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  i * How to build a great c.v / resume *  10 words/terms that can ruin your resume * Company reaction to c.v's * 10 Questions You Should Ask Your Interviewer * Is it smart to dumb down your c.v./ resume * Words that can sabotage your c.v'** The importance of resumes / c.v's * Resumes / c.v's * Latest information... How to make your c.v. work * Watch your language * Letters of Application * Leadership Qualities * Special Feature - Jobs... Getting Help * How to Graduate Your dream * 10 qualities most valued by employers *  Interview techniques * Sample Interview Questions * Interview answers * NEW... Job seeking tips from Theo Griff  *  Not going to University *  Special Feature: A Graduate's story * Graduates look overseas for jobs * Tips for promotion * Graduate jobs: Advice from Experts * Career options *    

Career advice: How to build a great CV

telegraphby Philip Fanthom

The labour market has become increasingly competitive. Use my CV building tips to help improve your chances of getting an interview.

= Start with the basics =

Ask yourself questions that will shape your job hunting

• What am I good at?

• What do I really enjoy doing?

Whilst these questions sound very basic and theoretical, they are the fundamentals of the next step.

= Define your skills =

Be clear on your "value proposition" why an employer would want to recruit you before you create your CV. Ask yourself:

• What are my core skills (i.e. managing teams, being creative, delivery…etc.)?

• How have I utilised these skills in the past?

• How transferable are these core skills?

• What skills can I bring to a future employer, which will add value to their business?

You will notice that I have not made reference to industry specifics. The reason for this is that in any change of career, it is the core skills you need to focus on. These are your true ‘value adds.’

= Structure your CV =

A CV is not merely a chronological list of employment

• Your curriculum vita is not an autobiography.

• Make a CV relevant for the application. Have an adaptable CV to amplify your appropriate core skills to the role.

• Build your CV using your career history whilst highlighting core skills.

• Your CV is a ‘value proposal’ to demonstrate how you can add value to the employer.

• Seek (Xetra: A0EAC4 - news) out advice on your CV and be prepared to take critique (don’t be protective) - your CV is a ‘means to an end’.

• Never add anything in a CV that you are not prepared to demonstrate or elaborate on.

• Stick to the facts not opinions.

• Include testimonials on your CV. This is particularly relevant in candidates, such as described earlier, who have come from a management environment where delivery was key.

A CV has one purpose in its lifetime to achieve an interview.

= Focus on the positives =

Approach each opportunity as though it were your first

It is easy to become caught up in the ‘negative spiral’ of a job seeker, especially the longer the search goes on to secure your ideal role. This will not enhance your chances of obtaining your next role. Stay focused on your abilities:

• What have been your major career accomplishments?

• What were the ultimate ‘outcomes’

• How did you achieve these accomplishments?

• Is the core activity replicable?

• What challenges did you overcome along the way?

• Which of your core skills were utilised?

Don’t forget to obtain testimonials / references to validate these achievements.

= And finally =

Listen to others. Very importantly - when job hunting be prepared to take advice, don’t be defensive, remain positive and make yourself available for opportunities by being proactive.

• Philip Fanthom is managing director at leading recruitment firm Jenrick IT. He recently spoke at the Telegraph's career advice event for older workers, advising candidates how to present themselves to employers to stand out from the crowd. Visit Jenrick's website at www.jenrickit.co.uk

10 Words and Terms That Ruin a Resume

By Charles Purdy, Monster Senior Editor

Your resume needs an update -- that is, if your resume is like that of most people, it’s not as good as it could be. The problem is language: Most resumes are a thicket of deadwood words and phrases -- empty cliches, annoying jargon and recycled buzzwords. Recruiters, HR folks and hiring managers see these terms over and over again, and it makes them sad.

Wouldn’t you rather make them happy? It’s time to start raking out your resume, starting with these (and similar) terms.

1. “Salary negotiable”

Yes, they know. If you’re wasting a precious line of your resume on this term, it looks as though you’re padding -- that you’ve run out of things to talk about. If your salary is not negotiable, that would be somewhat unusual. (Still, don’t put that on your resume either.)

2. “References available by request”

See the preceding comment about unnecessary terms.

3. “Responsible for ______”

Reading this term, the recruiter can almost picture the C-average, uninspired employee mechanically fulfilling his job requirements -- no more, no less. Having been responsible for something isn’t something you did -- it’s something that happened to you. Turn phrases like “responsible for” into “managed,” “led” or other decisive, strong verbs.

4. “Experience working in ______”

Again, experience is something that happens to you -- not something you achieve. Describe your background in terms of achievements.

5. “Problem-solving skills”

You know who else has problem-solving skills? Monkeys. Dogs. On your resume, stick to skills that require a human.

6. “Detail-oriented”

So, you pay attention to details. Well, so does everyone else. Don’t you have something unique to tell the hiring manager? Plus, putting this on your resume will make that accidental typo in your cover letter or resume all the more comical.

7. “Hardworking”

Have you ever heard the term “show -- don’t tell”? This is where that might apply. Anyone can call himself a hard worker. It’s a lot more convincing if you describe situations in concrete detail in which your hard work benefited an employer.

8. “Team player”

See the preceding comment about showing instead of telling. There are very few jobs that don’t involve working with someone else. If you have relevant success stories about collaboration, put them on your resume. Talk about the kinds of teams you worked on, and how you succeeded.

9. “Proactive”

This is a completely deflated buzzword. Again, show rather than tell.

10. “Objective”

This term isn’t always verboten, but you should use it carefully. If your objective is to get the job you’ve applied for, there’s no need to spell that out on your resume with its own heading. A resume objective is usually better replaced by a career summary describing your background, achievements and what you have to offer an employer. An exception might be if you haven’t applied for a specific job and don’t have a lot of experience that speaks to the position you’d like to achieve.

Make your resume shine with help from Monster's resume writing experts!

A Company's reaction to c.v's

As part of a company growing rapidly, we have to get though many CVs and many interviews for each position.

We find that applicants always look their best on the CV, but during the interview, we often see a more truthful view (applicant couldnt answer questions they would be expected to, or (for creative positions) their portfolio doesnt match their expected level, etc).

We also often find that applicants state key experience as if they had done it all themselves, but during interview we find that the work was actually performed in a group, and the applicant actually had a far more edge role.

You also note that you are half way through a professional qualification. So surely, anyone who has completed this qualification would be 'more qualified'?

In short, the CV only gets you the interview. The above are reasons why you may be getting the response you are.

Your lack of success can only really be investigated by what happened at the interview itself. After the first minutes or so, the interviwer will only ask questions to address potential issues. Recall those questions, consider what the concerns might be, and why you didnt convince.

Finally, as much as it may seem otherwise right now, lack of experience is not an excuse. Everyone had got past it. You are competing with people with the same issue.

The question to ask is 'what are they doing that you are not'?

* This report comes from a reputable international company.  Their identity has been protected at their request.  Their responses are typical of others of a similar standing.

10 questions you should ask the interviewer

CareerBuilder.co.uk

You bought a new suit and you are ready for the interview. Also your CV is flawless and you even seem great on paper. Now, for the last piece of the successful job search puzzle you need to impress them at the interview.

How do you do it? Try asking questions. Besides showing your interest in the position and the company, asking questions gives you an active role in the interview and lets you steer the interview into areas where you shine.

To make sure your next interview is as smooth as your freshly pressed suit, try these 10 questions on for size:

"What type of growth and advancement opportunities does this position and the company offer?"
This tells the interviewer that you have a long-term vision for your professional future and that you're not just looking for a paycheque; you're looking to secure a career.

"How do you see me benefiting the company?"
Finding out why you were selected out of possibly hundreds of other candidates gives you a chance to expand on the qualities that caught their eye, further making the case for your hire.

"What exactly are the job responsibilities?"
Job ads usually list the general areas of responsibility for a position. It's always good to confirm what the actual duties will be. You don't want to start your new job as an engineer and find out you're responsible for the weekly doughnut run.

"What would my first project be if I'm hired?"
This will give you a specific idea of what you can expect when you walk into the office that first day after being hired. It also can give you a heads up as to what will be expected of you, allowing you to build on those attributes during the interview.

"Who will evaluate me if I'm hired?"
Ask this question, and you'll discern the company and departmental structure under which you will be working. For instance, will you report directly to the vice president or will there be a succession of middle managers between you?

"Are continuing education and professional training stressed?"
This shows your willingness to learn new skills and adapt to new challenges or initiatives. Adaptability is very important in today's changing economy and could be key to retaining your job in a reorganisation.

"What is the company's culture?"
This will reveal those "intangibles" of a company that have nothing to do with professional experience or required education. If you need a traditional, office/cube environment to stay focused and get the job done, a more creativity-driven workplace which allows music streaming from computers, nerf hoop tournaments and ultraflexible schedules may not be conducive to your productivity.

"Why did you choose this company?"
Hearing why a current employee opted to work at the firm can give you some insight into some of the strengths and opportunities within the organisation.

"When will a decision be made on the successful candidate?"
Knowing this helps you determine the timing of your interview follow-up activities.

"May I contact you if I have other questions?"
It's always good to wrap up the interview with this question. It keeps the door open for further communication, giving you one last chance to make your case.

Is It Smart to Dumb Down Your Resume?

By Kim Isaacs, Monster Resume Expert

If you’re an experienced worker, you might be considering dumbing down your resume to land an interview for a position for which you might seem overqualified. This strategy could include downplaying or omitting work experience, resume skills, degrees and other credentials. But is reworking your resume in this manner a wise thing to do? Employment experts weigh in with their advice.

Special Circumstances Can Warrant It

Tracy Parish, a certified professional resume writer and president of resume-writing firm CareerPlan in Kewanee, Illinois, has encountered situations when dumbing down the resume can work. “Obviously, a person needs to keep bread on the table, so accepting a lower position is becoming more common and the resume needs to be appropriately tailored,” she says.

While you don’t have to include everything you’ve ever done on your resume, don’t cross the line into dishonesty. “Never lie,” Parish says. “It will come back to haunt you.” If you decide to omit some of your credentials on your resume, you still must provide a thorough account on a job application. A resume is a strategic marketing piece, whereas a job application is a signed, legal document that requires full disclosure.

What Are the Risks?

“Job seekers should think carefully before dumbing down their resumes,” says Robert Hosking, executive director of OfficeTeam, a staffing agency based in Menlo Park, California. “Employers can easily learn about job seekers’ work histories, education and credentials online or through references, so they should be truthful.”

“We do not recommend that job seekers hide relevant information,” says Carrie Stone, a former Disney executive and current president of cStone & Associates, an executive search and leadership consulting firm in San Diego. “If job seekers misrepresent credentials, they are seen as dishonest and employers will question their integrity.”

William Finlay, PhD, professor of sociology at the University of Georgia and coauthor of Headhunters: Matchmaking in the Labor Market, also agrees that job seekers shouldn’t dumb down their resumes. “Misrepresentation, if it is discovered, is a deal breaker because it calls the candidate’s honesty into question,” he says.

Overqualified Workers May Have an Edge

Finlay’s research suggests some good news for job seekers who are willing to accept lower-level positions but are concerned about being perceived as overqualified. “We may be entering an era in which being overqualified is no longer a liability,” he says. “A generation ago, a college degree became a requirement for jobs that previously required only a high school diploma. Now, we are seeing evidence of people with JDs and MBAs being hired for jobs that previously would have gone to people with undergraduate degrees.”

Stone has seen this trend in her recruiting career as well. “Previously, employers may have been concerned about hiring overqualified individuals, fearing that when the economy rebounds these employees may leave for other opportunities,” she says. “Since we are not seeing a robust rebound in the market, savvy employers are hiring these overqualified employees while achieving value pricing.”

Smarter Strategies

Parish, who agrees that dumbing down the resume is generally not a good idea, says job seekers should shoot for the stars. “If experienced workers are armed with an extraordinary resume and launch an aggressive job search, they could find their ideal jobs and won’t have to settle,” she says.

