employment market extends well beyond Cyprus, we aim to encourage and inspire graduates to search for employment opportunities all across Europe.

EURES is a network designed to facilitate the free movement of workers within the EU 27 countries plus Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. The network is composed of the European Coordination Office (ECO), the National Coordination Offices (NCOs), EURES Partners and the Associated EURES Partners. EURES provides its services through the portal and through a human network of around 1000 EURES advisers that offer a comprehensive range of information and job-searching opportunities.

What can we do for you?

INTERNSHIPS: The Career Center offers a range of unique schemes that provide candidates with professional work experience. Reach out for the application procedure as well as identification of organizations for internship placements.

CV REVIEW: Personalized CV review sessions for successful job and internship applications. Insights on matching criteria, content, layout and industry specifications feedback are essential before submitting your CV to an employer.

Contact us to set up an appointment.

INTERVIEW SIMULATIONS: Anxious about an interview? Book an appointment for an interview simulation. Learn the tricks of the trade and enhance your interview skills.

SEMINARS & WORKSHOPS: The EUC Career Center organizes seminars and workshops to assist in the smooth entry of candidates into the job market. As the needs of the job market shift, candidates should seek to be well versed in the necessary techniques by attending these events. Visit the CSM platform for an updated list of events.

CAREER GUIDANCE: If in doubt regarding your career path or if you need assistance in defining your next steps, set up a Career Guidance Appointment with us!

Why do we encourage job mobility?

The benefits of seeking job mobility are endless!

This is just scratching the surface, but just consider the following: n Develop personally and gain diverse market experience n Learn in a more competitive and fast moving environment n Expand your professional network n Empower your CV n Learn a new language n Earn more n Travel and expand your horizons

Job Seeking Opportunities

If you are searching for jobs and/or internships across Europe, then you can search in real time on www.eures. europa.eu at “Search for a job”. Don’t just stop there though! If you would like employers to locate you, then you must enable the process by setting up an account: “My Eures”.

Job Mobility Issues

Considering a move to another country will certainly require some planning and could create stress and anxiety.

Labor market information as well as living and working conditions in each country can be located in the section of “Living and Working” and will assist you in visualizing the conditions and realities in each labor market.

CV Guide

Director’s Message Dear Students, Finding a job has become a particular challenge in today’s world; full employment levels are a luxury of the past.

In this volatile economic environment, YOU must be proactive—understanding the rigors of the job search process and preparing yourself well for the employment market you face.

But you are not alone! While you have to set yourself apart and take responsibility from the early stages of your studies, the European University Cyprus Career Center offers you a comprehensive list of services to be there with you and complement your academic preparation for the competitive job market.

Firstly, you must involve yourself fully in the process by learning about your field and applying yourself wholeheartedly to your studies, then use this handbook as a guide to the relevant documents—CVs and job search correspondence—and the interview procedures with practical advice and guidance.

Finally, acquaint yourself with the various services that the Career Center organizes for you—including: n Workshops, seminars and field trips n Summer and part-time employment opportunities n Internships n The career exhibition (spring semester) n CV assistance and advice n Interview simulations n Career Management System (CSM by Symplicity) As Mahatma Gandhi said: “The future depends on what we do in the present.” Your career path should not be a matter of chance, but a matter of choice. Choose to take control early in your studies and truly achieve your potential.

And, of course, let us help you by taking full advantage of the opportunities provided to you by the EUC Career Center.

Best of luck with your job search!

Eleni Markantoni, MBA Director, Office of Student Affairs

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Connect to Your Future CSM CSM (Career System Manager) is an electronic platform that connects users with their professional future. EUC students and graduates can create profiles for free on the CSM platform, obtain information about jobs and internships and learn about career-related events, seminars, workshops and conferences. The CSM platform is user-friendly and is available on mobile through Google Play and the App Store.

To register on CSM please CLICK HERE. For additional information you can contact us at +357 22713000 or by email: career@euc.ac.cy

Create a CSM Profile

Maximize your exposure to thousands of employers by enhancing your profile on the CSM platform.

Download the app for easy access on the platform and have jobs at your fingertips.

Select the type of user Student/ Alumni

Visit csm.euc.ac.cy

YOUR NEXT JOB IS JUST A SWIPE AWAY!

Receive credentials and login

Fill in your personal info

KICKSTART YOUR CAREER WITH CSM SYMPLICITY CAREER PLATFORM

VISIT csm.euc.ac.cy SIGN UP AND UPLOAD YOUR CV DOWNLOAD THE SYMPLICITY APP AND CONNECT

SWIPE RIGHT TO APPLY CONNECT

FOLLOW

EXPLORE

For more information : Andry Stylianou Career Advisor

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+357 22 55 94 54 A.stylianou@euc.ac.cy

APPLY Meet our Partner

CV Guide

Highered Virtual Recruitment The EUC Career Center has partnered with Highered, a global network connecting corporations, schools and students. The platform comprises of thousands of global placement opportunities which be filtered accordingly to country and education level and enables students and graduates to engage in a targeted approach towards job placement.

European University Cyprus students and alumni can explore internships and job opportunities with top rated organizations all around the world. Top level placements for EUC students; just CLICK HERE to register Career Development Chart European

Career Development Chart For Freshman Students

For Sophomore & Junior Students

For Senior Students

n R egister

n Educate

n Begin

on CSM csm.euc.ac.cy n Read the Skills Building Guide n Gain familiarity with professional descriptions n Follow the Employability Database n Take the Personality/Aptitude Test (Highered Talent)

yourself on the job market n Attend career panels & field trips n Begin to build professional network n Participate in the Internship Program n Attend the Career Exhibition n Get a summer job n Learn which positions are associated to your degree

job search at least 6 months before graduation n Utilize Social Media for job search - Visit EUC Career Center’s Facebook page n Attend job preparatory sessions n Prepare a CV n Undergo an interview simulation n Utilize CSM n Create Profile on: EURES, Linkedin, Highered particularly for overseas opportunities

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How to Prepare a Successful CV

CV = Curriculum Vitae (Latin) = The course of one’s life A CV is an outline of a person’s educational and professional history, typically prepared for job applications. It plays a crucial role in creating an image of you. In the same way a company uses advertisements to sell its products, your CV should be considered a marketing tool, which helps you ‘sell’ your services to a company. In order to make an impact and to have your CV short listed, you must develop an effective CV; in other words a CV that will make an impact.

Write a Successful CV

There are no absolute rules, but usually a CV should be no more than two sides of A4 paper.

A CV should: n Have descriptive but clear and to-the-point sentences n Have a clear structure and formal language n Highlight, in addition to education, special skills and achievements n Be free of any mistakes n Saved as a pdf document n Have an interesting layout n Use capital letters for all headings. Also, capitalize the first letter of degrees, universities, companies and positions n Include a section on personal qualifications and qualities. Try to emphasize them to better match the position at hand n Use positive terms and action verbs (On page 32 you can find a list of action words) n Make sure that you adjust your CV based on the work position for which you apply n Use terminology from the job posting as much as possible

CV Structure

A CV should include the following:

Personal Details:

Your name, address, telephone number and email.

