What should go into a resume or CV?

Personal and Contact Details

Include the following:

• Name, address, city, state, postal (ZIP) code
• Telephone numbers with area code - Home, Work and Mobile phones
• Email address

Educational Information

Include the following educational information:

• All college, university, and professional school information, including:
• Degree, diploma, certificates etc awarded
• Name of institution, city, state and year awarded
• Major, minor, area of concentration

Work Experience Information

Provide the following work experience information including freelance, unpaid and any other relevant experience:

• Title of position
• Name of employer (company or organisation), city and state
• Beginning and ending dates of employment (month and year)
• Accomplishment statements beginning with action verbs. Quantify your experience with facts and figures wherever possible.

Depending upon your background, you may also include the following:

Achievements Information

Include the following achievements information:

• Honours, Awards, Scholarships, Fellowships
• Licenses and Certificates
• Publications, Presentations, and Research
• Memberships and Activities

Technical Skills Information

Include the following skills information:

• Name of skill
• Description of skill
• Level of skills i.e. beginner, intermediate, advanced or rank from 1-10
• Number of years experience with this skill

Personal Skills Information

Use the results from the assessments and list the best of the following personal skills:

• Personality type - Optional
• Career Code - Optional
• Aptitude i.e. Verbal, Clerical, Mechanical, Numerical etc

References Information
Ensure you include the following information:

• Name and Surname of referee
• Contact details i.e. address, telephone and email
• Relationship with referee
• Time known by referee

Get all the insider tips and secrets on how to write a resume at Super Resume Secrets

Resume Formats Free Advice

Types of Resumes

The 3 most common types of resumes are described below:

1. The Chronological Resume which emphasises your career growth and progression. You present your most recent job and educational experience first, then trace backwards in time. Describe the duties you performed under each listed experience. This format is not advantageous for people with limited or unrelated employment experience, and gaps in employment are readily noticeable.
2. The Functional Resume focuses on professional skills, responsibilities, and accomplishments. It is organised by functional titles that explain general areas of expertise. Under each function heading is a brief explanation of your accomplishments in that area. You can tailor the functional resume to highlight specific skills that you have that the job requires. This format is good for recent graduates, liberal arts majors, career changers, and people with limited work experience or interrupted careers.
3. The Combination Resume incorporates both the formats. You can tailor the explanation of your job history to fit the types of jobs for which you are applying; you can also show continuity in your job record or history. Organise your background by skills and functions rather than by job title. List your job titles and employers in reverse chronological order at the end of the résumé.

Scannable Resumes
More and more employers are using computers to scan and store resumes. Once your resume has been scanned it is easy to do an electronic search in the database for certain key words.

It is recommended that you also prepare a scannable version of your resume in addition to the printed version you normally would send to employers.

Keep the following points in mind to make sure that your resume is "computer friendly."

• Use a simple, easily read typeface, like Courier.
• Avoid italic and boldface type as well as rules (lines) and columns.
• Use white, 8.5 x 11 inch paper.
• Print on only one side of each sheet.
• Put your name at the top on a line by itself.

Get all the insider tips and secrets on how to write a resume at Super Resume Secrets

After the Interview

As you step outside the office building of your potential new employer you usually breathe a sigh of relief and let your hair down a little bit.

But don't get too relaxed, there are a few things you can do while the interview is still fresh in your mind.

• Write down the names and titles of everyone you met in the office.
• Go over everything you can remember from the interview and take note of the questions you feel you answered well, or received a positive response from.
• Make note of the questions you had difficulty answering or those that you didn't receive a positive response from.
• Make some notes about the position and the company - e.g. salary conditions, major responsibilities, start date etc.
• Write down any ideas or suggestions you have for the company, maybe something extra you could offer the role or the organisation.
• Draft a thank you letter and either post it or email it to the people who interviewed you. Tell them thank you and reiterate any strengths you have to offer

Get Professional Advice - To get the edge in the job search arena and learn all the insider strategies and trade secrets to ace every possible interview type read more at Job Interview Notes this site contains all the job interview notes you will ever need and will prepare you for any one of the 10 different types of interviews that you might get.

Resume Objective Writing

Research has shown that one of the greatest weaknesses of candidates interviewing for jobs is a lack of clear career goals and lack of evidence of self-assessment.

You need to be able to describe your goals to employers clearly and concisely:

• What is it that you want to be doing?
• What kind of organisation would you like to work in?
• What steps do you plan to take to achieve your goals?
  

As part of your self-assessment, you need to prepare to answer questions such as these.

Should you include your career objectives on your CV?

Some employers expect you to do so and the rest do not mind if you include it because you can expect that they will cover this at your interview. Therefore the following might be some helpful hints:

• Be sure that the objective is appropriate for the position you are applying for. If your objective is inappropriate, in all likelihood you'll quickly be dropped from consideration.
• Consider describing your objective in your cover letter instead. After all, you'll write a new cover letter for each job you apply for.
• Describe the level and type of position you are seeking, the kind of environment in which you hope to work, and the skills you want to use. You must be as specific as possible.
• Be prepared to answer detailed questions on your career objectives at interview time.
  