Here are three strategies for experienced job seekers who don’t want to dumb down their resumes:
  1. Customize: “A resume needs to be custom-designed, highly targeted and well above average to gain interest,” Parish says. Include a targeted resume title so employers understand your career goal, followed by a qualifications summary that provides an overview of your value.
     
  2. Summarize: “It’s perfectly fine to omit details that aren’t relevant to the position you are applying for,” Hosking says. “For example, you don’t need to include a job you held in high school 40 years ago or expound on a job in another field that isn’t relevant to the position you’re seeking.” Parish recommends detailing only the past 10 to 15 years of your employment history, and relegating older employment to an “Additional Experience” or “Early Career” section at the bottom. Unrelated degrees or specialized training can be downplayed or eliminated as long as they are appropriately listed on an application form, she says.
     
  3. Overcome Objections: Stone says job seekers should anticipate objections employers might have, and use the cover letter to address how age and experience can be a tremendous asset to the organization. “Seek to understand employers’ concerns and then sell around those concerns with brevity, clarity and confidence,” she says.

Words that Sabotage Your CV!

Alesia Benedict, CVGetInterviews.co.uk

Creating a winning CV is a feat of strategy involving focus, wording, design and content selection. To achieve a career marketing document that wins interviews, all areas of the strategy must be spot-on and consciously used in the most effective manner. One of the most common mistakes job candidates make when writing their CVs is not paying attention to strategy and word selection.

There are actually words that can have a detrimental impact on the effectiveness of the CV. When most job candidates write them, they don't consider word choice because they are primarily worried about getting down the basic information. Wording is critical and the wrong one can sabotage your CV.

The average agent and/or hiring manager sees hundreds of CVs from qualified candidates. CVs begin to look and sound the same to them. Here are some words and phrases to avoid:

Soft-skill descriptions
Job seekers feel they need to communicate their soft-skills to the employer because they believe they are the traits that make them unique, but this couldn't be further from the truth. Soft-skills are so common that recruiters pay no attention to them.

Phrases to avoid or severely limit:
- Excellent communication skills
- Strong work ethic
- Personable presenter
- Detail-oriented

Do not bore the reader to tears with these trite, overused and tired phrases. After all, no one will write that he/she takes long lunches, is lazy and argues a lot with peers. Hence, it is much more effective to write a description that is action-based and demonstrates these abilities rather than just laying claim to them. For example, rather than just stating you are an "excellent presenter," you could say "Developed and presented 50+ multi-media presentations to prospects resulting in 35 new accounts, totalling £300,000 in new revenues." 

Age, health, appearance
Many seasoned job seekers are facing that scary time warp known as pre-retirement and fear age discrimination. They feel they can counter this perceived hurdle by giving a description of their age or health. But this can be death to a CV.

Phrases to avoid:

- Youthful
- Athletic
- Fit
- Healthy
- Mature

Additionally, unless specifically requested, there is no need to include personal details such as date of birth, marital status or whether you have children. This information is typically used to exclude candidates from consideration in the hiring process rather than include them. Unless the employer specifically asks, keep this information confidential.

Passive voice
Many people write in the passive voice because that is how we've been taught "formally" in school composition. The problem with the passive voice, however, is that it is just that passive! A CV needs to have punch and sparkle and communicate an active, aggressive candidate. Passive does not accomplish that.

Indicators of the passive voice:
- Responsible for
- Duties included
- Served as
- Actions encompassed

Rather than saying "Responsible for management of three direct reports" change it up to "Managed 3 direct reports." It is a shorter, more direct mode of writing and adds impact to the way the CV reads. On the flip side, whilst action verbs are great, don't overdo it. 

I have actually seen:
- Smashed numbers through the roof'
- 'Electrified sales team to produce...'
- 'Pushed close rate by 10 per cent'


Take your time
A CV is a marketing document for your career just as a brochure is a marketing document for a product or service. Companies put careful thought and consideration into each and every word that goes into marketing copy and you should do the same in your CV. These words stand in your place with the employer and need to showcase you in a powerful way. In a perfect world, these things would not matter, but in the reality of job search today, they matter a great deal.  Be wise - stop and give some thought to the words you choose.

The Importance of Resumes / c.v.'s  from China Association for Employment.

According to a report issued by the China Association for Employment Promotion in March, 76 percent of the resumes the researchers collected from 19,893 respondents failed the evaluation of human resource experts, but 78 percent of these respondents thought they were good. 
Most of the poorly-written resumes looked the same. They did not highlight the job seekers' unique skills, experience or personality, the report said.
"Many new job seekers did not know what human resource managers look for. They might bury useful information in empty words," said Xue.  She said, employers paid the most attention to work or intern experience, but many graduates put lengthy description of academic courses.
The second major problem is that some graduates did not have clear career planning, she said.
"If they do not know what they want from a job, they will not be able to prepare themselves for the job nor impress human resource officials."
This year the country saw a record 6.11 million college graduates.
 
Resumes / c.v.'s 
 
Resumes and c.v.'s are the same thing.  It shows a potential employer briefly your educational history, background and interests.  Frequently it is the first impression an employer will see of you.  It is, therefore, worth taking the time to makae sure that it is professionall and clearly presented.  If possible, it should be on one piece of good quality plain white paper. 
 
     Don't use fancy scripts
    
     Don't pad it out with irrelevant information.
 
     Don't say things that are not true, especially with regard to experience.
 
The format of a resume or c.v. is standard.  In the example below, the first example has additional notes and explanations in italic lettering.  The second example is as the completed resume / c.v. should look upon presentation.
 
 
Alan Cooper
           285 Rue de La Republic, Marsailles.  050030.
telephone: 0311 8987868.
 
Personal.     d.o.b. (date of birth - recognised abreviation)  21.01.1949.
                   male (gender - male or female)
                   father - RF Cooper (deceased)   mother - Mrs Ivy Cooper
                   sometimes companies, the police or military need to check family
                   background / history
 
Education    this should list the educational establishments you have attended, with the most recent first, working you way back to age 11 - 14.  Also add your qualifications and grades or scores, if requested to do so.
 
                   1971 - 1972  Bristol University - BEd
                   1969 - 1971  Newton ar College, Bath University
                                        Certificate of Education - distinction
                   1967 - 1969  Bexhill Grammar School - 'O' levels + 3 'A' levels
                   1962 - 1967  Bexhill Down School - 8 'O' levels
 
Work    again, this should list your work experience in reverse order.  Include Internships and any part-time work you may have had.  Clearly, if this is the first job you have applied for, then work experience will be limited.  Make a not such as, 'this is my first application for work since graduation.'
 
                   2003 - 2006  Shijiazhuang - China, - preparing information for university students
                   2001 - 2004  Chengdu - China - Chengdu University of Technology
                                        Teaching Oral English
                   2000 - 2001  Handan - China - Handan Teacher's University
                                        Teaching Oral English
                   1992 - 2000  Bristol, England,  Garange School
                                        Head of Special Needs Department...etc...etc
 
Interests    Employers are looking for a range of interests, as they are a good indicator as to how you are likely to fit into their working environment.  They need to show things that you like doing on your own and those where you take part with others.  Eg.,
 
          I enjoy reading, preferably biographies of political characters.  I also enjoy ten-pin bowling and table tennis.  Be prepared to answer such questions as.."what was the last book you read?'  or  'What was the last movie you watched?  or  'You say that you like cooking.  What is your favourite dish, and why?'
 
Key Skills,  this is an opportunity for you to show your strengths.  Never admit your weaknesses by saying something like, 'I'm not very good at...'  List between 3 and 5 of your strengths.  As with your interests, it gives the interviewer an opportunity to open-up the interview for more in-depth discussion.
 
     *  good written and spoken communication skills in English
     *  good organisational skills, careful and methodical
     *  good IT skills
     *  an ability to prioritise tasks and make decisions
     *  a good team player, but able to work efficiently on my own.
 
Sign and date your resume / c.v., and up-date it regularly every 3 months.
 
Alan Cooper.
June, 2009.
                  
 
Here it is again, without the additional notes.
                                     
Alan Cooper
           285 Rue de La Republic, Marsailles.  050030.
telephone: 0311 8987868.
 
Personal.     d.o.b.  21.01.1949.
                    male                  
                    father -  RF Cooper  deceased)   mother - Mrs Ivy Cooper
                  
Education   
                   1971 - 1972  Bristol University - BEd
                   1969 - 1971  Newton ar College, Bath University
                                        Certificate of Education - distinction
                   1967 - 1969  Bexhill Grammar School - 'O' levels + 3 'A' levels
                   1962 - 1967  Bexhill Down School - 8 'O' levels
 
Work           2003 - 2006  Shijiazhuang - Chian -preparing information for university students
 
                   2001 - 2004  Chengdu - Chian - Chengdu University of Technology
                                        Teaching Oral English
                   2000 - 2001  Handan - Chian -Handan Teacher's University
                                        Teaching Oral English
                   1992 - 2000  Bristol, England,  Garange School
                                        Head of Special Needs Department...etc...etc
 
Interests       I enjoy reading, preferably biographies of political characters.  I also enjoy ten-pin bowling and table tennis. 
 
Key Skills       *  good written and spoken communication skills in English      
                      *  good organisational skills, careful and methodical
                      *  good IT skills
                      *  an ability to prioritise tasks and make decisions
                      *  a good team player, but able to work efficiently on my own.
 
Alan Cooper.
June, 2006.

CV / Resume masterclass

News | Published in The TES on 15 January, 2010 | By: Fiona Salvage

Everybody dreads doing it, but a well- crafted CV can open doors for you. Fiona Salvage helps you get the balance right 

Original paper headline: Juggling the other curriculum
You might be a whiz with the national curriculum, but how are you with your own curriculum vitae?  Selling yourself on one or two sides of A4 doesn’t come naturally or easily to most people but it is a crucial skill to learn as this is a popular way for recruiters to decide if you’re a suitable candidate to interview.
 
You don’t have to give your life story in this document but if you offer too little detail you look like you’re hiding something. When cutting information to get your CV on to two pages, don’t leave expanses of time unaccounted for - people will fear the worst and assume you were in prison rather than doing an unglamorous job in a chicken plucking factory.

CV basics

Never write ‘CV’ at the top - everyone knows it’s a CV - simply put your name in a slightly larger font than the rest of the document. This also applies if you’re sending your CV digitally, and you should also remember to name the file with your own name, such as “Jo Bloggs CV.doc”, and never just “CV.doc”.
 
Font sizes should be the same whether your CV is printed or emailed, with 12pt a good compromise, 10pt a little too small, and 13/14pt looking like you’re filling space. Although many teachers use Comic Sans MS on everything, the CV is not the place for it.  Stick to Times New Roman for printed CVs as it is easier to read, and a sans serif font like Arial for emailed CVs as this font reads better on screen.
 
Bold and italics should be used sparingly on a CV; bold for section headings and italics for job titles is a good way of breaking up the text and making it easier to read. Don’t use bold to highlight key words. If you’re using italics for publication names, such as if you were on the student paper, make sure you use them consistently.
 
Always check your CV for spelling, punctuation and other errors. Your work as a teacher on that front will be under a lot of scrutiny and if you can’t get your CV right a recruiter will worry about what care you will take with other written material.
 
It’s not necessary to put your date of birth or marital status on your CV, but if you’re a mature candidate, leaving out your vital statistics may look like you’re trying to cover up your age.
 
However, email isn’t secure and you shouldn’t put security details such as date of birth in a CV you are going to email. Instead, you could compromise and ensure you leave in the dates of your education.
 
Never include a photograph, unless requested. It looks terribly unprofessional.
Don’t skimp on paper and printing. Use good quality white or off-white A4 paper, minimum 80gsm but preferably 100gsm.
 
If you’re using a Mac and think your CV’s conversion to Word on a PC may affect your careful formatting you might prefer to send a PDF, although experts say Word is more widely used (for more information on digital applications, see page 17).