Objective:

A short but clear statement indicating your professional areas of interest. It needs to be focused on the position you are applying for. If you decide not to include an objective in your CV, you should include it in your cover letter.

Education and Qualifications:

Describe your academic background in descending chronological order. You should mention the academic institution from which you attained your degree and the title you have obtained. Additional qualifications such as IGSEs, AS, A-Levels, or computer applications as well as seminars you have attended must be included. In addition, you may choose to include important courses you have covered in your curriculum or any honors or academic achievements you have earned.

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CV Guide

Work Experience:

Any work experience (part time, seasonal, internships, volunteer) should be described in this section. You should write down the name of the company for which you worked, the title and position you held along with your duties using bullet points. Work experience should be given in descending chronological order.

Interests and Achievements:

This section should be short and to the point. Do not use the old boring cliches: “socializing with friends”. If possible, include hobbies that are a little out of the ordinary as this can help you stand out from the crowd. Any evidence of leadership is important to mention such as if you are a member of any organization, do volunteer work or sports.

Skills:

The typical ones to mention are languages, IT skills, First Aid qualifications etc. Don’t forget to add your soft skills especially the ones related to the position you are applying for.

References:

Normally two references are adequate. You could directly refer to people who you know well and can recommend you for a particular job (e.g. professors, administrators). If you decide to use names on your CV, you must inform your referees and receive their approval in advance. You can also write that the references can be provided upon request.

Tips on CV Presentation n

Your CV should be carefully and clearly laid out, not too cramped, but not with large empty spaces either such as nationality, sex and age are considered discriminatory and should be avoided Use bold and italic typefaces for headings and important information Make sure that the font size is consistent throughout your CV Be concise Be positive and highlight your strong points Be honest Use descending chronological order

n Information n n n n n n

Documents that Accompany Your CV

A cover letter is essential to your CV. It points out to the employer that you have the qualities the job asks for, and makes a statement about yourself and your suitability for the job. It should give the personal touch that your CV intrinsically lacks.

If emailed, put your cover letter in the body of the email. If you simply attach it along with your CV, with nothing in the email body, it may be misidentified as spam. Keep your cover letter clear, concise and to the point. If you start your cover letter with a name (e.g. Dear Mr. Savvas”), you should end with “Yours sincerely”. If you start with “Dear Sir or Madam” you should end with “Yours faithfully”.

A Cover Letter should never be identical for all job applications. Its goal is to give an ‘answer’ to the question posed by a job vacancy. Its content should include: 1. Declaration of interest for the specific position 2. Presentation of relevant education background and experience 3. Explanation of capability of succeeding in specific role 4. Confidence in collaborating with the company in a mutually beneficial way

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Things NOT to do on Your CV

Your CV may NOT be chosen for a number of reasons such as being too short or too long. Too much detail may not only make the CV too long, but it might also make it boring for the recruiter! Mistakes in your CV will lead to your exclusion from the selected candidates. Sometimes, even the smallest grammatical error will lead to the recruiter discarding your CV before they’ve even looked through it completely, so be sure to use a spell checker. In addition, your CV may not quite match up with the position for which you are applying. The key to making sure these don’t cause your CV to let you down at the first stage is to make sure these gaps can be explained in a positive manner.

Any employer would be rightfully skeptical about a CV which has gaps. Furthermore, when your job responsibilities are not clear or if you have changed many jobs during a very short period of time, the recruiter becomes skeptical as this may show that you are an unreliable individual, thus there is a possibility that your CV will be ignored.

Europass Tips Before you start, consider the five basic principles for a good CV

1. Concentrate on the essentials

Employers generally spend less than one minute reading a CV before deciding to reject it.

If applying for an advertised vacancy, always ensure that you comply with any application process entirely. n Be brief: two A4 pages are usually more than enough, irrespective of your education or experience. n Is your work experience limited? Describe your education and training first; highlight volunteering activities and placements or traineeships. n n

2. Be clear and concise

Use short sentences. Avoid clichés. Concentrate on the relevant aspects of your training and work experience.

Give specific examples. Quantify your achievements. n Update your CV as your experience develops. n n

3. Always adapt your CV to suit the post you are applying for

Highlight your strengths according to the needs of the employer and focus on the skills that match the job.

Explain any breaks in your studies or career giving examples of any transferable skills you might have learned during your break. n Before sending your CV to an employer, check again that it corresponds to the required profile. n Do not artificially inflate your CV; if you do, you are likely to be found out at the interview. n n

4. Pay attention to the presentation of your CV

Present your skills and competences clearly and logically, so that your advantages stand out.

Put the most relevant information first. n Pay attention to spelling and punctuation. n Retain the suggested font and layout.

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5. Check your CV once you have filled it in n

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Do not forget to write a cover letter.

Correct any spelling mistakes, and ensure the layout is clear and logical. n Have someone else re-read your CV so that you are sure the content is clear and easy to understand.

CV Guide

In Pursuit of a Job – The Writing Campaign Curriculum Vitae Samples

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MÁRIA DE SOUSA DANTAS WORK

EXPERIENCE

SERVICE STAFF - VINO CULTURA - CYPRUS NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2019

PERSONAL PROFILE

Acquired valuable knowledge regarding wine etiquette High quality service provided HOSTESS - ANASSA HOTEL - CYPRUS JULY - SEPTEMBER 2019

Born and raised in Brazil. By travelling to various destinations, I have always been intrigued in how different hospitality experiences were provided.

Focused, hardworking and able to deliver a high quality of customer service in any task and duty I undertake

Intense schedule Served high profile customers Compiled F&B reports F & B reports SERVICE STAFF - HOTEL NAPA SUITES - CYPRUS JUNE - AUGUST 2018

Worked efficiently under pressure Managed and served customers' request in an efficient and polite manner ENTERTAINER - AMAZING KIDS - CYPRUS

LANGUAGES - Portuguese - English - Spanish

Native Advanced Beginner

SKILLS Effective communication skills Adapting in new environments Efficient teamwork skills Time management Ability to interact and aid customers Capable of working under pressure

CONTACT

JULY - SEPTEMBER 2017

Assisted kids with daily activities Organised interactive and fun summer games Helped the kids with their extra necessities EVENT PROMOTER - BRAZTOA - BRAZIL JULY - SEPTEMBER 2016

Planned and implemented advertising activities Contacted and invited guests

EDUCATION EUROPEAN UNIVERSITY CYPRUS 2017 - PRESENT

BA in Hotel, Tourism & Event Management INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS SCHOOL - HUNGARY - SPRING 2019

BA in Business Administration - ERASMUS Mobile: 99xxxxxx Email: xxxxx@gmail.com www.linkedin.com/in/myprofile 12

UNIVERSIDADE ANHEMBI MORUMBI - BRAZIL

Tourism Management

Curriculum Vitae

LYDIA KANAKI xxxx xxx

+35799xxxxxx

Summary Seeking to leverage acquired academic knowledge and work experience to effectively fill your accountant position. A dedicated worker with team spirit aiming to help achieve company goals and take on more responsibility as quickly as possible.