For example, you might have an objective like this one:
Seeking an entry-level sales position in an organisation where I can use my excellent people, sales and customer service skills.

Get all the insider tips and secrets on how to write a resume at Super Resume Secrets

Common Mistakes when Writing a Cover Letter for Job Application

There are certain commonly made mistakes that will diminish all the hard work when you make cover letters.

1. Use of inappropriate stationery.
2. Handwriting the cover letter instead of typing it, unless you are requested to do so.
3. Using form letters.
4. Erroneous company information.
5. Failing to address the letter to a specific person.
6. Unrelated career goal
7. Use of comparisons, clichés, gimmicks and amusing anecdotes
8. Typographical errors and/or Rambling and/or Sounding desperate.
9. Sending your resume without a cover letter or forgetting to include your resume.
10. Stuffing your application into a small envelope.
11. Attaching a Post-It Note to the resume in lieu of a cover letter.
12. Not signing your cover letter.
13. Poor presentation

Get all the insider tips and secrets on how to write a cover letter to a resume at Winning Cover Letters

An interview is an interview - isn't it?

It used to be that a job interview was a simple case of answering the right questions, looking the part and having the right experience or qualifications. Nowadays however the competition is much more fierce and the level of interviewing has increased dramatically.

Depending on the type of job you're applying for, there's a good chance you're going to be facing a different type of interview. Here are a few to look out for:

• Public sector and professional roles - Panel Interview
• Interstate and overseas - Video Conference or Telephone Interview
• Screening for roles - Telephone Interview
• Management or service roles - Role Play and Pressure Interviews
• Most jobs - Behaviour Interview
• First interviews or with smaller companies - One-on-One Interview

If you only have one day to prepare for an interview, you still have enough time to get yourself ready to WOW your potential employer.


Get Professional Advice - To get the edge in the job search arena and learn all the insider strategies and trade secrets to ace every possible interview type read more at Job Interview Notes this site contains all the job interview notes you will ever need and will prepare you for any one of the 10 different types of interviews that you might get.

What do I look for on a company’s website to prepare for my interview?

There are many ways the Internet is not helpful for peoples’ job searches. It is too easy to spend time alone, looking at a computer screen, sending off resumes, and then getting discouraged because nothing happens.

But the availability of information about a company through a website can be very helpful. The more you can be prepared for you r interview, the more confident you will be. Here are some helpful ideas.

What’s on the site map?
If you are lucky, your target company will have an information site map. The link to it is usually at the top of the page (often right hand corner) or at the very bottom of the home page. A good site map can give you a lot of information about the company’s structure.

Product Lines
If you are applying for a job such as project manager or sales manager for a specific product line, you want to know where it fits within the company’s entire product line. You want to know about the specific products, including what are the target markets. Is the position you are being interviewed for supporting their flagship product? Maybe a new product? You need to know.

Target markets
Many companies will explicit about their target markets – for example:• Government• Education• Telecommunications• Health Care• Transportation
What do you know about these markets? How does the position you are applying for relate to them?

Geographic Markets
Where is the company’s focus? Are they fully operational in Australia, US, Asia? Do you speak another language that might be helpful for a specific market? Have you travelled to any of these markets in your current or previous jobs?

Employee Benefits
Some companies post their employee benefits directly on the website. This can be helpful for negotiations.

Most companies will put something about their values they want to convey to their employees. Usually things like fairness, opportunities for promotion or casual work environment will be mentioned. But sometimes other helpful (and less generic) information is included.

For example, I looked at a site with a client recently as part of his interview preparation. It said many people had been with the company 8+ years, including some who returned to the company after going to other companies. They probably were “post-dot.com” people who welcomed the ability to return to this company. It said a lot about the values of the top managers in creating a healthy work environment.

If the company you are targeting does have a full site map, be sure to take advantage of the information provided. Even if you are applying for a position that supports the general corporate functions, it is still important to know as much as you can about the company.

Get Professional Advice - To get the edge in the job search arena and learn all the insider strategies and trade secrets to ace every possible interview type read more at Job Interview Notes this site contains all the job interview notes you will ever need and will prepare you for any one of the 10 different types of interviews that you might get.

The Proper Way to Write a Resume - Do's and Don'ts

Do . . .

• Ensure your CV is well spaced and visually attractive.
• Ensure it is concise and to the point.
• Use action words.
• Quantify your experience.
• Be consistent in your use of dates, numbers, abbreviations, etc.
• Check and recheck for language, punctuation and grammar errors.
• Have someone else critique and proofread your CV.
• Use quality paper.
• Make sure the paper colour is white, ivory, cream, beige, buff, or light grey.
• Use a letter-quality or laser printer and black type
• Use a readable font i.e. Arial, Times New Roman or Verdana
• Use a matching envelope or mail it flat in a 9" x 12" white or manila envelope.
  