Your personal statement

Whether you are at the start of your career, or are a career changer and late entrant to teaching, you should always start your CV with a personal statement and your work experience. Recruiters want to know about you as a person, what skills you have and what your experience is (even if limited). These things will give you lots of areas to expand on at the interview stage.
 
Highlight your achievements, when you’ve turned a bad situation into a good one, and give them a feel for the sort of teacher you are and hope to be. Make sure you include something on why you want to be a teacher.
 
Personal statement, professional profile or career profile? Whatever you call it, the paragraph at the top of your CV nestled between your contact details and work experience is probably the most difficult part of a CV to get right. This is the part of the CV that makes you sound human and allows you to demonstrate your qualities and motivations rather than just your experience. 
 
It doesn't need to be an essay - keep it five to 10 lines maximum - but you do need to word it carefully, persuasively and concisely. This is one place in a CV that bullet points will not do you any favours. You should try to write this in the third person rather than the first. The best way to make this paragraph powerful is to make sure every word counts - don’t waffle, definitely don’t exaggerate, but do get to the point.
 
The statement should be summing up of your  experience - so if you sorted out the lending library and the health and safety paperwork you’re a skilled administrator, or a well-organised individual. If you’ve turned a class from below par, to achieving the expected level for their age, you might be versatile, flexible, dynamic, innovative or motivational.

Design tips

Use of space is as important on your CV as it is in the classroom. Gaping holes with nothing going on will do you no favours, and nor will shoving everything on it.
 
There are plenty of templates available on word processing software packages, on websites or in CV books and you can take a steer from these. Use the space sensibly - leaving white space to aid readability - balance the page so it doesn’t look lopsided, use bullet points where appropriate and use headings to help the reader navigate through the page.
Above all, make sure you’re consistent in bullet style, spacing, font size and design.

Be a wordsmith

Throughout your CV, a good use of vocabulary will help take it from being an average one to an outstanding one. There are lots of CV books on the market and they all offer long word lists that you can crib from.
 
The most common of these are action verbs (eg achieved, accomplished, managed, improved, developed) and positive adjectives (resourceful, versatile, innovative, positive, productive)

Be interesting

One of the most revealing parts of a CV, but also sometimes the most neglected, is the multitude of sins that comes under “hobbies and interests”. Rather uniquely, those applying for teaching posts are probably able to turn this awkward part of a CV to their advantage, and use it to highlight opportunities for extra-curricular activities that you can get involved in.
 
Candidates with music skills would do well to highlight these talents, as would those with sporting prowess, while any position of responsibility in a team or organisation shows you can organise and get things done. Good luck!

Good words to use

  • Achieved
  • Delivered
  • Developed
  • Enjoyed
  • Demonstrated
  • Supervised
  • Persuaded
  • Improved
  • Co-ordinated
  • Implemented
  • Trained
  • Monitored
  • Completed

Great words to use

  • Quickly
  • Resourcefully
  • Effectively
  • Competently
  • Carefully
  • Creatively
  • Flexibly

Bad words to use

  • Avoided
  • Failed
  • Relied
  • Argued
  • Lost
  • Tried

TOP FIVE CV BOOKS FROM AMAZON.CO.UK

Latest information... How to make your CV work.  Patrick Kingsley   guardian.co.uk,  06.07.2010

Personalise it for every application – and keep it to two pages, say recruitment experts 

cv being read by prospective employer A CV being read by prospective employer Photograph: Nils Jorgensen/Rex Features.
Employers this year will on average read 70 résumés for every vacancy advertised. So how can a graduate make their CV stand out? We asked three recruitment experts for their top tips:

1 Personalise your CV for every application
"Put in your most relevant work experience first," says Ben Hayward, graduate recruitment executive at cosmetics company L'Oreal. "Recruiters are so aware of students taking a shotgun approach to application. If it looks as if you've sent them a stock CV, you won't look committed."

2 Cite qualifications as proof of skills
"Employers sometimes struggle to see why aspects of education are relevant to business," warns Steven Kirkpatrick, managing director at recruitment agency Adecco. "You have to explain how they helped you operate in ways which are similar to behaviours within the world of work. Graduates can be perceived as lazy – so break down every degree course and work-experience item to show how they taught you responsibility, time management, customer service."

3 If you haven't got a lengthy employment record, emphasise your talents
David Moran, a consultant at The CV Experts, recommends "beginning with a skill section which outlines your key personal strengths, using any previous jobs as evidence."

4 Don't start with a personal paragraph
"I would always advise against one," advises Hayward, "unless you've got something exceptional to say. If you read it back to yourself, and it says something anyone could have written, just get rid of it." Do mention any language skills though. And Moran says graduates should include an interests section at the end of the CV.

5 Keep it to two pages
"Never, ever, ever, ever go on to that third page," says Hayward. "It just won't get read."

Resumes / c.v's - 'Watch your language...'
 
It's very important when writing resume's and letters of application in English, to make sure that your message or application to a foreign company, has an impact.  It should be concise, to the point and relevant to the job you are seeking.
 
Unfortunately, phrases which are acceptable in some countries, such as  'My dear Mr Wang...'  are not relevant in the west.  Instead, use  'Dear Mr Wang...'  or  'Dear Wang Li...' . 
 
If you don't know the person's name, address your letter as 'Dear Sir' ...or  'To whom it may concem ...'
 
Look for clues in the wording of on advertisement, such as 'Manage...', 'leadership...',  'motivated...' 'achievements...' and use those words in the first few lines of your letter.
 
Some advertisements, particularly in areas such as design and technology, will specify software you must be able to use for the job.
 
Be sure to tailor your application for the pactialar job or the type of job you are applying.  It may be necessary to plan several resumes emphasising different points, especially if you are applying for your first job, and have not decialed exactly what you want to do.
 
But don't pack your resume or letter with experience you don't have.  If an employer asks for an experience you don't have, include a statement at the top of you resume desribing your career goals and list 3 or 4 key skills.  It may well save your application from going into  'out'  tray or 'reject' pile. 
 
When you are searching for a new job, writing a successful resume is the first hurdle to employment . Do you want to catch the eyes of a potential employer?  Some key words might help you!
 
Every employer is looking for candidates with a specific set of abilities and experiences.  These are most often described in the job listing advert.  Listings for management positions, for example, usually include words like 'manage'  'leadership', 'teamwork' and "motivate".
 
Writing or editing positions might include words such as 'creativity', 'accuracy'  or 'deadlines'.
 
Anything in technology fields, such as Web or graphic design or database management, will always have the specific names of the software you must know for the job.
 
If you lack some of the employer's preferred experience, insert a statement of your career objective at the top of your resume. This statement should be a brief description of your primary career goal. Include some key words here, and tell the employer how you will use your experience and skills in your new career path.
 
Note: your statement should be brief...  'Good English slills'
                                                                   'Can prioritise tasks'

Resume and c.v. which stands for 'curriculum vitae'  are the same.  It is an outline of your background, educational background, and experience.  A sample copy, with explanations are dealt with elsewhere.
 
For more information about writing resumes / c.v.'s visit:   www.quint careers.com/e-resumes.html  -  for E-Resumes
                                                                                                 www.1stresumes.com/resumes.htm  -  writing styles and advice
 
 
Letters of Application.
 
Never have I found anything which students find so confusing.  Let's take a look for a moment at the job application process.
 
Let's assume that you have found a job or company that you are interested in.  What do you want to do or what is your goal?  It is to find more information about the position which is on offer and to try your best to get an invitation for interview.
 
What does the company want?  Clearly they are looking for someone to join their workforce and fill a vacancy.  The application may be by letter or, increasingly these days, by e-mail.
 
I regularly receive requests from students for help in composing a letter of application, and I am astonished it is not something which is addressed in their individual colleges.  In the UK it is part of the normal English curriculum (course) and is also addressed by the teacher in charge of Careers.  Most Comprehensive schools - the UK equivalent of Middle Schools, have a Career Department.
 
What the employer does not want to read is loads of irrelevant material relating to your family, uncles or friends.  They want to know what you have to offer them, and what your interests are.
 
As with the presentation of your resume /c.v, the covering letter should be simple, accurate and printed on a plain piece of white A4 paper.  It should contain your name, address and telephone number, what position you are interested in and where you saw the advertisement.  You may be able to obtain more information from their website.
 
Your resume / c.v. contains all the relevant information.  All you need to do is send a brief, business-like accompanying letter.  Be aware that they may be sifting (sorting) through hundreds of applications.  To make sure that you stay in the 'in' tray, send your c.v. with a covering letter, like this*...
 
 
telephone: 0311 8987868                                     2 High Street
                                                                                  Anytown
                                                                                  Postcode
                                                                                  9th September, 2009.
Tony Wei
Sino Trans
14th Floor
335 Liang Meng Lu
Shijiazhuang
050032.
 
Dear Mr Wei
 
I am interested in the vacancy for Communications Officer as advertised in Hebei Youth Daily on Friday 8th September.  Would you please send me further information.
 
I enclose a copy of my resume and look forward to hearing from you.
 
Yours sincerely
 
Alan Cooper.
 
*  details in the example are fictitious.  People, addresses and telephone numbers do not relate to the Company named in illustration.
 
So, we wish you luck in your job search.  The pressure is on for job hunters.  Although there are hundreds of thousands of students, more than 3.3 million infact, chasing too few jobs, the jobs are out there for people who have drive and ambition.  You may not get your ideal job first time round, but if offered something you think you may be interested in, then take it.  It is much easier to get another job when you are already in employment than when you are cruising the Job Market.
 
If it is any consolation, when I launched on my career almost 40 years ago, I wanted to work in the city where I had been studying at college and university.  The pressure was intense.  I made 32 applications and attended more than a dozen interviews before I got what I wanted.  Time after time, I geared myself up with the illusion, 'this one is mine', only to find that the potential opportunity slipped through my fingers like grains of sand.
 
So the message is, 'be properly prepared, be persistent and don't give in!'
 
Problems?  e-mail us on:  enjoyingenglishinfo@yahoo.com 

On-line applications Published in The TES on 15 January, 2010

Rule 1: Keep it formal

Online applications can feel impersonal, but this doesn’t mean you can cut corners. Make sure you write in proper sentences.

Rule 2: Handle with care

If you can, print off the application first and fill it in on paper as a draft, or copy and paste the questions and type up your answers. You can then copy and paste them in. Don’t forget to check for word limits. Use the spellcheck, but don’t use this as a substitute for reading it thoroughly - typing “form” instead of “from” is very easily done.

Rule 3: Crack their code

Check the job description for keywords - such as “organised”, “liaised”, “creative”, “innovative” - and make sure you use them (appropriately) in your application.

Rule 4: Always keep a copy

Before you press send, hit print and make a file copy for each application you do. When it comes to the interview stage you’ll be glad you did.

Rule 5: Check the deadline

There is nothing worse than spending lots of time on a position that closed last week. You can’t rely on the website to have closed the entry portal on the right day.

Rule 6: Quality not quantity

Don’t bang out 10 online applications in an afternoon - you’re better off spending quality time on a handful of applications and doing them really well in the same amount of time. Martyn Best, managing director at Hays Education, says: “Each application needs to be tailored to the role; increased competition for jobs means that employers can be far more specific about what they want. It is, therefore, crucial that you spend time drawing upon your competencies that match those listed within the job profile.”

Rule 7: Avoid language barriers

Double check your software settings are for English UK and not English US.

Rule 8: Highlight your IT skills

As an NQT, chances are you’re likely to be more of a digital native than some of the existing staff members, so make sure you highlight your abilities in this area. Just completing the application online won’t demonstrate your capabilities fully.

Rule 9: Don’t forget to mention extra-curricular activities

These can be a real selling point for you. Make sure you look at the school’s website first to see how your interests fit with the schools, and prioritise them accordingly.

Rule 10: Make the most of your personal statement

And make sure it is personal to each position before you copy and paste it in. Mr Best says: “This is your chance to showcase your skills, detailing how you meet the functional and behavioural competencies contained within the job description and person specification. Don’t waste it.”