Experience Assistant – Accounts Department European University Cyprus

02/2019-present

Assistant – Enrolment Department European University Cyprus

01/2018-02/2019

     

   

Processing invoices Issue cheques and handle bank transfers Verify vendors’ information Daily tasks through Sofia by CyCom Preparing and recording journal entries Involved in pay-cycle payments

Arrange meetings between students and advisors Responsible for organizing paperwork and appointments.

Dealing with students’ requests Office administration and services (phone, fax, copier)

Education Candidate for a Bachelor Degree in Accounting European University Cyprus GPA 3.5/4 Areas of Study:  Advanced Cost and Management Accounting  Business Law  Cost & Managerial Accounting  Financial Analysis  Intermediate Accounting, I & II

09/2016-06/2020

     

Audit & Assurance I & II Business Tax Planning I & II & III Microeconomics Macroeconomics Principles of Management Tax Compliance I & II & III

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ΜΑΡΙΑ ΓΕΩΡΓΙΟΥ ΔΑΣΚΑΛΑ ΕΙΔΙΚΗΣ ΑΓΩΓΗΣ & ΕΚΠΑΙΔΕΥΣΗΣ

ΣΤΟΙΧΕΙΑ ΕΠΙΚΟΙΝΩΝΙΑΣ Διογένους, Έγκωμη 2404, Λευκωσία, Κύπρος xxxxx@hotmail.com +357 99xxxxxx

ΕΚΠΑΙΔΕΥΣΗ 08/2015 - 01/2018 Μεταπτυχιακό Ειδική και Ενιαία Εκπαίδευση Ευρωπαϊκό Πανεπιστήμιο Κύπρου 09/2011 - 06/2015 Πτυχίο Δημοτικής Εκπαίδευσης Ευρωπαϊκό Πανεπιστήμιο Κύπρου 09/2007 - 06/2010 Απολυτήριο Περιφερειακό Λύκειο Λιβαδι ΄ων

ΔΕΞΙΟΤΗΤΕΣ ΓΛΩΣΣΕΣ Ελληνικά - Μητρική Αγγλικά - Πολύ καλή

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ΗΛΕΚΤΡΟΝΙΚΟΙ ΥΠΟΛΟΓΙΣΤΕΣ Microsoft Office SPSS Ticketing System Cisco Contact Center CRM

ΕΠΑΓΓΕΛΜΑΤΙΚΗ ΕΜΠΕΙΡΙΑ Ευρωπαϊκό Πανεπιστήμιο Κύπρου Administrative Assistant 08/2015 - PRESENT

Τηλεφωνική υποστήριξη πελατών Προγραμματισμός εκδηλώσεων στην Ελλάδα Διαχείριση προϋπολογισμός τμήματος Ετοιμασία εκπαιδευτικού υλικού Αποστολή και παραλαβή διάφορων δεμάτων Εξυπηρέτηση πελατών Διαχείριση ταξιδιωτικών αναγκών προσωπικού

Ευρωπαϊκό Πανεπιστήμιο Κύπρου Assistant 09/2014 - 02/2015

Βοηθός σε διάφορα ζητήματα που απασχολούσαν τους φοιτητές Ταξινόμηση φοιτητικών αρχείων Έκδοση φοιτητικών βεβαιώσεων, αναλυτικών βαθμολογιών και πτυχίων

G&X Stavrou Ltd, Cypria Nature Γραμματέας και βοηθός λογιστηρίου 05/2013 - 09/2013

Έλεγχος λογιστικών εγγράφων Ταξινόμηση διάφορων αρχείων

CIC CYNVESTCO (Cyprus Investment Consultants) Γραμματέας 05/2011 - 09/2011

Τηλεφωνήτρια Ταξινόμηση εγγράφων Πληκτρολόγηση και επεξεργασία διάφορων κειμένων Διαχείριση ιστοσελίδας της Εταιρείας

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CV Guide

In Pursuit of a Job – The Writing Campaign Letter Samples

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Cover Letters Sample 1 Subject: Steve Andreou – Cover Letter To whom it may concern; I understand that your company enjoys a premier reputation as an international leader in the accounting and consulting industry. Perhaps you may have an opening for an individual with my credentials. I am seeking a position in Nicosia for the ACCA trainee position, and have enclosed my resume for review against your current requirements.

I have begun ACCA classes and am awaiting my exemptions through level 2.2. I would be delighted, if I could have the opportunity to train at ABC Agency and earn my qualification.

As you will note on the enclosed resume, the breadth of my expertise covers a wide area of responsibilities. I am a versatile and analytical thinker with strong interpersonal skills and have been recognized for my flexibility and for a high degree of professionalism. In addition, I am known as an individual who takes charge and responsibility for planning and executing challenging projects and who accomplishes results.

My specific proficiencies include considerable experience in planning, project management, accounting/financial management, marketing, supervision, and both oral and written communication. Additionally, I have a great deal of experience using several computer applications.

I understand that this is an entry level trainee position, which is why I am applying. My desire to become a qualified accountant is extremely strong and is the reason I have begun the ACCA classes. In order to initiate a career in the accounting industry, I am willing to start at the beginning and I know that my experience will help me complete this goal. I would be delighted to meet with you and talk in greater detail about my specific qualifications.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely, Steve Andreou

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CV Guide

Sample 2 Maria Roumelioti – Cover Letter Αγαπητή κυρία / Αγαπητέ κύριε, Με την παρούσα επιστολή θα ήθελα να εκφράσω τα ενδιαφέρον μου να συνεργαστώ με την εταιρία σας. Όπως θα διαπιστώσετε από το συνημμένο βιογραφικό μου σημείωμα, είμαι φοιτήτρια στο μεταπτυχιακό πρόγραμμα στη Διοίκηση Επιχειρήσεων του Ευρωπαϊκού Πανεπιστημίου Κύπρου από τον Σεπτέμβριο του 2011. Είμαι απόφοιτος του Τμήματος Οικονομικών Επιστημών του Πανεπιστημίου Πατρών με βαθμό 6,32/10,00 και του Ενιαίου Γενικού Λυκείου Ακράτας με βαθμό 18,8/20,00. Εργάστηκα στο τμήμα Μάρκετινγκ της διαφημιστικής εταιρίας WEST και στα τμήματα Προώθησης Προϊόντων και Τηλεφωνικών Πωλήσεων του ΟΤΕ με παράλληλη συμμετοχή σε συνέδρια και Forum για την συνεχή κατάρτισή μου. Είμαι γνώστης της αγγλικής γλώσσας σε επίπεδο Proficiency και της γερμανικής γλώσσας σε επίπεδο Zertifikat. Επιπλέον έχω άριστη γνώση και χρήση Η/Υ και διαδικτύου. Θεωρώ ότι η μόρφωση μου σε συνδυασμό με την πείρα και την προσαρμοστικότητα του χαρακτήρα μου, όπως διαγράφονται στο συνημμένο βιογραφικό σημείωμα, θα μου επιτρέψουν να αναλάβω νέα καθήκοντα και ρόλους. Θα εκτιμούσα ιδιαίτερα την απάντησή σας και την ευκαιρία να συναντηθούμε όταν το επιτρέπει το πρόγραμμά σας για μια συνέντευξη εφόσον είμαι διαθέσιμη για άμεση εργοδότηση. Σας ευχαριστώ εκ των προτέρων για τον χρόνο σας. Με εκτίμηση Ρουμελιώτη Μαρία

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Proposal Letters (This is a sample of a cover letter sent in search of an opening. In this case no position has been advertised but rather a student sends his/her C.V. to a number of firms in his/her effort to be called for an interview).

