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College of Organisational Psychologists (QLD)

Careers in Organisational Psychology: Your Options Workshop 2009

Marketing Your Skill Set

Stacey Parker, QLD COP Deputy Chair

Honing Your Applications

• Part 1: What is our skill set? How to we market it?

• Part 2: Best practice CV development for Early Career

Organisational Psychologists

• Part 3: Practical activity for synthesising our skill set in the job

application context

Module Theme: What is the psychology skill set and how do we sell it?

Estimated component length: two hours

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COP Elevator Speech

• Organisational Psychology is the science of people at work. Organisational psychologists specialise in analysing organisations and their people, and devising strategies to recruit, motivate, develop, change and inspire.

• Components of Elevator Speech: a description and a specialisation.

Applicability?

• “Elevator” situation

• Networking

• Aeroplane?

• Cab drivers?

• Your parents?

Features and Benefits

Feature

A distinctive element: an

attribute, characteristic, mark,

peculiarity, property, quality,

savor, or trait.

Benefit

Something that promotes or

enhances well-being; an

advantage.

Something that contributes to an

organization, such as enhanced

profitability, better efficiency, or

reduced risk.

Take home message:

People buy benefits, not

features.

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Illustrating Features and Benefits

For example:

The Cordless Kettle

• Cordless

• 2400 Watts

• 1.5 Litres

• Stainless Steel

RRP $89.95

Our Features

Features

Knowledge of the discipline

(i.e., evidence, theories and models)

Skilled in assessment methodologies

(i.e., administration and interpretation)

Experts in changing behaviour

(i.e., interventions, training, developing

and coaching)

Experts in measuring results

(i.e., framing, measuring, and solving

problems)

Operate within a set of well-developed

ethical and profession guidelines

Benefits - What are they?

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Group Discussion

In groups of 3-4 select one

feature of an organisational

psychologist and determine;

• What is the benefit of this

feature to an organisation?

• How would you communicate

this in everyday terms?

• What is your sales pitch?

Features

Knowledge of the discipline

(i.e., evidence, theories and models)

Skilled in assessment methodologies

(i.e., administration and interpretation)

Experts in changing behaviour

(i.e., interventions, training, developing

and coaching)

Experts in measuring results

(i.e., framing, measuring, and solving

problems)

Operate within a set of well-developed

ethical and profession guidelines

Next: Best Practice Tips

Steve Lock from Main Roads will discuss;

• Writing Cover Letters

• CV Best Practice

• Interview tips

During the next section,

think about how best practice

tips apply to you;

• As an individual

• As a Organisational Psychologist

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College of Organisational Psychologists (QLD)

Careers in Organisational Psychology: Your Options Workshop 2009

Honing your Applications

Steve Locke, Department of Main Roads

Main Roads’ Strategic Recruitment Unit

– Recruitment &Selection consultancy service

– Career Management Centre

– International On-Boarding

– Graduate / Cadet / Scholarship Recruitment

– Highly In Demand / Senior Executive Service Recruitment

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Session Outline

• Writing Cover Letters

• CV best practice

• Interview tips

• Practical exercises

• Other selection techniques

Writing the Cover Letter

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Cover Letter

The cover letter is an effective tool to introduce yourself to potential employers and summarise why you are a strong candidate for the position.

Your cover letter also brings your resume to life and connects your talents and work experiences to

requirements of the role.

Remember that your qualification in itself does not

distinguish you from other applicants!

Powerful cover letters match your demonstrated

experience to the requirements of the role

Cover Letter

What to consider:

This is your first impression and hence, while it may be

only a few pages, you should spend time thinking about

exactly what you want to say.

Your cover letter provides an executive summary to your

resume by highlighting your specific capabilities and

experiences as they apply to the role.

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Why is the cover letter important

Mr John Smith, Operations Manager, XYZ Organisation, Brisbane, Queensland 4109. Dear Mr Smith, I wish to apply for the Dept of Public Works positon of Cahnge manager for the toowoomba highway upgrade as advertised on the Qld Government website on the 10th November 2008. I have a strong background in change management and have worked for Main Roads for more than 5 years and prior to that 3 years with the Murweh Shire Council in Charleville. As you will see from my accompanying résumé, I have proven experience in managing culture change interventions. I have previously performed these roles in both urban and rural areas and have recently gained further experience managing a restructure in the UK. Adept at leading a team and working as part of a team, I am also an effective and committed change manager. I have a B.Psych (Org) and a PG in Project management from LaTrobe University. In summary, I wish to apply for this position. I am competent in leadership and driving change and believe this knowledge and skill set will complement the project. I believe I possess the attributes necessary to make the role a success. I hope to have an opportunity to meet with you to discuss how I could contribute to your team. I am contactable on 0400…… and available to start from January 2009.