Don't . . .

• Type "Résumé or CV" above your name.
• State your reasons for leaving a job.
• Use abbreviations or contractions.
• Write lengthy prose.
• Use multiple fonts, typographic symbols, or other visual elements.
• Use personal pronouns (I, we, my).
• Include a photograph.
• Mention personal data (e.g., height, weight, health, age or date of birth, marital status, race, religion, sex, etc.).

Get all the insider tips and secrets on how to write a resume at Super Resume Secrets

General Advice

Online vs Print Advertisements
These days the best places to find advertised positions is online - even if you look in the paper, the majority of the jobs will probably be online as well - unless the job is with a smaller company.

There are two main places where jobs are advertised online - on generic job vacancy/search sites like www.seek.com.au or www.careerone.com.au or www.jobs.gov.au and they are also advertised directly on some company websites like www.virginblue.com.au for example.

It's easy to stay up to date with what jobs are available by signing up to receive email notifications of suitable jobs. I know you can use this facility at Seek to specify the type and location of jobs you're interested in, and I'm sure it's a similar story with other online job search sites.

This online notification service also allows you to stay in touch with the kinds of positions available in the work place - even if you have a great job, you want to make sure your salary and benefits are still competitive in the marketplace.

It's not just hit or miss
It might seem like some people have all the luck when it comes to jobs, but that's just not true. For the most part, people don't just fall into the perfect job, even if they themselves think they have.

Finding the perfect job is all about knowing what you want and putting specific plans in place. I know from experience that research, networking and presentation are some of the most important aspects of job hunting.

I had a friend who really wanted to get into the multi-media industry, but she didn't have a great deal of experience. She was studying in the field at the time which helped, but she also knew she needed to break into the market before she graduated - to edge out her competition. So she researched some of the companies she wanted to work for and made a short list of 15 potential employers. She checked on their websites and even called a few of them to get contact names. Finally she prepared a very specific letter and resume for each company (which of course looked extremely professional) and emailed an expression of interest to each of them.

She only heard back from one of company (but that was without making any follow up calls), and after a brief interview she was hired on the spot - now she's going to graduate with industry experience and walk straight into her perfect job.

When do you make your career move?

Whether you are planning on moving up (seeking a higher position), out (total career change) or over (same industry, new company), then you need to make sure you have a clear idea of what you want and the best way to make your move.

First you should evaluate what you ‘have’ already, compared to what you want, what is realistic and what areas you’re prepared to make sacrifices in. After evaluating your situation you may decide it’s not so bad after all…although you should always strive for job satisfaction where you can continue to grow. There are many things you need to consider:

Ideal Work Environment...
Located near your home OR easy to get to Pleasant surroundings Friendly people and team

Key Values & Policies...
Occupational Health & Safety / Equal Employment Opportunity / other Honesty and fair minded Genuine concern for staff Holidays and recreation time is important

Career Opportunities...
Learning Training Promotional potential (management, training staff) Travel

Financial Rewards...
Competitive salary
Bonuses
Company car or car allowance
Expense account
Health benefits
Telephone
Uniforms
Travel
Free products
Other benefits that you place value on

Selection Criteria - How much do I need to write?

Responding to selection criteria is of the utmost importance. Hiring managers will review your statements addressing their criteria, possibly more so than they will read your resume.

Most employers are looking for particular traits, skills or experience when they request a response to selection criteria, so it's imperative that you follow their instructions and give your 'answers' in a clear, succinct and methodical manner.

One of the first things you should check in the employer's instructions is whether they have placed a word limit on the responses. Sometimes they will indicate a word or page limit for each response or for the total application. You must adhere to this.

If they have not specified a length, you could always call the company and speak to the HR department who will give you a rough idea of what they expect. Usually 1-2 typed A4 pages per response is appropriate. If you can include everything you need in one page, it is probably preferable, however for higher level jobs or more detailed criteria, you might find you need the extra space to respond sufficiently.

Hidden Job Market

What is the hidden job market?

Put simply…the hidden job market comprises all those job opportunities which are not advertised.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics approximately 80% of all available jobs are found in this ‘mysterious’ grey area of the employment industry, in all sectors, at every level.

These statistics are confirmed by the experiences of job seekers, and career professionals in Australia and overseas, so unless you are marketing yourself to this huge expanse which holds the majority of job opportunities, you are denying yourself the biggest and best chance at winning that coveted position.

Why is the hidden job market important to job seekers?

Australian career transition consultant, Pauline Charleston wrote “The hidden job market is really about being proactive in searching for a position that’s right for you. Rather than sitting back and waiting for your dream job to be advertised or listed on the internet, you give fate a helping hand by seeking out vacancies before the rest of the world gets to hear about them.”