Sample 1 Subject: John Michael – Job Application Dear Mrs. Ioannou, I am looking for a placement within a hospital environment from June to September of this year. I am writing to you as I understand that Nicosia General Hospital may have suitable vacancies available. I have a strong interest in laboratory procedures and clinical diagnostics which I understand are predominantly carried out at your hospital.

I first became interested in the hospital environment after a school visit to your hospital. I was taken on a tour around the laboratories where the differing techniques used in testing clinical samples for patients were demonstrated.

Since then, discussion with my careers adviser has confirmed my decision to aim for a career in this field.

Through my degree course, I have been able to develop my interest in biochemistry, whilst improving my laboratory skills along with my numerical skills. I have gained some experience in HPLC and have good computing skills, having used several scientific databases. While at University, I have also been able to utilize my skills in working with people through a variety of summer jobs. I would be most grateful if you could consider me for any relevant positions. I will be available for interview at your request.

Please find enclosed my CV where you will find further information.

Yours sincerely, John Michael

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CV Guide

Sample 2 Subject: John Michael – Job Application Dear Mr. Antoniou, I am a student at European University Cyprus, beginning my third semester majoring in law. Corporate law has been of interest to me since I took a class in that subject. Your firm has an outstanding reputation in that field of practice.

Since my area of concentration will be corporate law, I would appreciate the opportunity to meet with you briefly and discuss the practice of your specialty. Your breath of knowledge and expertise will be extremely valuable to me. I am also interested to investigate the possibility of an internship program with your firm.

I will contact your office in October in the hope that we can set up a mutually convenient time for this informational meeting. Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely, John Michael, Tel: 99111122, Email: JoMich@hotmail.com

Follow-Up Letter (This is a sample of a follow up letter sent after the interview and aims to stress the applicants will, to work for a specific organization)

_Follow-up

Subject: John Michael Dear Mr. Antoniou,

I would like to thank you for the opportunity you gave me to discuss the opening in your firm. After exploring the interesting aspects of the Assistant Sales Manager position with you, I am even more convinced that I can make a substantial contribution to your firm.

I am looking forward to hearing from you soon.

Yours sincerely, John Michael Tel: 99111122, Email: JoMich@hotmail.com

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Acknowledgement of a Rejection Letter Subject: John Michael – Offer response Dear Ms. Demetriou, Thank you for your email dated April 25, 2020. I understand your position and I appreciate that you have taken the time to explain to me the specifics of the position.

I would like to inform you that I am still greatly interested in your firm, and if any similar vacancy should arise in the future, I would appreciate it if you could keep me in mind.

Sincerely, John Michael, Email: JoMich@hotmail.com

Candidate Acceptance Letter Subject: John Michael – Acceptance Email Dear Ms. Demetriou, Thank you very much for the job offer. It honors me that you have chosen to offer me the post of Marketing Manager with ABC Industries. I am excited in the opportunity to start working with the team.

I look forward to starting employment on February 1, 2020. If there is any additional information or paperwork you need prior to then, please let me know.

Once again, thank you.

Sincerely, John Michael, Email: JoMich@hotmail.com

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CV Guide

Social Media Social media is here to stay and it has proven to be a lot more than just a place to share celebrations and social gatherings. If you consider the amount of hires that have been made through social media, you will think twice about posting pictures which might not show you in the most favorable light. Studies indicate that more than 70% of employers are using social media to screen and find employees. So here is some advice from us so you can make the most of your social media accounts to improve your chances of landing a job.

1. Have a complete and relevant profile 2. Become a member of career-relevant groups 3. Remain professional with your posts 4. Keep your profile updated 5. Use a professional profile picture 6. Use correct grammar, spelling and diction 7. Connect a lot and with the people of the industry you are interested in 8. Mind what other people and “friends” say about you

LinkedIn

LinkedIn provides you with a professional social media profile. You can have an online format of your CV available for recruiters and HR professionals all over the world. This can offer you the chance to: • Build a network with just a few clicks. Networks can start with speakers from conferences, HR professionals of companies that interest you and leaders in your industry.

• Allow connections to endorse your skills, which will enhance your profile while looking for jobs.

• Activate job search alerts. You will receive job openings by email for positions that interest you based on location, industry, field and other filters available on the platform.

Dos and Don’ts of a LinkedIn Profile: • Do use a professional profile and or cover photo • Do keep your profile complete and current • Do use your profile as your professional leaflet • Don’t let your profile sit inactive, share and post material relevant to your field • Do reach out and make meaningful connections • Don’t confuse quality with quantity. It is not the number of connections that matter but the type of connections • Don’t ask new connections or people you don’t know to endorse you

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Action Verbs/Adjectives and Nouns Management skills accelerated accomplished achieved adapted administered analyzed assigned attained boosted briefed budgeted centralized communicated chaired contracted consolidated coordinated delegated developed directed detected determined devised evaluated executed focused improved increased organized oversaw planned prioritized produced recommended reviewed scheduled strengthened supervised stimulated targeted trained

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Communication skills activated addressed arbitrated arranged authored corresponded demonstrated developed directed drafted edited encouraged enlisted facilitated formulated illustrated influenced interpreted launched lectured mediated moderated motivated navigated negotiated persuaded promoted publicized reconciled recruited reshaped spoke translated wrote

Clerical or detailed skills approved arranged catalogued classified collected compiled dispatched executed generated implemented inspected monitored observed operated ordered organized participated prepared organized prepared processed purchased recorded responded retrieved revised screened searched specified systematized tabulated validated

Research skills

clarified collected critiqued diagnosed evaluated examined extracted identified inspected interpreted interviewed investigated organized reviewed summarized surveyed systematized

Τechnical skills assembled built calculated computed designed devised engineered fabricated maintained operated overhauled programmed remodeled repair solved train

Teaching skills upgraded adapted advised clarified coached communicated coordinated developed enabled encouraged evaluated explained facilitated guided informed initiated instructed persuaded set goals stimulated tutored