ONLINE ETIQUETTE: THE DOS AND DON’TS

  • Don’t leave the subject line of your email blank.
  • Don’t lapse into informality just because it is email. Use “Dear” not “Hi” and a formal closing greeting, not “thanks” or “best”.
  • Don’t save your CV as “CV.doc” - rename the file to include your name.
  • Do send the CV as an attachment, but make sure the covering letter forms the main body of the email.
  • Do double check you’ve attached all the documents before you hit send.
  • Don’t use a non-standard font. Do use a sans serif font like Arial that looks best on screen, which is likely to be how your CV is first read.
  • Do remove the witty and hilarious signature line from your email.
  • Do set up a new email account for job applications - keep the hilarious hotstuff@hotmail.com email addresses for the weekend.
  • Do remember to check your new email address.
  • Don’t add in personal details such as date of birth or marital status into your CV if it is to be emailed, as email is not secure.
  • Don’t use images on your CV - it is unprofessional and unpredictable as different software programs may scramble images.
  • Do check your “Sent items” or “Outbox” to make sure the email has been sent.
  • Do make sure you have accounted for any gaps in employment history 

Application Forms.

How to make your application stand out.  Published in The TES on 15 January, 2010 | By: Steven Hastings.

Partly adapted for International students (AC)

Jobs toolkit:  The application form. With the market the toughest it’s been in years, make sure you don’t fall at the first hurdle. Steven Hastings helps you stand out for the right reasons   Original paper headline: Apply yourself.

You may be applying for dozens of jobs. You may be willing to accept any post, anywhere, just to get a foot in the door and some cash in the bank.  But the key to making a successful application is to ensure you target each job individually, and make each school feel you’re writing just for them.  The best way to do that?  Resist the urge to rehash old applications, and instead start every one from scratch. Nothing irritates employers more than receiving “cut and paste” applications, so if you can send something that is fresh, sincere, and tailored to the job in hand, chances are you’ll get noticed.
 
Application forms vary widely, but they’re all seeking an answer to the same basic question - can you do the job? Everything you write on the form should be an attempt to show that you can.  With that in mind, read the job description carefully, and refer to it  often.  Employers don’t just pull these things out of the filing cabinet; a job spec will most likely be the product of a lengthy meeting between interested parties - managers, owneres etc., and if you haven’t read it, they’ll dismiss you out of hand.  And don’t simply say you can do the job - prove it. Even if your experience is limited to a handful of part-time job  placements, you should still give concrete examples of things you’ve done, projects that have been successful, and situations you’ve handled well.
 
Application forms typically start by asking you to list qualifications, skills and previous employment.  The important point here is to be honest and straightforward.  Perhaps there are things you’d rather brush under the carpet, but it’s a risky business. If interviewers notice a chronological gap in your experience, they will be suspicious.
 
As a general rule, the more details you include, the more convincing you will seem.  For example, if you have excellent ICT skills, then say exactly what they are and name the different software packages you’re comfortable with.  Talk yourself up, by all means, but don’t bend the truth - or you may come unstuck at interview.
 
Most application forms offer you a chance to write about yourself and to say what you could bring to the post.  A personal statement should be just that - personal.  Try to avoid using jargon or cliche, and instead explain simply and clearly what qualities you have and the kind of teacher you are.
 
It’s a good idea to find out as much as possible about the company / organisation by looking at its website and most recent  reports. Think about their strengths and weaknesses, and how you would fit in there.  Companies admit they often appoint someone because of a gut feeling that they’re “our kind of person” - so try to get your own personality across, and make it clear you’re in sympathy with theirs.
 
With the job market being so competitive at the moment, having something to offer outside the your qualifications can make the difference. When you look at a website, try to identify an interest or skill gap you could plug.  If your interests are politics and hill walking, suggest that you might be willing help organise outdoor pursuits. You don’t have to over-commit, just seem keen.
 
The kind of letter you send with your application will depend on the questions you’ve been asked on the form.  If the form gave you plenty of opportunity to explain your personal qualities and what you would bring to the post, then all you need do is write a covering letter to accompany it.
 
Keep it short - perhaps just a single side - and limit yourself to brief pleasantries, and a simple but strong statement about your suitability for the job. On the other hand, if the application form only asked you to list qualifications and experience, then you’ll need to write a longer letter of application, perhaps up to three sides, making a more detailed case.
 
The important thing is the letter should say something new, and not simply repeat what’s on the form.
 
Follow these guidelines and your application will have substance, but it also needs style. Try to use good, clear, standard English, and keep your sentences fairly short. It’s hard to stress how crucial the need for accuracy is; there are some who say just one spelling mistake and an application ends up in the bin.
 
Other pet hates include misplaced apostrophes and excessive use of exclamation marks. So check, and double- check.
 
When it comes to the overall presentation of your application, there are two watchwords: clarity and professionalism. It’s true that completing the form in green ink, or printing your letter on orange paper, will make you stand out. But not in a good way. Better to concentrate on making your application look smart and easy to read.
 
Word process whenever possible, and don’t be tempted by a fancy font.  Times New Roman is fine. Or you could go for a serious sans serif like Arial or Verdana, in 11 or 12 point for a letter, perhaps as small as 10 point for a form, though no smaller. Always in black.
 
As for spacing, one- and-a-half space usually offers a balance between keeping things compact and making them easy on the eye, but it depends on the size of your font.  When printing, don’t use cheap paper - splash out on something with a bit of weight, say 120gsm, in white or cream.
 
If an application form has to be filled in by hand, then use a pen you can trust, draft your answers first, and, if needs be, rule in some faint pencil lines you can rub out later. Above all, make everything neat and legible.  If it helps, block capitals and bullet points are permissible on an application form - though never in a covering letter.
 
A few companies, still ask for a handwritten letter of application. If you can wield a fountain pen then go for it, otherwise at least use something that has an “inky” look, rather than a cheap ball-point.  It’s extremely rare to ask for a photo, and you shouldn’t send one unless they do, however good you think you look.
 
Finally, check everything over carefully before sending.  Never be complacent. You may know you’ll make an excellent employee, and if you get an interview you’ll be able to prove it, but all the business has to go on is your application.  If you don’t feel they represent you at your very best, sit down and start again.

DON’T SAY - DO SAY

- “My references speak for themselves.”
- “I look forward to seeing you at interview.”
- “I have some interesting ideas for improving your business.”
- “I see this job as a useful stepping stone in my career.”
- “I am a good team player with excellent inter-personal skills.”
- “I see from your website …”
- “An example of this is …”
- “I would be suited to your business because …”
- “I could contribute to the wider life of the organisation by …”

FIVE QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF BEFORE SENDING

1. Have I demonstrated I can do the job?
2. Does my personality come across?
3. Is the application tailored to this particular job?
4. Is there anything that might be off-putting, or could be taken the wrong way?
5. Would they understand what I’ve written?

WHAT EMPLOYERS LIKE TO SEE … AND WHAT THEY DON’T

  • “I want applications that reflect the job advertisement. I’m looking for evidence that an applicant can be innovative, flexible and treat others as individuals.” “I want applicants to tell me what they’ve done in the past, and how, to give me a clear idea of what they’ll do in the future.”
  • “I like to feel a candidate is seeking a job at our’ company and they should show that they have found out about our values.”
  • “Applicants often write about what they hope to get out of the job, instead of what they can do for the business”
  • “There’s nothing worse than an application that has clearly been written for a different job and then re-used.”
  • “I don’t like it when applicants ‘creep’ in the letter by saying good things about the company. You don’t have to make me feel good about myself.”
HOW TO GRADUATE YOUR DREAM JOB.
with information from Linda Whitney at the 'Daily Mail'.  London  2008.05.15.
 
Many career opportunities begin with a graduate training scheme, so research yours carefully as good research will boost your chances by at least 50% says Carl Gilleard of the Association of Graduate Recruiters, (AGR).
 
First, decide whether you want to work in the public or private sector.  More stability is likely to be found in the public sector, but salaries may not be as high.
 
If professional qualifications are important, in professions such as accountancy, law, engineering or architecture, look for a scheme that combines business training with work experience.  Make sure that it gives you time to do additional study.  Specialised programmes with a defined outcome, are becoming more common.
 
Go to Job Fairs, business presentations at yours or other universities, and talk to trainees who are already on schemes.  If possible, use vacations and internships to 'try out' different companies and gain more varied experiences.
 
Check that the 'corporate' image or approach of the company suits you, especially if you are looking at foreign companies.  Ensure that you are taught personal and business development as well as technical skills.
 
Don't restrict your mobility.  Many companies will ask or expect you to re-locate to another area or city.  It is certain that you will be up against a lot of competition.
 
From my experience, students often feel that they have missed opportunities, but you haven't.  I have said many times the importance of research, keeping your eyes and ears open, searching the Internet and the other things relating to job searches.  Companies are increasingly looking for graduates from previous years, often with some kind of work experience.  That experience may not necessarily be related to the work you are searching for, but it gives employers an indication of how you are likely to fit into their workforce.  Similarly, many organisations stagger their recruitment throughout the year, as the occasion is necessary.
 
Don't ignore smaller companies; they may offer more entrepreneurial opportunities than larger corporations.  Tailor your c.v. / resume and application to individual companies and their requirements.  If your application is unsuccessful, ask for feed-back; it will help you as a valuable guide on further submissions.
 
And remember... if at first you don't succeed, then try again.
 
Alan Cooper.
May, 2008.
 
Leadership Qualities.
 
 Lee Bollinger from the University of Colombia says in his Leadership Training Programme that a good leader needs to be:
                
        Knowledgeable
        Honest
        Understanding
        Confident
        Energetic
        Decisive
        Responsible
        Creative
        Sensitive
        Unprejudiced
        Unbiased
        Fair
        Communicative
        Thoughtfulness.....  What do you think?
 
Special  Feature  -  Jobs - Getting Help.
 
At the risk of repeating myself and going over old ground again, I am returning to the task of Job Hunting because of its importance to student's future careers.  In the UK all schools have a specially trained Careers teacher and a Carers department.  The government runs Job Shops offering help with job searches and advertising vacancies across the job market including skilled,unskilled and professional posts.  Industry, business and all agencies, as well as schools, co-operate with  the exchange of information, visits, seminars and presentations.
 
Job Hunting is a serious business, and one which can be very confusing, at least I think, because students are busy studying and don't give much forward thought as to what careers they want to follow.  If the do know and have planned a career path carefully, the competition is ferocious; too many people for not enough Jobs.
 
I have written many articles aimed at helping students find jobs, fill in application forms, prepare resumes / c.v's, and other advice.  From the feedback we receive, it seems to work and is helpful.
 
The importance of this feature is to stress the importance of using every means possible to secure a foothold on the career ladder, providing you are comfortable with the situation.  There are many sources of help, so use them to your advantage.
 
Parents can help, advise and sometimes open doors to opportunities through their own contacts in business.  Sometimes young people feel under pressure from their parents, many of whom have made huge financial sacrifices to put their children through college.  The friction it sometimes causes in relationships is understandable; students want freedom to go their own way but parents want the best for their sons and daughters.  Ideas and personalities, clash.
 
Teachers may be able to help and guide you with problems through their professional and personal contacts.  The situation will almost certainly be helped if you show an interest in your studies and discuss problems with them.  It offers you the opportunity to show off your personality and demonstrate skills and abilities.
 
In my view, this is part of a good teacher's wider responsibilities.  It is also personally rewarding when my students achieve their goals.  I have a great feeling of satisfaction when a successful students takes the trouble to send a 'Thank you' message or card.
Teachers are also a key element in providing recommendations and references.  Of course they emphasise the positive points of a student.  To be able to do that, a teacher needs to know more about the student than simply their academic success and ability.  There are three types of enquiries from or to an employer.
 
References:  This is a confidential recommendation, usually from your college or employer about your background, academic record and suitability for the advertised job.
 
