participant handbook - alison · pdf fileinterview questions ... for taj as a steward from...

Food & Beverage Service (Steward)

Career Skills

Participant Handbook

Steward

Preparing an Effective Resume ............................................................................1

The Interview .....................................................................................................9

Preparing for an Interview ................................................................................13

Interview Questions ..........................................................................................21

Table of Contents

Steward

1

Preparing an Effective Resume

At the end of this module you will be able to:

T prepare an effective resume

Session Plan1 Module Overview

2 What is a Resume

3 Importance of an Effective Resume

4 How to Write a Resume

5 Key Learnings

6 Worksheet

Module Overview

Sagar was waiting eagerly waiting for a call regarding a job interview but he was never called. The reason given was that his resume did not qualify for the interview round.

A good resume is your entry ticket to a job interview. It has to be effective enough to standout from the other resumes. In this module let us learn how to prepare an effective resume.

What is a Resume

A resume is a document containing your details like contact, education and work details. A resume is the first document that an employer will see to gauge your capabilities. It is often used to shortlist candidates for an interview. You must be thinking what is the need for a resume when you can always speak for yourself. The answer is ‘Yes’. Most of the big employers today first ask you for your resume rather than straightaway calling you for an interview. Therefore your resume should be effective enough to hold the attention if the employer. It must be prepared such that it makes the employer call you for an interview. When you apply for a job, there will be other people who will be doing the same thing. A resume helps you to project yourself positively and thereby improve your chances of getting short listed for an interview.


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Importance of an Effective Resume

The resume is a tool with one specific purpose, that is, to win an interview. A resume is like an advertisement of you. The better the advertisement, more the chances of getting shortlisted for an interview. A well written resume provides your potential employer information about your past achievements. It also highlights the benefits of hiring you. It presents you in the best light possible. An effective resume will convince the employer that you have what it takes to be successful in the position or career he is offering you. The resume should speak for itself, that is, it should be clearly written and highlight your skills.

Let us take the example of two people who applied for the same position. Only one got the job simply because his resume was made better.

First CandidateMr. Raman had applied for a job in a five star hotel. Let us see how is his resume written.

Name: Raman Singh

Address: 131, J.B Nagar

Wife’s name: Sakshi Singh

No. Of Family members: 2 child

Qualification: 10th from Kendra vidyalaya, Mumbai

12th from Kendra vidyalaya, Mumbai

Experience: work experence of two yers Worked for Taj from 15th January 2011-15th march 2012

Additinal Skills: I have computer knowledge

The employer found many mistakes and misrepresentations in his resume, some of which are given below:

T There were a lot of spelling mistakes.

T Contact details were incomplete.

T Year of passing was missing.

T Date of birth was not mentioned.

T Total experience was written as 2 years whereas from his resume it was clear that he had only 1 year and 2 months of experience.

T Information regarding computer skills was not mentioned clearly. He simply wrote “I have Computer Knowledge”

T Information on language skills was missing.

T Unnecessary information like the number of family members, their profession, etc. was mentioned

Steward

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Second CandidateMr. Girish had applied for the same job in the same company.

Name: Girish Saxena

Permanent Address: 123, Akal Colony, Adyar, Chennai, 400059

Contact No.: 09962304524

Email Address: [email protected]

Date of Birth: 10th January 1985

Qualifications:

Class Name of School/ College Marks Obtained Year of Passing

10th Shantaram Public School, New Delhi 70% 2000

12th Shantaram Public School, New Delhi 62% 2002

Experience:

T Worked for Taj as a Steward From 15th July 2005 – 16th August 2007

Additional Skills:

Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and internet

Good communication skills

Co curricular Activities:

T Reading novels

T Cooking

Languages Known:

English and Hindi, well versed with both written and spoken abilities

References:

Mr. Ashish Biswas

Floor Manager,

Lifestyle – Rajouri Garden, New Delhi

Phone No.: 09818283456

Mr. Prakash Jha

Floor Supervisor

Ashika Stores, Raja Garden, New Delhi

Phone No.: 09617864563

The employer was impressed by his resume and called him for an interview. Some of the points that impressed the employer are given below:

T Clearly written resume with no spelling mistakes.

T Complete contact details including email id and phone numbers given.

T Educational details covering year of passing, percentage and names of school, college, and university written.