Employers are more likely to hire someone they know of, either through referrals, internal transfers, personal referrals or past and current applications held on file. By using such means to recruit employees, they can save time, money and ensure greater peace of mind if a candidate is recommended or has shown interest in the company before.

How do you access the hidden job market?

Firstly you need to be highly organized and prepared to work hard to win the job you desire. A successful job search is basically a well-run marketing campaign. You need to know how to sell yourself and who to sell to.

Here are a few steps to get you started – unsolicited marketing correspondence

• Identify the position(s) you want to win.
• Identify the companies you wish to work for.
• Identify the hiring manager of each company.

Research each company and find out what they are looking for and how you can meet their needs.

• Tailor a professional cover letter and resume to each individual position and company.
• Forward applications directly to the hiring manager or the person you would be working under.
• In your letter state a date you will make a follow up phone call.
• On the appointed date, follow up each application, speaking directly with the hiring manager.
• Prepare for interviews using in-depth research and rehearsal techniques.
• WOW them in person and take your career to the next level!

What are other ways to break through?

This is only one way to approach the hidden job market, other methods include personal networking, face to face cold calling, telephone cold calling, and joining recruitment agencies.

The key to successfully gaining employment is self-motivated action. The more often you take action in the direction you wish to be, the more likely you are to create career opportunities to pursue. The potential for success really is unlimited.

Tips to Write a Resume (Part 3/3)

• Hiding or not including vital information on a resume is like death. A recruiter needs to see all of your important information without having to search for it.
• Major gaps in your employment history leave a recruiter wondering about your work ethic. Be prepared to answer questions if you have such gaps in yours.
• Summaries that are hard to follow and understand are annoying to recruiters. Keep your summary easy and brief.
• Use easy and simple fonts. Fancy fonts and colors are not eye catching in the manner that you likely wanted it to be. Yours will become to how-to on making resume errors.
• Avoid writing your resume as a narrative or in the first or third person. It is really irritating for a recruiter, and comes off as arrogant and/or egotistical.
• Pictures and/or graphics on a resume is distracting to a recruiter. Things like that will likely get your resume tossed out without a glance.
• Needlessly adding objectives and introductions on your resume bores recruiters. They know what your objective is, and your resume is not meant to be a novel.
• Lying or putting misleading information on your resume is a major no-no. There are always ways for a recruiter to check up on you and many do, so don’t lie. Getting caught in a lie on a resume just says that you can’t be trusted.
• Adding unnecessary information on a resume like your hobbies is completely useless. You should save that section to describe any accomplishments that you have made in your field.
• Sending a resume that doesn’t match the type of job that you are applying for is extremely irritating to a recruiter. You are wasting their time.
• Using overly long paragraphs in a resume will get yours tossed aside. It is harder for the recruiter to read and makes the task take too long.
• Resumes that are more than two pages will not be fully read by a recruiter. That’s just the way it is.
• Dating the information in your work history in the wrong order makes your resume harder to follow. (Work history should be listed with most current jobs at the top).
• Resumes that have too much detail when talking about your previous duties are a waste of your time. Duties are generally just sifted through. They are rarely given very much attention, just enough to give the recruiter an idea of what you have done in the past.
• Spelling and grammatical errors just proves that you are not very keen on details.
  

Get all the insider tips and secrets on how to write a resume at Super Resume Secrets

Cover Letter for Job Application

You should include a cover letter with each resume which you send to prospective employers even if you email your resume to them.

1. Send it to a specific person.
   -You should make every effort to get a specific name to which you address the letter.
   -If you absolutely cannot get the name then and only then you may address your letter to the right department, make sure you have the name of the department right.
   
2. Create enough interest in your opening paragraph so that the employer feels compelled to continue reading.
3. Make your cover letter no more than one page with no more than three to six paragraphs.
4. Highlight how your experiences and accomplishments match the needs of the employer.
5. Ask for an interview and state how you plan to follow up with the employer.
6. Check and recheck your cover letter for mistakes in grammar, punctuation, and spelling. Have someone else proofread and critique your cover letter.
7. If you send your resume by post;
   -Send only an original. Never send photocopies.
   -Select quality bond paper that matches your resume.
   -Use a letter-quality or laser printer and black type.
   -Fold and mail your cover letter and your resume in a matching envelope or mail them flat (don’t fold) in a white or manila envelope.

Get all the insider tips and secrets on how to write a cover letter to a resume at Winning Cover Letters

Job Interviews - A warning for us all!

A recent article caught our eye about online information affecting employer’s opinions when recruiting staff or making final decisions about candidates.

“Googling” a candidate’s name is becoming a common practice in some recruitment processes and searches have brought up everything from photos of a candidate drunk and in drag to making the local police’s most wanted list!

