Resume Purpose • Resumes gets scanned for 25 seconds.
• Short, concise document that states relevant information regarding education, skills, experiences, accomplishments, and job-related interests. • Self-marketing tool. • Effectively communicate your assets in writing to an employer.
Parts • Basic Information • Objective
• Educational Background • Experiences • Extra-/co-curricular activities
• Skills & Interests
Interviews The interview is the stage wherein employers make the decision on whether to accept the candidate in the organization. Interviewers use different styles and approaches to assess the candidate’s qualifications and match them with the organization’s needs. These may be formal or relaxed.
INTERVIEW STYLES • Face to Face Interview This is when the potential employer (representative) meets with the candidate and the interview takes place in any appropriate facility. • Phone Interview The interview is done over the phone. It is wise for the candidate to practice before the interview in order to pick up on points they need to improve on. Candidates must make sure that the landline number given to the potential employer is reliable for good connection during the interview. • Panel Interview This is when a group of employer representatives from different departments meet with the candidate. • Group Interview This interview is when candidates are grouped together and employers observe the behavior and interpersonal skills of each candidate. • Virtual Interview This is the preferred format when both parties are located in different cities of the country or both parties are located in different countries. Most popular virtual interview is the skype conferencing.
Interviews Interview Approaches In order to be more prepared for a job interview, it is helpful to know what kind of interview you will undertake. There are different kinds of interview approaches because employers want to test the candidates’ skills, personal qualities and whether he/she is fit for the job. • Traditional Interviews The employer asks certain questions related to the job and the candidate’s qualifications. The interviewee must be prepared to answer questions on what he/she would do in certain hypothetical situations that also mimic real-life scenarios. For this type of interview, employer generally asks similar open-ended questions to all candidates. This is done in order to better compare and distinguishes one from the other.
• Behavioral Interviews This tells an employer that past actions and performance of a candidate indicates behavior for the future. The interviewer asks the candidates to cite reactions to actual situations. For successful behavioral interviewing, the interviewee may use the “STAR” framework to guide his/her response. Situation – cites an example Task – what was your role Actions – what you did in that situation Results – what was the outcome of your efforts • Case Interviews For management and analytic positions, employers may use this style wherein questions are usually about hypothetical situations and can be vague. This is to test analytical and problem-solving skills in assessing issues and developing solutions. • Stress Interviews This style is used for candidates of fast-paced positions. Some common procedues in this approach include interruptions, quick subject changes and uncomfortable physical settings. The candidate must make quick decisions under pressure and the employer evaluates composure, confidence level and response to the cited situations.
Interviews Interview Tips DO •Hair should be clean and neat. Men should make sure they are clean-shaven or have facial hair neatly trimmed. •Fingernails should be clean. Women should restrict themselves to neutral shades of nail polish. •Make sure your shoes are in good-condition. •Practice good hygiene •Avoid heavy use of strongly scented products •Wear professional attire that can boost confidence •Remove body piercing •Cover tattoos •Wear neutral hosiery with skirts DON’T Smoke just before an interview. Wear revealing clothes. Wear white socks. Wear excessive make-up. Wear too much jewelry (i.e., more than two items). Wear open-toed shoes/sandals. Chew gum or candy.
Interviews Tips when going for Interviews • Make sure you research on the company that you would like to work for. • Make sure you research on the position you are applying for.
• Make sure to be at the venue of the interview 30 minutes before the call time. • Bring an extra copy of your resume and cover letter. • Greet and introduce yourself as soon as you get in the interview room. • Wait until you are offered a chair before sitting. • During the interview use positive language and give yourself time to think before speaking. • Speak Audibly, do not murmur. • Conduct yourself as if you are determined to get the job.
• Convey your good points factually, truthfully, sincerely and as concise as possible. • Maitain eye contact. • Ask for clarifications if you are not unsure of the question. • Breathe.
Interviews Frequently asked questions : • What are your weaknesses? • What relevant experiences do you have?
• Describe a difficult work situation / project and how you overcame it. • Why do you want this job? • What are your career goals? • Tell me what you know about this company. • Tell me about yourself. • So, explain why I should hire you. • Finally, do you have any questions you want to ask me?