book english 6 - looking for a job

7/23/2019 Book English 6 - Looking for a Job

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/book-english-6-looking-for-a-job 1/61

2014

School of English

Universidad Católica del Norte

Antofagasta

Prepared and adapted by

Edardo !higley Correa

Looking for a JOB



Pag

Unit A Resume …….. 02

Appendix 1 44 RESUME WRITING TIPS 12

Unit " Cover Letter …...…….. 20

Appendix 2 TEN RESUME WRITING TIPS 31

Appendix 3 TEN COVER LETTER DON’TS 3

Unit C !ideo Resume …..…….. 3"

Appendix DON’T MAKE THESE 10 RESUME MISTAKES

Unit # #ntervie$ ……….…….. "

Appendix % USEFUL VOCABULARY FOR THE %&

RESUME AND VIDEO RESUME

Appendix " TO DESCRIBE YOUR SKILLS THE "0FOLLOWING ADJECTIVES ARE USEFUL

$N#E%

01



TheResumÉ

&

UN$' A( Writing Your Resume02



The re!"e' $(i)( is sometimes )a**ed a data sheet or vita) is an O+,L#-of a** /ou (ave to offer a prospe)tive emp*o/er. #t is a presentation of /our ua*ifi)ations' /our a)kground' and /our experien)es' arranged in su)( a $a/as to )onvin)e a usinessperson to grant /ou an intervie$.

our resume' $it( its )over *etter' is t(e first impression /ou make on anemp*o/er. or t(at reason' it must *ook 4RO55#O-AL and exemp*if/ t(osetraits /ou $ant t(e emp*o/er to e*ieve /ou possess.

6riting a su))essfu* resume depends on man/ fa)tors. 7ere is a simp*e guide

to t(e basics of $riting a good resume8

1. ,ake detai*ed notes on /our $ork experien)e. #n)*ude ot( paid and

unpaid' fu** time and part time positions. #n)*ude /our mainresponsii*ities' an/ ot(er a)tivities t(at $ere part of t(e 9o' t(e 9o tit*eand )ompan/ information in)*uding t(e address and dates of emp*o/ment.#n)*ude ever/t(ing:

2. ,ake detai*ed notes on /our edu)ation. #n)*ude degree or )ertifi)ates'ma9or or )ourse emp(asis' s)(oo* names and )ourses re*evant to )areer o9e)tives. Rememer to in)*ude an/ important )ontinuing edu)ation)ourses /ou ma/ (ave )omp*eted.

3. #n)*ude a *ist of ot(er non;$ork re*ated a))omp*is(ments. ,(ese ma/in)*ude )ompetitions $on' memers(ip in spe)ia* organi<ations' et).

. Based on /our detai*ed notes' de)ide $(i)( ski**s are transferable

=ski**s t(at $i** e espe)ia**/ usefu*> to t(e position for $(i)( /ou areapp*/ing.

%. 6rite /our fu** name' address' te*ep(one numer' fax and emai* at t(etop of t(e resume.

". #n)*ude an o9e)tive for t(e resume. ,(e o9e)tive is a s(ort senten)edes)riing $(at t/pe of $ork /ou (ope to otain.

0*



?. 5ummari<e /our edu)ation' in)*uding important fa)ts t(at dire)t*/ re*ateto t(e 9o for $(i)( /ou are app*/ing. ou )an a*so )(oose to in)*ude t(eedu)ation se)tion after /ou (ave *isted /our 9o emp*o/ment (istor/.

&. List /our $ork experien)e eginning $it( /our most re)ent 9o. #n)*udedates of emp*o/ment' )ompan/ spe)ifi)s. List /our prin)ipa*responsii*ities making sure to fo)us on transfera*e ski**s.

@. Continue to *ist a** of /our $ork experien)e in reverse order. A*$a/sfo)us on ski**s t(at are transfera*e.

10. ina**/ *ist information ski**s su)( as *anguages spoken' )omputer programming kno$*edge et). under t(e (eading8 Additiona* 5ki**s

11. inis( /our resume $it( t(e fo**o$ing p(rase8 RR-C5Avai*a*e upon reuest.

1. Be )on)ise and s(ort: our finis(ed resume s(ou*d not e more t(an page.

2. +se d/nami) a)tion vers su)( as8 accomplished, collaborated,

encouraged, established, facilitated, founded, managed, etc. =Appendix %>

3. o -O, use t(e su9e)t #' use tenses in t(e past. x)ept for /our present 9o. xamp*e8 Conducted routine inspections of on site equipment.

+se t(e fo**o$ing information to format /our resume. enerate a *ist ofinformation to in)*ude on /our resume' t(en )ompi*e t(e detai*s to format /our

resume into a )ustomi<ed resume to send to emp*o/ers.A*so revie$ samp*e resumes and a resume temp*ate /ou )an use to )reate aresume.

04

'ips

http://jobsearch.about.com/od/sampleresumes/a/sampleresume2.htm

http://jobsearch.about.com/od/sampleresumes/a/resumetemplat2.htm


http://jobsearch.about.com/od/sampleresumes/a/resumetemplat2.htm



• +or Contact $nfor,ation

irst Last -ame5treet AddressCit/' 5tate' Dip4(one =Ce**E7ome>mai* Address

• -b.ective /optional

6(at do /ou $ant to doF #f /ou in)*ude t(is se)tion it s(ou*d e a senten)e or t$o aout /our emp*o/ment goa*s. A )ustomi<ed o9e)tive t(at des)ries $(/

/ou are t(e perfe)t )andidate for t(e 9o )an (e*p /our resume stand out fromt(e )ompetition.

• Career S,,ary ighlights /optional

A )ustomi<ed se)tion of /our resume t(at *ists ke/ a)(ievements' ski**s' traits'and experien)e re*evant to t(e position for $(i)( /ou are app*/ing )an servedua* purposes. #t (ig(*ig(ts /our re*evant experien)e and *ets t(e prospe)tiveemp*o/er kno$ t(at /ou (ave taken t(e time to )reate a resume t(at s(o$s

(o$ /ou are ua*ified for t(e 9o.

• E3perience

,(is se)tion of /our resume in)*udes /our $ork (istor/. List t(e )ompanies/ou $orked for' dates of emp*o/ment' t(e positions /ou (e*d and a u**eted*ist of responsii*ities and a)(ievements.

• Co,pany 1

; Cit/' 5tate; ates 6orked

• 5ob 'itle

6 Responsii*ities E A)(ievements; Responsii*ities E A)(ievements

07

8es,e 9or,at

http://jobsearch.about.com/od/resumewriting/a/resumecontact.htm

http://jobsearch.about.com/od/sampleresumes/a/sampleobjective.htm

http://jobsearch.about.com/od/resumewriting/a/resume-career-summary-section.htm

http://jobsearch.about.com/od/resumewriting/a/resume-experience-section.htm

http://jobsearch.about.com/od/resumewriting/a/resumecontact.htm

http://jobsearch.about.com/od/sampleresumes/a/sampleobjective.htm

http://jobsearch.about.com/od/resumewriting/a/resume-career-summary-section.htm

http://jobsearch.about.com/od/resumewriting/a/resume-experience-section.htm



• Co,pany 2

; Cit/' 5tate; ates 6orked

•

5ob 'itle

; Responsii*ities E A)(ievements; Responsii*ities E A)(ievements

• Edcation

#n t(e edu)ation se)tion of /our resume' *ist t(e s)(oo*s /ou attended' t(e degrees /ouattained' and an/ spe)ia* a$ards and (onors /ou earned.Co**ege' egree

A$ards' 7onors

• S:ills

#n)*ude ski**s re*ated to t(e position E )areer fie*d t(at /ou are app*/ing for i.e. )omputerski**s' *anguage ski**s.

• 8eferences available pon re;est

,(ere is no need to in)*ude referen)es on /our resume or even to mention t(at referen)es

are avai*a*e. Rat(er' (ave a separate *ist of referen)es to give to emp*o/ers upon reuest.

• Csto,i<e +or 8es,e

#n a** )ases' e sure to persona*i<e and )ustomi<e /our resume' so it ref*e)ts /our ski**s andai*ities and )onne)ts t(em $it( t(e 9os /ou are app*/ing for.

• 8evie= 8es,e Sa,ples

Revie$ samp*e resumes so /ou )an in)orporate /our resume temp*ateinformation into an appropriate format.

0>

http://jobsearch.about.com/od/resumewriting/a/resume-education-section.htm

http://jobsearch.about.com/od/resumewriting/a/resume-skills-section.htm

http://jobsearch.about.com/od/referenceletters/a/samplelist.htm


http://jobsearch.about.com/od/resumewriting/a/resume-education-section.htm

http://jobsearch.about.com/od/resumewriting/a/resume-skills-section.htm

http://jobsearch.about.com/od/referenceletters/a/samplelist.htm




9or,at 1

Na,eStreet Address

City) State) !ip Code'elephone( 'ype telephone n,ber here

E,ail( 'ype e,ail address here

-b.ective( ,/pe o9e)tive (ere

E3perience(

,/pe ates Co,pany na,e' Cit/' 5tate Job Title

G ,/pe 9o des)ription (ere

G ,/pe 9o des)ription (ereG ,/pe 9o des)ription (ere


G ,/pe 9o des)ription (ereG ,/pe 9o des)ription (ereG ,/pe 9o des)ription (ere


G ,/pe 9o des)ription (ereG ,/pe 9o des)ription (ereG ,/pe 9o des)ription (ere

Edcation(,/pe ates University Na,e' Cit/' 5tate

Type Degree

G ,/pe (onours' )*us or )ommittees invo*ved $it(G ,/pe (onours' )*us or )ommittees invo*ved $it(

S:ills(G List spe)ia* ski**s

9-8?A' 1

0@



666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666

Na,e

6666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666665treet Address Cit/' 5tate,e*ep(one Ce**p(one ax mai*

666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666

-b.ective

666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666

,/pe o9e)tive (ere

6666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666

E3perience

; Co,pany na,e #ates

Jo tit*e' t/pe 9o des)ription (ere





666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666

Edcation

; #egree) University na,e #ates

,/pe (onours' )*us' )ommittees invo*ved $it(

; #egree) University na,e #ates

,/pe (onours' )*us' )ommittees invo*ved $it(

66666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666

S:ills

6666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666ist special s:ills

G Languages' soft$are…G Languages' soft$are…G Languages' soft$are…

9-8?A' 2

0B



ere is an e3a,ple of a basic res,e(Peter 'o=nsled

3% reen Road5pokane' 6A &?@%

4(one =%03> %" ; "?&1ax =%03> %" ; "?&2

;mai* petertHnet.)omPersonal $nfor,ation

Iarita* status8 Iarried -ationa*it/8 +5

-b.ective

mp*o/ment as manager in important )*ot(ing retai*er. 5pe)ia* interest in deve*oping )omputer time;management too*s for in;(ouse use.

or: e3perience

1@@& 4resent Ja)kson 5(oes #n). 5pokane' 6AIanager

8esponsibilities

• Ianage staff of 10

• 4rovide (e*pfu* servi)e to )ustomers )on)erning s(oe )(oi)es

• esign and imp*ement )omputer;ased too*s using Ii)rosoft A))ess and x)e* for staff

• Iont(*/ ookkeeping

• 5uggest )(anges in produ)t offerings on a uarter*/ asis ased on detai*ed ana*/sis of sa*es patterns

• 4rovide in;(ouse training for ne$ emp*o/ees as needed

1@@% ; 1@@& 5mit( Offi)e 5upp*ies akima' 6AAssistant Ianager

8esponsibilities

• Ianaged $are(ouse operations

• 4rogrammed x)e* spreads(eet imp*emented to )ontro* sa*es strengt(s and $eaknesses on uarter*/ asis

• #ntervie$ed ne$ app*i)ants for open positions

• ,rave*ed *o)a**/ offering on;site visits to regu*ar )ustomers

• 5upervised ookkeeping staff

Edcation

1@@1 ; 1@@% 5eatt*e +niversit/ 5eatt*e' 6ABa)(e*or of Business Administration

• our /ear usiness administration )ourse fo)using and retai* $ork environments

Professional ,e,berships• Rotar/ C*u Iemer' 5pokane 6A

• oung Business Administration C*u 4resident 1@@3;1@@%' 5eatt*e' 6A

Additional S:ills

Advan)ed *eve* ski**s in Ii)rosoft Offi)e 5uite' asi) 7,IL programming' spoken and $ritten profi)ien)/ inren)(

8E9E8ENCES Avai*a*e upon reuest

0D

mailto:[email protected]




-o$ itKs /our turn. 6rite /our o$n resume in ng*is( / taking into a))ount8

a> important fa)ts for m/ resume

> t(e asi)s of $riting a good resume on pages 1 and 2 A-

a> t(e examp*e of a asi) resume on page ?