According to Market Research Company YouGov, the type of personal information displayed ranged from:

• Holiday pictures (19%, or 45% of 18-24yrs)
• Party photos (13%, 53%)
• Blogs (11%, 30%)
• Resumes posted on job search sites and personal profiles, eg MySpace or business network sites (19%, 43%).
  

Naturally, the online footprints you leave behind can be positive as well – your latest successful project or achievement could be posted, but be aware that while 25% of HR Managers surveyed admitted they had rejected candidates based on what they found online.

Get Professional Advice - To get the edge in the job search arena and learn all the insider strategies and trade secrets to ace every possible interview type read more at Job Interview Notes this site contains all the job interview notes you will ever need and will prepare you for any one of the 10 different types of interviews that you might get.

Tips to Write a Resume 2/3

This may seem like an unimportant thing during an interview, but this is the sole reason why you may get that interview so you should be prepared with a well written resume.

You should tailor your resume to highlight the qualifications, work experience and any education that you’ve had that best represents the type of work you are applying for. You should also include any other work experience that you’ve had, as well as any accomplishments that you have made in your field.

You may also want to dress up your resume to let it stand out a bit. A nice border is an elegant way to make your resume stand out without being a distraction to the information within it.

Of course there also quite a few things that recruiters hate to see on resumes as well. Many people do not think that recruiters really go all the way through a resume, but they really do. Recruiters have certain pet peeves when it comes to reading a resume. I’ve included a list of some of the pet peeves in part 3 of the series that you should avoid when putting your resume together.

Get all the insider tips and secrets on how to write a resume at Super Resume Secrets

Cover Letters How To Write

Below is an outline of how to write a cover letter for a resume.

(First Paragraph) Indicate the reason for writing, the specific position for which you are applying, and, if there is a position opening, the source from which you learned of the job and the date it was posted.
Note: If you are inquiring about jobs in general and no opening was advertised, indicate your interest in career opportunities in your field.

(Second Paragraph) Mention why you are interested in the position or organisation and its products or services. Relate your academic or work background to the position for which you are applying--how are you qualified for the position? Point out your practical work experience, specific achievements, and unique qualifications.

(Final Paragraph) Summarize your qualifications, training, and experience. You may also mention how an employer can obtain your references or credentials. Refer to your interest in a personal interview. You may suggest several dates or indicate your flexibility as to the time and place. Restate your interest and indicate your eagerness (don’t beg!) to meet personally to learn more about the position. Include your phone number. If the vacancy notice included the employer's phone number, indicate that you will call within seven to ten days to find out if an interview can be arranged. If you indicate you will call, follow through!

Attachments: Resume. Never forget to attach your resume!

References - Usually does not accompany the first letter but you should at least mention that you have it available if required

Letters of Recommendation - Usually does not accompany the first letter but you should at least mention that you have it available if required

Thank the employer for taking the time to read your letter and resume.

Get all the insider tips and secrets on how to write a cover letter to a resume at Winning Cover Letters

Tips to Write a Resume (Part 1/3)

The Resume is the first and sometimes only contact you will have with a potential employer. Research has shown that employers typically spend on average 15 seconds on your Resume. Therefore it is important to get the attention you deserve instantly.

A Resume of more than 3-4 pages is not only going to land in the rubbish bin, most of the time it is also regarded as rude unless you have been asked to send in a detailed Resume. Remember that employers sometimes get up to 200 applicants for a single position and trying to read a 10 page Resume for all 200 applicants isn’t preferable!

Some companies use scanners to scan your paper based Resume into a database and then look for specific words related to skills and experience. Based on the results which they find they will have a closer look at your Resume and perhaps invite you for an interview. It is therefore important to have your Resume in the right format and to include the right words in the right places so that you can at least pass the first phase and have a human look at your Resume.

Your Resume is:

• A personal marketing tool used in securing an interview
• A written summary of your education, work experience, professional skills, and interests
• A sample of your ability to express yourself in writing, clearly, concisely, and neatly.

You prepare to write your Resume by:

• Completing the Assessment and Research phases first.
• Determine your career goals and objectives.
• Determine your personality type.
• Determine your skills, strengths, values, and interests.
• Determine your experience.
• How do your goals, personality, skills, values, interests and experience match the employer's needs?

If you can answer all these you are ready to start the compilation of your Resume. It should also be quite obvious that you will have to compile a new Resume for each job which you apply for.

Get all the insider tips and secrets on how to write a resume at Super Resume Secrets

Cover Letters – Great

The word that is heard perishes, but the letter that is written remains. – Unknown

Cover letters are a great way (and most of the times the only way) to get an employer interested in your resume and you.

Many job seekers spend hours crafting each item on their resume. Then they whip out a quick and ordinary cover letter full of mistakes -not realizing that the format to a cover letter is just as important as a resume.

Cover letters, or application letters, have managed to cause a great deal of confusion for many job seekers – should I send one, how long should it be, what should I include, will anyone read it?
The answer to the first question is easy – YES, you should always send a cover letter with your application; the other questions however, require a little more explanation.