Financial skills administered allocated analyzed appraised audited balanced budgeted calculated computed developed forecasted formulated incorporated managed marketed planned projected researched screened systematized

CV Guide

Creative skills acted conceptualized created designed developed directed established fashioned founded illustrated instituted integrated introduced invented

netted originated performed planned revitalized shaped

Helping skills assessed assisted clarified coached counseled demonstrated diagnosed

educated expedited facilitated familiarized guided referred rehabilitated represented stimulated Translated Transcribed Transformed

Adjectives/ nouns

A negotiator A supervisor Able to Able to listen to Administrative Analytical Broad score Capable Competent Consistent Creative Dedicated Diversified

Effective Efficient Exceptional Experienced Flexible Global Handle stress Imaginative In-depth Innovative Multi-lingual Reliable Team player Well-traveled Work well with

Useful Vocabulary for CV and Cover Letters

https://ec.europa.eu/esco/portal/escopedia/Action_verbs https://www.jobscan.co/wp-content/uploads/400-Resume-Action-Verbs.pdf https://www.themuse.com/advice/185-powerful-verbs-that-will-make-your-resumeawesome https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/resumes-cover-letters/action-verbs-to-makeyour-resume-stand-out

Job Search Engines

CSM: https://euc-csm.symplicity.com/ EUC – Career Office FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/EUCCareerOffice/?ref=hl EURES Network: https://ec.europa.eu/eures/public/homepage Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/ Kariera: https://kariera.com.cy/ HR Innovate: https://www.hrinnovate.org/ Carierista: https://www.carierista.com/ Advance Career: http://www.advancecareer.com.cy/ AP Personnel: http://www.ap-personnel.com/ Cyprus Recruiter: http://www.cyprusrecruiter.com/ EURES Cyprus: http://www.eurescyprus.eu/ GRS: http://www.grsrecruitment.com Power Image Services: http://www.powerimageservices.com/ StaffMatters: http://www.smstaffmatters.com/ Workforce Cyprus: http://www.workforcecyprus.com/ Career Finders: http://www.careerfinders.com.cy/ Ergodotisi: http://www.ergodotisi.com/ Public Employment Service: http://www.pescps.dl.mlsi.gov.cy/ 33

How to Find Remote Work Opportunities Dos & Don’ts

The working from home (WFH) phenomenon might have been initially imposed upon us through government regulation during the pandemic, but it is now evident that elements of this revolution will be here to stay. It is certainly worthwhile examining how best to adapt to these new realities.

As job creation slows, we must examine all available opportunities and forms of employment both locally and oversees created from digital connectivity. Digital connectivity enables us to enlarge our job search scope and to pursue positions in the gig economy or remote job placements worldwide. It may sound challenging—and that is probably because it is—but if you invest the time to adapt and educate yourselves, it is totally doable! Remote work is much more results-focused and thus the probability of your securing remote work relies on your ability to demonstrate your effectiveness.

So let’s investigate the DOS and DON’TS when you consider Remote Work or WFH opportunities:

DOS

n Embrace

technical infrastructure required for remote work support - Learn how to use project management programs (such as Click-Up, Trello, Jira, Asana) Video conferencing (zoom, skype, Blackboard Salesforce, Basecamp, Trello, Harvest, GoToMeeting, Google Hangouts), and company-specific digital platforms. n Develop skills that enable you to work independently such as drive, motivation, communication skills, time management, reliability, adaptability and collaboration. n Secure equipment - a reliable and fast internet is a must as well as a laptop, with a decent size screen, a keyboard and a mouse. Create a productive work station at your home. n Familiarize yourself with relevant companies (go through their website, review relevant publications relating to the firm, stock exchange announcements, etc.). Do a diligent KYC (Know Your Company) before applying anywhere. n Take charge of your job search. Search for remote work opportunities throughout the world using the appropriate search engines.

Below is a list of the six most prominent remote work search engines: 1. CareerJet: Overall- centralizes over 40 million job listings in one place, scanning over 58,000 websites daily 2. Indeed Worldwide: Serves over 250 million monthly users and adds 10 new job listings every second.

3. CEO Worldwide: Best for Executive-Level Jobs - hiring global executive talent. CEO Worldwide currently has over 18,000 vetted executives in its network, spanning across 180 countries.

4. EURES portal 2.8 million vacancies in the 32 participating EURES countries. You will then be able to apply for vacancies and make your CV visible to over 16,000 employers who are registered on the portal. You can also personalize your preferences and receive notifications about vacancies that match your profile.

5. Teach Away: Best for ESL Jobs Abroad--biggest international teacher recruitment companies and helps connect teachers to new opportunities across 50 countries.

6. Go Abroad: Best for International Gap Year Jobs - Bridge the gap between companies offering international job programs and students looking to work abroad. GoAbroad now serves over one million monthly visitors and has over 15,000 programs listed in its database. GoAbroad is the best place to search for international gap year jobs 34

CV Guide

n Do

send a thank you-note to anyone who took the time to consider your application or to interview you. genuine, trustworthy and passionate; these that are qualities a recruiter choosing remote employees is searching for. n Do demonstrate that you have the ability to be versatile and capable of solving problems on your own.

Effective use of software tools is a must. n Include projects, gigs, previous remote work experience and refer to the outcomes. n Do obtain remote work experience before searching for a more permanent one. There are several gig economy platforms that enable you to apply for work by the piece opportunities. We urge you to use these platforms to build up experience. Use any of the below platforms to navigate your search: https://www.flexjobs.com/guide-freelance-gig-job-platforms https://www.indeed.com/q-Digital-Connectivity-jobs.html https://www.peopleperhour.com/ https://www.toptal.com/enterprise https://contently.com/content-creators/ https://gocatalant.com/ https://www.guru.com/ https://www.crowdspring.com/how-it-works/ n Be

DON’TS n Don’t

make any mistakes. Proofread all your job search correspondence and/or have a professional review it.

Check for consistency in the manner the information is expressed and presented. n Don’t apply for positions that do not suit your qualifications. No point in applying for jobs that you are not qualified for. n Don’t limit your search by only applying to specific countries or specific industries. A speech language therapist, a programmer, a social media consultant, etc can find openings in many industries and many countries n Don’t just post your CV on LinkedIn and Indeed and hope that your email inbox will start to fill up. Actively searching is a must when you want to secure remote work. Millions of people are searching! n Don’t pay anyone to find you employment. n Don’t be generic. Write a personalized CV and cover letter specifically for the job at hand and adapt and revise these documents according to the opening.

The pandemic has showcased the art of the possible. This trend is here to stay, because: firms can outsource work and complete tasks faster n remote work has positive effect on the environment n it creates savings for firms n it enlarges the workforce base by including people that are not typically in the workforce (i.e. young mothers, disabled workers, young graduates, people in retirement). n It offers more flexibility and better work-life balance n

Once we take into consideration the future of work and consider parameters such as technological advancements, artificial intelligence, machine learning and robotics; one must realize that remote work is a phenomenon that will increase in time. There is no better time than the present to obtain experience and build a robust CV while studying through the gig economy,

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The Interview Process An interview is the most significant tool that companies use in assessing your suitability for a job. How well you do in a job interview will depend on how well you can elaborate on your accomplishments and qualifications as they relate to what the employer wants and needs.