Before /ou )an $rite /our resume or prepare a )over *etter' /ou must dosome t(inking aout /ourse*f' for /our emp*o/ment )orresponden)e

must present a prospe)tive emp*o/er $it( a favora*e and desira*e; pi)ture of /our persona*it/' a)kground' and experien)es.A good $a/ to start is to make a *ist. #n an/ order' as /ou t(ink of t(em'

9ot do$n su)( fa)ts as8

; Jos /ou (ave (e*d; 5)(oo*s /ou (ave gone to.; Areas /ou (ave ma9ored in.; 5pe)ia* )ourses /ou (ave taken.

; xtra)urri)u*ar a)tivities /ou (ave 9oined in.; Iemers(ips /ou (ave (e*d.; A$ards or (onors /ou (ave re)eived.; At(*eti)s /ou en9o/.; Languages /ou speak.; 5pe)ia* interests /ou (ave.; 5pe)ia* ski**s /ou (ave.

10

9acts to be $nclded in yor Cover etter 8es,e



E3ercise( Iake /our o$n *ist of t(e fa)ts t(at )ou*d (e*p an emp*o/ersee /our value as an emp*o/ee.

01. 02. 03. 0. 0%. 0". 0?. 0&. 0@. 10.

11

$,portant 9acts for ,y 8es,e



APPEN#$% 1 44 8ESU?E 8$'$N '$PS

1& Fno= the prpose of yor res,e

5ome peop*e $rite a resume as if t(e purpose of t(e do)ument $as to *and a 9o. As a resu*t t(e/ end up $it( a rea**/ *ong and oring pie)e t(at makes

t(em *ook *ike desperate 9o (unters. ,(e o9e)tive of /our resume is to *and

an intervie$' and t(e intervie$ $i** *and /ou t(e 9o =(opefu**/:>.

2& "ac: p yor ;alities and strengths

#nstead of )reating a *ong =and oring> *ist $it( a** /our ua*ities =e.g.'

dis)ip*ined' )reative' pro*em so*ver> tr/ to )onne)t t(em $it( rea* *ife and

$ork experien)es. #n ot(er $ords' /ou need to a)k t(ese ua*ities and

strengt(s up' e*se it $i** appear t(at /ou are 9ust tr/ing to inf*ate t(ings.

*& ?a:e sre to se the right :ey=ords

Iost )ompanies =even sma**er ones> are a*read/ using digita* dataases to

sear)( for )andidates. ,(is means t(at t(e 7R department $i** run sear)(

ueries ased on spe)ifi) ke/$ords. uess $(at' if /our resume doesnKt (ave

t(e ke/$ords re*ated to t(e 9o /ou are app*/ing for' /ou $i** e out even

efore t(e game starts.

,(ese ke/$ords $i** usua**/ e nouns. C(e)k t(e 9o des)ription and re*ated

9o ads for a )*ue on $(at t(e emp*o/er mig(t e *ooking for.

4& Use effective titles

Like it or not' emp*o/ers $i** usua**/ make a 9udgment aout /our resume in %

se)onds. +nder t(is time frame t(e most important aspe)t $i** e t(e tit*es t(at

/ou *isted on t(e resume' so make sure t(e/ gra t(e attention. ,r/ to e as

des)riptive as possi*e' giving t(e emp*o/er a good idea aout t(e nature of

/our past $ork experien)es. or examp*e8

"ad title8 A))ounting

ood title8 Ianagement of AER and AE4 and Re)ordkeeping

12



7& Proofread it t=ice

#t $ou*d e diffi)u*t to emp(asi<e t(e importan)e of proofreading /our

resume. One sma** t/po and /our )(an)es of getting (ired )ou*d s*ip.

4roofreading it on)e is not enoug(' so do it t$i)e' t(ree times or as man/ as

ne)essar/. #f /ou donKt kno$ (o$ to proofread effe)tive*/' (ere are & tips t(at/ou )an use.

>& Use bllet points

-o emp*o/er $i** (ave t(e time =or patien)e> to read *ong paragrap(s of text.

Iake sure' t(erefore' to use u**et points and s(ort senten)es to des)rie /our

experien)es' edu)ationa* a)kground and professiona* o9e)tives.

@& here are yo goingG

#n)*uding professiona* goa*s )an (e*p /ou / giving emp*o/ers an idea of $(ere /ou are going' and (o$ /ou $ant to arrive t(ere. ou donKt need to

(ave a spe)ia* se)tion devoted to /our professiona* o9e)tives' ut overa** t(e

resume must )ommuni)ate it. ,(e uestion of $(et(er or not to (ig(*ig(t /our

)areer o9e)tives on t(e resume is a po*emi) one among 7R managers' so go

$it( /our fee*ing. #f /ou de)ide to *ist t(em' make sure t(e/ are not generi).

B& Pt the ,ost i,portant infor,ation first

,(is point is va*id ot( to t(e overa** order of /our resume' as $e** as to t(e

individua* se)tions. Iost of t(e times /our previous $ork experien)e $i** et(e most important part of t(e resume' so put it at t(e top. 6(en des)riing

/our experien)es or ski**s' *ist t(e most important ones first.

D& Attention to the typography

irst of a** make sure t(at /our fonts are ig enoug(. ,(e sma**er /ou s(ou*d

go is 11 points' ut 12 is proa*/ safer. o not use )apita* *etters a** over t(e

p*a)e' rememer t(at /our goa* is to )ommuni)ate a message as fast and as

)*ear*/ as possi*e. Aria* and ,imes are good )(oi)es.

1*

http://www.dailywritingtips.com/8-proofreading-tips-and-techniques/






10& #o not inclde Hno :iddingI infor,ation

,(ere are man/ peop*e t(at *ike to in)*ude statements *ike MAvai*a*e for

intervie$N or MReferen)es avai*a*e upon reuest.N #f /ou are sending a

resume to a )ompan/' it s(ou*d e a given t(at /ou are avai*a*e for an

intervie$ and t(at /ou $i** provide referen)es if reuested. Just avoid itemst(at $i** make t(e emp*o/er t(ink Mno kidding:N

11& E3plain the benefits of yor s:ills

Iere*/ stating t(at /ou )an do somet(ing $i** not )at)( t(e attention of t(e

emp*o/er. #f /ou manage to exp*ain (o$ it $i** enefit (is )ompan/' and to

)onne)t it to tangi*e resu*ts' t(en /ou $i** great*/ improve /our )(an)es.

12& Avoid negativity

o not in)*ude information t(at mig(t sound negative in t(e e/es of t(eemp*o/er. ,(is is va*id ot( to /our resume and to intervie$s. ou donKt need

to in)*ude' for instan)e' t(ings t(at /ou (ated aout /our *ast )ompan/.

1*& Achieve,ents instead of responsibilities

Resumes t(at in)*ude a *ong *ist of Mresponsii*ities in)*uded…N are p*ain

oring' and not effi)ient in se**ing /ourse*f. #nstead of *isting responsii*ities'

t(erefore' des)rie /our professiona* a)(ievements.

14& No pictres

5ure' $e kno$ t(at /ou are good *ooking' ut un*ess /ou are app*/ing for a

9o $(ere t(e p(/si)a* traits are ver/ important =e.g.' mode*ing' a)ting and so

on>' and un*ess t(e emp*o/er spe)ifi)a**/ reuested it' /ou s(ou*d avoid

atta)(ing /our pi)ture to t(e resume.

17& Use n,bers

,(is tip is a )omp*ement to t(e 13t( one. #f /ou are going to des)rie /our

past professiona* a)(ievements' it $ou*d e a good idea to make t(em as so*id

as possi*e. -umers are /our friends (ere. onKt mere*/ mention t(at /ou

in)reased t(e annua* revenues of /our division' sa/ t(at /ou in)reased t(em /

100'000' / ?&P' and so on.

14



1>& -ne res,e for each e,ployer

One of t(e most )ommon mistakes t(at peop*e make is to )reate a standard

resume and send it to a** t(e 9o openings t(at t(e/ )an find. 5ure it $i** save

/ou time' ut it $i** a*so great*/ de)rease t(e )(an)es of *anding an intervie$

=so in rea*it/ it )ou*d even represent a $aste of time>. ,ai*or /our resume for ea)( emp*o/er. ,(e same point app*ies to /our )over *etters.

1@& $dentify the proble,s of the e,ployer

A good starting point to tai*or /our resume for a spe)ifi) emp*o/er is to

identif/ $(at possi*e pro*ems (e mig(t (ave at (and. ,r/ to understand t(e

market of t(e )ompan/ /ou are app*/ing for a 9o' and identif/ $(at kind of

diffi)u*ties t(e/ mig(t e going t(roug(. After t(at i**ustrate on /our resume

(o$ /ou and /our ski**s $ou*d (e*p to so*ve t(ose pro*ems.

1B& Avoid age discri,ination

#t is i**ega* to dis)riminate peop*e e)ause of t(eir age' ut some emp*o/ers do

t(ese )onsiderations nonet(e*ess. 6(/ risk t(e trou*eF +n*ess spe)ifi)a**/

reuested' do not in)*ude /our age on /our resume.

1D& +o donJt need to list all yor =or: e3periences

#f /ou (ave 9o experien)es t(at /ou are not proud of' or t(at are not re*evant

to t(e )urrent opportunit/' /ou s(ou*d 9ust omit t(em. Ientioning t(at /ou

used to se** (amurgers $(en /ou $ere 1? is proa*/ not going to (e*p /ou*and t(at exe)utive position.

20& o =ith =hat yo got

#f /ou never (ad an/ rea* $orking experien)e' 9ust in)*ude /our summer 9os

or vo*unteer $ork. #f /ou donKt (ave a degree /et' mention t(e tit*e and t(e

estimated date for )omp*etion. As *ong as t(ose points are re*evant to t(e 9o

in uestion' it does not matter if t(e/ are official or not.

21& Sell yor fish

Rememer t(at /ou are tr/ing to se** /ourse*f. As *ong as /ou donKt go over

t(e edge' a** t(e marketing efforts t(at /ou )an put in /our resume =in its

)ontent' design' de*iver/ met(od and so on> $i** give /ou an advantage over

t(e ot(er )andidates.

17



22& #onJt inclde irrelevant infor,ation

#rre*evant information su)( as po*iti)a* affi*iation' re*igion and sexua*

preferen)e $i** not (e*p /ou. #n fa)t it mig(t even (urt /our )(an)es of

*anding an intervie$. Just skip it.

2*& Use ?r& and ?s& if appropriate

#f /ou (ave a gender neutra* name *ike A*ex or R/an make sure to in)*ude t(e

Ir. or Is. prefix' so t(at emp*o/ers $i** not get )onfused aout /our gender.

24& No lies) please

5eems *ike a no rainer' ut /ou $ou*d e amused to dis)over t(e amount of

peop*e t(at *ie in t(eir resumes. ven sma** *ies s(ou*d e avoided. Apart from

eing $rong' most 7R departments do a)kground )(e)ks t(ese da/s' and if

/ou are uster it mig(t ruin /our )redii*it/ for good.

27& Feep the salary in ,ind

,(e image /ou $i** )reate $it( /our resume must mat)( t(e sa*ar/ and

responsii*it/ *eve* t(at /ou are aiming for.

2>& Analy<e .ob ads

ou $i** find p*ent/ of usefu* information on 9o ads. Ana*/<e no on*/ t(e ad

t(at /ou $i** e app*/ing for' ut a*so t(ose from )ompanies on t(e same

segment or offering re*ated positions. ou s(ou*d e a*e to identif/ $(at profi*e t(e/ are *ooking for and (o$ t(e information s(ou*d e presented.

