cv, interview

KNUST Career Day

-How to write a CV/Resum

-How to approach a Job interview and present yourself

-Handling a meal successfully during your job interviewTeam Ghana II- IBM Corporate Services Corp.

KNUST Career Day How to write a Curriculum Vitae/Resum

By Flora Egea

Team Ghana II - IBM Corporate Service Corps.

*How to write a Curriculum Vitae/ResumThe etymological origin of the expression Curriculum Vitae is the Latin language: course of life. It is also called Resum, from French language in a sense of a summary.

This means that your CV is an advert to sell yourself to an employer, and the purpose is to make you/ your CV attractive, interesting, worth considering to the company in order to be received for a job interview.

So, as a marketing tool, our CV should be as a brochure which lists basically your working life and skills.

Different countries may have different requirements and styles for CV. So you must follow the correct practice for your culture and adapted to your country.


*A CV should be constructed on a word-processor (or at least typed)Easy on the eyeEasy to readClean, neat, well structured and laid outShort, concrete and coherentKeep it simply (go through your CV again and again with a red pen, making it shorter, more readable, more understandable!)Use short sentencesPerfect spelling (use spell-check on your computer)Correct vocabularyDo use visual effects to stress the most important and/or the headings: underlined, bold letters

How to write a Curriculum Vitae/Resum: General Advise (I)


*Use a couple of font types and sizes to emphasize, but do not abuse. (Arial and Times New Roman in black color are the most common font types, and size between 10 and 12 are also the most commonly used)Do use plenty of white spacesConsider using 'bullets' to start sub-sections or lists. One or two pages maximum (dont tire your possible employer, if its too long he/she will not read it) Put page numbers if you use two, at the bottom.White paper is fine, A4 is the standard, use good quality (not too transparent)Use a good printerYour CV should be personal, so do it a little bit different, customize itAlways use your common sense and be sensible

How to write a Curriculum Vitae/Resum: General Advise (II)


*Two big blocks: (you may change the appearance and play on them in order to customize it but they both have to be there)

One.- Main head, with your picture and personal dataTwo.- The CV strictly, with the following sections:

Work Experience (in case you have any, otherwise start your CV by Education)Education (place for formal education)Languages (Remember: English is the language of current business!)Other Qualifications (place for things like computing experience, other studies or trainings, etc.)Miscellaneous (place to say your hobbies, if you are a volunteer, etc. This section is not mandatory)

How to write a Curriculum Vitae/Resum: Structure (I)


*One.- Main Head

Your picture is extremely important: It is the image of you that your possible employer will see, so it should be a good one.Use a colored photo, either scanned in by computer, or stuck on. Show yourself clean, natural, appropriately dressed up (be classic: suit and tie for men and suit for women, that is the uniform of nowadays business) Use a good haircut, show a combed hair and a light make up in case you are a woman. It is better to show yourself slightly smiling.

Your personal data should be found very easily in your CV, in order to make easier to your possible employer to contact with you, so enhance them. Include the following data: full name, home address, phone number (home and mobile if you have one), email address, and date of birth.

How to write a Curriculum Vitae/Resum: Structure (II)


*How to write a Curriculum Vitae/Resum: Structure (III)Bernadette Green12 Green Street, London NW2 3RG Home: 0181 555 5550 - Mobile : 0771 222 2222 Email: [email protected] Date of Birth: 26th November 1975Nationality: Ghanaian


*Two.- CV strictly

Important: Start from the most recent data and from then take steps back. It means that the latest goes first, and this rule works for any of the sections.

Your CV should show all periods of time full covered, aligned with your lifetime.A CV with lacks of time periods is not consistent and results confusing.

How to write a Curriculum Vitae/Resum: Structure (IV)


*Work Experience

The position.Name of the company (or, in case you are currently working and you dont want to reveal such information, use generic sentences like multinational of IT Sector and things like that).Describe briefly the tasks with short and clear sentences. Add the corresponding data.

How to write a Curriculum Vitae/Resum: Structure (V)


* WORK EXPERIENCE Sept 99 Present. Best Performance Ltd, Glasgow Marketing Account HandlerResponsible for all aspects of account management including marketing and sales support and client relationship development. Other roles: promotion and distribution control. Products: all marketing support service including database management, response handling and storage and distribution. Oct 98 - Sep 99. Brand New Technologies, Glasgow Call Centre AgentResponsibilities: Taking customer calls and order processing using AS400 system, dealing with customer queries, inquiries and complaints, setting up new customer accounts, invoicing.94 - 98 Flowers, London Florist Responsibilities included: Design of all floral displays, stock buying and control, implementation of innovative designs for shop displays, window arrangements and outside events, organization of arrangements for local charity events, co-ordination of exhibitions and promotions. How to write a Curriculum Vitae/Resum: Structure (VI)


*Education

Say the Academic title obtained, give places of education where you have studied - most recent education first, and add the data.