See below what the format to a cover letter is and what does a cover letter look like.

Get all the insider tips and secrets on how to write a cover letter to a resume at
Winning Cover Letters

How to write a Cover Letter to a Resume

It's true, some hiring managers may never even read the cover letter you submit because most of them read your resume first - and then decide to throw them both in the rubbish!

If you resume doesn't shape up to an employers needs, then there is little chance they'll return to read your cover letter. However if your resume does contain the necessary items they are looking for, an employer will most likely read your cover letter and use it to make a second opinion of you. Therefore it's up to you to direct how they perceive you, using your cover letter.

Your cover letter should express your interest in the position, be tailored specifically to each particular company (as your resume should), include specific achievements and communicate your overall character.

The cover letter is a chance for you to address any specific criteria they're looking for (but don't get this confused as a separate 'Selection Criteria Response' as required for many government jobs) and to address any concerns which may arise, for example why you're applying for an interstate job...

Keep it brief and to the point, usually no longer than one A4 page. And if you're going to be emailing your application, merge your cover letter and resume into one document, so the hiring manager only has to open one attachment and then they read both your letter and your resume.

Get all the insider tips and secrets on how to write a cover letter to a resume at Winning Cover Letters

Advice for Preparing for a Job Interview - Part 3

This is the third in a 3 part series of articles of advice for preparing for a job interview.

Remember and think about this statement carefully. “You only have one chance to make a first impression”

If you don’t use that opportunity you will have to work extremely hard to make the interviewers change their mind and in most cases they might never change their minds about you.

Below is some good advice for preparing for a job interview so that you can make that all important first impression. It is said that people form a first impression in about 3-4 seconds from the time that they have first laid eyes on you! So they might have formed an impression of you before you have uttered one single word.

Dress Properly – you in your clothes will be the first view the interviewer and other staff will get of you. Therefore make sure you have dressed appropriately.

Be Polite when you arrive – make sure you are courteous and friendly to the staff at reception and anywhere in the building, they might and many times will be asked be asked how you behaved before the interview and what first impressions they have of you.

In the Waiting Room – remember anyone going past maybe the interviewer. In some cases they will deliberately let you wait to see if you show any signs of impatience, boredom or aggression if the interview does not start on time. Therefore it is important to keep a good posture, sit properly be friendly to all people. Don’t eat or drink anything while you are waiting. Also don’t talk on your cell phone.

Greet Properly – remember the firm handshake and friendly smile.

In the Interview Room - it is regarded as good manners to stand until the interviewer asks you to be seated.

Get Professional Advice - To get the edge in the job search arena and learn all the insider strategies and trade secrets to ace every possible interview type read more at Job Interview Notes this site contains all the job interview notes you will ever need and will prepare you for any one of the 10 different types of interviews that you might get.

- oscar wilde - “Questions are never indiscreet. Answers sometimes are.”

Resume Format

The way we're taught to prepare our resumes in high school is totally outdated and it can be rather embarrassing submitting such a shoddy piece of work to a potential employer.

Probably the most important thing to remember is to be as succinct as possible, and to tailor each resume you submit very specifically to each particular company.

There are a few general areas you should always address in your resume:

Career Profile/Summary/Objective - a brief overview of who you are, what your best skills are and the type of position you are seeking.

Education and Training - only the most relevant education and training should be included, for example if you are a 50 year old Manager with a Business degree, you don't need to include your high school details, unless you've been asked for it.

Professional Experience - start from your most recent and work backwards - only go back 10-15 years in a resume and make sure you include specific achievements at each position.

Expertise/Achievements - this section can include awards, successful projects, specific skills you possess - remember you are trying to market yourself as a valuable asset.

Computer Skills - this becomes more important depending on the industry you are applying to, for example an IT Graduate will need to include this, but a plumber may not.

Other sub-headings might include Community Service, Relevant Work Experience, Projects - depending on the type of position, however there is usually NO need to include personal information such as date of birth, marital status and interests.

The order of your resume is important as well - if you are a graduate your education and training will be the most important item, whereas your professional experience will be more relevant if you've been in the workforce for a number of years.

Visit Super Resume Secrets to learn more and get resume examples.

The difference between a CV and a Resume

What's the difference between a CV and a Resume - and which one do I need?

That's a very good question!

In Australia, most people refer to a 'resume' as a document which gives a summary of your career history - particularly relating to the position in hand which you are applying for - this is the most popular form of 'personal career document' and the one most employers expect to receive for job applications.

A CV (curriculum vitae) is a full record of your career history - dating back to whenever your training or career began (in any field) and including information such as publications, presentations, awards, scholarships, grants, community service, grants etc. This type of document is usually reserved for company executives, academia and high level government positions.