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T Date of birth mentioned clearly.

T Total years of work experience matched with the work details mentioned.

T Proficiency in computer skills was elaborated clearly. It said “Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and internet”.

T Language skills with regards to reading writing and speaking ability mentioned.

T Reference of previous Supervisor with whom verifications could be done. Information about hobby and extra curricular activities mentioned.

T All the information is provided in bulleted points.

T No unnecessary information was included.

How to Write a Resume

Here are some points that will help you prepare your resume:

T Write you resume in simple English.

T Do not add fancy designs or pictures in your resume. Keep it simple.

T Avoid multicoloured fonts.

T Make sure the font and font size are such that they are easy to read.

T Use bullet points instead of writing long paragraphs as the employer will not spend more than 5 minutes to glance through your resume.

T Put the most important information first like your name, address and contact details.

T Keywords like Date of Birth, Educational Qualifications and Work Experience should be in bold.

T If you have received a certificate after successful completion of this training programme, then it should be the highlight of your resume. Mention in great detail the knowledge and skill sets that you have gained during the course of the training programme.

T Mention technical skills such as working knowledge of computer applications like Microsoft Word, Excel and Internet, etc clearly.

T Highlight your language skills, the languages that you can read, write and speak.

T Give brief information about your hobbies and extra curricular activities.

T Read and check your resume for mistakes or omissions before sending it.

Tip

• Your name can be written in a slightly larger font as compared to the other information.• Your educational qualifications and work experience should be in a reverse order with

the most recent ones mentioned first followed by earlier ones.• Your resume should not look crowded. Leave white space on the paper.• Avoid mentioning unwanted personal information such as marital status and religious beliefs.• Always use good quality paper and take a good quality printout.

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Key Learnings

Summarise your learning here. Write your answers in the spaces provided.

1. What is a resume?

2. To prepare an effective resume:

5 things that I will mention

5 things that I will not mention


6

Worksheet

Make your resume.

Steward

7

Notes


8

Steward

9

The Interview


T explain the interview process.


2 The Interview

3 Key Learnings

4 Worksheet

Module Overview

Appearing for an interview, will be like a water shed in your journey of skill training. It marks the end of your training. However, it is your first step towards a career in the Food and Beverage industry. It is therefore very important to achieve success in the interview. Thorough preparation for the interview process will prepare you to reach this milestone. In this module, we will learn about the interview process.

The Interview

T A job interview is:

• A two way communication and interaction to understand the fit between the candidateand employer.

• An opportunity to show case yourself - your strengths, achievements and personal qualities.

T The interviewer’s main objectives are:

• To assess how closely your qualifications and skills match the requirement of the positionand company.

• To assess your character and personality.• To present the organization in a positive manner, supplying accurate information to the

prospective employee.

T Facts about interviews:

• 90% of the organizations use interviews as a tool for hiring.• Interviewers make up their mind quite rapidly - usually after the first four to five minutes.• Making a positive first impression is very important.• Interviewers are more influenced by negative information than positive.


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T The structure of an interview:

• Greeting• Introduction• Ice-breaker/Small talk• Questions• Summary statement• Closing

T Different types of interviews are:

• Single• Sequential• Panel

Key Learnings

Summarise your learnings here. Write your answers in the spaces provided.

1. What are the main objectives of the interviewer?

2. What is the structure of an interview?

3. Write a list of questions which you think an interviewer can ask you in an interviewand also write their answers.

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Worksheet

1. Read the following questions. Tick on the correct option given below.

a. A job interview is an opportunity to showcase your self – your strengths, achievementsand personal qualities.

i. True

ii. False

b. In an interview your qualification gets you the job. Initial impression does not count.

i. True

ii. False

Notes


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Answers

1. a. True

b. False

Steward

13

Preparing for an Interview


T prepare for an interview.


2 Preparing for an Interview

3 Key Learnings

4 Worksheet

Module Overview

Preparing for an interview is very important in ensuring success. Presenting yourself correctly and carrying all the necessary documents creates a positive impression on the interviewer. In this module, we will learn how to prepare for an interview.

Preparing for an Interview

In today’s business world, grooming and etiquette are extremely important - image really does matter.

First Impression:

T In the first 5 seconds, the first impression is made.

