PREPARE FOR PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYMENT

Advice for IT Students SeekingVacation Employment

Delivered by Monash University Careers and Employment

Lynda Rohanwww.careers.monash.edu.au

October 13th, 2005

What Makes an IT Professional?

Job Specifics Technical competencies Qualifications and education Relevant employment experience

General Work Skills Communication Team work Problem solving skills Learning agility Planning and organising Good self management

The Right Fit Comfortable in the work environment Good match with career aspirations Genuine interest in the work role and organisation

Understand Recruitment and Staff Selection Processes

Employers find staff through: Own networks Professional associations Recruitment agencies Employer websites Job databanks Newspapers Direct canvas from jobseekers

Your Application Submit a written application Provide a resume and cover letter Complete on-line testing Participate in assessment centre activities Present at interview Supply supporting referees Undertake probationary period of

employment

How Can Your Application Stand Out?

Answer the question! Use relevant, up to date and

various examples Accurate spelling and grammar Meet word limits Use credible language and make

clear statements Follow employer instructions

Relate to the Selection Criteria

Provide evidence to back up claims and keep in mind what you are being assessed against. For example: Solved problems and faced challenges

head on? Set goals that stretched you and

achieved them Appreciate what’s involved in working

successfully with other people

A Cover LetterYes or No?

Always, unless specifically requested not to by the employer

If application on-line can put in the body of the e-mail

Remember it is business communication Tailor the letter for each application The most common errors are poor

spelling and grammar and obvious/bad cut and paste

Resume Provides a summary of qualifications,

experience and relevant skills – no life stories please!

Select a format that bests markets you Information should relevant and current Be specific about dates, training organisations Don’t list the academic subjects – provide an

attachment Be clear about roles of responsibilities,

achievements Statement of skills need to be supported with

evidence of how you developed the skills or how they were applied

Information to Include Name/contact details Education and Training

Include accredited training only Professional development should be under separate

heading Employment History

Course related General

Summary of Professional Skills and Knowledge Any achievements Membership of associations Extra-curricular activities

Other Information

Details of Referees if requested Career Objective Interests (optional) Personal information – d.o.b.,

marital status, citizenship (optional) Additional Skills – value added

information e.g. languages

Achievement Statements Can be personal, academic, work

Job promotion, good course results Can include formal

acknowledgements E.g. awards, scholarships, community

recognition Can be quantifiable or qualitative

Perform above targets, improve service, engage more people in activities

Extra-Curricular Activities Not to be confused with hobbies/interests Need to clarify level of

commitment/participation Can include activities in community,

sporting or university life Can include “one off” campaigns Additional responsibilities should be

detailed E.g. committee member

A Bit About Referees Ensure you gain consent Inform them of your application

details Be sure to have their support Give current contact details on your

resume Explain the relationship to you Understand how employers use

referee details

Writing Up Technical Skills Environments and application of skills

What was the service component? What was the environment? What was the operating system? What was the language? What was the database?

Course related projects Final year preferable Describe your involvement Any significant outcomes?

Sometime a table helps Tabulate languages, months of experience and level of

proficiency

Now for the InterviewKnow what to Expect

Understand the recruitment process How many interviews?

Know status of panel members Name/role Where they fit in the hierarchy

Know details of the interview format Venue, time and date Format/structure Do you need to take anything with you?

Get the Basics Right Good preparation

Review application and resume Be informed – look at employer website

Anticipate Questions Built around selection criteria Practice responses/have main points ready

Present as a Professional Appropriate dress and grooming Professional manner to everyone Punctuality is appreciated

……….and……. Communicate effectively

Exchange information/be natural Use good listening skills Speak clearly, structure your response Don’t assume anything on behalf of the

panel Ask questions to help clarify if you want

the job Be sure of what happens next

What Will They Ask? Clarifying questions about level of

technical skills, qualifications and previous work experience

Find out your career aspirations Questions about problem solving,

initiative, decision making abilities Behavioural questions to find out how

you handle people and situations e.g. communication, customer service and team work skills are really important

Examples of Questions Why do you want to work here? How has your education prepared you for the workforce? Why did you decide to study IT? What is an example of your ability to use your initiative? Tell me about a team project you worked on. What was

your role and the outcome of the project? What style of management do you work for best? Tell me about a time you provided excellent customer

service. What are your strengths and weaknesses? Can you provide examples of presentations you have

done to groups of people? Tell me about one of the biggest challenges you faced

and how you dealt with it.

Responding Well Answer the question! Responses to general/icebreaker

questions can impact in a positive way Give sufficient information for the

interviewer to assess Structure your answer so the listener

can follow what you are saying Behavioural questions are common –

become familiar with the STAR format

Further Tips Don’t try to second guess what the employer

is looking for; tell them what you think Prepare some key points for each selection

criterion but avoid sounding too rehearsed Use examples that are specific and choose

from a variety of settings One specific example can be a stronger

statement of ability than lots of general comments

Don’t overstate involvement in project teams – be honest

How Do Employers Evaluate?

General demeanour and self confidence

Content of the response and the clarity of expression

Potential to develop Expression of interest in the

organisation and job role Meet organisation’s profile

Use Your Careers Service Career Counselling Resume Checking Interview Skills Practice Jobs On-Line Jobseeker Workshops Employability Programs Career Information Library

www.careers.monash.edu.au

Other Useful Resources www.itskillshub.com.au www.apesma.com.au www.acs.com.au www.graduatecareers.com.au www.rcsa.com.au Video – Your Jobs On-Line

Available for viewing at Careers & Employment office