Include subject options taken in each year of your course. Include any special project, thesis, or dissertation work.

Pre-college courses (high school, etc.) should then be included, including grades.

How to write a Curriculum Vitae/Resum: Structure (VII)


*EDUCATION & QUALIFICATIONS1994 - 1998 University of London, London. BA (Hons) Graduated in Languages & Business Administration. Main Subjects included: German, French, Accounting, International Relations & Marketing. 1996 - 1997 Universitt Frankfurt, Germany Exchange Year. 1994 - 1996 Glasgow College of Commerce. HND in European Trade with Business German Credits include: Marketing, Economics, European Law, Imports and Exports, Logistics. 1992 - 1994 Burns High School, Edinburgh. How to write a Curriculum Vitae/Resum: Structure (VIII)


*Languages

Say which is your mother tongue and the level of knowledge of other languages that you have (like high, fluent, basic)Remember: English is the top one for business in the world.

Other Qualifications

Follow the previous rules regarding title, place, dataetc.If you include here specific courses/trainings which have lasted less than a year or a month, you may say the number of hours of them.

How to write a Curriculum Vitae/Resum: Structure (IX)


*ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Languages: English - Mother tongue German - Fluent written and spokenFrench - Fluent written and spoken

Computer Knowledge: WinNT - 4 years working knowledgeXP Pro - 2 years working knowledgeExperienced user of Microsoft office products. User of the internet.

How to write a Curriculum Vitae/Resum: Structure (X)


*MiscellaneousThey will be particularly interested in activities where you have leadership or responsibility, or which involve you in relating to others in a team.

If you have published any articles, jointly or by yourself, give details.

If you have been involved in any type of volunteer work, do give details.

If you have a driving license, and you believe it is important information, this is the place to be included.

How to write a Curriculum Vitae/Resum: Structure (XI)


*How to write a Curriculum Vitae/Resum: Structure (XII)Sorry! Bernadette decided not to include Miscellaneous in her Curriculum Vitae


*How to write a Curriculum Vitae/Resum: Example (I)


*How to write a Curriculum Vitae/Resum: Example (II)


*How to write a Curriculum Vitae/Resum: Example (III)


*Remember DONT

Dont sign it (use the covering letter, sign it and send it along with your CV)).Dont date it or make any reference to last date of updating When you send a CV it supposes to be fully updated.Dont head the CV with the title Curriculum Vitae. At a glance anyone know it is a CV, so that is childish and redundant.Dont lie. You may ennoble, exalt, say beautiful, but remember: no lies.

How to write a Curriculum Vitae/Resum: DONTs


*Now your CV is finished!!How to write a Curriculum Vitae/Resum


*Covering letterAlways send a CV along with a covering letter, otherwise it is consider impolite.

The object of such letter is:to introduce yourself to the possible interviewer.to persuade the person to read your CV. To say why you want that particular job with that particular employer. To draw attention to one or two key points in the CV which you feel make you suited to that particular job with that particular employer.

How to write a Curriculum Vitae/Resum: Covering Letter


*The letter must be relevant to the company, interesting, and well produced. And YES it supposes to be dated and signed by you.The letter should only be on one side of A4 paper. It must be polite and easy to read. CV cover letters can be short and very concise. Cover letters need to be, otherwise people won't read them.If you are sending in a 'speculative' CV hoping that they may have work for you, explain what sort of work you are interested in.Telephone, and find the name of the person who will be dealing with applications and address your letter to that person by name. (In a small company, it may be the managing director. In a medium size company, it may be the head of section/department. Only in a large company will there be a Personnel or Human Resource Department.) When sending a speculative CV, you may try telephoning later to push your enquiry further.

How to write a Curriculum Vitae/Resum: Covering Letter (I)


*Speculative Sample CV cover letter sampleFull name and address details

Date

Dear (Mr/Mrs/Ms Surname):I am interested in any openings in the above area and enclose my CV. You will see that I have skills and capabilities that enable me to make a significant contribution to an organization such as your own, notably (state two or three attributes briefly).

I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely,

(Sign)

(And below print your name - not hand-written)How to write a Curriculum Vitae/Resum: Covering Letter (II)


*How to write a Curriculum Vitae/Resum: Covering Letter (III)Speculative Sample CV cover letter sample


*Sample CV cover letter answering a specific advertisementFull name and address details

Date

Dear (Mr/Mrs/Ms Surname):

My name is John Andrews and I am writing in response to your advertisement for a Graduate Trainee on the University of Kent vacancy database. I enclose my CV for your consideration.