T In the next 10 seconds, 11 impressions are made based on these given below:

• Personal appearance• Handshake• Grooming• Body language• What and how you speak• Overall personality

T You never get a second chance to make a good first impression!


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T Preparing for an interview:

• Documentation• Grooming• Professional wear• Body language• Handling stress

T Documentation

• Resume• Copies of educational qualification documents• Copies of Photo ID proof• Copies of date of birth certificate• A good working pen and a notepad• Consider purchasing a file to hold your documents

T Grooming

• Have a bath• Use a deodorant - eliminate body odour• Shave• Hair must be kept short and combed neatly• Keep your nails short, clean and free of nail colour.

Professional Wear (for men) - How to dress to impress:

T Trousers:

• Colours: Stick to black, grey or dark blue.• Do not wear jeans to meetings and interviews.• Make sure your trousers fit well.• Trousers should not be rolled or folded at the end.• Trousers should not be too long and not touch the floor when you walk.• Trousers should also not be too short. Your socks should not be visible when you walk.

T Shirts:

• Wear shirts with collars.• Avoid wearing shirts that are see through.• Avoid wearing shirts with flashy designs or patterns - stick to one colour or simple stripes.• Light blues, grays, whites and crèmes are the best.• Make sure that your shirt fits well.• Iron your shirt properly before wearing them.• Tuck your shirt into your trousers; do not leave it hanging out loose.• Match your shirts with your trousers.

T Undershirts:

• Wear a vest under collared shirts so that sweat does not seep through.

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T Shoes:

• Shoes should be black or brown. Avoid white and other light-coloured shoes.• Do not wear tennis shoes, sandals or slippers.

T Accessories:

• Trousers should always be worn with belts.• Avoid large silver and gold buckles, as they are too flashy.• Don’t wear sunglasses (on your face or on your head) for an interview or meeting.

Professional Wear (for women) - How to dress to impress:

T Trousers and Skirts:

• Colour: Stick to black, grey, blue, green and crèmes.• Stick to single-coloured trousers and skirts.• Do not wear jeans.• Skirts should be knee-length or longer. A-line skirts without slits are the best.• Trousers should be fitted, but not too tight.• Make sure your trousers are not too long and don’t touch the floor after you put your

shoes on.

T Shirts:

• Collared shirts can be worn safely.• Try to avoid colours that are too distracting.• Single colours or patterns are both acceptable.• For interviews, long-sleeved shirts are always safe.• Iron your shirts before wearing them.• Match your shirts with your skirts and trousers.

T Salwar Kameez:

• Stick to simple prints.• Almost all colours are fine.

T Saris:

• Only wear a sari if you are already used to wearing one.• Stick to simple prints.• Almost all colours are fine – just avoid distracting colours like bright pink, bright orange

and red.

T Shoes:

• You should wear close-toed shoes with western clothes.• You should wear open-toed sandals with Indian clothes.• Stick to dark-coloured shoes.• Only wear heels if you can walk in them properly.• Do not wear tennis shoes or slippers.


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T Accessories:

• Subtle jewellery should be worn.• Avoid wearing too much gold.• A simple bracelet looks professional.• Wear trousers with belts. Make sure that the buckle is not too big.• Make sure your purse looks professional.• Don’t wear sunglasses (on your face or on your head) for an interview or important

meeting.

Body Language

T Entering the room

• Take permission before entering.• Walk confidently into the room with a smile.

T Handshake

• Shake hands firmly.

T Sitting Etiquette

• Sit only when the interviewer says or take permission to sit.• Sit upright and straight, do not slouch.

T Eye Contact

• Maintain proper eye contact with the interviewer/interviewers while talking.• Never look down

T Listening Attentively

• Listen attentively to the interviewer.• Nod your head to show that you are paying attention.• Lean forward when speaking and back when listening.

T Gestures

• Avoid clenching your fists, pointing fingers, shaking your legs, tapping your feet, bitingfingernails etc.

• Keep your hands away from your hair and face.• Do not fold your arms.