In countries like the UK and New Zealand, they refer to a resume as a CV - so when they ask to see your CV, they are really asking for the Australian version of a resume.

Confusing I know, but definitely worth knowing!

Cover Letters - What is the Purpose of a Cover Letter

The purpose of a cover letter is to (1) introduce yourself to a prospective employer, (2) state the position you are applying for and (3) highlight your strengths.

This might sound quite straight forward but be aware the art of how to write a cover letter to a resume can be truly difficult to master.

Some of the benefits of writing cover letters for job applications are:

1. The cover letter is a lot more personal than the resume.
2. A high impact cover letter can set an outstanding first impression.
3. Can demonstrate your effective communication skills.
4. If it is consistent with your resume it will ‘brand’ you as a competitive candidate.
5. It looks professional, even if they don’t read it.
6. Identifies the position you are applying for.
7. Highlight your key skills, experience or training.

Get all the cover letters examples you need at Winning Cover Letters.

Selection Criteria Examples

Qualifications, experience and meeting the selection criteria will determine your suitability for a specific role.

Below is a list of common selection criteria examples:

• ability to maintain confidentiality
• ability to work as part of a team or independently
• ability to work under pressure
• sensitivity and ability to work in a multi cultural environment
• attention to detail
• flexibility and adaptability
• initiative and thinking skills and problem-solving ability
• keyboard and computer skills
• organisational and/or planning skills
• supervisory and managerial skills
• verbal and written communication
• interpersonal skills

If you are applying for a job where you need to Address Selection Criteria then you need visit our selection criteria website to learn how to do it.

Advice for Preparing for a Job Interview - Part 2

This is the second in a 3 part series of articles on advice for preparing for a job interview.

We were told that during a recent survey of a large number of employers who were questioned about the important aspects of making the decision to employ a person or not body language came out amongst the top five for more than 95% of them. The right body language can radiate confidence to others.

So here is some important advice for preparing for a job interview:

• Make sure you get enough sleep the night before. A yawn can easily be mistaken for boredom!
• Don’t even think to take your cell phone with you!
• Proper and appropriate clothing as well as a firm handshake and friendly smile will always help to make a good first impression. More about that in the 3rd and last article.
• You should practice how to have a good posture before you go to the interview. During the interview it is very important that you constantly keep a good and professional posture in, other words sit up straight and keep your head up.
• Don’t fiddle with things while in the interview for instance a pen or paper or anything.
• Keep both your hands in front of you on the table or where the interviewers can see it. If your hands are not still and are busy fiddling with something it shows your lack of self confidence and can also be very annoying to other people.
• Don’t over use hand gestures while speaking it could be distracting.
• Don’t bite your lips or rub your nose between sentences that is usually a sign that you are dishonest and/or busy making things up.
• Don’t have your arms crossed over your chest while you speak or listen it is a sign of aggressiveness or carelessness.
• Don’t shrug your shoulders when you are unsure because that is exactly what the gesture says to them – you don’t know the answer.
• Don’t answer questions with grunts, nods and head shakes speak up clearly say yes or no don’t use yea or nay or yep and nope other any other slang.

Get professional advice - To get the edge in the job search arena and learn all the insider strategies and trade secrets to ace every possible interview type read more at http://www.jobinterviewnotes.com/ this site contains all the job interview notes you will ever need and will prepare you of any one of the 10 different types of interviews that you might get.

- oscar wilde - “Questions are never indiscreet. Answers sometimes are.”

Job Interview Notes - At the Interview

Be dressed appropriately – make sure that you know what is the correct dress code for the company. Remember the way you dress is the first impression people get of you and you have only one chance to make a first impression.

Be enthusiastic - Show that you are interested in the job and the business. Smile and speak clearly.

Be honest - Tell the interviewer about your skills, strengths and experience. If you have not had any particular kind of experience, then say so, at the same time indicating your willingness to learn new skills. Simply present yourself as a positive person with skills to offer and plenty of enthusiasm.

Here are some common blunders that can cost you the job:

• Arrive late for the interview and then indicate you are late because the directions you were given were not good.
• Look disheveled and inappropriately dressed and/or slouches in your seat.
• Don't maintain good eye contact with the interviewer.
• Brag about how great you are, but neglect to cite evidence of your accomplishments.
• Respond in an unfocused, disorganized, and rambling manner and/or Remain low-key and display no enthusiasm for the job and/or answer most questions with simple “yes” and “no” answers and/or give memorized responses, forgetting parts in the process.
• Appear desperate for a job. Ask, “How am I doing? Are you going to hire me?” Blurt out, “I need to make at least $35,000. I hope this job pays at least that much,” near the beginning of the interview.
• Call the interviewer by his or her first name and/or use the wrong name.
• Badmouth your current or former employer.
• When asked, “Do you have any questions?”, reply “No
  

To get the edge and learn insider strategies and trade secrets and to know which techniques to use when and how to ace every possible interview type read more at http://www.jobinterviewnotes.com/

-Jerry Seinfeld- A date is a job interview that lasts all night. The only difference between a date and a job interview is that there are not many job interviews where there's a chance you'll end up naked at the end of it.