Letter of Recommendation or Testimonial:  is similar and more general in its terms of reference.  It is usually 'open' and provided for you to photo-copy for inclusion with an application or letter to a prospective employer.
 
Letter of Request: is a request from an employer for specific information from your college or university.  Present your request for your application, to your college, tutor or teacher at least 4 weeks before it is required.  Tell your school exactly what the prospective employer wants to know and why they want the information.  Also tell them when the Letter of Recommendation has to be received by the employer.  The reply is usually sent by e-mail. Here is the standard format:
Dear Professor Li
Include your personal information: Name, Class. contact address, mobile phone number.
I am writing to ask if you would please write a Letter of Recommendation for me.  I am applying to ??? which requires information concerning my academic ability.  They have asked specifically for information on the following points:
List each point in the same order which the company asks for it.
The letter has to returned to the following e-mail address ???? by 2008.09.30.  If you need information please call me on 1358 1234567.
Kind regards
Alan Cooper.

Use all the sources of help that are available to you;  visit Job Fairs, scan notice boards and advertisements in news papers, use agencies, search the Internet and circulate relevant information to potential employers whose business you may be interested in.
Don't give up. Try to avoid traps - some unscrupulous organisations will ask for a fee to help you.  Generally speaking, a reputable organisation will will help you for Free, recovering their costs from the employer or other agencies.
 
JOBS -  10 Qualities Most Valued by Employers.
From Shandong Human Resources Website.
 
1.   A sense of responsibility
2.   A sense of teamwork
3.   Ambition
4.   Flexibility
5.   Eloquence - being able to speak fluently
6.   Independence
7.   Confidence
8.   An ability to work under pressure
9.   Communication skills
10.  Professional excellence.
 
Interview Techniques. 
 
There are a number of basic guidelines to approach an Interview situation for the first time which, if handled properly will create a good impression and help you on the road to success.
 
I am assuming that you have already submitted a letter of application and a copy of your resume / c.v..  If not, you can find advice under the 'Job Fair Maze'.  It is that which has resulted with an Invitation for Interview.
 
The first thing to do is, to find out as much about the Company or business as you can.  Everything; from it's location, layout, management structure, products or anything else which you consider relevant.  You may be able to locate this kind of information from the Company's website, if they have one.
 
Before the Interview:
 
1.  Make sure that you are on time and that you know where you are going.  If it is local, you can check it out before hand.  If your interview is in another city, try to find information on the Company's location.  If necessary, telephone in advance to get their address and directions on how to find them.
 
2.  Be properly dressed, tidy, in a suit is probably best unless it is swelteringly hot in the summer, or freezing cold in the winter.  Keep an eye on the weather forecast the night before and take an umbrella if the weather looks as though it might rain.
 
Be sure that your hair is washed and groomed, fingernails and shoes are clean.
 
At the Interview:
 
Interview panels usually consist of 3 people, with a mix of gender's (men and women).  One of them will be paying particular attention to the way you react and behave.  Above all, smile, be confident and use eye-contact.
 
1.  Be business-like.  Be polite, but not grovelling or outwardly subservient.  Prepare a 30 second introduction... 'Good morning Mr ???.  My mane is Li Yang.  I am studying Computer Systems Analysis at Shijiazhuang Computer College.'  This verifys who you are and enables the interviewers to make sure that they have the correct information in front of them.
 
2.  Sit comfortably and don't fidget or move around.  Crossing your legs is acceptable, but don't keep crossing and un-crossing them.  Sitting with your legs together or slightly apart, shows through body language that you are confident, honest and comfortable.  Sit upright with your hands folded in your lap.  Don't tightly grip the arm rests of the chair or sit with one arm over the back of the chair.  Don't make stabbing, pointing gestures to emphasise a point.  Don't flap your arms about, as though you are trying to 'take-off'.
 
3.  Keep eye-contact with the person asking the question, and refer by glancing, to other members of the Interview panel when you are responding to a question.  Don't make comments like...'That's a very good question.'   The Interviewer knows it's a good question, otherwise he wouldn't have asked it.
 
4.  Try to remembers the questioner's name - especially if they introduce themselves or have name cards in front of them.  If possible, use their name at least once as the interviewers take turns to ask questions. This shows that you are alert and have an interest in them as people as well as the company.
 
5.  Refer to information that you have found from the website if it is appropriate.  Begin your answer something like... 'I noticed on your website...'.  Clearly this shows that you have done your homework about the company, and is likely to impress.  It will certainly register with the Interviewers.
 
6.  Be prepared to be asked to prioritise tasks.  This may not always relate directly to work that is most urgent or important.  Other factors may come into play, for example; you may have to decide on the priority according to possible financial losses. 
 
The financial loss on a task which is urgent may be less than something that is important.  So the important task should be tackled first and the urgent task left until later, if it is not possible to complete both at once before the deadline.
 
Similarly, your decision in prioritising work, may affect other members of the team.  If you make a decision which hinders the work of other members of the group, that is effectively a financial loss, as they may be sitting around with nothing to do.  Remember, that in business, time is money!
 
7.  Prepare a list of suitable questions and hope that the panel doesn't cover all the things you may want to know.  Use references such as... 'I noticed on your website...', as I mentioned earlier, or... 'Mrs Wang mentioned...',  'You suggested that...'.
 
It is acceptable to ask questions relating to the job, e.g., 'I wondered about the possibility of promotion within the company.  Is it possible to move sideways, to gain broader experience, as well as upwards?'
 
8.  Finally, prepare an 'outro..' - the opposite of an 'intro...' ; you need to say 'thank you...' and leave the door open for further contact.  The best way to do this is like this... 'Well, thank you for giving me the opportunity to meet you.  It has been interesting.  I hope to hear from you soon.' 
 
A handshake is also appropriate - firm, with a full hand rather than just the fingertips - but not crushing or with a vigorous pumping action as though you are trying to jack-up the back end of a vehicle to change a tyre.
 
Don't ask questions like...'O.K. When do I start?
                                        'Can you tell me more about time-off and vacations?'  or
                                        'Right!  How much money will I get?
Good luck!
2008.02.20.
 

SAMPLE INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

These sample questions are ones which are likely to appear at an interview of a newly qualified student for a teaching post.  Similar questions are constructed in the same way for people attending interviews for their first or second placement.   From kircemig: workshops fofr youth groups

Notes:  Read this information in conjunction with others on Interview techniques.

Questions in red are very common and you need to plan your answers accordingly.

Comments in blue are explanations.

 

YOUR PERSONAL QUALITIES/OPINIONS

Tell us a little about yourself.

Why do you want to be a teacher?

What characteristics do you have that make you a good teacher?

Give an example of where you have shown initiative

Why would you make a good teacher?

Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?  (What you like to be doing in your career?)

How would you deal with conflict or criticism?

How has your own education helped you?

What are your motivations to become a teacher?

What contributions have you made/can you make within the school / working environment?

Why should pupils learn your particular subject?

What is it that attracts you to the age range / job you wish to teach?

What makes a good or bad teacher?

What do you think would be your weaknesses as a teacher?  Never admit weeknesses - turn the question round and say something like, 'The area where I have least exxperience is...., and I would like the opportunity to develop this side of my work because....'

Describe something you have recently learned about.

What do you think are the main differences between education today and your own school days?

Who was your favourite teacher and why?

Have you ever been in a situation where you have had to make a difficult subject interesting and accessible or  had to tackle a difficult or unfamiliar situation?  What did you do?

Which author / film / sportsman/woman has influenced you lately and why?  This question is designed to see what interests and influences you.

Can you think of a moment that made you want to teach?

More Possible Interview Questions:

 

·        What are your main subject strengths and how have you used these in the classroom?

·        A worker’s day is a very busy one and yet some find the strength to contribute to extra-curricular activities or overtime, sometimes unpaid. Are these valuable? Do you feel you could contribute to an extra-curricular programme?

·        A workmate / colleague in your class complains of being unhappy. What do you do?

·        Tell me about the value of your ‘further professional qualifications’ and courses attended listed on your CV.  

·        You have a downright  unpleasant workmate in your group. How do you deal with the situation?

·        What will your number one priority be when you take up a full time  work?

·        Work ften involves long hours, hard work, only adequate financial reward and a varied public image. Tell us why you want to be part of this workforce.

·        ‘Parents should be allowed no further than the front door of the school.’ How do you feel about this statement?

·        As NQT amongst a long-established population of teachers in school, How will you establish yourself in this workplace?

·        An irate customer confronts you on the telephone, or in person. How will you handle this situation?

·        How do you feel you can contribute to the values of  this company / organisation?

 
Interview Answers
 
I have written on a number of topics concerning Jobs, Job-hunting and techniques relating to those situations.  Occasionally interviewers try to 'put you on the spot' by asking questions of a more personal nature; your physical condition such as height / weight or your personal relationships.
 
Although you should normally answer questions honestly and confidently, I would suggest that you side-step questions which you consider intrusive or not related to your commitment to the job you are seeking.  By that, I mean that questions such as, 'When you you plan to marry?',  'Are you planning to have a baby?', or 'Do you think your weight will affect your ability to do this job?', are personal and do not necessarily relate to your professional capability.
 
You can get round this by politely saying that you prefer not to answer questions relating to your private life, or questions which are not related to your suitability for the post.  Do not, however, give 'smart' answers or answer a question with a counter-question.  An interviewing panel may consider it impolite or not at all humorous.
 
That is not to say that you may not inject some humour if appropriate, or ask questions relevant to the work or company at the end of the questioning period.  That may include asking about conditions of work, which is a nice way of inquiring about hours of work, period of probation, expectations, opportunities for personal development and. of course, rates of pay and holidays.
 
Two other points are worth noting.  You should be presentable and dressed for the part.  If you don't own a suit or suitable dress, then borrow one.  Ensure that your personal appearance is tidy, well groomed, clean shoes and pressed, not creased, clothes.
 
Find out as much about the company as you can to be able to demonstrate that you have 'done your homework', and are familiar with the company;'s activities and it's principal members of staff.
 
Prepare a short list of questions which may not be covered.  Use names when directing your answers to particular personnel, if possible; particularly if you are referring to comments that another member of the team has made.  Don't over-do the use of body language, especially with your hands.  You don't want to flap about and give the impression that you are about to take-off!
Job seeking tips from Theo Griff , a former Head of a large HMC school.  Try our links below to information Theo has provided for you.
 
Here are the revised and tidied-up:
 
Best wishes to all interviewees! Theo Griff  March 2010

Graduate's story: 'The only way in is unpaid work'

Victoria McKendrick-Ness is currently doing an unpaid internship at a PR company, despite gaining a degree from Leeds university.

Victoria McKendrick-Ness, 23, has just graduated with a 2:1 in English and Spanish from Leeds university. She got to the assessment stage of Teach First, a scheme that places graduates in challenging schools, but wasn't successful. She is currently doing an unpaid internship at a PR company.

Some students I know have said there is no point trying to get a graduate job this year – quite a lot of people just say they're going to work in a restaurant or a shop for six months and then go travelling instead. They feel they may as well have another year doing something that's still productive, but is quite enjoyable too, because it will be pretty depressing trying to find a job and living at home with their parents.


Everyone I know has been very wary about the process. We're all resigned to the fact that there's going to have to be a few months, even a year, when the best thing you can do is get your CV up to scratch doing unpaid work.
I'd rather be doing a paid job, but in the industry I want to go into – arts and culture – I don't think there's really anything going at the moment. I've signed up for lots of websites and recruitment agencies, but there's nothing that fits what I want to do – just administrative jobs and call centres. The only way to get into this industry at the moment is to get an internship or work experience.

But I'm lucky enough to be able to borrow money from my parents and live at home. Obviously not everyone can do that, so unpaid internships aren't possible for everyone.


I have been offered another internship after this one and I'm aiming to get a job by the end of the year. All the news about cuts does worry me, and makes me think it's going to be even harder now. But I have always been passionate about what I want to do, and you don't want to settle for something you are not completely motivated about.