Let’s consider what employers are looking for in a job interview and what your main objectives should be.

What employers look for n n n n n n n n

Qualifications Positive attitude Interest in the company and position Stable work history Clear sense of purpose Communication skills High performance standards Soft skills

What you should look for n A

job offer. This is your number one goal. An undecided or uncertain attitude has no place in a job interview.

Leaving an employer with the impression that you are just shopping around is a critical mistake.

Preparing for the interview

Proper preparation can make the difference between receiving and not receiving a job offer. n Do

some research about the company because this will make you feel more comfortable during the interview, and it shows that you have genuine interest in the company. n Have a clear overview of the industry. n Familiarize yourself with the industry trends, main competitors and the growth pattern of a specific business. n Know the exact place and time of the interview, the interviewer’s full name, and his or her title. n Be prepared to ask questions during the interview because questions allow the hiring manager to evaluate your professional and personal needs. n Think of insightful questions to help both of you determine if your relationship will be mutually rewarding. n Avoid irrelevant questions and questions that relate to salary, working hours, benefits, vacations, and retirement. Concentrate on questions that help you assess the training and further development of the employees in the company or the reporting structure in the organization. n Plan to arrive exactly ten minutes before your actual appointment. n Dress appropriately. Plan how you will dress for the interview, remember that there is only one chance to make a good first impression. Men should wear a dark suit, white shirt, a solid or striped tie, and black shoes. Women should wear a knee length skirted suit or tailored dress with matching jacket, neutral-colour sheer tights, and a minimum of make-up and jewellery. n Be positive and set other concerns aside and focus on what you are going to accomplish at the interview. n Relax.

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CV Guide

The Job Interview

Interviews can be very formal and structured. Most of the questions will be formulated to uncover your past behavioral patterns and will be rather rapid in pace. However, they can be informal and conversational. Let the interviewer set the tone and match your style with theirs, in accordance with your individual personality.

Although there is not one way of interviewing, there are standard steps that apply to every interview process. n First Contact. Your initial contact may be with a Human Resources employee who will likely instruct you on how to proceed with your interviewers and provide you with a preview of what to expect. Alternatively, you may meet directly with an official of the department offering the job. In both cases your greeting should include a firm handshake, an enthusiastic hello, and lots of eye contact followed by an introduction of yourself. n The interview 1. Create rapport with the interviewer. People want to hire those they feel most comfortable with.

2. Make sure that your good points come across to the interviewer in a factual, sincere manner and stress achievements.

3. Don’t say, “No, I haven’t.” Do say: “I have done something similar and I was successful at it.” or “That sounds appealing, and I’m sure I can do an excellent job at it.”

4. Respond to questions being asked as they relate to the position, or the company’s needs. If asked about your background, be specific and only talk about those aspects that relate to the particular position in question.

5. If you get the impression that the interview is not going well and that you have already been rejected, do not let your discouragement show. Every so often an interviewer who is actually interested in you may seem to discourage you as a way of testing your reaction.

6. Avoid discussing salary at the first interview. If pressed, respond: “I would seriously consider any reasonable offer you care to make.” If the interviewer insists reply to the question providing a range of salary you believe represents you (i.e. recent graduates with no experience €850 - €1000).

7. Make sure you talk about why you are interested in this position and what you can offer the company.

8. Prepare yourself for possible questions. It is almost certain that several questions will be asked one way or another.

9. Possible Scenarios. Be ready to be challenged. Employers may give you a real work scenario and expect you to react in a specific manner.

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Common Interview Questions Questions about Yourself

1. What are your own special abilities?

2. What new skills or capabilities have you developed over the past year?

3. What have you done which shows initiative and willingness to work?

4. What are your interests outside of work, school?

5. What motivates you?

6. How would you describe your own work style?

7. Why did you choose to study your particular area of study?

8. What are your strengths and weaknesses?

9. How do you deal with conflict?

10. How would a friend describe you?

Questions about Your Career Goals or Plans

1. What type of position are you interested in?

2. What is success? What personal characteristics will contribute to your success?

3. How will employment with us contribute to your career plans?

4. This job is a total change from previous employment. How does it fit your career goals/aspirations?

5. Can you tell us what attracted you to this position?

6. What are your financial requirements?

7. What do you value more in a job?

Previous Experience Questions

1. How often, and in what way, did you communicate with your subordinates and supervisors?

2. What was the biggest pressure on your last job and how did you cope?

3. How does your previous experience relate to this position?

4. Why did you leave your last job?

5. What did you like most/least about your last job?

6. How do you solve problems?

Questions specific to the company/job

1. Why do you want to work here?

2. What do you know about this organization?

3. Why do you think you would like this type of position, company?

4. What kind of boss do you like to work for?

5. How long do you intend to stay here? Where do you see yourself in five years?

6. What do you think determines a person’s progress in an organization?

7. What do you think will be your greatest contribution to our operation?

8. When can you start to work? What is your availability.

9. How much notice do you need to give to your present employer?

10. Why do you think you are the best candidate for the lob?

Questions regarding your academic background are quite straightforward and easy to answer. The questions that usually puzzle candidates are those that assess your personality and your qualities. Although each job requires different qualities, there are a few qualities that are generally appreciated by all employers.

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CV Guide

Soft skills Some of those are: n Commitment n Dependability n Self-confidence n Leadership n Self-drive n Initiative

n Well-developed

oral and written communication skills/Diplomacy skills n Loyalty n Assertiveness n Adjustability n Adaptability

n Flexibility

Teamwork n Autonomous learning n Global mindset n Entrepreneurial spirit n Ability to apply knowledge to practice n

If at all possible, try to think of actual personal experiences or situations that prove that you possess any of the above qualities.

Prepare to Ask Questions

You can be certain that at the end of the interview, the interviewer will provide you the opportunity to ask questions.

It is vital to prepare two-three questions because in this manner you prove your interest in the organization.

What questions should you ask and what questions/areas should you avoid?

Questions regarding holidays, office space, lunch breaks, etc. indicates that your only interest is to assess how best can you enjoy yourself and they don’t prove your eagerness to make a contribution to the firm.

Some questions you may consider are: n Do you provide ongoing training to your employees? n What will be the priority in this position over the next few months? n How do you assess and measure employee performance? n What are the main areas of growth in your organization’s strategy? n Do you provide opportunities for promotion within the company? n Who is the immediate supervisor of this position? n When shall I expect to hear from you? n What is the next recruitment step?