I am particularly interested in a career with Elsewhere Bank, because of your commitment to giving new recruits early responsibility. During my time as a student I have had a variety of part-time and vacation jobs, all of which have required me to work as part of a team and to deal directly with the public. I found my work at the Tourist Information Office particularly valuable in teaching me the importance of ascertaining customers' needs and providing clear and accurate information in response to those needs.

I will be available for interview at any time apart from the 12 - 24 August when I have arranged a holiday in Italy. I look forward to hearing from you shortly.

Yours sincerely

(Sign)

(And below print your name - not hand-written)How to write a Curriculum Vitae/Resum: Covering Letter (IV)


*Full name and address detailsDate

Dear (Mr/Mrs/Ms Surname):

My name is John Andrews and I am writing in response to your advertisement for a Graduate Trainee on the University of Kent vacancy database. I enclose my CV for your consideration. I am particularly interested in a career with Elsewhere Bank, because of your commitment to giving new recruits early responsibility. During my time as a student I have had a variety of part-time and vacation jobs, all of which have required me to work as part of a team and to deal directly with the public. I found my work at the Tourist Information Office particularly valuable in teaching me the importance of ascertaining customers' needs and providing clear and accurate information in response to those needs. I will be available for interview at any time apart from the 12 - 24 August when I have arranged a holiday in Italy. I look forward to hearing from you shortly.

Yours sincerely,

(Sign)(And below print your name - not hand-written)How to write a Curriculum Vitae/Resum: Covering Letter (V)Sample CV cover letter answering a specific advertisement


*ReferencesSometimes you may be requested to include references with your CV.

In such case, usually give two names - one from your place of study, and one from any work situation you have had. Or if this does not apply, then an older family friend with a relevant position, who has known you for some time.

Firstly make sure that referees are willing to give you a reference, and a good one. Give their day and evening phone numbers if they authorize you to give that information.

How to write a Curriculum Vitae/Resum: References


*

THE PERFECT CVby Tom Jackson and Ellen Jackson, published in USA by Doubleday,and in UK by Judy Pratkus Ltd.

Other advises on the internet:

http://www.makeyourcv.com/

http://www.soon.org.uk/cvpage.htm

http://www.mycvbuilder.com

http://jobsearch.about.com/od/coverlettersamples/a/coverlettsample.htm

http://www.career.vt.edu/JOBSEARC/coversamples.htm

How to write a Curriculum Vitae/Resum: some advise

KNUST Career Day How to approach a Job interview and present yourself

By Erica Topolski and Folake Fabunmi

KNUST Career Day Handling a meal successfully during your job interview

By Flora Egea


*A meal can be very important. Many employers have busy schedules and will arrange interviews during meal times.

You could be critically scrutinized on your table manners and conduct in addition to your answers to the interview questions.

Employers may want to see you in a more social situation to see how you conduct yourself, particularly if the job for which you are interviewing requires a certain standard of conduct with clients and superiors.

Follow the lead of your host or hostess. You should wait for your interviewer to ask you to sit down before taking your seat. If he/she doesn't ask you to sit, wait for him/her to be seated, then sit.

During the meal, sit up straight and keep your feet flat on the floor. As soon as everyone is seated, unfold your napkin and place it across your lap, folded, with the fold toward you. Do this discreetly. Handling a meal successfully during your job interview (I)


*If you need to leave the table, place your napkin on your chair, folded loosely. Only after the meal is over should you place your napkin on the table to the right side of your plate (never on your plate!).

Let your interviewer order first and order a meal for yourself that is less expensive than his or hers. Pick a meal that is small and easy to eat.

Eat quickly, so that you can focus on your interviewer and answering questions. It is a good idea to drink water, tea or juice, and no alcohol, even if your interviewer has ordered alcohol. Take small bites so that you can quickly finish chewing before speaking. Never speak with food in your mouth!

Remember to thank your host for the meal at its conclusion. A thank you note will be a nice touch as well.Handling a meal successfully during your job interview (II)


*Helpful Links:

http://jobsearch.about.com/od/interviewquestionsanswers/a/interviewquest.htm

http://www.job-interview.net/

http://www.pohly.com/interview.html

My personal email address is [email protected] and I will be pleased if you want to send me your doubts and concerns or if you need advise on the subject. Many thanks and good luck!!

Handling a meal successfully during your job interview (III)


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***The transition is real, and it can help to know what to anticipate. Here are some questions that Id like to help answer today:How similar is the college experience to corporate culture?How do you learn the rules, navigate the landscape, speak the language?Are there special skills needed during your first years of work?

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