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How to Write a Resume: You never get a second chance to make a first impression

A well-prepared resume is your entry into the job race. It is your chance to sing your own praises and make an employer sit up and take notice of your credentials. So, it's worth taking some time to perfect it.ContentYour aim is to convince the employer that you have the necessary experience, knowledge and drive to do the job. Many resumes do nothing more than provide a stark list of job titles and duties. All companies are results-orientated, you must emphasise what you have achieved within a role, how you added value or made a difference to a company.StructurePersonal Details - start with your personal details (name, address, phone number). List a brief summary of your personal profile such as skills, experience, knowledge and career aspirations. It's the perfect way to give the employer an overview of your suitability for the job.Career History - if you have been in employment, focus on your career history first and then move on to your academic qualifications. If you are a school-leaver or still in education, start with details of your education and academic achievements. For each role, list your job title, company name and length of employment. Follow this with a description of your role, key responsibilities and remember to highlight your achievements. For previous jobs keep the details brief, unless they are significant in terms of the role that you are applying for.Qualifications & Education - when it comes to qualifications and professional training, take the same approach as with your employment history. Begin with your most recent qualifications. If you have a degree or higher qualification, there's no need to include an extensive list of your results.Interests - you should aim to relate your interests to the job selection criteria, for example, demonstrate you are a team player by sharing your involvement in team sports. If you are entering the job market for the first time, give evidence to demonstrate initiative or practical skills such as voluntary work, elected office in a society or contributor to a college magazine.Key GuidelinesTwo to three pages is an ideal length.Use subheadings wherever possible. They assist the reader to locate specific information with ease e.g. Career History.Use simple and clear typefaces.Incorporate relevant keywords from the job description to ensure your resume passes Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and highlights your qualifications.Keep the language formal with short and crisp sentences. Your personality will become evident during the interview.Avoid using jargon and abbreviations. Take great care with spelling and grammar.Personal pictures, marital status, date of birth are not necessary. You will be assessed on the talent and experience you bring to the role.Tips for Writing an Effective ResumeBe Clear and Concise: Consider your CV as your elevator pitch. Limit it to a maximum of two pages, with each bullet point ideally confined to a single line. Conciseness is essential; aim to capture the employer's interest without overwhelming them. Remember, sometimes less is more, and this approach can effectively showcase your experiences and abilities.Highlight Your Skills and Achievements: This section is your opportunity to showcase your strengths in a positive manner. What distinguishes you from other candidates? What achievements are you particularly proud of? For instance, have you increased sales by 30% or streamlined a process that saved time? Including statistics and quantifiable results provides concrete evidence of your capabilities.Include Relevant Keywords: In today's digital landscape, there is a significant likelihood that your CV will first be assessed by an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) before it reaches a human reviewer. Therefore, it is crucial to incorporate relevant keywords from the job description seamlessly. These keywords act as indicators, guiding employers toward your qualifications and suitability for the role.Use a Basic Design: Maintain a classy and professional appearance in your CV design. A simple layout ensures that the focus remains on you and your qualifications. While elaborate graphics may appear attractive, they can confuse the software and distract the reader. Opt for a clean design that allows your words to take centre stage.Include Essential Components: These elements constitute the foundation of your CV. Ensure your name, contact information, professional summary, work experience, education, skills, and certifications (if applicable) are included. Think of it as introducing yourself to a new acquaintance; you want to provide them with the key details that define who you are. Ensure that all essential information is present and easily accessible.Tailor It for the Job: Avoid submitting the same CV for every position. Instead, customise it for each application. Carefully review the job description and consider how your background positions you for success in that specific role. Tailoring your CV demonstrates your commitment and effort, signalling to employers that you are genuinely interested in the position. Tools like JobScan can assist you in this process, helping you enhance your chances of securing the job you desire.Now that your resume is ready, don’t forget to prepare your cover letter - this is your opportunity to let your personality and enthusiasm shine through.Good Luck!Job Seeker Toolkit

Job Interview Tips: How to Prepare and Succeed

You have done well to get the interview and have a real opportunity to stand out. Be prepared, do your homework, practise the tricky questions, and remember to ask questions to help you make an informed decision. Interviews are a two-way street, and the more interest you show, the more you will be remembered. Whether you are attending your first interview or advancing to the final stage, follow these interview preparation tips to help you excel.Before the Interview: How to Prepare for a Job InterviewLook SharpPresentation is always a key factor in making a statement about who you are. If the corporate world is new to you, take the time to read some business magazines. Invest in a good-quality suit as your professional attire will speak volumes.Do Your HomeworkTake the time to research the company. Browse their website and familiarise yourself with whether they are a public or private company, what culture they promote, the type of industry, clients they work with, and what attracted you to their advertisement. Remember these points and think about what makes you the most unique and compelling candidate.During the Interview:Be prepared for the following questions:How would you describe yourself?What motivates you to be successful?What are your strengths and competencies?Tell me about a time you have demonstrated teamwork, leadership, crisis management, etc.What would you bring to the role?Practice framing your answers to highlight your skills and achievements.Do’sBody TalkPosition yourself in a positive, approachable way. What you don’t say can communicate more than your words. Think about the body language that spells confidence – a firm handshake, composure, sitting forward, pausing, considering your answers, and not rushing in nervously, maintaining eye contact, and minimal movement.Play Your RoleWhat is the company really looking for? If you know a little about the role, you will know how to match it. Seek out the pointers that complement your experience and skills. If the role asks for sales ability, think about how you can draw on your experience; it might be different but can be tailored.Point of SaleIf you have examples of your work, achievements, or other interesting additions that can help make you stand out, bring them along with you. These examples will demonstrate your experience and show your level of interest in the role.Sound PositiveYou must be ready to expand on the information presented on your CV and anticipate the route the interviewer might take. No one fits a job perfectly, so emphasise your most relevant skills and angle answers to reassure the interviewer that any shortfall is not a problem.PracticePractice makes perfect. In preparation for your interview, test your fluency by role-playing or presenting to a friend or partner.Don’tsAvoid Tentative LanguageDon’t use tentative language. Phrases such as ‘I feel I could’, ‘I think I can’, ‘Perhaps I would’ – dilute the strength of your case.Don’t Give One-Word AnswersDon’t confine your answers to monosyllabic ‘yes’ and ‘no’s’ as it makes the interview seem like an interrogation. Be enthusiastic but don’t constantly interrupt.Avoid InterruptionsDon’t be evasive. Make a virtue of any career gaps on your CV.After the InterviewFollow up with the consultant or interviewer.Thank-you notes leave a warm and lasting impression.Ask for feedback on your interview performance.Final Thoughts on Interview PreparationSome people always seem to succeed at interviews. They're not lucky; their secret is careful preparation. The better prepared you are, the more confident you will be, and the more success you will have. Remember, if you have prepared properly, when you go to an interview, you will already have beaten most candidates.Good Luck!Job Seeker Toolkit

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How to Write a Resume: You never get a second chance to make a first impression

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Job Interview Tips: How to Prepare and Succeed

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