It is disheartening doing it like this. After four years at university, where you enjoy yourself but work really hard as well, most people would have previously imagined that when they get a degree, they should be OK getting a job. But for the last couple of years we haven't really thought like that.

Graduates look overseas as jobs dry up

With 70 applicants for every UK graduate job, could applying abroad be the answer? From Brussels to Beijing, meet the enterprising university leavers finding work overseas

Audio: Where can all the graduates go? 

beijing skyline  'Beijing is a bit like the wild west,' says UK graduate Jamie Foster. 'New companies are popping up every day.' Photograph: Alamy

For beleaguered graduate job hunters, the news just seems to get worse and worse. Figures released last week by the Higher Education Statistics Agency showed that about 10% of 2009 graduates failed to find work during the past year. As if that weren't bad enough, the Association of Graduate Recruiters (AGR) this week released the findings of its biannual survey, showing an average of around 70 applications for every graduate job, with employers expecting to see a further 6.9% drop in vacancies this year – a forecast nearly four times worse than the AGR's own predictions just six months ago.

The AGR's chief executive, Carl Gilleard, points out that the depressing forecast reflects a fragmented graduate jobs market in which sectors such as finance are now showing high levels of growth, while others, including law and engineering, remain in the doldrums. "The important thing for graduates is to keep their ears to the ground," he says. "A snapshot survey of our members reveals that 30% haven't yet filled their vacancies."

Yet for those prepared to look farther afield, there may be a glimmer of hope from the increasing numbers of UK graduates who are successfully finding work overseas.

Nannette Ripmeester, a Rotterdam-based international careers expert who has worked in 17 countries, says the jobs outlook is not as bleak everywhere. "Within the European Union, the UK and Spanish jobs markets have been worst-hit, but other countries such as the Netherlands, and also newer member states like Poland, have not suffered as much," she says. "Outside Europe, think of Asia and places like China and Singapore, where jobs markets are considerably better."

Jamie Foster, 24, is a UK graduate working in Beijing, China. Having obtained a history and Chinese degree from Nottingham University, followed by a business master's from the School of Oriental and Asian Studies, he admits he "always had an eye on China", but his lack of success job hunting in the UK hastened his passage east.

"It's a bit like the wild west out here," says Foster, who arrived in Beijing in January after five months of applying fruitlessly to City financial institutions. "It's unlike any other country in the world. The incredible thing about Beijing, or Shanghai for that matter, is the number of new companies popping up every day."

Through CRCC Asia, a company that, for a fee, arranges internships in China for UK students, he undertook a two-month work placement in Beijing while at university. He found networking opportunities abundant and met the American start-up entrepreneurs for whom he now works full-time, helping to form private equity companies.

Foster says that while speaking a little Mandarin beforehand helped, a lack of local language need not be a barrier to finding work – although he warns would-be gold prospectors to expect a fast-moving, entrepreneurial environment rather than structured graduate schemes. "So many entrepreneurs come out looking to make a buck and they want graduates from the UK and the US who have the tangible skills to work in a business like that," he says.

Neil Chowings, managing director of Work Group, a Hong Kong-based recruitment firm, says that while the Chinese graduate recruitment market has massive problems of its own – with 30% of university leavers annually unable to find jobs – UK graduates can bring something unique to China's rapidly growing economy. 

"There's a huge shortage of innovative, entrepreneurial, free-thinking graduates in China," he points out. "Culturally, it is still a very controlled government state. Workers are not used to voicing their own opinions, which is where foreign graduates tend to do better."

Opportunities in China are not confined to financial whizzkids, either. Akram Shalabi, 23, studied for a mathematics degree at King's College, London, followed by a law course at BPP law school. Last summer he undertook a two-month internship in international law in Beijing. "I was applying for law training contracts in the UK and I wasn't getting any," he says. "I thought, why not go to China and enhance my CV?"

After returning, Shalabi still found it difficult to break into a UK law firm, so decided to study for a master's in mathematics at Cambridge University. Now he is going back to Beijing later this month to teach maths at university there, while keeping an eye out for suitable openings with law firms.

He thinks it is quite feasible for graduates to find work in China and has been astonished by the quality of experience on offer. "What really surprised me is how UK graduates have real credibility, which you don't have here," he says. "On my internship I was given real responsibility, not just making tea or doing photocopying. I chaired meetings and I even held a press conference. I experienced things you probably wouldn't experience in five years in your career in the UK."

Closer to home, the change of government looks set to herald new graduate opportunities in a rather unexpected overseas location. William Hague's comments last week about increasing the UK's representation at the European Commission's Brussels headquarters delighted senior British EU officials who had been anticipating a further distancing of relations from the new foreign secretary, hitherto renowned as a eurosceptic. 

"In our last main recruitment competition for graduate administrators, the UK made up only about 1.7% of applications, which is incredibly poor in relation to its population," says David Bearfield, director of the European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO), which recruits EC staff. "We're not allowed to recruit by nationality, but we want to work with the UK government to see how we can dramatically increase the number of applications."

EPSO mainly recruits graduates with language skills for jobs as translators, conference interpreters and lawyer-linguists. Bearfield says that in response to Hague's olive branch, the EC will seek to establish itself with UK universities and careers services as a genuine graduate destination. "We believe we have a really attractive and unique career offering," he says.

Charles Gittins translates documents into English – mainly from Greek, Estonian and five other official EU languages – at the EC's English language department in Brussels. "Seven is kind of average," he says. As much as anything, he enjoys the mixed international working environment. "You go to the canteen and you can hear all the 23 official EU languages being spoken."

Drawn to the work and the political surroundings, Gittins decided to apply to the EC after completing his degree in modern languages at Oxford. After passing the written and oral parts of the EC's recruitment competition, he was then put on a reserve list for potential vacancies. It took two years from his first test to being offered a job, "and I was one of the quickest", he jokes. But the good news for those interested is that the process has now been streamlined considerably.

Bearfield admits that the necessity of speaking two other languages (one of which must be French or German) has historically been a sticking point for many UK applicants to the EC. But he says the first round of the competition – which until now has had to be completed mostly in a second language – has changed, so the bulk is in English which, it is hoped, will encourage more British graduates to apply.

"We hope to work more and more with the UK government on schemes like the Fast Stream, which has just been brought back," he says. "I think there's been this perception in the UK that the EC just offers awful, bureaucratic jobs, but nothing could be further from the truth. They're brilliant, exciting careers where you can really make a difference."

Nannette Ripmeester points out that in the long run, working abroad can make you more employable at home. "Once the jobs market picks up again in the UK, which it will do eventually, international experience gives you something extra when applying to your home jobs market," she says.

And while moving abroad can seem like a risk, particularly to far-flung destinations such as China, for Foster the rewards on offer easily make up for it. "I'm getting exposure to $100m deals," he says. "I'm dealing with the kind of figures I wouldn't touch in a UK investment bank for five or 10 years. Frankly I wouldn't have dreamed of this six months ago."

Five tips for finding work abroad

1. Be focused. It might sound obvious, but having a specific goal in mind will help focus you. "Either look for particular sectors, companies, or countries," suggests international careers expert Nannette Ripmeester.

2. Consider work permits/visas. This may not be a problem if you're heading to the EU, but for other countries it's essential to check with the relevant embassy or consulate. Agencies can help with this process – expect to pay for the service, though.

3. Brush up on your languages. Obviously a grasp of local languages is a big advantage in mainland Europe, "but UK graduates are lucky in that English is still the lingua franca of business," says Ripmeester. Chinese employers might want you to take a crash course in Mandardin – but they may even sponsor you if they like what they see.

4. Be culturally sensitive. "Almost more important than not speaking the language is the way British workers often forget jobs markets differ in other countries," says Ripmeester. "For example, employers may not place such value on things like your hobbies as they might in the UK." So do your homework and show you understand the locals before you apply.

5. Think tactically. Do you know people who already live where you're heading? If so, ask them to put the feelers out on your behalf, and if possible take advantage of their hospitality (but don't overdo it). And network as much as possible, both before you go and while you're there. A personal recommendation can be invaluable in any culture.

Links and resources

Eurograduate Vacancies and country-specific tips for working in Europe

European Personnel Selection Office Careers portal for the European Union

Kompass Worldwide company search engine, useful for speculative applications

Europages European company search engine, also useful for speculative applications

British Chambers of Commerce Worldwide UK trade missions around the world

10 steps to getting a promotion  yahoofinance

Want a promotion but have no idea how to get one? Follow these simple steps....

Rachel Wait, 13:02, Tuesday 1 February 2011
Do you ever sit idly daydreaming at your desk, wondering whether you'll ever get a promotion? Perhaps you've been working in the same role for years now, but simply can't understand why you haven't moved up the ladder.
Well, it might be for reasons you've never thought of before. So here are 10 steps to getting that much sought-after promotion.
1. Socialise
You may think that the key to success is to keep your head down and never stray from your desk. But you'd be wrong. Getting to know your colleagues is really important, so try not to alienate yourself too much.
Don't feel you can't take part in office banter - providing it isn't gossip about your boss' personal life, chatting to your colleagues is a great part of team building.
Similarly, don't stay chained to your desk on a Friday night. If all your colleagues are going to the pub, join them. And don't forget to invite your boss - getting to know your boss could be the first step in the right direction.

2. Don't be a perfectionist
It's OK to make mistakes. Providing you're working hard, it's not the end of the world if you make the odd mistake. If you do make an error, learn from it and move on.
If you're too caught up checking every little detail, your boss might think you're too much of a perfectionist, and as a result, the promotion might go to your colleague.

3. Be honest
Honesty really is the best policy, so always be truthful when talking to your boss. Make sure you're honest about your aspirations and how you want your career to move forward.
Don't simply say what you think your boss wants you to say. You can be tactful about it while still making it clear that you want to progress.

4. Don't be too tidy
If your desk isn't the epitome of tidiness, don't worry. You can still be organised without having a perfectly neat desk.
In fact, if all your pens face the same way and you have neat rows of notes, your boss might think you don't have enough work to do.
Providing you're getting your work done efficiently, the state of your desk shouldn't matter too much (which is just as well because mine is a mess).

5. Work the right hours
You might think that working extra late and coming in early in the morning will automatically catapult you into the promotion category. But you'd be wrong.
If you're continually doing overtime, it could be seen as a sign that you're struggling with your workload and that you can't cope with your deadlines.
That said, if there's a particular busy period coming up and it's generally expected you stay late, make sure you do.

6. Take on more responsibility
If you think you can take on more responsibility and you're looking for a more challenging role, make sure you volunteer to help out where necessary.
Have a chat to your boss about it too - just make sure you're realistic with your expectations and don't aim too high if you don't think you'll be able to cope.
Once you've taken on that responsibility, try to demonstrate how much you are enjoying it. And always do what you say you're going to do.
That way, you'll get a reputation for delivering results and being reliable, which is a great thing to have.

7. Ask questions
Keeping your head down and just getting on with it won't necessarily help you to get a promotion.
Don't be afraid to ask questions and if you have an idea about how something could be improved or how the team could work more efficiently, suggest it.
Although you might feel you're overstepping the mark, it will show you're interested in improving the business as a whole.

8. Do the research
If you want to move up the career ladder, make sure you do your research. If there's a specific role you want to apply for, make sure you know the job description inside out and can explain how your skills match up to those required.
Show off your achievements as much as possible - but without sounding too arrogant. If, for example, you've smashed your sales target for the month, make sure your superiors know this.

9. Create a new position
If you genuinely think there's a better way to do your current job or you see the need for a new position, it's worth talking to your boss about it.
And as you're the one who thought of this position, and are likely to be the most qualified for it, this should mean you'll be able to take on new responsibilities.

10. Improve your skills
If you think your skills could do with a polish, see whether there are any courses you could attend.
Check with your employer to see whether there's a training budget you can take advantage of. Showing that you want to improve your skills will impress your boss and will also make you better qualified for a potential promotion.

