Job Preparation

Tu Tangata, Issue 27, 1 December 1985, Page 52

Job Preparation

Ki te rangatahi <>

Even though the school year is over, life still carries on. But it doesn’t have to be as scary as it sounds. Preparation for the dreaded job interview won’t go amiss. So go out and show them what you’re really made of.

Preparing a resume... A resume, or curriculum vitae, is a personal history of you. It provides the employer with similar information that’s requested on a standard application form. You should organise your resume using a format and style that can best express your effectiveness and past successes. When completed, the resume should not only reveal your proven abilities, but it should also demonstrate clarity and organisation. It’s important that the employer is impressed by the format and appearance of the resume in addition to its content. 1. Self-assessment When you write a resume that will reflect your strengths, capabilities and experience, it is necessary to ask yourself several self assessing questions. Here are just a few samples of questions that can help you set up a personal inventory as part of your resume preparation. vironment do I feel most comfortable.

What have I succeeded in doing in all phases of my life to date paid work, volunteer and leisure activities. What do I dislike doing. 2. Individuality of Resumes Remember when writing your resume that it will speak for you in your absence. Therefore it should reflect individuality and originality in both sytle and content. Its aim is to guarantee you an interview. 3. Components of a Resume It is important that your resume appears neat, organised and professional. Use headings, and don’t crowd the information. Be concise and to the point. The following areas of information should be included:

PERSONAL: name, address, telephone number (flat, home and office), marital status, date of birth, citizenship. EDUCATION: starting with the most recent, list: name of schools and educational institutes attended, period of attendance, area of specialisation and the names of your diploma, certificate or degree.

Also list any technical skills, eg. typing, shorthand, business machines you can operate, any computer languages you know, and any professional development courses you may have taken in addition to your regular education. Languages other than English with which you are reasonably conversant should also be mentioned in this section. WORK EXPERIENCE: holiday and permanent jobs note any particular responsibilities or achievements you have gained.

INTERESTS: you may wish to divide this section in to two parts. (a) Clubs/Societies including positions of responsibility held and (b) Leisure activities. Your interests, especially leisure activities, round out the picture of you as a person. Employers are interested in applicants with a variety of interests. And remember, interests are not necessarily abilities, you don’t have to be good at them.

PERSONAL ABILITIES/SKILLS: It would be unrealistic to assume that personal attributes are not taken into account when final selections are made. Communication skills (both verbal and written), the ability to relate well to a range of people, initiative, confidence, willingness to accept and try new and old ideas, can all be considered as personal skills.

REFEREES: Usually when asked to supply referees, one should supply a professional and a personal referee. They should be people that you have recently been involved with. Check with them first that they are willing for you to use their name. (Some employers prefer to approach a referee rather than rely on written references which tend to highlight only your positive points.)

Your resume can be photocopied and the copy sent to the employer. With every resume, send a covering letter. This must be original, handwritten or typed. Check spelling and grammar and keep a copy of the letter. Remember to date the letter. The content will vary according to whether you are responding to an advertisement or initiating an approach. Remember to keep it neat, organised and professional.