2@& et so,eone else to revie= yor res,e

ven if /ou t(ink /ou resume is *ooking kink/' it $ou*d e a good idea to get

a se)ond and t(ird opinion aout it. 6e usua**/ e)ome *ind to our o$n

mistakes or $a/ of reasoning' so anot(er peop*e $i** e in a good position to

eva*uate t(e overa** ua*it/ of /our resume and make appropriate suggestions.

2B& -ne or t=o pages

,(e idea* *engt( for a resume is a po*emi) su9e)t. Iost emp*o/ers and

re)ruiting spe)ia*ists' (o$ever' sa/ t(at it s(ou*d )ontain one or t$o pages at

maximum. Just keep in mind t(at' provided a** t(e ne)essar/ information is

t(ere' t(e s(orter /our resume' t(e etter.

1>



2D& Use action verbs

A ver/ )ommon advi)e to 9o seekers is to use a)tion vers. But $(at are

t(e/F A)tion vers are asi)a**/ vers t(at $i** get noti)ed more easi*/' and

t(at $i** )*ear*/ )ommuni)ate $(at /our experien)e or a)(ievement $ere.

xamp*es in)*ude managed' )oa)(ed' enfor)ed and p*anned.

*0& Use a good printer

#f /ou are going to use a paper version of /our resume' make sure to use a

de)ent printer. Laser printers usua**/ get t(e 9o done. 4*ain $(ite paper is t(e

preferred one as $e**.

*1& No hobbies

+n*ess /ou are 100P sure t(at some of /our (oies $i** support /ou

)andida)/' avoid mentioning t(em. # kno$ /ou are proud of /our s$immingteam' ut s(are it $it( /our friends and not $it( potentia* emp*o/ers.

*2& Update yor res,e reglarly

#t is a good idea to update /our resume on a regu*ar asis. Add a** t(e ne$

information t(at /ou t(ink is re*evant' as $e** as )ourses' training programs

and ot(er a)ademi) ua*ifi)ations t(at /ou mig(t re)eive a*ong t(e $a/. ,(is

is t(e est $a/ to keep tra)k of ever/t(ing and to make sure t(at /ou $i** not

end up sending an oso*ete do)ument to t(e emp*o/er.

**& ?ention =ho yo =or:ed =ith

#f /ou (ave reported or $orked $it( someone t(at is $e** kno$n in /our

industr/' it )ou*d e a good idea to mention it on t(e resume. ,(e same t(ing

app*ies to presidents and COs. #f /ou reported to or $orked dire)t*/ $it(

(ig(*/ ranked exe)utives' add it to t(e resume.

*4& No scattered infor,ation

our resume must (ave a )*ear fo)us. #f $ou*d )ause a negative impression if

/ou mentioned t(at one /ear /ou $ere stud/ing drama' and t(e next /ou $ere

$orking as an a))ountant. Iake sure t(at a** t(e information /ou $i** in)*ude

$i** $ork to$ards a unified image. mp*o/ers *ike de)ided peop*e.

1@



*7& ?a:e the design flo= =ith =hite space

o not 9am /our resume $it( text. 5ure $e said t(at /ou s(ou*d make /our

resume as s(ort and )on)ise as possi*e' ut t(at refers to t(e overa** amount

of information and not to (o$ mu)( text /ou )an pa)k in a sing*e s(eet of

paper. 6(ite spa)e et$een t(e $ords' *ines and paragrap(s )an improve t(e*egii*it/ of /our resume.

*>& ists all yor positions

#f /ou (ave $orked a *ong time for t(e same )ompan/ =over 10 /ears> it )ou*d

e a good idea to *ist a** t(e different positions and ro*es t(at /ou (ad during

t(is time separate*/. ou proa*/ (ad different responsii*ities and deve*oped

different ski**s on ea)( ro*e' so t(e emp*o/er $i** *ike to kno$ it.

*@& No .argon or slang#t s(ou*d e )ommon sense' ut e*ieve me' it is not. 5*ang s(ou*d never e

present in a resume. As for te)(ni)a* 9argon' do not assume t(at t(e emp*o/er

$i** kno$ $(at /ou are ta*king aout. ven if /ou are sending /our resume to

a )ompan/ in t(e same segment' t(e person $(o $i** read it for t(e first time

mig(t not (ave an/ te)(ni)a* expertise.

*B& Carefl =ith sa,ple res,e te,plates

,(ere are man/ $esites t(at offer free resume temp*ates. 6(i*e t(e/ )an (e*p

/ou to get an idea of $(at /ou are *ooking for' do not 9ust )op/ and paste oneof t(e most used ones. ou )ertain*/ donKt $ant to *ook 9ust *ike an/ ot(er

)andidate' do /ouF

*D& Create an e,ail proof for,atting

#t is ver/ *ike*/ t(at /ou $i** end up sending /our resume via emai* to most

)ompanies. Apart from (aving a 6ord do)ument read/ to go as an atta)(ment'

/ou s(ou*d a*so (ave a text version of /our resume t(at does not *ook

disfigured in t(e od/ of t(e emai* or in on*ine forms. Atta)(ments mig(t get

*o)ked / spam fi*ters' and man/ peop*e 9ust prefer (aving t(e resume on t(e

od/ of t(e emai* itse*f.

1B



40& 8e,ove yor older =or: e3periences

#f /ou (ave een $orking for 20 /ears or more' t(ere is no need to (ave 2

pages of /our resume *isting a** /our $ork experien)es' starting $it( t(e 9o at

t(e *o)a* )offee s(op at t(e age of 1?: Iost experts agree t(at t(e *ast 1% /ears

of /our )areer are enoug(.

41& No fancy design details

o not use a )o*ored a)kground' fan)/ fonts or images on /our resume. 5ure'

/ou mig(t t(ink t(at t(e *itt*e f*o$ers $i** )(eer up t(e do)ument' ut ot(er

peop*e mig(t 9ust t(ro$ it a$a/ at t(e sig(t.

42& No pronons

our resume s(ou*d not )ontain t(e pronouns M#N or Mme.N ,(at is (o$ $e

norma**/ stru)ture senten)es' ut sin)e /our resume is a do)ument aout /our person' using t(ese pronouns is a)tua**/ redundant.

4*& #onJt forget the basics

,(e first t(ing on /our resume s(ou*d e /our name. #t s(ou*d e o*d and

$it( a *arger font t(an t(e rest of t(e text. Iake sure t(at /our )onta)t detai*s

are )*ear*/ *isted. 5e)ond*/' ot( t(e name and )onta)t detai*s s(ou*d e

in)*uded on a** t(e pages of t(e resume =if /ou (ave more t(an one>.

44& Consider getting professional help

#f /ou are (aving a (ard time to )reate /our resume' or if /ou are re)eiving no

response $(atsoever from )ompanies' /ou )ou*d )onsider (iring a

professiona* resume $riting servi)e. ,(ere are ot( *o)a* and on*ine options

are avai*a*e' and usua**/ t(e investment $i** e $ort( t(e mone/.

1D



THE

COVERLETTER

20



UN$' "( The Cover Letter

,a*k to /our partner and ans$er t(e fo**o$ing uestions8

1. 6(at do /ou understand / a M)over *etterNF2. 6(at did it in)*udeF3. 7ave /ou ever read or $ritten a )over *etterF. 6(at s(ou*d it in)*udeF

A )over *etter' )overing *etter' motivation *etter' motivationa* *etter or a *etter of motivation is a *etter of introdu)tion atta)(ed to' or a))ompan/ing

anot(er do)ument su)( as a rQsumQ or )urri)u*um vitae.

Jo seekers freuent*/ send a )over *etter a*ong $it( t(eir )urri)u*um vitae or app*i)ation for emp*o/ment as a $a/ of introdu)ing t(emse*ves to potentia*emp*o/ers and exp*aining t(eir suitai*it/ for t(e desired position. mp*o/ersma/ *ook for individua*i<ed and t(oug(tfu**/ $ritten )over *etters as one

met(od of s)reening out app*i)ants $(o are not suffi)ient*/ interested in t(eir position or $(o *a)k ne)essar/ asi) ski**s. Cover *etters are t/pi)a**/ dividedinto t(ree )ategories8

; ,(e app*i)ation *etter or invited )over *etter $(i)( responds to a kno$n 9o opening

; ,(e prospe)ting *etter or uninvited )over *etter $(i)( inuires aout possi*e positions

; ,(e net$orking *etter $(i)( reuests information and assistan)e in t(esenders 9o sear)(

21

Cover etter

9or e,ploy,ent

9or,at

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Letter_(message)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Document

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/R%C3%A9sum%C3%A9

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curriculum_vitae

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Job_hunting

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Letter_(message)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Document

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/R%C3%A9sum%C3%A9

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curriculum_vitae

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Job_hunting



Cover *etters are genera**/ one page at most in *engt(' divided into a (eader'introdu)tion' od/' and )*osing.

He#$er & Cover *etters use standard usiness *etter st/*e' $it( t(e sendersaddress and ot(er information' t(e re)ipients )onta)t information' and t(e datesent after eit(er t(e senders or t(e re)ipients address. o**o$ing t(at is anoptiona* referen)e se)tion =e.g. R8 #nterns(ip Opportunit/ at *oa*Corporation> and an optiona* transmission note =e.g. !ia mai* to

9osHexamp*e.net>. ,(e fina* part of t(e (eader is a sa*utation =e.g.' ear 7iring Ianagers>.

I%&r'$!(&)'%& ,(e introdu)tion rief*/ states t(e spe)ifi) position desired' and

s(ou*d e designed to )at)( t(e emp*o/ers immediate interest.

B'$*& ,(e od/ (ig(*ig(ts or amp*ifies on materia* in t(e resume or 9oapp*i)ation' and exp*ains $(/ t(e 9o seeker is interested in t(e 9o and $ou*d

e of va*ue to t(e emp*o/er. A*so' matters dis)ussed t/pi)a**/in)*ude ski**s' ua*ifi)ations' and past experien)e. #f t(ere are an/ spe)ia*t(ings to note su)( as avai*ai*it/ date' t(e/ ma/ e in)*uded as $e**.

C+')%, & A )*osing sums up t(e *etter and indi)ates t(e next step t(e app*i)antexpe)ts to take. #t ma/ indi)ate t(at t(e app*i)ant intends to )onta)t t(e

emp*o/er' a*t(oug( man/ favor t(e more indire)t approa)( of simp*/ sa/ingt(at t(e app*i)ant $i** *ook for$ard to (earing from or speaking $it( t(eemp*o/er. After t(e )*osing is a va*edi)tion =e.g. 5in)ere*/>' and t(en asignature *ine. Optiona**/' t(e areviation -CL ma/ e used to indi)atet(at t(ere are en)*osures.

22

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Business_letter

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Introduction_(essay)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skill

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Professional_certification

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Experience

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Business_letter

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Introduction_(essay)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skill

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Professional_certification

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Experience



Resume )over *etters ma/ a*so serve as marketing devi)es for prospe)tive 9o

seekers. Cover *etters are used in )onne)tion $it( man/ usiness do)umentssu)( as *oan app*i)ations =mortgage *oan>' )ontra)t drafts and proposa*s' andexe)uted do)uments. ,(e I#, 5*oan 5)(oo* of Ianagement reuests a )over *etter as part of t(eir IBA admission app*i)ation. Cover *etters ma/ serve t(e

purpose of tr/ing to )at)( t(e readers interest or persuade t(e reader of somet(ing' or t(e/ ma/ simp*/ e an inventor/ or summar/ of t(e do)umentsin)*uded a*ong $it( a dis)ussion of t(e expe)ted future a)tions t(e sender or re)ipient $i** take in )onne)tion $it( t(e do)uments.

Of a** t(e different kinds of *etters' per(aps none are more important for /our persona* )areer t(an t(ose *etters /ou $rite to app*/ for a 9o. our )over *etter =or *etter of app*i)ation> and a))ompan/ing resume' if $e** p*anned and$ritten' )an do mu)( to (e*p /ou se)ure t(e 9o of /our )(oi)e.

2*

-ther Uses

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marketing

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mortgage_loan

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MIT_Sloan_School_of_Management

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MBA

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marketing

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mortgage_loan

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MIT_Sloan_School_of_Management

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MBA



,(e fo**o$ing )over *etter temp*ate *ists t(e information /ou need to in)*udein t(e )over *etter /ou sumit $it( /our resume. +se t(e )over *etter temp*ateas a guide*ine to )reate )ustomi<ed )over *etters to send to emp*o/ers.