A final note
Finally, according to a study in the American Economic Review, women who wear make-up earn up to 30% more than those who don't.
So maybe putting on a spot of lipstick and mascara will give you the promotion you're after (may not work if you're a man, however). Similarly, wearing shoes which make you seem taller is said to help.
We're not entirely convinced by that, however....

Graduate jobs: advice from the experts

You've got a beautiful new degree, a dazzling career ahead of you and the world is your oyster – terrifying, isn't it? Fear not, graduates. Our experts can answer all your questions

  • guardian.co.uk, Sunday 17 July 2011 

    • Graduation
    You've graduated - what next? Photograph: Thomas Barwick/Getty Images

    How do I clean up my online profile and make it work for me?

    You should be very conscious of your digital footprint and remember that nothing can ever really be deleted – someone will have recorded it somewhere. This includes social media profiles such as Facebook and Twitter as well as forums and websites.

    The best advice to clean up your online image comes in three areas:

    1. Privacy settings on Facebook and Twitter allow you to share your footprint only with those you allow as friends and followers – make sure you control who you accept into this loop. Of course, the most foolproof solution is to behave well and respect these networks.

    2. You might not be able to fully delete some things from showing on search engines such as Google, but you can make the most of what shows up first. Use public professional networking sites such as LinkedIn, Plaxo, Viadeo and Xing – fill out your profile, skills, interests and qualifications and you will start to build a much more professional digital footprint.

    3. Finally, getting mentioned for extra-curricular activity can be gold dust – comment on blogs and articles, provide quotes for journalists and guest blog on things you're interested in or know a lot about – everyone is a marketer after all.

    Barry Furby, digital recruitment specialist and director, fresh resources

    I'm getting nowhere with online job boards – where else can I look?

    By all means apply for vacancies on big job boards – but remember that if you've seen it, so has everybody else. If you've had no joy applying for positions this way, stop. Instead, start hunting for less obviously visible vacancies. It's time well spent – because when you do find one, your competition will be a fraction of those going for widely advertised positions.

    Graduates should remember that different job-hunting methods work for different industries. Applying blind to ads for junior jobs in media is unlikely to reap rewards – but building a network of contacts will. For public-sector jobs, all the schmoozing in the world won't get you through the door – you'll have to apply through official channels like everybody else.

    If you've only targeted big companies, broaden your search. Smaller companies have smaller budgets for advertising vacancies – and you won't find them at recruitment fairs as stalls are so expensive. So make it your mission to find out how they do recruit. Scour the industry press and see which small companies are thriving. Does their website have a "Work for us" page? Your odds are looking better already.

    Keep trying different techniques – and chart how successful each method is for you. Then do more of what's working – and ditch what isn't. Your time and energy are limited resources, so make sure you're using them wisely.

    Tanya de Grunwald, founder of careers website GraduateFog.co.uk

    Should I do an unpaid internship?

    Strictly speaking, most unpaid internships are illegal. That means it's illegal for your employer not to pay you – and it's illegal for you to work for free, as you're both undermining the national minimum wage law. The problem is that this law isn't being enforced, so employers are free to exploit graduates who can afford to work for less than the minimum wage – and exclude those who can't. Because many graduates are desperate for experience, the result is that most internships now pay nothing, even when interns are effectively doing a proper job for months at a time.

    Until things change, I'm afraid graduates will have to decide for themselves whether an unpaid internship is a good investment for them. This will depend on the calibre of the company (how impressive will it look on your CV) and what you'll be doing while you're there (it's hard to talk up tea-making in subsequent interviews). But remember, there is no guarantee of a paid job at the end of it – so you must keep applying for roles elsewhere before your internship ends.

    If you can't afford to work unpaid, hunt for paid work in a related field instead, building your contacts and trying to move across later. Find out more about your rights at Intern Aware (internaware.org) and follow the name-and-shame campaign that we are running on Graduate Fog. It's vital we keep up the pressure on companies to start paying their interns the wages they deserve.

    Tanya de Grunwald

    How do I write a speculative letter?

    A speculative letter or email shows initiative, and because you're not competing with other candidates, it stands a better chance of being read and acted on. First, identify companies that are expanding, operating in growth sectors, or need your specific skills.

    Then, use your research to target your approach. Outline the skills you offer, matching them to the company's needs. Be specific about the type of work (or role) where you'd make the greatest impact. In short, set out a business case for hiring you.

    Avoid the impersonal "Dear Sir/Madam", and find out the name of the MD if it's a small company, or the relevant department head in a larger company. In a speculative email use the subject line to flag up your key selling points. Instead of the bland "Inquiry for graduate vacancies" write "Marketing graduate with strong social media skills", for example.

    Be concise. An introductory paragraph explains your interest in the company; the second summarises your key strengths and where these could be deployed; the closing paragraph asks for a meeting.

    Clare Whitmell, business communication trainer

    Young people in a bar Clean up your online profile by activating your privacy settings on Facebook and other social media sites. Photograph: John Lamb/Getty Images

    How do I write a CV?

    Be selective when you write your CV. Find elements from your background that match the job description. Voluntary, part-time or holiday work, side-projects, extra-curricular activities and work experience are all valid and will have helped you develop leadership, problem-solving or team-working skills.

    Emphasise the commercial value of your degree and show how it contributes to the business. Add depth to your education with an "academic highlights" subsection focusing on coursework, dissertations, projects or awards that spotlight research or critical thinking abilities, or which are relevant.

    Get the most from work experience. Don't just list duties, but highlight achievements, quantifying your impact in financial terms where possible. Avoid cliche. Use descriptive, strong vocabulary, and omit "I". ("Doubled profits" rather than "I doubled profits".) Aim for a maximum of two pages. This is a suggested CV format for a graduate:

    Name and contact details.

    Brief profile Your key selling points.

    Skills Can include specific technical/business skills gained during degree.

    Selected achievements (Optional) These can be from paid/unpaid work, extra-curricular activities, etc .

    Education Degree, university details; brief educational history); academic highlights subsection.

    Professional experience Dates, employer details, position held (short paragraph detailing scope of work followed by "success stories" giving context and impact).

    Clare Whitmell

    How do I make an impression at an interview?

    You've already done some preparation, now it's time to do more. Find out what's happening in the industry and this particular company. Find out about any problems, challenges, new contracts etc. Think about what you can say to demonstrate this knowledge, either in answering questions or for the questions you will ask at the end. You don't need to commit these to memory; you can write them down and refer to them.

    Demonstrate good communication and interpersonal skills. Be pleasant to everyone you meet, make good eye contact, be ready to shake hands.

    Successful candidates demonstrate energy and enthusiasm for the job so make sure you do this through the way you talk and body language. Sound interested, lean forward and put some energy in your voice.

    You know you will be asked certain questions: why you want the job, your strengths and weaknesses. Prepare answers, not the ones you think the interviewer wants to hear, but based on what you know about yourself and the job. Choose weaknesses that are real but not relevant to the job, such as taking criticism to heart, or preferring time to make decisions.

    Denise Taylor, career coach

    What benefits can I claim if I can't get a job?

    Once your course has finished and you are looking for work, you may be entitled to claim jobseeker's allowance (JSA). It is paid by Jobcentre Plus and comes in two forms:

    • Contributions-based: Paid for the first six months of unemployment, but to qualify you must have paid enough national insurance in the two years prior to your claim. This will rule out most recent graduates.

    • Income-based: Paid after six months when contributions-based JSA runs out, or immediately if you have not paid enough NI contributions. Maximum rates for single people are £53.45 a week if you are under 25 or £67.50 if you are 25 or over. Unemployed couples can claim £105.95 a week. But you are not entitled to income-based JSA if you have savings of more than £16,000 or if you are living with a partner who is working more than 24 hours a week.

    To get either form of JSA you must be out of work or working for fewer than 16 hours a week; and be capable of work, actively seeking and available for work for at least 40 hours a week. If you qualify for income-based JSA you may also be able to claim other benefits automatically such as housing benefit, council tax benefit, free prescriptions, dental treatment and so on.

    To apply for JSA, phone 0800 055 6688 or fill in the online form (bit.ly/bSgaGO) on the government's public service advice website Directgov (direct.gov.uk), which has more information on benefits.

    Graham Snowdon, Work editor, the Guardian

    How do I deal with the post-university blues?

    It's normal to feel low just after graduation. For some, it's because the energy they needed is still flowing but now it has no outlet, so they feel anxious. For others, it's because they've realised how much effort they've expended, and they feel exhausted. Whatever the reason, here are three tips to help you feel more positive again:

    1. Pay attention to the words you use. Graduation represents an ending, it's true – but it also represents new beginnings. It's more energising to speak of new beginnings.

    2. The key here lies in the word "beginnings" as opposed to "beginning". Instead of saying, "I need to start my career," break the task ahead into smaller steps and frame each step in a way that allows you to measure progress. So, for example, instead of expecting to "sort myself out", ask yourself to "prepare my CV", "find two referees", and "register with an employment agency". Put these goals in chronological order and focus on one at a time until you have achieved it.

    3. In the long run you will almost certainly conclude that the most treasured aspect of your university experience wasn't your academic education or any careers advice, but rather the friends you made. Make it a priority to stay in touch with those who mattered most to you during your university career.

    Linda Blair, clinical psychologist

7 Smart Career Options for You

Need help deciding on the right career path? Check out these 7 smart career options.

By Chris Kyle     

When making any big decision, it's a good sign when someone says, "Wow, that's a smart way to go."

Deciding on a career is no different.

Yahoo! School Finder

It Only Takes a Minute!

 

So what makes one career choice wiser than another?

  • Real opportunities?
  • Great earning potential?
  • A strong future forecast?

The smart answer: All of the above.

In that spirit, we've highlighted seven smart career options, along with some facts and figures about each profession.

We've also included details on how you could potentially prepare for these careers.

Smart Career Choice #1 - Medical Assistant

If you're looking for a career that's showing rapid growth, look no further than medical assistants, who do a variety of administrative and clinical tasks in hospitals and doctor's offices.

Smart Points:

  • Career opportunities will soar 34 percent through 2018, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
  • The rise in conditions like obesity and diabetes are creating a new need for medical assistants, according to the Department of Labor.
  • Additionally, an increase in the number of health care facilities is creating a need for more health care personnel, and medical assistants in particular, according to the Department of Labor.

Education: The two most common ways to prepare for this career are by earning a medical assisting associate's degree or certificate, according to the Department of Labor.

Average Salary: $29,760*

Start Your Medical Assisting Education - Find Schools Now

Smart Career Choice #2 - Financial Analyst

Financial analysts help businesses and people find new investment opportunities and make smart choices that fit their long-term and short-term strategies.

Smart Points:

  • Investment opportunities are increasingly global and diversified these days, creating a need for financial analysts to sort through the complexities and explain them in a straightforward way.
  • Employment opportunities for financial analysts are expected to grow 20 percent through 2018, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
  • Financial analyst was named one of U.S. News & World Report's "50 Best Careers of 2011," in part because of a strong employment forecast and the potential for strong average earnings.

Education: To pursue work as a financial analyst, you will likely need a bachelor's degree in business administration, finance, or economics, and sometimes an MBA with a specialization in finance as well, according to the Department of Labor.

Average Salary: $86,040*

Start Your Finance Education - Find Business Schools Now

Smart Career Choice #3 - Paralegal

Reliable and detail-oriented professionals could potentially thrive as paralegals, who work closely with lawyers behind-the-scenes, doing paperwork, researching facts, and interviewing potential witnesses.

Smart Points:

  • Employment of paralegals is projected to rise 28 percent between 2008 and 2018, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
  • Many law firms like to hire full-time paralegals because they can complete many of the same tasks as lawyers in a more cost-effective way, according to the Department of Labor.
  • You don't necessarily need a bachelor's degree to pursue this line of work. Other education options include an associate's degree or certificate.