T Handling Stress

• Practice makes perfect• Learn from your mistakes• Know your resume• Acquire technical knowledge• Focus on task at hand• Dress appropriate for the position• Take a deep breath

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T Interview Do’s

• Find out the exact time and place of the interview - arrive 15 minutes early and relax!• Research the company interviewing you.• Always be neat in appearance.• Dress appropriately for the interview.• Carry two copies of your resume and supporting data in a file.• Always greet according to the time of the day. Have a friendly expression when you are

greeted by the interviewer.• Address the interviewer by title (Ms., Mr., Dr.) and last name.• Maintain eye contact during the interview.• Ask for clarification if you don’t understand a question.• Be honest and be yourself.• Exhibit a positive attitude.

T Interview Don’ts

• Don’t make excuses.• Don’t falsify application materials or answers to interview questions.• Don’t treat the interview casually.• Don’t give the impression that you are only interested in salary.• Don’t be unprepared for frequently asked questions (FAQ’s).• Don’t slouch and don’t sit rigidly to the edge of your chair.• Don’t allow your cell phone to ring during the interview.• Don’t take your parents, your pet, spouse or friends to an interview.


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Key Learnings


1. List 5 things you must do before going for an interview.

2. During an interview, what are the things you must do and NOT do?

I must Do I must NOT do

Worksheet

1. Read the following questions. Tick on the correct options given below.

a. Which of the following will you wear for an interview?

b. Which of the following things will you do before going for an interview?

i. Read your resume

ii. Wear formals

iii. Enter the room of the interviewer without knocking

iv. Be neat and clean

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c. Which is the most appropriate dress for an interview?

i. ii.

iii. iv.

Notes


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Answers

1. a. Formal shoes

b. i, ii, iv

c. ii

Steward

21

Interview Questions


T identify the different questions that can be asked in a interview


2 Interview Questions

3 Key Learnings

4 Worksheet

Module Overview

Interview questions are the most stressful part of the interview process. The key to answering the questions is to have as much knowledge in advance of the questions and to have comprehensively prepared the answers. In this module, we will understand different styles of interview questions.

Interview Questions

T Different Styles of Interview Questions

• Specific: “What subjects are you taking?”• Technical: Related to course content• Open ended: “Describe yourself in 5-6 sentences?”• Close ended: “Are you ready to travel?”• Hypothetical or case questions: “Suppose you are working on a guest floor and a fire broke

out. What would you do?”• Offbeat: “If you were an animal, what kind you would be and why?”• Opinion: “What are your strengths and how do you overcome your weaknesses?”

T Interview Questions

• The key to answering the questions is to have as much knowledge in advance of thequestions and to have comprehensively prepared the answers.


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Tell me about yourself/Introduce yourself.

T You need to have a short statement prepared in your mind. It should include your:

• Age• Home town• Education background (specify year of passing and degree)• Work experience (Company name, designation, year of experience)• Hobbies

T Tell me about your family.

• Don’t specify parent’s name. Just specify profession of parents and siblings.

T What do you feel are your strengths?

• You should think carefully and list your main strengths.

T What are your weaknesses?

• If you do mention any weakness at all then make sure that it sounds like a strength.

T Which current affairs problems have you been aware of recently?

• This question is designed to gauge your awareness of the wider world and also yourinterest.

T What do you see yourself doing in five years’ time?

• You should always answer in the context of furthering your career in the organization andthat you hope to give the best of yourself in service of that organization.

T Why should we employ you as opposed to another candidate?

• This is a question where you can bring in your strengths as listed earlier.

T Tell us what you know about this organization?

• You should have studied carefully the facts and figures, the methods and operations and,in particular, the mission statement (if the organization has one).

T Why do you want to work for this particular company?

• You should always give the impression that you want to work for the company becauseyou respect what they do and how they do it.

T What are your hobbies?

• Remember, there will always be another question based on whatever you say.

T Why should we hire you?

• Point out how your assets meet what the organization needs.• Do not mention any other candidates to make a comparison.

T Tell me about your dream job.

• Always answer positively like a job where I love the work, like the people, can contributeand can’t wait to get to work.

T Do you have any work experience?

• Yes/No, I do/don’t have a work experience. If you say ‘yes’, please describe the nature ofyour job in few lines.

Steward

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Key Learnings


1. What are the different styles of interview questions?

2. Introduce yourself to an interviewer.


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Worksheet

1. A job interview involves two-way communication. List five questions that you might want to askthe interviewer:

Notes

participant handbook - alison · pdf fileinterview questions ... for taj as a steward from...

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