Cover etter 'e,plate

Contact $nfor,ation

,(e first se)tion of /our )over *etter s(ou*d in)*ude information on (o$ t(eemp*o/er )an )onta)t /ou. #f /ou (ave )onta)t information for t(e emp*o/er'in)*ude t(at. Ot(er$ise' 9ust *ist /our information.

+or Contact $nfor,ationour -ameour Addressour Cit/' 5tate' Dip Codeour 4(one -umerour mai* Addressate

E,ployer Contact $nfor,ation

-ame,it*eCompan/AddressCit/' 5tate' Dip Code

Saltation

ear Ir.EIs. Last -ame8

"ody of Cover etter

,(e od/ of /our )over *etter *ets t(e emp*o/er kno$ $(at position /ou areapp*/ing for' $(/ t(e emp*o/er s(ou*d se*e)t /ou for an intervie$' and (o$/ou $i** fo**o$;up.

'E?PA'E 1

24



9irst Paragraph(

,(e first paragrap( of /our *etter s(ou*d in)*ude information on $(/ /ou are

$riting. Iention t(e position /ou are app*/ing for. #n)*ude t(e name of a

mutua* )onta)t' if /ou (ave one. Be )*ear and )on)ise regarding /our reuest.

Convin)e t(e reader t(at t(e/ s(ou*d grant t(e intervie$ or appointment /oureuested in t(e first paragrap(.

?iddle Paragraphs(

,(e next se)tion of /our )over *etter s(ou*d des)rie $(at /ou (ave to offert(e emp*o/er. Iake strong )onne)tions et$een /our ai*ities and t(eir needs.Iention spe)ifi)a**/ (o$ /our ski**s and experien)e mat)( t(e 9o /ou areapp*/ing for. Rememer' /ou are interpreting /our resume' not repeating it.,r/ to support ea)( statement /ou make $it( a pie)e of eviden)e. +se severa*s(orter paragrap(s or u**ets rat(er t(an one *arge *o)k of text.

9inal Paragraph(

Con)*ude /our )over *etter / t(anking t(e emp*o/er for )onsidering /ou fort(e position. #n)*ude information on (o$ /ou $i** fo**o$;up. 5tate t(at /ou$i** do so and indi)ate $(en =one $eeks time is t/pi)a*>. ou ma/ $ant toredu)e t(e time et$een sending out /our resume and fo**o$ up if /ou fax ore;mai* it.

Co,pli,entary Close(Respe)tfu**/ /ours'

Signatre(

7and$ritten 5ignature =for a mai*ed *etter>,/ped 5ignature

27



SdateT

SpersonKs nameTSname of )ompan/TS)ompan/ addressTS)ompan/ addressT

ear SpersonKs nameT'

8e( Kna,e of positionvacancy L inclding vacancy n,ber if applicableM

# am $riting to app*/ for t(e position of Sposition nameT at /our )ompan/' $(i)( $asadvertised Sin name of ne$spaperEon name of $esite et)T on SdateT.

S#n t(is paragrap(' provide a)kground information aout /ourse*f and state and $(/ /ouare interested in t(e ne$ positionT.

# (ave en)*osed m/ C! to support m/ app*i)ation. #t s(o$s t(at # $ou*d ring importantski**s to t(e position' in)*uding8

Ske/ ski** oneTSke/ ski** t$oT

S+se t(is spa)e to give t(e emp*o/er more information aout (o$ /ou mat)( t(e 9o

t(e/Kre advertising. #t is a*so good to s(o$ t(at /ou (ave some kno$*edge of t(e )ompan/$it( $(om /ou are seeking emp*o/ment and t(e ro*e /ou a going forU so' do a *itt*eresear)( and in)*ude a senten)e or t$o in t(is paragrap(.

# $ou*d en9o/ (aving t(e opportunit/ to ta*k $it( /ou more aout t(is position' and (o$ #)ou*d use m/ ski**s to enefit /our organi<ation.

,(ank /ou for )onsidering m/ app*i)ation. # *ook for$ard to (earing from /ou.SCan in)*ude information aout (o$ /ou $i** fo**o$ up on /our app*i)ation.T

ours sin)ere*/ =$(en /ou kno$ t(e personKs name>

ours fait(fu**/ =$(en /ou donKt kno$ t(e personKs name>

S/our nameT

ere is an otline to =riting a sccessfl cover letter. ,o t(e rig(t of t(e *etter' t(ere areimportant notes )on)erning t(e *a/out of t(e *etter. ,(ese notes are mixed up. 6ritenumers from one to seven at t(e eginning of ea)( note t(at )orresponds to t(e *a/out.

'E?PA'E 2

2>



4eter ,o$ns*ed

3% reen Road 1

5pokane' 6A &?@%

Apri* 1@' 200

Ir rank 4eterson' 4ersonne* Ianager 2

Jeans and Co.

2% Iain 5treet

5eatt*e' 6A @&%02

ear Ir. 4eterson8 3

# am $riting to /ou in response to /our

advertisement for a *o)a* ran)( manager'

$(i)( appeared in t(e 5eatt*e ,imes on

5unda/' June 1%. As /ou )an see from m/

en)*osed resume' m/ experien)e and

ua*ifi)ations mat)( t(is positions

reuirements.

% I/ )urrent position managing t(e *o)a*

ran)( of a nationa* s(oe retai*ers (as

provided t(e opportunit/ to $ork in a (ig(;

pressure' team environment' $(ere it is

essentia* to e a*e to $ork )*ose*/ $it( m/

)o**eagues in order to meet sa*es dead*ines.

#n addition to m/ responsii*ities as manager'

# a*so deve*oped time management too*s for

staff using A))ess and x)e* from Ii)rosofts

Offi)e 5uite.

",(ank /ou for /our time and )onsideration. #

*ook for$ard to t(e opportunit/ to persona**/

dis)uss $(/ # am parti)u*ar*/ suited to t(is

position. 4*ease te*ep(one me at =3"0> 3%2;

02%@ after .00 p.m. to suggest a time t(at $ema/ meet. # )an a*so e rea)(ed / emai* at

petertHnet.)om

5in)ere*/'

4eter ,o$ns*ed ?

n)*osure

-- l!ays ma"e an effort to !rite directly to the

person in charge of hiring.

..-.. #egin your cover letter by placing your

address first, follo!ed by the address of the

company you are !riting to.

--$pening paragraph % &se this paragraph to specify !hich 'ob you are applying for, or, if you

are !riting to inquire !hether a 'ob position is

open, question the availability of an opening .

--&se complete title and address( don)t

abbreviate.

**Closing paragraph % &se the closing

paragraph to ensure action on the part of the

reader. $ne possibility is to as" for an intervie!

appointment time. +a"e it easy for the personnel

department to contact you by providing your

telephone number and email address.

-- +iddle paragraphs- % This section should be

used to highlight your !or" eperience !hich most

closely matches the desired 'ob requirements

presented in the 'ob opening advertisement. Do %'&

simply restate !hat is contained in your resume.

/otice ho! the eample ma"es a special effort to

sho! !hy the !riter is especially suited to the 'ob position opening posted above.

-.- l!ays sign letters. 0enclosure0 indicates

that you are enclosing your resume.

2@

9acts to be inclded in yor cover letter





Before /ou )an $rite /our resume or prepare a )over *etter' /ou must do somet(inking aout /ourse*f' for /our emp*o/ment )orresponden)e must present a

prospe)tive emp*o/er $it( a favora*e and desira*e; pi)ture of /our persona*it/' a)kground' and experien)es.A good $a/ to start is to make a *ist. #n an/ order' as /ou t(ink of t(em' 9otdo$n su)( fa)ts as8

Jos /ou (ave (e*d5)(oo*s /ou (ave gone to.Areas /ou (ave ma9ored in.5pe)ia* )ourses /ou (ave taken.xtra)urri)u*ar a)tivities /ou (ave 9oined in.

Iemers(ips /ou (ave (e*d.A$ards or (onors /ou (ave re)eived.At(*eti)s /ou en9o/.Languages /ou speak.5pe)ia* interests /ou (ave.5pe)ia* ski**s /ou (ave.

E3ercise( Iake /our o$n *ist of t(e fa)ts t(at )ou*d (e*p an emp*o/ersee /our value as an emp*o/ee.

01.

02.

03.

0.

0%.

0".

0?.

0&.

0@.

10.

2B

$,portant 9acts for ,y 8es,e

Si3 Secrets to riting a reat Cover



At est' a )over *etter )an (e*p A 9o;seeker stand out from t(e pa)k. At $orst'it )an make a promising )andidate seem *ike an un)reative )ut;and;paster.5ad*/' t(e vast ma9orit/ of )over *etters read essentia**/ t(e same8 Retreads of resumes t(at ram*e on $(i*e repeating t(e ovious. 6ou*d /ou read one of t(ese to t(e end if it $ere put in front of /ouF 4roa*/ not' and nor $ou*dmost (iring managers.Of )ourse' t(e #nternet is fu** of tips and tutoria*s on $riting a )over *etter' utfe$ of t(em give mu)( usefu* information ot(er t(an t(e ovious =M+se goodgrammar:N>. 5o # got to t(inking aout $(at )over *etter tips and te)(niues(ave served me over t(e /ears. # )ame up $it( t(ese six go*den ru*es for $riting a )over *etter someod/ $i** a)tua**/ $ant to read.

1 #onJt repeat yor res,eA *ot of peop*e $rite )over *etters as if t(e/ $ere paragrap(;form resumes.a)t is' /our *etter $i** e stap*ed =or atta)(ed to t(e same emai*> as /our a)tua* resume' so /ou )an assume t(at t(e/K** at *east g*an)e at it =and

proa*/ $it( a keener e/e t(an /our )over *etter>. #nstead' use /our )over *etter to s(o$ persona*it/' )uriosit/' and an interest in t(e fie*d /ou areapp*/ing to $ork in. I/ favorite pro tip8 oog*e around for t(e (istor/ of /our fie*d or )ompan/' and sprink*e some )oo* (istori)a* fa)ts into /our )over *etter =or even use one as a *ead>. #f # $as app*/ing for a 9o in te)(' # mig(tta*k aout (o$ t(ri**ing it $as to see IooreKs *a$ transform te)(no*og/ eforem/ e/es' and (o$ t(ri**ed # am to e a part of t(is transformation. #f # $ereapp*/ing for a 9o in fas(ion' # mig(t ta*k aout (o$ mu)( fas(ion (as)(anged sin)e t(e &0s =a lot>. ver/t(ing (as a (idden (istor/. +se it to s(o$expertise and interest.

2 Feep it short

Less. #s. Iore. ,(ree paragrap(s' tops. 7a*f a page' tops. 5kip *engt(/exposition and 9ump rig(t into somet(ing 9ui)/.

* Address Nobody5ometimes' /ou donKt kno$ exa)t*/ $(o /ou s(ou*d e addressing /our *etterto. Avoid Mear 7iring IanagerN or M,o 6(om #t Ia/ Con)ernN. #f /ouaso*ute*/ donKt kno$ $(o /ou s(ou*d e addressing' t(en donKt addressan/od/. #nstead' 9ust 9ump rig(t into t(e od/ of t(e *etter.

4 Send it as a P#9 2D

http://www.forbes.com/companies/google/

http://www.forbes.com/companies/google/



-ot ever/ offi)e )omputer )an read .do)x or .pages fi*es' ut virtua**/ever/od/ )an open a 4 fi*e $it(out an/ )onversion. i*e )onversions are

ad for t$o (uge reasons. irst' t(e/ are 9ust as *ike*/ to not ot(er and moveonto t(e next app*i)ant. And' se)ond' )onversions )an introdu)e formattingerrors. Bot( are ad. = /ote This story originally suggested .doc files.

Definitely better than .doc, but, as the comments pointed out, D4 is surely

better. 5t can6t be easily tampered !ith, and you have more control over ho! it

appears on somebody6s screen.-

7 Never ever) ever se the follo=ing phrase

MI/ name is ' and # am app*/ing for t(e position as N. ,(e/ a*read/kno$ t(is' and /ouK** sound inexperien)ed.