Education: If you already have a bachelor's in an unrelated area, earning a certificate in paralegal studies is one education option. Otherwise consider earning an associate's degree in paralegal studies.

Average Salary: $49,640*

Start Your Paralegal Studies Education - Find Schools Now

Smart Career Choice #4 - Computer Support Specialist

People skills are nearly as important as your tech skills in this career since computer support specialists provide support to companies and people in person and by phone and email.

Smart Points:

  • Computer support specialist was named one of U.S. News & World Report's "50 Best Careers of 2011," in part due to a high-volume of entry-level opportunities.
  • Rapid advances in technology could make this a hot career track.
  • Some companies prefer to hire computer support specialists who want to work from home because of the potential cost-savings involved, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

Education: There are different ways to prepare for this career, according to the Department of Labor, from earning a certificate in technology support to an associate's or bachelor's degree in an IT-related area.

Average Salary: $49,930*

Start Your Technology Support and IT Education - Find Schools Now

Smart Career Choice #5 - Medical Records Technician

Looking to break into health care? Consider a career as a medical records technician. They're the ones who input and manage patient health care records and data.

Smart Points:

  • A recent nationwide push to convert paper medical records into electronic form by President Obama makes this a potentially hot career option.
  • Employment opportunities for medical records technicians will rise 20 percent through 2018, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
  • Career prospects are best for those who understand how to use the latest medical records technology and software, according to the Department of Labor.

Education: A medical billing and coding certificate is a relatively quick and focused way to prepare to pursue this type of position.

Average Salary: $35,010*

Start Your Medical Records Education - Find Schools Now

Smart Career Choice #6 - Accountant

Have a head for numbers and enjoy working with spreadsheets? Accountants prepare and verify financial documents while making sure that the books are balanced.

Smart Points:

  • Accounting firms made more offers to the class of 2011 college grads than companies in any other area, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers' Winter 2011 Salary Survey.
  • Accountant employment opportunities will rise 22 percent from 2008-2018, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
  • Thanks to a bright job outlook and strong earning potential, accountant was named one of U.S. News & World Report's "50 Best Careers of 2011."

Education: Most employers require a bachelor's degree in accounting or in a related area like finance, according to the Department of Labor. If you want to get certified, most states require a bachelor's degree before taking the certified public accountant (CPA) exam. Some accountants also earn a master's of business administration (MBA).

Average Salary: $68,960*

Start Your Accounting Education - Find Schools Now

Smart Career Choice #7 - Dental Assistant

Looking for a career that combines office and clinical work? Dental assistants perform office duties while also working in patient care and can even work in the laboratory.

Smart Points:

  • Dental assistants are enjoying "excellent" career prospects that will grow 36 percent through 2018, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, making it one of the country's fastest-growing careers.
  • Population growth - along with an aging population that has increasingly healthy teeth and gums - is creating a demand for more dental assistants to help perform routine procedures.
  • The Department of Labor says most dental assisting programs take less than one year to complete.

Education: Though educational requirements can vary on a state-by-state basis, dental assistants with formal preparation generally enjoy the best career prospects, according to the Department of Labor. You could earn a dental assisting certificate in about one year, depending on your course load and specific program.

Average Salary: $34,140*

Start Your Dental Assisting Education - Find Schools Now

*All salary information comes from the U.S. Department of Labor using May 2010 earnings data.


Self-Defeating Job-Search Moves to Avoid

| Power Your Future – Wed, Aug 24, 2011    provided by Liz Ryan

Bloomberg Businessweek

The desperate post-interview phone call, the proclamation of self-doubt, and more blundering ways to negate your chances of winning the job

Despite the healing economy, employers are often slow to post openings and make hiring decisions. It's a frustrating situation that can cause eager job candidates to act in counterproductive ways, scotching promising opportunities. Here's our list of 10 real-life job-search misfires we hope will serve as cautionary tales for job-hunters. Don't replicate these counterproductive deeds.

Inflicting Gratuitous Interrogation

I was reviewing résumés and found one that stood out in a positive way. I e-mailed the sender and asked whether he had a minute to talk by phone. "I might," he wrote back. "Where is the company located, what is the starting salary, who is the CEO, and how long have you been in business?" That was the end of the correspondence; our street address was on our home page, the salary was listed in the job ad, and the company story (including inception date and leadership bios) was in the About Us section of our site. In his haste to make sure his time wasn't wasted—a reasonable goal, in my opinion—the gentleman asked me to answer four questions he'd have already had answers to if he'd done a bit of homework. Lesson: It's perfectly fine to guard against time-sucking or even bogus job ads, but do it in such a way that you don't shoot yourself in the foot.

Forgetting Who You're Interviewing With

The executive director of a small not-for-profit shared this tale with me. "I miraculously got enough money from my board to hire a marketing director last year," she said. "I was over the moon. I had one precious job opening to fill. I interviewed five people, three of them from industry and two from the not-for-profit world. One of the industry folks was super-smart and insightful. Sadly, she knocked herself out of the running about halfway through the interview." "How?" I wanted to know. "I asked her to tell me one story that illustrated how she rolls. I told her to think about our five-person agency and what we need in marketing, and tell me a story from her career that would make it clear she belongs here. She told me a story about a 24-month intranet development project involving 60 people across functions and six or seven levels of organizational sign-offs. I was nearly asleep by the time she finished. I think this lady really needs a big company atmosphere." The job-seeker's intranet story screamed "I don't understand scrappy not-for-profits at all." Lesson: In your written job-search communications and especially on an interview, keep your stories and questions relevant to the hiring manager's issues.

Selling Yourself Short

A friend at a placement agency told me this story. Last summer she had a candidate on the short list of two finalists for a plum sales management job. She'd just gotten off the phone with the hiring manager, who said, "I have to sleep on it, but I think your guy Frank is getting the job tomorrow," when Frank himself called her. "Don't be mad at me," Frank said. "Oh, no," said the agent. "What did you do, Frank?" Frank had gotten fearful and had called the hiring manager to say, "If you don't want me in the sales manager spot, I'll take a sales territory assignment." The manager hired him into the territory job and hired the other finalist for the sales management job. The placement agency lady never told Frank how close he'd come to the higher-paying, bigger job. Lesson: Stay the course. You'll never show an employer what you're worth, or persuade them they need you, by groveling.

Letting Minor Adversity Vanquish You

"I am so frustrated with my job search," said a man I met at the library. "I had an interview last week, and when I got there at 20 after 5, the front door was locked," he said. "Did you go around to the back?" I asked. "Did you call or text HR or the hiring manager?" "No, I went home," said the gentleman. "When I got home, there was a message telling me the front door would be locked and I should go around, but I had left home before that message arrived." "Did you reschedule?" I asked him. "No, I figured the opportunity was lost." "Call them!" I said. He did, but they'd filled the job already. Lesson: Corporate hiring types are no different from anyone else; they make mistakes. On one job interview back in my 20s, I walked around the whole building looking for an open door for a 5:30 interview, and I finally walked across the loading dock to get in. Show your resourcefulness by rolling with the interview punches.

Sending a Generic Thank-You

I interviewed a brilliant young man for a business development role. "Look, Barry," I said. "I want to make sure we're on the same page. Over the next couple of days, send me an e-mail message and tell me what you heard today. It doesn't need to be long. Just write a couple of paragraphs about what you see as our competitive situation and how you'd approach the assignment so that I know we'd be in sync." Barry happily agreed. An hour later, I got the generic post-interview thank-you e-mail from Barry, saying, "Dear Ms. Ryan, Thank you so much for chatting with me today. I'm excited about working for your company and know I'll do a great job." Today we would call that an epic fail in the showing-comprehension department. Lesson: Whether the hiring manager asks you to, or not, make sure your post-interview thank-you recaps the conversation in an intelligent way, pointing out what the company is up against and how you're equipped to tackle those challenges.

Offering a (Doubly) Misguided Information Packet

A reader called me for advice, saying, "I'm targeting a product manager opening at Company X. I'm going to a trade show where they'll be exhibiting." We talked about visiting the company's booth and chatting up employees. A week later she called again. "I visited the booth but everyone was busy, so I left a packet for the sales manager." "Hmm, for the sales manager?" I asked. I thought about a sales manager's likely level of interest in a non-sales employee's job-search packet dropped off during a chaotic trade show. What was in the packet? "I left him a note with an article I wrote for an industry journal several years ago," she said. "Was the article about Company X?" I asked. "No," she said, "it was a story about software documentation." Unfortunately, Company X is not a software company. Busy working people are deluged with information. Job-search overtures need to be specific. My caller could have gotten her hiring manager's name via a short conversation if she'd stuck around that booth until the trade show crew had a minute to chat. The unrelated article didn't help her case and was likely tossed in the recycling bin. Lesson: Your target person is the hiring manager. Other, random people in the organization typically don't make great conduits unless they're friends of yours. And whatever materials you send must make it clear what you want and why anyone should care.

Frantically Self-Doubting

The CEO of a tech startup called me. "What about this?" he said. "I ran an ad, and a lady wrote right back to me with a great e-mail message. I replied to say, 'I'd love to talk when you have time.' She wrote back to tell me that she's not all that technical, and I replied to her saying that we need more than just technical people. She wrote again to make sure I knew that she's really not all that technical. By this time I was trying to figure out why she responded to the ad at all, but her résumé was great, so I said, 'Let's just get together and take it from there.' Then she wrote back to ask me if there were going to be technical tests during the interview. We don't use anything like that, but I had lost faith at that point and gave up. Please tell your readers to go with the flow. There's no point in acing yourself out of job opportunities because you fear you might get tossed out at some later point in the process." Lesson: Work the process. At a minimum, you'll make valuable contacts, learn some new things, practice your interviewing skills, and give yourself a reason to get dressed up.

Surrendering to Salary Worries

"I got a call for a job interview, but I didn't go," said Samantha, a woman I chatted with at a networking event. "Oh, why's that?" I asked. "They told me not to come in if I need to earn more than $75K, and I'm really focusing on jobs that pay $80K and up," she said. "Seriously?" I asked. "You skipped the interview over that $5K gap? Are you being overwhelmed with interest from employers?" "Heck no," she said. "I haven't had an interview in months, but I figured I'd hold out for the number." If Samantha had gone to the interview and started a conversation, she could have learned enough about the organization and its issues to talk them into another $5K in base or bonus or some other valuable exchange medium. Lesson: When you're invited to a reasonable job interview, go! If it doesn't sound perfect at first hearing, that's O.K. Life is long, and priorities and investment levels turn on a dime. You'll never know if you don't show up.

Saying Yes to an Illogical Request

A client of mine, Maurice, wrote to me, dejected. "I should have taken a stronger stance," he said. "What happened, Mo?" I asked him. "This corporate recruiter called and talked to me for an hour, and I guess I passed through that gate O.K.," he said. "She called me back and asked me to write a marketing plan for the company. I haven't even met those people yet. I went crazy and wrote a 20-page marketing plan and sent it to her. Then, radio silence for three weeks." Maurice fell into the trap called Give Them Exactly What They Ask For, No Questions Asked. You'll never show your value that way. A generic marketing plan is almost useless, and a thoughtful, customized one requires collaboration with the client. Trying so hard to please, especially in the early stages of the selection pipeline, is a bad strategy. Lesson: When you're asked to deliver X, Y, or Z during a job search, remember that you're an important part of the equation. Maurice could have said, "It would be irresponsible of me to write a marketing plan with so little information about the business, and apart from that it wouldn't be fair to the people who have paid me for marketing plans in the past. Let's set up a time for me to talk with the marketing VP and discuss her marketing-plan needs then."

Utterly Failing to Prepare

I interviewed an editor candidate who said, "I think I could really help you." "Marvelous!" I said. "How? Where could our publication improve?" "You mean your publication specifically?" she said. "You got me there. I didn't actually look at it. I'm not a reader." Lesson: Don't apply for jobs that don't interest you.

Liz Ryan is an expert on the new-millennium workplace and a former Fortune 500 HR executive.

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