What do you want to get out of this? You are spoilt for choice - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

What do you want to get out of this?

You are spoilt for choice

Dream job

Perception is reality

What is a good story? How are you telling it?

How to communicate a compelling story to your employer?

How do companies shortlist candidates?

Resume facts ● Employers and candidates do not view résumés as having the same purpose ● A hiring manager does not screen your résumé ● Résumés are rarely read thoroughly

Resume: Facts ● Employers and candidates do not view résumés as having the same purpose. ○ Used as a screening device ○ The slightest “error”— skills missing, disorganized content, a tiny typo — may be cause to miss a shortlist

Resume: Facts ● A hiring manager does not screen your résumé. ○ HR Team typically reviews your résumé in the first round ○ Standard scoring grids cross-referenced against job description ○ Sometimes, an electronic software intercepts your résumé, thus, increasing the gap between you and the hiring manager! ○ May not understand the résumé totally.

Resume: Formats ● For a university student graduating with Masters the sequence of the resume should ideally be: ○ Educational details in the descending order. State your highest qualification first ○ Experience in the descending order. State the latest experience first ○ Extra-curricular, co-curricular ○ Positions of responsibilities ○ Skills: List professional qualification, experience, special characteristics

Multiple ways to tell the same story

Resume: Positioning Same experience can be positioned in ways to suit the job description Lets take an example project: “Developed a new algorithm using advanced fuzzy logic to optimize match- making efficiency of a dating app” ● Consulting : Recommended improvements in match-making algorithm by 11% through analysis of past data and proprietary algorithms ● Sales : Improved match-making algorithm to increase the revenue potential by 5x ● Analytics : Used advanced statistical modelling to drive efficiency gain of match-making app by 30%

Sample resume

Resume Do’s and Don’ts Don’t use vague qualitative terms such as “large” or “many,” which leave the reader with questions about specifics. Don’t waste resume space with frivolous information, such as “Voted mostly likely to succeed in high school.” Don’t try to differentiate yourself with unconventional format or tactics such as graphics and colored paper, unless you are applying to arts-related fields. Don’t include reasons for leaving your jobs, gap in education, salary information, or references on your resume. Don’t confess in your resume… resume is to sell yourself… Don’t get caught in the passive voice trap, writing as if things happened to you. “Went to Argentina to represent the firm . . .” Don’t try to portray yourself as a jack-of-all- trades in the hope that something will strike the reader’s fancy. Don’t refer to yourself as a subject (first or third person) in your resume: “I helped prepare correspondence,” or, “Applicant wrote outreach letters to prospective clients.” Don’t include e-mail addresses or websites that have the potential to reveal controversial or inappropriate personal information: Avoid addresses such as sxybb@imacutiepie.com or queenoftheraccoons@hotmail.com Don’t include personal information such as age, race or marital status on your resume. Don’t use your current work e-mail or phone as contact information. This indicates you are job searching on your employer’s time, something no prospective employer will view positively. Using University email is acceptable.

Resume Do’s and Don’ts Do use numbers where appropriate to clearly describe your accomplishments, as in “led a team of nine sales reps.” Do distinguish the important from the trivial in your background to fit the most relevant and significant elements onto a single page. Do stick to a basic, clear format that helps the reader glean information quickly and with minimal effort. Do make your resume a document that focuses on your accomplishments and skills. Do discuss your two or three most relevant strengths and illustrate them with experience and achievement statements. Do use the active voice with verbs that indicate you’re in charge: “Represented firm at international symposium.” Do begin each accomplishment statement with an active or action verb: “Handled all client correspondence” Do present yourself as a professional, with a straightforward e-mail account and Web information that showcases relevant skills and achievements. Do be aware that employers are interested in your eligibility to work legally and may ask for documentation. Take the time to learn about your rights and responsibilities in the workplace. Do use your current home address, a personal e-mail, and telephone with a professional outgoing message. Be sure that prospective employers can easily reach you; check your messages regularly. Do customize your resume by looking at the website and your research from networking sessions

What about the cover letter?

Searching for jobs in Singapore ● Proactive reach out: You need to meet recruiters, alumni, reach out to connections to seek opportunities. ● Referrals - most successful job applications work on referrals.

Using LinkedIn Effectively ● Build your complete profile ● Connect with alumni ● Join groups ● Follow organisations you are interested in ● Connect with recruitment consultants & HR managers ● Search for jobs

Interview prep - Use forums like Glassdoor/Quora to understand what to expect - Reach out to alumni/friends in the company - 20 questions you must prepare for interview - Sector/Company specific read-up: trends, news - Dress smartly for interview - Turn interview into a conversation (vs interrogation) - Prepare good questions for the interviewer (focus on job, culture, interviewer experience, etc)

Most Common Questions Personal Questions Run me through your resume… / Tell us something about yourself 1. What are your strengths and weaknesses? 2. Can you give me examples: 3. Conflict in a team and how you addressed it? Effective problem solving skills Overcame a setback Shows initiative Where do you see yourself five years from now? / What are your future plans? 4. What has been your biggest professional achievement/disappointment so far? 5. Are you a team player? What are you like working in a team? Are you an 6. effective team player? What your classmates/previous co-workers say about you? 7. Can you run me through the projects/courses you have studied at your Masters 8. level? Can you describe your hobbies/interests? What do you like to do in your free 9. time? 10. Tell us something about your family.

Most Common Questions Job/Company/Industry Specific Questions What do you know about our organisation? Why do you want to work with us? 1. What interests/excites you most about this job/position? 2. Do you have any previous experience in a similar field/workstream/position? 3. Are you willing to relocate if necessary? / Are you willing to travel? 4. How do you handle stressful situations? Can you give me an example of how you have successfully worked 5. under pressure? Who are our main competitors? 6. Which is the biggest threat to our company/industry? Who do you think would be a prospective disrupter for 7. our industry? How do you think you will work with constant change in a workplace? Are you flexible/adaptable (example 8. required)? What are your salary expectations? 9. 10. Do you have any questions for us?

Most Common Questions Questions to ask your employer? 1. Job itself - Can you describe a typical work day at your firm? Key goals/typical skill sets, job specifications? 2. What department/subsidiary will the position be in? Reporting manager? 3. Career path - What is the career path/progression for this position? What is the scope for development? 4. Challenges and opportunities? What challenges do you see for someone working in this position? Trainings? Travel?

Tackling Questions on Difficult Topics Questions to ask your employer? Tackling some difficult questions: 1. Employment gaps 2. Educational gaps 3. Unusual career moves 4. Frequent job changes Do not ask: ● How much does the job pay? ● Do not compare salaries from other organisations which your friends may have received.

Do’s/Don’ts: During & after the interview During: ● Smile and make an eye contact. ● Be alert and answer warmly. ● Use positive phrases and words instead too much negative. Avoid works/phrases such as “I do not like/prefer,” “I am not sure...” etc. ● Do not clam up and give one word answers. An interview is a conversation, where your responses can determine the next question. ● Do not blame, bad-mouth or complain about anything or anyone, least of all your ex- employer, colleagues or even the public services... no one wants a cribster. ● Do not put yourself down or use self deprecating words before the interviewer. If you do not think highly of yourself, no one else will.