> Close strong

inis( off / ui)k*/ =and # mean quic"ly> exp*aining (o$ /our experien)e or $or*dvie$ $i** (e*p /ou at t(e 9o. ,(atKs ke/. ,(atKs t(e )*oser. And it )an edone in one to t$o se)onds. #f it goes an/ *onger' /ouKre 9ust ram*ing.

-o$' itKs time to $rite /our o$n )over *etter to app*/ for a 9o at 4ri)e6ater(ouseE s)ondida Iining Compan/E Bank BostonE or anot(er of /our )(oi)e.

*0



APPEN#$% 2 10 8ESU?E 8$'$N '$PS

our )overing *etter is an important do)ument ; a ke/ part of /our app*i)ation

to a prospe)tive emp*o/er. #t is surprising t(at 9oseekers often pa/ s)ant

attention to it. Ian/ )andidates fai* even to $rite one and on*/ sumit t(eir C! or app*i)ation form. Craft a strong )overing *etter and /our app*i)ation

)ou*d rea**/ stand out from t(e )ro$d. 5o if its of su)( importan)e /ou** needto kno$ (o$ to produ)e t(e perfe)t )overing *etter. ,(ats $(ere $e step in.

1. A*$a/s send one:

2. ont re$rite /our C!

3. irst paragrap( and *ast *ine. ,a*k aout t(e )ompan/

%. 4rovide ua*it/ eviden)e of /our ua*ities". Ref*e)t /our persona*it/

?. Re*evant and rief &. Conta)t detai*s

@. 5ign t(e *etter

10. -eatnessE presentation

1& Al=ays send oneO

,(e )overing *etters 9o is a)tua**/ t$o fo*d. At its asi) *eve*' t(e standard

one;page )overing *etter performs a simp*e )ourtes/ fun)tion. #t is a so)ia**/a))epta*e $a/ of introdu)ing /ou and exp*aining $(i)( va)an)/ /oureapp*/ing for or $(i)( area /ou are enuiring aout. #t a*so provides t(e

re)ruiter $it( a (and/ *ist of /our )onta)t detai*s.

2& #ont re=rite yor CQ

#t s(ou*d provide edited' 9ui)/ (ig(*ig(ts from /our C!. But it s(ou*d not

mere*/ repeat $(at t(e C! in)*udes ut rat(er disti*s t(e ke/ t(emes into one

p*a)e.

*& 9irst Paragraph and last lineont $aff*e in /our first paragrap(' make t(e reason /oure $riting )*ear and

se** /ourse*fU $riting $(at makes /ou etter t(an ot(ers straig(t off. inis($it( a )a** to a)tion' reuest t(e/ )onta)t /ou for a meeting or intervie$ and

*et t(em kno$ /ou $i** e in tou)( to dis)uss.

*1

http://www.jobs.ac.uk/careers-advice/cv-templates/577/top-ten-tips-for-writing-cover-letters#1






















4& 'al: abot the co,pany

o some resear)( into t(e )ompan/E organisation and in)*ude information

aout t(em. 5pe)ifi)a**/ te** t(em $(at /ou are impressed $it( and $(atattra)ts /ou to t(em.

7& Provide ;ality evidence of yor ;alities

4i)k out t(e top 3 or % =max> ua*ities t(e emp*o/er is seeking in t(eir advertor 9o spe)ifi)ation if t(ere is one. ,(ese s(ou*d e ua*ities t(at /ou (ave

a*read/ )overed in /our C!.

And t(e/ s(ou*d e t(e 3 to % t(ings t(at /ou refer to ; not exp*ain ; rief*/ in

/our )overing *etter. 4rovide )on)rete examp*es and so*id numers $(erever /ou )an. or examp*e' after /ouve introdu)ed /ourse*f in /our *etter /ou

)ou*d in)*ude *ines simi*ar to t(ese8

07ou !ill see from my enclosed C8 that 5 match your requirements precisely. 5

have !or"ed in the 9eb industry for over 1: years and have led a number of

development teams that have ranged in si;e from < to 2: people.0

Or

07ou !ill see from my C8 that 5 have !or"ed in both the &= and Canada and

have !or"ed in senior positions on aerospace contracts ranging from >1<m to

>1?:m0

our )overing *etter t(en is an additiona* sa*es do)ument...se**ing /ou

>& 8eflect yor personality

nsure t(e *etter s(o$s (o$ motivated and ent(usiasti) /ou are. o not

in)*ude negative )omments. ,r/ to use d/nami) a)ting vers for ea)( ski** /ouare exp*aining' su)( as8

Resear)( ; Ana*/sed' )*arified

4eop*e ski**s ; Co**aorated' )ommuni)ated

,ea)(ing ; #nsti**ed' motivated

@& 8elevant and brief

A $e** $ritten *etter s(ou*d dra$ t(e re)ruiters e/e to re*evant experien)e on/our C!. #t is a' admitted*/ rief' spa)e in $(i)( /ou dra$ a positive pen;

pi)ture of /ou in t(e mind of t(e emp*o/er. nsure it is never more t(an a page

*ong.

*2



B& Contact details

6(ere ever possi*e send /our *etter and C! to a named individua*'

parti)u*ar*/ if it is more of an enuir/ t(an a spe)ifi) ro*e app*i)ation.Resear)( using $esites' ask friends and )o**eagues if t(e/ kno$ of an/one or

ring t(roug( to re)eption and get /ourse*f a name and 9o tit*e. #t $i** *ook a*ot etter t(an sirE madam.

D& Sign the letter

+n*ess /ouve (ad to sign an app*i)ation form' /our )overing *etter is t(e on*/

p*a)e $(ere /ou provide /our signature. ,(is ma/ seem o*d fas(ioned in t(isdigita* age ut its sti** a strong signa* of /our aut(enti)it/.

10& Neatness presentation

ina**/' make sure /our )overing *etter is )*ear*/ *aid out $it( no t/pos or

spe**ing errors. o t(is and' )ompared to man/ 9oseekers' /ou** a*read/stand out as an impressive )andidate:

**



APPEN#$% * 'EN C-QE8 E''E8 #-NJ'S

?ista:e 1( -versing R$R

our )over *etter is not /our autoiograp(/. ,(e fo)us s(ou*d e on (o$ /oumeet an emp*o/ers needs' not on /our *ife stor/. Avoid t(e per)eption of eingse*f;)entered / minimi<ing /our use of t(e $ord #' espe)ia**/ at t(e

eginning of /our senten)es.

?ista:e 2( Using a ea: -pening

6(en $riting a )over *etter' 9o seekers freuent*/ strugg*e $it( (o$ to egin.

,(is often resu*ts in a fee*e introdu)tion *a)king pun)( and fai*ing to gra t(ereaders interest. Consider t(is examp*e8

• ea:( 4*ease )onsider me for /our sa*es representative opening.

• "etter( our need for a top;performing sa*es representative is an

ex)e**ent mat)( to m/ t(ree;/ear (istor/ as a V1;ranked' mu*timi**ion;

do**ar produ)er.

?ista:e *( -,itting +or 'op Selling Points

A )over *etter is a sa*es *etter t(at se**s /ou as a )andidate. Just *ike t(eresume' it s(ou*d e )ompe**ing and give t(e main reasons /ou s(ou*d e)a**ed for an intervie$. 6inning )over *etter tips in)*ude emp(asi<ing /our topa))omp*is(ments or )reating su(eadings )u**ed from t(e 9o posting. or examp*e8

+or Ad Specifies( Communi)ation ski**s

$ -ffer( ive /ears of pu*i) speaking experien)e and an extensive a)kground in exe)utive;*eve* report.

+or Ad Specifies( ,(e need for a strong )omputer a)kground.

$ -ffer( 4rofi)ien)/ in a** I5 Offi)e app*i)ations $it( additiona* expertise in6e site deve*opment and design.

*4

http://career-advice.monster.ca/resumes-cover-letters/cover-letter-tips/new-beginnings-for-your-cover-letter-canada/article.aspx

http://career-advice.monster.ca/resumes-cover-letters/cover-letter-tips/new-beginnings-for-your-cover-letter-canada/article.aspx



?ista:e 4( ?a:ing $t 'oo ong

#f /our )over *etter ex)eeds one page' /ou ma/ e putting readers to s*eep. Agreat )over *etter is )on)ise ut )ompe**ing' and respe)ts t(e readers time.

?ista:e 7( 8epeating +or 8es,e ord for ord

our )over *etter s(ou*dnt regurgitate $(ats on /our resume. Re$ord /our )over *etter statements to avoid du**ing /our resumes impa)t. Consider usingt(e *etter to te** a rief stor/' su)( as I/ ,oug(est 5a*e or I/ Biggest,e)(ni)a* C(a**enge.

?ista:e >( "eing Qage

#f /oure rep*/ing to an advertised opening' referen)e t(e spe)ifi) 9o tit*e in

/our )over *etter . ,(e person reading /our *etter ma/ e revie$ing (undredsof *etters for do<ens of different 9os. Iake sure a** t(e )ontent in /our *etter supports (o$ /ou $i** meet t(e emp*o/ers spe)ifi) needs.

?ista:e @( 9orgetting to Csto,i<e

#f /oure app*/ing to a numer of simi*ar positions' )(an)es are /ouret$eaking one *etter and using it for mu*tip*e openings. ,(ats fine' as *ong as/ou )ustomi<e ea)( *etter. ont forget to update t(e )ompan/' 9o and )onta)tinformation ;; if Ir. Jones is addressed as Irs. 5mit(' (e $ont e impressed.

?ista:e B( Ending on a Passive Note

6(en possi*e' put /our future in /our o$n (ands $it( a promise to fo**o$up. #nstead of asking readers to )a** /ou' tr/ a statement *ike t(is8 # $i** fo**o$up $it( /ou in a fe$ da/s to ans$er an/ pre*iminar/ uestions /ou ma/ (ave.#n t(e meantime' /ou ma/ rea)( me at =%%%> %%%;%%%%.

?ista:e D( "eing 8de

our )over *etter s(ou*d t(ank t(e reader for (is time and )onsideration.

?ista:e 10( 9orgetting to Sign the etter

#t is proper usiness etiuette =and s(o$s attention to detai*> to sign /our *etter. 7o$ever' if /ou are sending /our )over *etter and resume via emai* or t(e 6e' a signature isnt ne)essar/.

*7

http://career-advice.monster.ca/resumes-cover-letters/cover-letter-tips/customize-cover-letter-to-the-ad-canada/article.aspx






THEVIDEO

RESUME

*>



UN$' C The Video Resume

!ideo resumes are taking off as t(e next strategi) too* for standing out among)andidates for emp*o/er attention.,raditiona* resumes s(o$ a )andidatesK edu)ationa* a)kground and $ork experien)e' ut fai* to s(o$ vera* )ommuni)ation ski**s' presentation)apai*ities' persona and organi<ationa* fit. 6(en )omining t(ese ski**s $it(edu)ationa* a)kground and former $ork experien)e' re)ruiters tru*/ (ave a)omp*ete pi)ture of a ua*ified )andidate.,(e video resume app*i)ation is intended to (e*p redu)e t(e )ost of )orporatere)ruiting' $(i*e ena*ing )ompanies to rea*i<e effi)ien)ies in )andidate

se*e)tion and geograp(i) diversit/. ,(is app*i)ation $i** provide a videode*iver/ s/stem $(ere perspe)tive emp*o/ers )an vie$ )andidate videos' andre)ruiter and )andidate )an )ompose and manage t(ose videos.A video resume is a s(ort video )reated / a )andidate for emp*o/ment t(at

des)ries t(e individua*s ski**s and ua*ifi)ations and is t/pi)a**/ used to

supp*ement a traditiona* resume.

#ts important to keep in mind t(at a video resume isnt going to get /ou a 9o.

7o$ever' if )an assist /ou in marketing /ourse*f to prospe)tive emp*o/ers ; if

its done rig(t. one poor*/' it )an' at est' (inder /our )(an)es of getting an

intervie$. At $orst' it )an kno)k /ou out of )ontention and emarrass /ou.

,(ats $(at (appened to one student $(o sent a video s(o$ing (imse*f *ifting

$eig(ts' serving tennis a**s' and a**room dan)ing. #t made t(e rounds on t(e

#nternet and didnt impress' to sa/ t(e *east' an/ prospe)tive emp*o/ers.