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Body Language

The degree of importance of body language varies according to the country and the culture of a nation. Body language is an integral part of the Mediterranean culture. Managing body movements and facial expressions is as important as providing the right answer to a question. Below you can find a few general comments concerning body language. n When entering the office of your interviewer, smile and offer your hand for a handshake by introducing yourself. n When you sit down cross your legs and avoid grabbing the arms of the chair with your hands. Holding on the chair indicates that you feel nervous about the interview. n Don’t support your face with your hands. Rather, use your hands during the conversation when and if necessary. n Appear open and confident. According to psychologists, ‘outward mannerism’, those movements towards the outside and open palms are a sign of confidence. n Maintain eye contact with your interviewer at all times. n Maintain a relaxed facial expression and smile when and if necessary. n Use the same voice pitch as your interviewer.

Have the Right Attitude

By being a positive thinker you gain confidence. Concentrate. You are given half an hour-one hour to make a good impression. Be a positive thinker and put the situation under your control. Remember, studies have shown that someone will have formed judgements about you within four minutes of your meeting and that these judgements will bias their subsequent impressions. This is known as the “halo effect”. A good psychological state of mind will be a powerful tool for your success.

Don’t forget you have prepared for this, give it your best shot.

Do’s and Dont’s for the Interview

DO fill out an application form you’re presented neatly and completely.

DO greet the interviewer by their surname. If you aren’t completely sure of the pronunciation, ask them to repeat it.

DO shake hands firmly.

DO wait until offered a chair before sitting. Sit upright, and look alert and interested at all times. Be a good listener as well as a good talker – smile.

DO look a prospective employer in the eye when conversing with them.

DO make sure that your strengths are presented to the interviewer in a sincere manner. It’s important to remember that you can only sell yourself and make the interviewer aware of the potential benefits that you can offer to the organization. Think well before you reply and never lie.

DON’T mumble…eee…mmm…aaa DON’T ever blame an ex-employer. Always be polite when you refer to previous employers.

DON’T take notes during the interview but it is highly recommended to take some notes right after you finished with the interview.

DON’T smoke, even if the interviewer smokes and offers you a cigarette.

DON’T interrupt the interviewer.

DON’T be arrogant DON’T talk too much or show to have a big opinion about yourself.

DON’T play around with your pen or glasses.

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CV Guide

Negative Factors to Watch For!

During the course of an interview, your negative attributes, in addition to your positive attributes, will be evaluated.

Listed below are those that are most likely to lead to rejection. n n n n n n n n n n n n n

Poor personal appearance.

An overbearing, aggressive or conceited attitude.

Inability to clearly express thoughts, poor grammar and diction.

Lack of career planning.

Lack of interest and enthusiasm.

Lack of confidence.

Over-emphasis on money.

Making excuses for unfavourable aspect of your record.

Lack of tact, maturity and courtesy.

Failure to look the interviewer in the eye.

Limp handshake.

Failure to ask good questions about the job and company.

Overall lack of preparation.

Closing the Interview

The closing stage is the most important part of the interview for making a lasting impression that can place you above other competitors.

1. Let the interviewer know how excited you are about the position.

2. Find out what the next step is.

3. Make a statement that indicates that you can do the job, and that you would like to receive an offer. Always ask for the offer.

4. Finally, as you are preparing to leave, tell the employer how much you would enjoy working with him or her personally.

You must convince all parties in the interview process that you are the right person for the job. The candidate that shows the most enthusiasm for the job and the company is usually the one that gets the offer.

Postmortem Analysis

Soon after you finish from the interview it is important to make a record of the points you discussed with the interviewer. There is a good chance that in a second interview you will be asked to recall data provided to you by the interviewer. Furthermore, it is good to note questions that troubled you during the interview so you learn how to deal with these type of questions in the future. .

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Post-Interview Analysis

By analyzing the interview process, you identify your strong points and you avoid repeating mistakes that you have done. Don’t forget that the interview is also your opportunity to assess the organization and the position. Try to form an opinion about the people you are talking to and about the organization.

Self-assessment is the first thing you must do right after the interview. n Write down all the important information concerning the plans of the organization that were mentioned in the first interview. Maybe you will need to refresh your memory for the second interview. n Assess your performance. Where did you go wrong? Did you find it difficult to answer some questions and why?

How can you improve your answer to such questions in the future? n Were you able to demonstrate your abilities and knowledge? n Should you be called for a second interview, how can you prove beyond doubt that you are the right candidate for the position? n What aspects of the interview you might improve on and how?

Compensation

The interview can have one of two outcomes. Either you will be hired or you will be rejected. If hired, you must be able to negotiate your compensation package. A great deal of people feel uncomfortable with this part. You must consider carefully what will please you and keep you challenged. Keep in mind that annual increments will not add a lot to the whole picture in years to come so be prepared to clarify your reward expectation.

The appropriate tactic is to allow the interviewer to speak first on this issue and for you to listen to the company’s view on the matter. If the company persists, be logical but demanding. Find out what the market salary levels are and considering the experience you have and personal expectations, state the salary you require. Clarify whether the company offers 13 and/or 14 salaries. Some companies offer a mix compensation (salary + commission). Clarify the net commission percentages vs. the sales volume. Find out whether the company offers: I. Bonus scheme II. Car mileage, car insurance (full/third party) III. Provident fund (percentage) IV. Medical scheme V. Pension plan VI. Holiday scheme or Special Employee Discount Scheme VII. Clarify your title and position and have a clear understanding of the mechanics and who you are reporting to In case you don’t get the job, don’t be alarmed. It is customary that you shall attend several interviews before you land a job. Don’t take it personally if you are rejected. You may have done well but maybe the company located another candidate who had more experience than you or was willing to work for a smaller compensation package or was a better match for the specific department. Learn from each experience and carry on.

Failure can be very instructive even essential for long term success. Perseverance is built. 90% of the interview success is based on a proper psychological mind set.

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CV Guide

How to Ace a Digital Interview

Interviews can be not only intimidating since you are being evaluated and criticized, but also demanding as you have to prove your suitability to the job and its duties. You need to be convincing by highlighting why your skills, character and personal disposition best meet the company’s culture and the criteria for the position. Thus, as in any other interview, the end goal of the digital interview remains the same: Are YOU the suitable candidate that will ADD VALUE to the organization?

As in any other interview you will need to n Research the company thoroughly n Pitch yourself successfully n Have sufficient commercial awareness n Differentiate yourself from the crowd For a Digital Interview though you will also need to: Choose the type of device you will use (Computer, Tablet, Mobile). n Ensure your internet connection and speed is strong. n Check the sound of your device and if needed, purchase a good quality microphone. n Ensure your device is charged. n Make sure your browser is running on the most recent version of Adobe Flash. n Place yourself no more than an arm-length away from the camera/ screen. n Have natural light (from a side angle) or ensure the room is sufficiently lit Place the camera no more than onetwo inches above your head to avoid distortion of your face. n Look directly into the camera, unless you are interviewing on the computer, which in that case look at the window displaying your video feed- best placed at the top center of your screen. n Use body language but with moderation. n Speak clearly and concisely. Use effective terminology and engaging language in order to captivate your audience. n Opt for a plain background or at least a clean and organized background (e.g., a well organize bookshelf). Avoid cluttered walls (too many frames and colors) and make sure content is appropriate. n Avoid a white background (it tends to wash you out), prefer an ivory background instead. Ensure that there are no disturbances (e.g., ringing phones or barking dogs etc.). n Ensure a clutter-free desk and keep your CV in front of you. n Wear solid darker colors and avoid multiple colors because they can be distracting. Let the attention be on you and not your clothes. n Do a test interview, tape it and view it. Listen to your voice level and modulation, check the lighting and the setting. n Choose an office setting for a professional look. n Smile. n

A digital Interview is as demanding as the face-to-face interview. All preparations principles and techniques remain the same. Prepare, practice, be natural, be confident and be ready to dazzle them!