Responding to Selection Criteria

You want to apply for a job but you are required to ensure you will be addressing the selection criteria. Many people find themselves in this position every day and many of them get worried about providing the answers to selection criteria questions.

You may also be wondering what is selection criteria and how will they be used in my application?

Selection criteria are used by employers to identify the right person for the role. It can be described as the set of requirements or standards which the employer wants a job applicant to fulfil for a specific role. It is usually the personal qualities, skills, abilities, knowledge and qualifications a person needs to perform the role effectively.

Selection criteria are usually divided into:
IMPORTANT/ESSENTIAL criteria (‘must have’ criteria)
LESS IMPORTANT/DESIRABLE criteria (‘nice to have’ criteria)

Although it is true that the IMPORTANT/ESSENTIAL criteria are more important than the LESS IMPORTANT/DESIRABLE criteria your chances of success will be much greater if you meet all the selection criteria, because in most cases you will be up against many other applicants for the same position.

You MUST meet all of the IMPORTANT/ESSENTIAL criteria in order to have any chance of success, irrespective of the number of applicants. Without fulfilling al of the IMPORTANT/ESSENTIAL criteria you would not be able to do the job and will not be shortlisted for an interview.

The selection panel will assess applicants against the criteria in order to select the right applicant.

If you are applying for a job where you need to Address Selection Criteria then you need visit our selection criteria website to learn how to do it.

Advice for Preparing for a Job Interview - Part 1

This is the first in a three-part series of articles of advice for preparing for a job interview.

You are not judged only by what you say but also by your behaviour and mannerisms. The sum of your skills, manners and behaviour is what will be taken into account by the interviewers when they make their final decision to appoint you.

Here is some advice for preparing for a job interview. They might seem small, but they are very important things that you can take on board which will make the difference between getting selected for the job or not.

If you study and apply the advice for preparing for a job interview below it might just take some pressure off you at interview time.

Be professional - it will be regarded as unprofessional and rude to be chewing gum or breath mints during your interview. Neither should you use slang when you speak.

Be confident and show it – display a positive attitude - don’t be pessimistic or negative in any way shape or form. Be confident about your abilities without appearing arrogant or self-important. Remember, you are selling yourself and you need to let it be known that you are qualified and experienced to do a good job.

Be humble – sell yourself and talk about your achievements in a matter-of- fact way while remaining modest and unassuming.

Be positive - always smile and keep a positive outlook even if what you hear doesn’t sound good to you. Don’t frown or look displeased. Keep that smile going and ask the interviewer/s your questions (prepared in advance) when they give you the opportunity to do so.

Maintain eye contact with the interviewer(s) - Keeping eye contact with your interviewer is one of the most important signals of showing interest and confidence. Just think back to what it feels like when you talk to someone and the person is looking out the window!

Get professional advice - To get the edge in the job search arena and learn all the insider strategies and trade secrets to ace every possible interview type, read more at www.jobinterviewnotes.com This site contains all the job interview notes you will ever need and will prepare you for any one of the ten different types of interviews that you may experience.

Job Interview Notes - Before the Job Interview

Congratulations…you have just been invited to that job interview! If you are now wondering how to prepare for the interview, don’t worry here are a few job interview notes to point you in the right direction.

Generally, interviewers look for three key factors in potential employees:

1. Can they do the job? (skills, qualifications, experience)
2. Will they do the job? (drive, personal goals, future outlook)
3. Do they fit into the company’s ‘culture’? (work style)

Prepare yourself - Practice, practice and practice. Role play with a friend or make arrangements for a mock interview. Know what your three or four relevant selling points are that you want to communicate in the interview. Determine your skills, interests and experience you have that relate to the needs of the position or company.
Requesting information before the formal interview will be looked upon very favourably. It shows that you are interested in not only the job, but the company.

Research the position and the company - Have you done your homework? Know the products and/or service the company sells, the executive team, competitors and the culture of the company. Know the qualifications needed for the position for which you are applying for. Based on your research you should be able to clearly identify how you meet the employer’s needs and why you are the best candidate for the job.

Research the job - Ask for a job description. Ask people who work in similar jobs what their duties consist of. Talk to employees of the company you are seeking to join.

Research the interview venue - Check out the address. If necessary go there the day before your interview. Decide how you are going to get there. Find out about the parking. Work out how long it will take you to get there. Find out the name, position and correct pronunciation of the interviewer before you show up for the interview.

Get professional advice - To get the edge in the job search arena and learn all the insider strategies and trade secrets to ace every possible interview type read more at http://www.jobinterviewnotes.com This site contains all the job interview notes you will ever need and will prepare you for any one of the 10 different types of interviews that you may experience.