Mr John Smith, Operations Manager, XYZ Car Dealership, MacGregor, Queensland 4109. Dear Mr Smith, Mr John Smith, Operations Manager, XYZ Organisation, Brisbane, Queensland 4109. Dear Mr Smith, I wish to apply for the Dept of Public Works positon of Cahnge manager for the toowoomba highway upgrade as advertised on the Qld Government website on the 10th November 2008. I have a strong background in change management and have worked for Main Roads for more than 5 years and prior to that 3 years with the Murweh Shire Council in Charleville. As you will see from my accompanying résumé, I have proven experience in managing culture change interventions. I have previously performed these roles in both urban and rural areas and have recently gained further experience managing a restructure in the UK. Adept at leading a team and working as part of a team, I am also an effective and committed change manager. I have a B.Psych (Org) and a PG in Project management from LaTrobe University. In summary, I wish to apply for this position. I am competent in leadership and driving change and believe this knowledge and skill set will complement the project and I believe I possess the attributes necessary to make the role a success. I hope to have an opportunity to meet with you to discuss how I could contribute to your team. I am contactable on 0400…… and available to start from January 2009. Dave Spade

Why is the cover letter important

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Cover Letter - Format

Introduction

• Brief statement of introduction, who you are, why you are applying

Body

• Address each of the competencies

• Provide an overview as to why you should be selected

This is where you can highlight psych competencies and skills!

Ensure to outline relevant skills you have applied in your work!

Close

• Summary of key points raised in introduction and body

• Indicate availability and contact details

Sign-off (Your name)

Back to Basics

Learning to construct paragraphs well is a skill that is essential for producing writing that is influential. Paragraphs should contain a topic sentence that introduces the key idea which is typically followed up with several supporting points. Each paragraph should layer upon the previous ideas to develop an overall argument. There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to paragraph length, however they are generally around 5 sentences. Paragraphs should finish with a closing sentence that directs the reader's attention back to the main argument. You can improve the impact of your writing by following these simple paragraph construction techniques.

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Industry vs Government

• Cover letter regardless of sector

• Format / content will change

– Government: Will need to address competencies or

selection criteria

– Industry: Shorter, more flexible

Cover Letter Introduction

Brief statement of introduction:

who you are, why you are applying

For example:

As a recent graduate with 2 years in a busy HR environment, please consider my CV toward the position of HR Officer within [Organisation].

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The Body

The Body should:

• Address each of the areas identified in the advertisement

• Provide an overview as to why you should be considered

Don’t just list the types of things you can do –

You may wish to provide statements that

also qualify key outcomes from your work

Addressing Competencies / Selection Criteria

• Provide an overview of why you should be selected discussing relevant knowledge and/or skills acquired.

• Address each of the competencies / selection criteria

• For each key area, determine which previous positions are going to best illustrate your demonstrated ability. Address this in one (1) sentence.

• Briefly address the specific tasks you carried out in this role in one (1) sentence.

• Briefly state what you achieved in this role in 1-2 sentences.

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The Close

The Close should be:

• A summary of key points raised in introduction and body

• Indicate availability and contact details

The Close

For example:

As I have recently completed project work similar to the

requirements of the role of HR Officer, I have relevant skills and

experience to perform the role. I would be keen to learn more

about this position and meet with you so you can assess whether I

would be a good fit for the team.

I am contactable on 0411 678 209 and can be available to your

convenience for interview

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Try It!

Work with a partner to devise a response to one of the job ads presented

• Alliance Coordinator

• OD Specialist

• HR Advisor

• Culture and Change Officer

• Business Analyst

• Change Coordinator / Trainer

• Learning and Teaching Developer

• Options:

– Write the introduction to the Cover Letter

– Produce and outline of your Cover Letter

– Write a paragraph addressing one of the key areas in the ad.

RESUME WRITING

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Resume

Purpose

• Your resume plays a vital role in your application

• It will provide prospective employers with an accurate and concise snapshot of you, your work skills and your history

• Together with your cover letter, your resume will often determine whether you will progress to a face-to-face interview

Resume

What to consider

• Constructing a great resume requires careful planning and preparation.

• The most effective resumes are brief and informative.

• This will require a reasonable amount of time and energy, however the investment is worthwhile.

• There is no single format you must use to create an effective resume, merely suggestions.

• Your resume is a fluid document and should continually be updated.