Before /ou start $orking on /our video resume' revie$ resume video samp*es.

,ake a *ook at ot(er resume videos and *earn from t(em' )onsidering ot(

$(at $orks' and $(at doesnt.

*@

o= a Qideo 8es,e Can elp

http://jobsearch.about.com/od/resumes/g/videoresume.htm

http://jobsearch.about.com/od/videoresumes/Video_Resumes.htm

http://jobsearch.about.com/od/resumes/g/videoresume.htm

http://jobsearch.about.com/od/videoresumes/Video_Resumes.htm



• ress professiona**/ in usiness attire' 9ust as if /ou $ere going to an

in;person intervie$.

• Weep /our video resume s(ort8 one ; t(ree minutes.• Look at t(e )amera not at t(e desk or ta*e e*o$ /ou.

• ont speak too fast.

• Iake sure t(ere isnt an/ a)kground noise and t(at t(e $a** e(ind /ou

isnt too us/.

• 4ra)ti)e $(at /oure going to sa/ a(ead of time.

• 5tart / mentioning /our name =first and *ast>.

• o)us on /our professiona* endeavors' not /our persona* ones.

•

is)uss $(/ /ou $ou*d e a good emp*o/ee and $(at /ou )an do fort(e )ompan/ t(at (ires /ou.

• ,(ank t(e vie$er for )onsidering /ou for emp*o/ment.

6(at do /ou do $it( /our video on)e /ouve )reated itF 5ome )areer

net$orking sites' *ike CareerBui*der' Joster' and I/6orkster' (ave a se)tion

of /our profi*e $(ere /ou )an in)*ude video. Or' /ou )an up*oad /our video to

/our o$n $e site and *ink to it from t(ere.

Before /ou promote /our resume on*ine' ask friends or fami*/ to revie$ it.

,(e/ are more *ike*/ to pi)k up a g*it)( t(an /ou are. #f its not perfe)t' start

over. On)e /our video resume is )omp*ete' t(ere are severa* $a/s to promote

it on*ine.

• #n)*ude a *ink to /our video resume in /our paperEon*ine resume.

• #n)*ude /our video resume or a *ink to it in /our professiona* profi*es

on )areer net$orking sites *ike I/6orkster' Joster or Linked#n.

• 5end t(e *ink to /our net$orking )onta)ts.

*B

o= to Pro,ote +or Qideo

here to Upload +or Qideo

'ips to elp +o Prepare a Professional Qideo 8es,e

http://jobsearch.about.com/od/networkingsites/Career_and_Social_Networking_Sites.htm

http://jobsearch.about.com/od/networkingsites/Career_and_Social_Networking_Sites.htm



Do's

1.'a:e ti,e to prepare

Resear)(ing and p*anning /our video a(ead of time $i** make t(e end produ)t

mu)( etter. Read t(e do)ument on $riting /our s)ript =or )(oosing /our

intervie$ uestions>. A*so' *ook at ot(er video resumes to get ideas.

2& 9ocs on reslts

,e** emp*o/ers $(at X+A-,##ABL R5+L,5 /ouve de*ivered for ot(er

)ompanies or on ot(er pro9e)ts Y $(at /ou )an do for t(em.

*& 9ocs on yor professional endeavors

#tKs ok to ta*k aout vo*unteer $ork /ou do in /our spare time or re)reationa*

(oies if t(e/ s(o$ /our positive ua*ities' ut fo)us primari*/ on /our

professiona* ski**s and experien)e.

4& "e concise

Weep /our video et$een 1;3 minutes *ong. =Less t(an 2 minutes if /ouKre

posting /our video resume on a)eBook>. ,ime f*ies $(en /ou are taping it'

ut not $(en a potentia* emp*o/er is $at)(ing.

7& $ntrodce yorself

5tart / mentioning /our name =first Y *ast>' and t(en te** a *itt*e summar/

aout /ourse*f. Let t(e emp*o/er kno$ $(o /ou are.

*D

riting +or -=n 8es,e



>& "e than:fl

ont forget to end /our video / t(anking t(e emp*o/er for t(eir time and

)onsideration.

@& Provide contact infor,ation

#f t(e/ *iked $(at t(e/ sa$' make sure t(e/ )an )onta)t /ou.

B& Create a script&

A stor/oard or s)ript $i** (e*p /ou organi<e /our video. Reading it from a

te*eprompter )an save /ou from (aving to memori<e' and a**o$s /ou to make

good e/e )onta)t.

D& Practice) Practice) Practice

et used to ta*king aout /ourse*f $it( )onfiden)e. #f /ou donKt sound

natura*' )(ange t(e s)ript. 4ra)ti)e in front of a mirror to get a fee* for /our

fa)ia* expressions.

40



Don'ts

T#o Not 5st start right in

,ake a moment to esta*is( $(o /ou are Y $(/ t(e/ s(ou*d )ontinue to

$at)(. ,(e first 20 se)onds are t(e most important.

T#o Not 'ell yor life story

Weep t(e video s(ort and t(e information re*evant to t(e 9o Y industr/ /ou

are app*/ing for. One of t(e $orst t(ings /ou )an do is ram*e on.

T#o Not Use 8n6on Sentences

6(en speaking' a (ig(er *eve* of ent(usiasm o))urs at t(e eginning and end

of t(e senten)e. +sing *ong' dra$n;out senten)es e*iminates voi)e inf*e)tion

and ma/ not keep t(e vie$ers attention. +se s(ort senten)es $(en $riting

/our s)ript to keep ent(usiasm and interest (ig(.

T#o Not 9orget to than: the vie=er for =atching

And invite t(em to )onta)t /ou for furt(er dis)ussion

T#o not ,i3 yor personal life =ith yor professional one&

#f /ou (ave information on /our I/5pa)e or a)eook page t(at /oud prefer

emp*o/ers dont see' dont *ink /our video resume.

T#o not e3pect yor video res,e to replace yor traditional res,e&

-ot a** emp*o/ers are interested and ot(ers are $orried aout dis)rimination

issues i.e. (iring )andidates e)ause of (o$ t(e/ *ook and sound rat(er t(an

/our ua*ifi)ations. 7o$ever' a $e** done video )an o*ster /our )andida)/

for emp*o/ment.

41

http://humanresources.about.com/od/recruitingandstaffing/qt/video_607_rs8.htm

http://humanresources.about.com/od/recruitingandstaffing/qt/video_607_rs8.htm



!ideo resumes are e)oming popu*ar $it( 9o )andidates as a met(od to stand

out from t(e )ro$d. our video resume is an opportunit/ to demonstrate t(at/ou are a professiona* )andidate $it( good vera* )ommuni)ation ski**s.Re)ruiters and emp*o/ers are more *ike*/ to rememer $(at t(e/ see t(an$(at t(e/ read in a text resume. Anot(er enefit to video resumes is t(at t(e/are re)orded' and )an easi*/ e for$arded to (iring managers' posted on $esites' or *inks s(ared on ,$itter' a)eook' Linked#n' and ot(er so)ia* mediasites. After t(e va*ue of a video resume is understood' a natura* uestion is86(at do /ou sa/ in t(e videoF

1 A video res,e ,st tell the vie=er =hy they shold hire yo& 5tart $it(

M7e**oN' /our first and *ast name and t(e t/pe of position /ou are seeking.4rovide an overvie$ of /our ski**s' /our experien)e' and $(at /ou ring to t(eta*e. 5tate /our greatest strengt( and provide a rea* $ork examp*e of (o$ /ouused t(at strengt( to a)(ieve spe)ifi) resu*ts. ,(e first 30 se)onds of t(e videoare )riti)a* to gaining t(e attention of t(e vie$er. ou need to give t(e vie$er a reason to keep $at)(ing.

2 "riefly provide a fe= e3a,ples of ,a.or acco,plish,ents for $(i)( /ouare most proud. Rat(er t(an sa/ing /ou $ere responsi*e for t(is fun)tion or

t(at fun)tion' te** t(e vie$er $(at /ou a))omp*is(ed in terms su)( as )ostsavings' sa*es resu*ts' produ)t *aun)(es' or spe)ifi) and uantifia*eimprovements /ou made. Iention /our edu)ationa* a)kground' re*evant)ertifi)ations' and spe)ia* a$ards /ou (ave $on. ver/t(ing /ou sa/ in t(evideo resume needs to reinfor)e $(at /ou )an do t(at )an enefit a ne$emp*o/er.

* Close the video res,e by s,,ari<ing in one sentence =hy yo are a

good candidate. ,(ank t(e vie$er for $at)(ing /our video' and invite t(emto )onta)t /ou for a *ive dis)ussion. ,(e )omp*ete video s(ou*d take no more

t(an 1 or 2 minutes. Rememer t(at a video resume does not rep*a)e t(e textresume and /ou do not need to read /our resume to t(e )amera. ,(e purposeof t(e video resume is to vera**/ expand upon t(e text' and s(o$ a *itt*e

persona*it/ and interest t(at )annot e seen in text.

42

hat to Say in a Qideo



4 $f yo are ca,era shy) consider recording an adio res,e . ,(e s)ript/ou use $i** e identi)a* to a video resume' ut /ou $i** not (ave to $orr/aout $(at /ou are $earing' /our a)kground' e/e )onta)t' and a** t(e ot(er visua* )ues. -o matter if /ou are using an audio resume or a video resume' esure to fo)us on /our professiona* *ife. A resume is no p*a)e for persona*information' or making 9okes. Ian/ of t(e tips in t(e arti)*e ?a:e a reat

$,pression in +or Qideo $ntervie= $i** app*/ to making a video resume' so e sure to read t(e arti)*e.

6rite a s)ript of $(at /ou $ant to sa/ and pra)ti)e severa* times unti* /ou fee*)omforta*e. ,r/ to keep ea)( senten)e re*ative*/ s(ort. Run;on senten)es are

9ust as )umersome in video and audio as t(e/ are in text. Weep /our statements re*evant to t(e 9o' )ompan/' or industr/ /ou are targeting. 6(enre)ording a video resume *ook dire)t*/ into t(e )amera. ress as if /ou are in a*ive intervie$' e )arefu* t(at t(e a)kground on /our video is professiona*'and e sure to (ave a uiet environment. Be sure to use a (ig( ua*it/)am)order or $e)am. Last*/' rememer t(at t(e purpose of an/ resume =text'audio' or video> is to se** /ourse*f to /our vie$er.

4*

eneral 'ips

http://blog.mailvu.com/make-a-great-impression-in-your-video-interview/






APPEN#$% 4 #-NJ' ?AFE 'ESE 10 8ESU?E ?$S'AFES

1& Poor 9or,atting& Looks definite*/ matter $(en it )omes to /our resume. -ot(ing $i** get /our resume disposed faster t(an a resume *a)king attentionto formatting. A** 9o seekers' regard*ess of )areer fie*d' s(ou*d understand t(eimportan)e of $(ite spa)e on t(eir resume. o)us on )reating a do)ument t(atisnKt 9ust a so*id *o)k of text. n(an)e /our formatting )apai*ities / usingtas for indents' u**eted *ists' and smart se)tioning.

2& An -b.ective State,ent& ,(is is 9ust one outdated e*ement of a resume.Ian/ 9o seekers fee* t(eir o9e)tive statement adds dire)tion and purpose tot(eir resume' ut t(e opposite is a)tua**/ taking p*a)e. ,(is statement a)tua**/

$eakens /our resume due to its Ma**;aout;meN nature. Rat(er t(an $astingsignifi)ant spa)e to speak so*e*/ aout /ourse*f' )onsider dropping ita*toget(er and )reating a s(ort statement =often )a**ed a professiona* profi*e>exp*aining t(e va*ue /ouK** ring if (ired.

*& A 8eference State,ent& -ot on*/ are /our referen)es )ondemned from/our resume' ut a*so t(e a$k$ard Mreferen)es upon reuestN statement. onKt$aste spa)e for redundan)/ on su)( an important do)ument. #f a (iringmanager $ants to rea)( out to /our referen)es' t(e/ $i** e sure to ask /ou for names and )onta)t information at t(e appropriate time.