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Pitch Perfect

The elevator pitch is the way in which you are going to value your personal brand. In that, you become a sales and marketing professional. It is really important that the message remains consistent throughout your CV, Cover Letter, online profiles, during networking events and interviews.

Pitch Perfect begins in non-verbal communication, given that only 7% of our communication is our spoken word.

It is all about how you inspire others to want to know more about you, your personal brand. In other words, pitch perfect is mixing self-trust, confidence, self-awareness and the ability to navigate people’s needs.

What you can do:

1. Actively listen to people, connect patterns in a conversation, have poise under pressure.

2. Have strong and clear language and positive body language.

3. Learn about the audience, ask questions and be engaged.

4. Do not be afraid to show emotion, but avoid exerting emotions.

5. Eat right before an interview or presentation. Facilitate memory formation and retention with complex carbohydrates, nuts, oils, foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids, and foods with flavones such as grapes, berries, apples and cocoa.

6. Avoid “up talking”, which is when you raise the pitch of your voice at the end of the sentence and it makes it sound as if you are doubting yourself. This usually happens because instead of exhaling when someone ends a sentence, they inhale.

7. Joe Navarro explains that: “Non-verbals are important because the message is received at the speed of light, even at a distance; we can’t speak that fast”. So your body language is as important as your spoken words.

Pitch Perfect Interview and Cover Letter tips:

1. Do not tell a company representative why you need them. Instead show them what you can bring to the table.

2. Think about who you are when writing the cover letter. Include your name, your job title, if you’re not working it’s perfectly fine to start with ‘I’m a current student at the EUC’ what are you great at and passionate about, think back to your job results how did your key strengths bring value to a potential employer.

3. Create a lasting image that differentiates you from the others.

4. Remember practice makes perfect and most importantly, never decline a speaking engagement. And of course don’t just do that speaking engagement, but promote yourself, promote that online, share it with people, start building your own personal brand, start becoming a reference even if you’re currently a student but you’re passionate about getting into strategic consulting.

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CV Guide

Testimonials

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Amaryllis Chrysafi, Hotel, Tourism and Event Management As a student of European University Cyprus, I was searching for a job that would be flexible around my class schedule, as well as help me prepare for future employment.

I came in contact with the Career Office at EUC, and had immediate response by first asking me what type of job I was looking for.

Furthermore, I was advised on what would be best for me, to help advance my skills for the future. Along with that came the preparation of my CV. I was given a few examples of what a good CV should include, and not long after I finished preparing it, I received feedback on how I could improve it to its full potential. Lastly, as soon as my CV was complete by making a few of the suggested adjustments, the CareerOffice sent it out to employers. I was then contacted by companies that were interested in interviewing me. As of today. I am still employed at a company that will help prepare me for the future. I am very pleased with the services of the EUC Career Center.

Andreas Adamides, Business Studies Upon graduating a person might feel lost as to where to look for work and such was the case for me. Since the first time I walked into the Career Office I was welcomed and made to feel extremely comfortable. The counselors introduced me to multiple job search platforms and sites.

Furthermore, they would often call me up for specific job openings that were not available through such platforms. It is worth mentioning that while searching for a job relevant to my field and preference, they put me through mock interviews to help me build confidence and skills that would enhance my performance at job interviews.

All in all, the EUC Career Center guided me through the entire process one has to go through to enter the job market and eventually find a job. I have already advised students as well as graduates to visit the Career Center as I believe their help and knowledge can be the deciding factor between finding a job and succeeding in getting it.

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CV Guide

Christos Tiligadis, Radiology and Radiotherapy My cooperation with the EUC Career Center started during a time my confidence hit rock bottom. Despite my academic excellence and a rich CV for my age, I was unable to attract almost any employer interest in Cyprus. From the very first moment the career advisor Ms. Andri recognized the problem and calmed me down by indicating the existing difficulties of finding a job in my field. Our first task was to discuss and spot any mistakes from my side, that could repel the employer’s interest.

The next thing was to discuss if I was willing to work abroad, since the market in central and northern Europe was much wider than Cyprus. Luckily, Ms Andri informed me about of the EURES network, a network that helps and encourages young Europeans to find a job in other EU countries. Without losing any time, we prepared a suitable CV and cover letter and forwarded them to the network. Several weeks after, I received a job offer from a big hospital in Sweden. Today am more confident than ever to start my career and this would not have happened without the Career Center’s help.

Loukia Antonaki, MBA Getting in touch to the European University Cyprus Career Center has proved incredibly helpful to me in finding a new job. As I was finishing my MBA studies, I was looking for a job in a different field compared to my previous career path, so it was important for me to have a helping hand. Without a second thought, I sent my CV to the Career Center.

The response that I received from them was immediate. Ms Andri Stylianou, a Career Advisor responded positively to every request of mine. She was not only direct, but also full of interest, care and kindness. She gave me invaluable suggestions on how to present and enrich my CV, but she showed a great interest in what my ideal positions for employment were, which played a major role in finding a job in my preference field in a really short time period.

Soon after our contact and a number of applications, I had a call from a major corporation on the recommendation of the Careers Center, which ended at getting the job! I am thankful to the European University Cyprus Career Center, as contacting them led to a great opportunity in the business field.

Stavros Iacovides, Business Economics I wanted to start off by saying how grateful I am for all the support given to me by European University Cyprus over the years. They’ve gone above and beyond and helped me in times of need and advised me on how to proceed and start my career. If it were not for them, I would have never been where I am today and I am truly grateful.

The level of support and advice is top notch and you can tell these people actually do care and you are not just another student that comes across their desk and that shows in their results.

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The perfect job is out there for you!

Keep searching and don’t give up!

GOOD LUCK!

This handbook has been prepared by the European University Cyprus Career Center. Reproduction or copying of this publication is strictly prohibited unless written authorization is given by European University Cyprus.

EUROPEAN UNIVERSITY CYPRUS - CAREER CENTER 6 Diogenes Street, Engomi, P.O.Box 22006, 1516 Nicosia, Cyprus Tel: 00357-22713000, Fax: 00357-22713172, 22662051 career@euc.ac.cy, www.euc.ac.cy