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Resume Do’s

• Use clear, active language that describes your specific achievements

• Make sure your Resume is factual, correct and free from spelling errors

• Emphasise transferable skills

• Be consistent in your font, layout and colour. Simple professional resumes are the

most effective

• Use a standard word processing format (Word or Adobe)

• Tailor your resume to each job

Resume Don’ts

• Don’t add a photograph – It never works well

• Don’t Lie

• Don’t use gimmicks (PowerPoint, cardboard, cartoons, loud colour, fancy

borders etc). It detracts from your experience and skills

• Always ensure your email address is a professional one

• Avoid including personal information such as marital status, age or salary – you

risk being screened out with minimal benefit

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Resume Tip

The following are not original skills and do not separate

you from the pack:

– Self starter / high initiative

– Attention to detail

– Team player

– Hard worker

– Reliable / Conscientious

– Good communicator

Types of Resumes

There are 2 general types of resumes

1. Chronological - Provides a ‘story’ of your education and employment history that is, What you did when and for how long

2. Functional - Focuses on key skills and experiences rather than work history.

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Resume

Format

• Personal Information

• Career Summary / Skills Summary / Career Objective

• Employment History

– Employer

– Job Title or Position

– Dates

– Responsibilities and Achievements

• Education

• Awards, memberships, and additional courses

• Referees

Successful

Resumes are

• Plain, simple

&professional

• Relevant

• Of a high standard

Resume Templates

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How do I incorporate my previous experience?

• The Responsibilities and Achievements section of your Employment History is one of the most important sources of information- this is where the employer will look for proof of your ability to fulfil the requirements of the role

• You need to provide an overview of the projects you worked on and highlight specific quantifiable achievements that can be related back to the role

Example of how prac / thesis work within a CV:

July 2003 – December 2003: Local Government Organisation

Transformation and Relocation Project – undertaking whole of organisation relocation involving

cultural and behaviour change initiatives

• Contributed to change management strategy and designed /conducted readiness assessment

(subsequently used by the organisation across a 3 year program implementation)

• Stakeholder engagement with organisational representatives (participation and communication activities)

to determine employee/business impacts and change drivers – communication rated as effective and

engaging by staff and management

• Presented assessment findings at Senior HR and Business steering committee meeting with

recommendations for change management intervention planning.

Incorporating Practicum Experience

• Practicum is an important part of your career development

• It should be included in your resume to give you the best chance

• Include just like any other job including:

– Role / Responsibilities / Project aims

– Achievements / Outcomes

• Be specific and sell yourself but be careful not to embellish

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Activity

• In groups of two review each other’s resume

• Give your partner feedback about their resume –

2 positive points and 2 constructive points

• Ask questions and have discussion with roaming

coaches!

Before the interview…

– Ensure you write the correct details of the interview

– Have appropriate voicemail message on your mobile / phone

– Prepare for the interview

• Copies of you applications, certificates and or awards

• Familiarise yourself with the position description and key competency requirements

• Prepare a list of questions you would like to ask your interviewer

– Take extra care with your appearance and be confident

– Ensure you leave in plenty of time to get to the interview

– Upon arrival to the interview – walk tall, smile and be professional

How should I prepare for the Interview?

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• Be professional

• Shake hands firmly with each member of the panel

• Maintain good posture and eye contact

• Avoid making negative comments about past employers

• Ask questions pertinent to the position at the end

• Say goodbye to your interviewer at the end and thank them for meeting you.

During the interview

How should I respond?

• Your interviewer is expecting a specific example that informs them of your personal involvement, decision making ability and achievements

• Avoid using hypothetical examples or examples of what a team, that you were a member of, achieved

• Your responses need to be specific, clear, concise, professional and relevant

Behavioural Interviews

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Suggested approach - STAR:

Situation – describe the situation

Task – outline the task you had to complete

Action – state the actions taken to address the task

Result – state the final outcome and learnings

Behavioural Interviews

Help! Mindblock!

It is ok to ask:

– for time to gather your thoughts

– for clarification about the question

– to come back to the question later

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After the interview…

– If you have been asked to send further information, do so quickly and efficiently

– Reflect on your performance in the interview

– If you are unsuccessful, use each interview as a valuable learning tool

– Seek feedback

Further tips…

– Listen carefully and seek clarification if required

– Keep answers concise and factual

– Remember! Not all positions you are applying for will be right for you –Determine the right match

– Stay POSITIVE!!!

After the interview

Other Selection Methods

Role Plays

Work samples

Psychometric assessments

Case studies

Assessment centres

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Unanswered Questions

What else is on your mind?

What other matters should we discuss?