4& No S:ills Section& our resume isnKt 9ust a p*a)e for detai*s on /our previous emp*o/ment experien)esU itKs a*so a p*a)e to s(are /our ski**s.C*ear*/ s(o$)asing /our ski**s to /our potentia* emp*o/er )an make or reak /our )(an)e at *anding a position. Ian/ (iring managers are *ooking for ver/spe)ifi) ski** sets. 6it(out proper*/ disp*a/ing $(at /ou (ave to offer' /ouKre*ike*/ to miss out on an opportunit/.

7& Using H$I or H?eI& A first;person dire)tion on /our resume is *ike*/ to

*eave /ou sounding a it se*f;asored to potentia* emp*o/ers. #nstead'des)rie /our expertise and ski**s in a more emp*o/er;fo)used $a/. Rememer 5AR8 5ituation' A)tion' Resu*ts.

44



>& Using a 'e,plate& 6(i*e not t(e $orst t(ing /ou )an do to /our resume' e)autious of using temp*ates. Ian/ (iring managers are turned off to t(e ideaof repeated*/ seeing t(e same t/pe of resume. Rat(er t(an opting for an exa)ttemp*ate' tr/ to turn /our resume into /our o$n uniue do)ument /s$it)(ing a fe$ t(ings up.

@& 'elling 'all 'ales& ,(ere are numerous examp*es of t(e misfortunes of t(ose $(o (ave *ied on t(eir resume ut even a tin/ fi )an get /ou intotrou*e. 6(i*e /our resumeKs stor/te**ing ai*ities are u*timate*/ up to /ou' usesmart et(i)a* 9udgment $(en it )omes to stret)(ing t(e trut(. -ot te**ing t(etrut( s(ou*d never even enter /our mind $(en it )omes to *anding /our next

9o.

B& ?ediocrity& ,(e )urrent 9o )*imate is )ompetitive' and standing out is an

aso*ute must for a** 9o seekers. ,(ereKs no set $a/ for )andidates to standout' ut simp*/ sending out a medio)re resume isnKt going to get /ou in t(edoor. Continua**/ seek out ne$ $a/s to impress emp*o/ers $it( t(e $a/ /oudisp*a/ /our expertise on /our resume.

D& ac: of Attention to #etail& oes /our resume *a)k important informationor s(o$)ase a fe$ errorsF 5imp*e mistakes 9ust arenKt a))epta*e during t(e(iring pro)ess. 5ma** errors are *ike*/ to present /ou as not eing )omp*ete*/serious aout t(e position.

10& 9orgetting to Csto,i<e& ,oo man/ 9o seekers take a uantit/ versusua*it/ approa)( to t(eir 9o sear)(. Rat(er t(an on*/ )reating ste**ar resumesfor t(e position t(e/Kre most ua*ified for' t(e/ end up app*/ing to ever/

position $it( a genera*i<ed medio)re resume. ,ru*/ impressing a potentia*emp*o/er means on*/ app*/ing to t(e position /ouKre an a))urate mat)( for' as$e** as )ustomi<ing /our resume to ea)( position.

etting (ired takes motivation' patien)e' and most important*/' an a$esomeresume. Avoiding t(ese missteps $i** e sure to save /our resume from t(e

re)/)*ing in.

47



THEINTERVIEW

4>



UN$' #( The Interview

Congratu*ations: our )over *etter and resume (ave made a good impressionand t(e emp*o/er (as )a**ed /ou in for an intervie$. -o$ its time to makesure t(at /ou a*so (ave t(e rig(t t/pe of ng*is( for t(at 9o intervie$.

,(ere are some ver/ important game ru*es to )onsider $(en taking a 9ointervie$. ,(e 9o intervie$ in ng*is( reuires a ver/ spe)ifi) kind of vo)au*ar/ =5ee Appendix 1>. #t a*so reuires good tense usage as /ou need tomake a )*ear distin)tion et$een past and present responsii*ities. 7ere is aui)k overvie$ of t(e appropriate tenses to use8

Tense Exm!"e Senten#e Ex!"ntion

4resent5imp*e

# )o**e)t data from a**of our ran)(es andana*/<e t(einformation on a$eek*/ asis.

+se t(e present simp*e to des)rie/our dai*/ responsii*ities. ,(is ist(e most )ommon tense to use $(enspeaking aout /our )urrent

position.

4ast5imp*e

# deve*oped an in;(ouse dataase for t(e

personne* department.

+se t(e past simp*e to des)rie /our dai*/ responsii*ities in a former

position. ,(is is t(e most )ommontense to use $(en speaking aout

past 9os.

4resentContinuous

Current*/' $e areexpanding our sa*esdivision to in)*ude5out( Ameri)a

+se t(e present )ontinuous to speak aout )urrent pro9e)ts t(at are(appening at t(at moment in time.,(ese pro9e)ts are *imited in timeand s(ou*d not e )onfused $it(dai*/ responsii*ities. xamp*e8

Currently, 5 am designing a ne!layout for our local branch. 5 am

usually responsible for staff

organi;ation, but they as"ed me to

help out !ith design this time.

4@



4resent4erfe)t

#ve resear)(ed over300 )ases unti* no$.

+se t(e present perfe)t to genera**/des)rie pro9e)ts or a))omp*is(;

ments t(at /ou (ave made up to t(e present moment in time. Rememernot to in)*ude spe)ifi) past timereferen)es $(i)( s(ou*d e used$it( t(e past simp*e. xamp*e8 5)ve

developed a number of databases

using +icrosoft ccess. Just last

!ee" 5 finished a database for our

!arehouse.

uture5imp*e

# $i** e t(e managerof a medium si<edretai* out*et.

+se t(e future simp*e to dis)uss/our p*ans for t(e future. ,(is tenseis on*/ used $(en t(e intervie$erasks /ou $(at /ou p*an to do in t(efuture.

E%E8C$SE 1.

$nstrction ?y sentences

es)rie /our dai*/ responsii*ities 1

2

es)rie /our dai*/ responsii*ities

in a former position

1

2

6rite aout )urrent pro9e)ts t(at are(appening at t(at moment in time

1

2

es)rie pro9e)ts ora))omp*is(ments t(at /ou (ave

1



made up to t(e present moment intime

2

6rite aout /our p*ans for t(e future 1

2

8ead the follo=ing sentences that provide hints for a

sccessfl .ob intervie= and choose the correct alternative&

1& hen yo go to a .ob intervie=) it is really i,portant to dress &&

a> uneua**/ > appropriate*/)> sparing*/ d> meager*/

2& hen filling ot an application) ,a:e sre yo =rite yor ans=ers &&

a> mum*ed > tongue;tied)> inte**igi*/ d> (a<i*/

*& ?a:e sre yo list yor s:ills and e3perience that yo believe =ill ,eet

the ….. of t(e emp*o/er.a> expe)tations > attention)> )are*essness d> astra)tion

4& $n yor .ob intervie=) donJt co,plain abot previos .obs or for,er

&&

a> ma/ors > visitors)> a)tivists )> emp*o/ers

7& hen ans=ering ;estions to the e,ployer) be confident and && yor

=ords really =ell&

a> stutter > arti)u*ate)> dri*e d> mix up

>& Avoid && clothing sch as .eans) flip flops) snea:ers) t6shirts) caps) etc&

a> )asua* > dress/)> forma* d> st/*is(

VU$! 1 4B



@& "ring as ,ch infor,ation abot yorself as yo ,ight need& -n yor

&& ,a:e sre yo inclde hobbies) volnteer =or: or anything that

yoJve done that ,ay pertain to that .ob&

a> s)(oo* trans)ript > )o**ege degree)> resume d> 9ourna*

B& $t is sally really handy to have letters of fro, previos

e,ployers&

a> demotion > re)ommendation)> dismissa* )> de)*ination

D& int( 9ill ot the .ob application first =ith a pencil then =ith a pen) so

yo donJt have to se &&

a> $(ite out > eraser )> ru*er d> marker

10& $f yo donJt re,e,ber so,e particlar infor,ation abot .obs yo

had in the past) feel free to as: the e,ployer if yo can the application

ho,e so yo can do so,e &&

a> s/nt(esis > estimation)> interpretation d> resear)(

or: E3perience

6ork experien)e is / far t(e most important part of an/ 9o intervie$ in anng*is( speaking )ountr/. #t is true t(at edu)ation is a*so important' (o$ever'

most emp*o/ers are more impressed / extensive $ork experien)e t(an /universit/ degrees. mp*o/ers $ant to kno$ exa)t*/ $(at /ou did and (o$$e** /ou a))omp*is(ed /our tasks. ,(is is t(e part of t(e intervie$ during$(i)( /ou )an make t(e est impression. #ts important to give fu**' detai*edans$ers. Be )onfident' and emp(asi<e /our a))omp*is(ments in past positions.

Valifications

4D

hat is ?ost $,portantG ( eneral idelines



Xua*ifi)ations in)*ude an/ edu)ation from (ig( s)(oo* t(roug( universit/' as$e** as an/ spe)ia* training /ou ma/ (ave (ad =su)( as )omputer )ourses>.Iake sure to mention /our ng*is( studies. ,(is is ver/ important as ng*is(is not /our first *anguage and t(e emp*o/er ma/ e )on)erned aout t(is fa)t.Assure t(e emp*o/er t(at /ou are )ontinuing to improve /our ng*is( ski**s /an/ )ourses /ou ma/ e taking' or / sa/ing t(at /ou stud/ a )ertain numer of (ours a $eek to improve /our ski**s.

'al:ing abot 8esponsibilities

Iost important*/' /ou $i** need to demonstrate /our ua*ifi)ations and ski**s$(i)( are dire)t*/ app*i)a*e to t(e 9o /ou are app*/ing for. #f past 9o ski**s

$ere not exa)t*/ t(e same as $(at /ou $i** need on t(e ne$ 9o' make sure todetai* (o$ t(e/ are simi*ar to 9o ski**s /ou $i** need for t(e ne$ position.

. 8ead the follo=ing ;estions yo cold be as:ed dring a

.ob intervie= and choose the alternative to co,plete each ;estion&

#iscss yor ans=ers =ith a partner&

1& 'ell s so,ething abot yor in the engineering indstry

a> foreground > a)kground)> kno$*edge d> (istor/

2& $ see fro, yor && for, that yo have had three different .obs in the

last five years&

a> app*/ > app*/ing)> app*ied d> app*i)ation

*& hat sort of && of ti,e =old yo stay =ith s if =e offered the .obG

a> span > duration

)> period d> *ong

4& o= =old yo describe && in five yearsJ ti,eG

a> /ou > /our )> /ours d> /ourse*f

7& ive s so,e idea of =hat yo believe are yo && and =ea:nesses

VU$! 2

70



a> strengt( > strengt(s)> for)e d> for)es

>& hen yo go to a .ob intervie=) it is really i,portant to dress &&

a> (ouse > spa)e)> time d> re)ord

Z

@& $,agine one of yor staff loses her te,per and shots at yo in front o

others) ho= =old yo && =ith thisG

a> take > do)> (and*e d> dea*

B& hat =old yo say to a ,e,ber of yor staff =ho al=ays && his=or: in lateG

a> de*ivered > (anded)> produ)ed d> )omp*eted

D& $ shold e3plain that =e =old natrally & Any previos holiday

arrange,ents yo have ,ade&

a> e*ieve > s(o$)> de)ide d> (onour

10& 9inally) no= that =eJve as:ed yo several ;estions) do yo =ant to

any to sG

a> p*a)e > put)> offer d> )onsider

9irst $,pressions

,(e first impression /ou make on t(e intervie$er )an de)ide t(e rest of t(eintervie$. #t is important t(at /ou introdu)e /ourse*f' s(ake (ands' and efriend*/ and po*ite. ,(e first uestion is often a reaking t(e i)e =esta*is( arapport> t/pe of uestion. ont e surprised if t(e intervie$er asks /ousomet(ing *ike8

71

Co,,on $ntervie= Vestions



7o$ are /ou toda/Fid /ou (ave an/ trou*e finding usF#snt t(is great $eat(er $ere (avingF

,(is t/pe of uestion is )ommon e)ause t(e intervie$er $ants to put /ou atease =(e*p /ou re*ax>. ,(e est $a/ to respond is in a s(ort' friend*/ manner $it(out going into too mu)( detai*.

• 7ere are some examp*es )orre)t responses8

#ntervie$er8 o= are yo todayG ou8 #m fine' t(ank /ou. And /ouF

OR#ntervie$er8 #id yo have any troble finding sG ou8 -o' t(e offi)e isnt too diffi)u*t to find.OR#ntervie$er8 $snt this great =eather =ere havingG ou8 es' its $onderfu*. # *ove t(is time of /ear.

•

7ere are some examp*es of in)orre)t responses8

#ntervie$er8 o= are yo todayG

5o' so. #m rat(er nervous a)tua**/.OR#ntervie$er8 #id yo have any troble finding sG ou8 As a matter of fa)t it $as ver/ diffi)u*t. # missed t(e exit and (ad toreturn via t(e (ig($a/. # $as afraid # $as going to e *ate for t(e intervie$.OR #ntervie$er8 $snt this great =eather =ere havingG

ou8 es' its $onderfu*. # )an rememer t(is time *ast /ear. 6asnt it a$fu*: #t(oug(t it $ou*d never stop raining:

72

etting #o=n to "siness



On)e t(e p*easant eginnings (ave finis(ed' its time to egin t(e rea*intervie$. 7ere are a numer of &he "'& ('""'% /!e&)'% t(at are askedduring t(e intervie$. ,(ere are t$o examp*es of ex)e**ent rep*ies given for ea)( uestion. o**o$ing t(e examp*es' /ou $i** find a )omment des)riingt(e t/pe of uestion and important t(ings to rememer $(en ans$ering t(att/pe of uestion.

• #ntervie$er8 'ell ,e abot yorself .

Candidate8 # $as orn and raised in Ii*an' #ta*/. # attended t(e +niversit/ of

Ii*an and re)eived m/ masters degree in )onomi)s. # (ave $orked for 12/ears as a finan)ia* )onsu*tant in Ii*an for various )ompanies in)*uding RossiConsu*tants' Xuasar #nsuran)e and 5ardi and 5ons. # en9o/ p*a/ing tennis inm/ free time and *earning *anguages.Candidate8 #ve 9ust graduated from t(e +niversit/ of 5ingapore $it( a degreein Computers. uring t(e summers' # $orked as a s/stems administrator for asma** )ompan/ to (e*p pa/ for m/ edu)ation.

Comment This question is meant as an introduction. Do not focus too

specifically on any one area. The above question !ill often be used to help theintervie!er choose !hat h@she !ould li"e to as" net. 9hile it is important to

give an overall impression of !ho you are, ma"e sure to concentrate on !or"%

related eperience. 9or"%related eperience should al!ays be the central

focus of any intervie! !or" eperience is more important than education in

most Anglish%spea"ing countries-.

• #ntervie$er8 hat type of position are yo loo:ing forG

Candidate8 #m interested in an entr/ *eve* =eginning> position.Candidate8 #m *ooking for a position in $(i)( # )an uti*i<e m/ experien)e.

Candidate8 # $ou*d *ike an/ position for $(i)( # ua*if/.

Comment 7ou should be !illing to ta"e an entry level position in an Anglish

spea"ing company as most of these companies epect non%nationals to begin

!ith such a position. 5n the &nited =tates, most companies provide many

opportunities for gro!th, so don)t be afraid to start from the beginning

7*



• #ntervie$er8 Are yo interested in a fll6ti,e or part6ti,e positionG

Candidate8 # am more interested in a fu**;time position. 7o$ever' # $ou*d a*so)onsider a part;time position.

Comment +a"e sure to leave open as many possibilities as possible. =ay youare !illing to ta"e any 'ob, once the 'ob has been offered you can al!ays

refuse if the 'ob does not appeal not interest- to you.

• #ntervie$er8 Can yo tell ,e abot yor responsibilities at yor last

.obG

Candidate8 # advised )ustomers on finan)ia* matters. After # )onsu*ted t(e)ustomer' # )omp*eted a )ustomer inuir/ form and )ata*ogued t(e information

in our dataase. # t(en )o**aorated $it( )o**eagues to prepare t(e est possi*e pa)kage for t(e )*ient. ,(e )*ients $ere t(en presented $it( asummari<ed report on t(eir finan)ia* a)tivities t(at # formu*ated on a uarter*/

asis.

Comment /otice the amount of detail necessary !hen you are tal"ing about

your eperience. $ne of the most common mista"es made by foreigners !hen

discussing their former employment is to spea" too generally. The employer

!ants to "no! eactly !hat you did and ho! you did it( the more detail you

can give the more the intervie!er "no!s that you understand the type of !or". Bemember to vary your vocabulary !hen tal"ing about your responsibilities.

lso, do not begin every sentence !ith 050. &se the passive voice, or an

introductory clause to help you add variety to your presentation

• #ntervie$er8 hat is yor greatest strengthG

Candidate8 # $ork $e** under pressure. 6(en t(ere is a dead*ine =a time /$(i)( t(e $ork must e finis(ed>' # )an fo)us on t(e task at (and =)urrent

pro9e)t> and stru)ture m/ $ork s)(edu*e $e**. # rememer one $eek $(en #(ad to get " ne$ )ustomer reports out / rida/ at %. # finis(ed a** t(e reportsa(ead of time $it(out (aving to $ork overtime.Candidate8 # am an ex)e**ent )ommuni)ator. 4eop*e trust me and )ome to mefor advi)e. One afternoon' m/ )o**eague $as invo*ved $it( a trou*esome=diffi)u*t> )ustomer $(o fe*t (e $as not eing served $e**. # made t(e)ustomer a )up of )offee and invited ot( m/ )o**eague and t(e )*ient to m/desk $(ere $e so*ved t(e pro*em toget(er.

74



Candidate8 # am a trou*e s(ooter. 6(en t(ere $as a pro*em at m/ *ast 9o't(e manager $ou*d a*$a/s ask me to so*ve it. Last summer' t(e LA- server at$ork )ras(ed. ,(e manager $as desperate and )a**ed me in =reuested m/(e*p> to get t(e LA- a)k on*ine. After taking a *ook at t(e dai*/ a)kup' #dete)ted t(e pro*em and t(e LA- $as up and running =$orking> $it(in t(e(our.

Comment This is not the time to be modest #e confident and al!ays give

eamples. Aamples sho! that you are not only repeating !ords you have

learned, but actually do possess that strength.

• #ntervie$er8 hat is yor greatest =ea:nessG

Candidate8 # am over<ea*ous =$ork too (ard> and e)ome nervous $(en m/)o;$orkers are not pu**ing t(eir $eig(t =doing t(eir 9o>. 7o$ever' # am a$are

of t(is pro*em' and efore # sa/ an/t(ing to an/one' # ask m/se*f $(/ t(e)o**eague is (aving diffi)u*ties.Candidate8 # tend to spend too mu)( time making sure t(e )ustomer issatisfied. 7o$ever' # egan setting time;*imits for m/se*f #f # noti)ed t(is(appening.

Comment This is a difficult question. 7ou need to mention a !ea"ness that is

actually a strength. +a"e sure that you al!ays mention ho! you try to

improve the !ea"ness.

• #ntervie$er8 hy do yo =ant to =or: for S,ith and SonsG

Candidate8 After fo**o$ing /our firms progress for t(e *ast 3 /ears' # am)onvin)ed t(at 5mit( and 5ons are e)oming one of t(e market *eaders and #$ou*d *ike to e part of t(e team.Candidate8 # am impressed / t(e ua*it/ of /our produ)ts. # am sure t(at #$ou*d e a )onvin)ing sa*esman e)ause # tru*/ e*ieve t(at t(e Atomi<er ist(e est produ)t on t(e market toda/.

Comment8 repare yourself for this question by becoming informed about the

company. The more detail you can give, the better you sho! the intervie!er that you understand the company.

• #ntervie$er8 hen can yo beginF

Candidate8 #mmediate*/.Candidate8 As soon as /ou $ou*d *ike me to egin.

77



Comment =ho! your !illingness to !or" ,(e aove uestions represent some of t(e most asi) uestions asked on an/

9o intervie$ in ng*is(. 4roa*/ t(e most important aspe)t of intervie$ingin ng*is( is giving detai*. As a speaker of ng*is( as a se)ond *anguage' /oumig(t e s(/ aout sa/ing )omp*i)ated t(ings. 7o$ever' t(is is aso*ute*/ne)essar/ as t(e emp*o/er is *ooking for an emp*o/ee $(o kno$s (is or (er

9o. #f /ou provide detai*' t(e intervie$er $i** kno$ t(at /ou fee* )omforta*ein t(at 9o. ont $orr/ aout making mistakes in ng*is(. #t is mu)( etter tomake simp*e grammar mistakes and provide detai*ed information aout /our experien)e t(an to sa/ grammati)a**/ perfe)t senten)es $it(out an/ rea*)ontent.

our resume $as positive*/ )onsidered / t(e )ompan/ and /ou $ere )a**edfor an intervie$. -o$ /ou need to take )are of some ot(er aspe)ts t(at $i**inf*uen)e /our prospe)tive emp*o/er. ,$o of t(ese are /our )*ot(es andappearan)e.

7>

7@

#ressing for an $ntervie=



APPEN#$% 7 Usefl vocablary for the res,e and video res,e

Be*o$ is a *ist of great vers to (e*p /ou express 9ust exa)t*/ $(at /ou did$it( impressive vo)au*ar/. ,(ese vers are used to express responsii*itiesand tasks performed8

a)teda))omp*is(edadaptedadministeredadvan)ed

adviseda**o)atedana*/sedapp*iedapprovedaritratedarrangedassistedattained

*ended

roug(t ui*t)arried out)ata*ogued)(anged)*assified)o**aorated)ompared)omp*eted

)omputed)on)eived)ondu)ted)onstru)ted

de*egatedderiveddesignateddete)teddeve*oped

deviseddire)teddis)overeddistriuteddo)umenteddou*eden)ouragedengineereden*argedes)a*ated

esta*is(edestimatedeva*uatedexaminedexpandedexperien)edexp*oredfa)i*itatedfina*i<ed

formu*atedfoundedfun)tionedgoverned

insta**edinstitutedinterpretedintrodu)edinvented

investigated 9ustified*ed*o)a*i<ed*o)atedmademanagedmaintainedme)(ani<edmerged

moderatedmotivatednegotiatedopenedoperatedorgani<edoriginatedover)ame

per)eived

performed pioneered p*anned prepared

repairedrep*a)edrestoredreversedrevie$ed

revisedsaveds)reenedse*e)tedservi)edset upso*vedsortedsparkedspe)ified

startedstimu*atedstrengt(enedsummari<edsupervisedsupporteds/stemati<edtestedtrained

transa)tedtrans)riedtransformedtrip*ed

7B



)onsu*ted

)ontra)ted)ontro**ed)ooperated)oordinated)orre)ted)ounse**ed)reatedediteddea*tde)idedde)reaseddefined

groupedguided(and*ed(armoni<ed(arnessed(eadedidentifiedimp*ementedimprovedin)reasedindexed

initiatedinspe)ted

presented presided pro)essed programmed promoted provided pur)(asedraisedre)ommendedre)ordedre)ruited

re)tifiedredesigned

upgradedva*idatedvariedverifiedvita*i<ed$on$rote

7D



APPEN#$% > 'o describe yor s:ills the follo=ing ad.ectives are

sefl

a))urate

a)tive

adapta*e

adept

road;minded

)ompetent

)ons)ientious

)reative

dependa*e

determined

dip*omati)

dis)reet

effi)ient

energeti)

enterprising

ent(usiasti)

experien)ed

fair

firm

genuine

(onest

innovative

*ogi)a*

*o/a*

mature

met(odi)a*

motivated

o9e)tive

outgoing

persona*e

p*easant

positive

pra)ti)a*

produ)tive

re*ia*e

resour)efu*

se*f dis)ip*ined

sense of (umour

sensitive

sin)ere

su))essfu*

ta)tfu*

trust$ort(/

+se t(ese vers and ad9e)tives and rea**/ se** /ourse*f. ou on*/ (ave a fe$minutes to s(o$ (o$ good /ou rea**/ are. B/ using t(is pre)ise vo)au*ar/

and eing )onfident )an (e*p /ou make t(e est impression possi*e.

book english 6 - looking for a job

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