Craft your language of Value Customer: ____________ (who your customer is). Problem: ____________(what problem you're solving for the customer). Solution: ____________ (what is your solution to the problem). AND For ____________ (target customer) who ____________ (statement of the need or opportunity) our (product/service name) is ____________ (product category) that (statement of benefit) ____________
BE PREPARED FOR YOUR OPPORTUNITY OR CREATE ONE! According to Jide Ogunsanwo, statistics show that in the last 90 days, 1,598,642 more people entered the labour market. Signaling that Nigeria has a 31.2% unemployment rate. Successful employees are flexible, able to evaluate options to determine the best approach for a given situation and adapt accordingly… Begin with the end in mind. Take your best YOU to the market place. No one ever said No to real Value!
Useful Links edX.org — Take online courses from the world’s best universities. More Critical Thinking Resources https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0yEAE5owWw https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6OLPL5p0fMg Coursera.org — Take the world’s best courses, online, for free. Coursmos.com — Take a micro-course anytime you want, on any device. goHighbrow.com — Get bite-sized daily courses to your inbox. Why should we hire you resource- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLdboEjNSdM
Useful Links Skillshare .com — Online classes and projects that unlock your creativity. Curious.com — Grow your skills with online video lessons. lynda.com — Learn technology, creative and business skills. CreativeLive.com — Take free creative classes from the world’s top experts. Udemy.com — Learn real world skills online. Competences Employers seek http://www.workforce.com/articles/31-core-competencies- explained Job Person Specification Template
Thank you! Detoun A Ogwo Twitter: Dets4Change Ig: Dets_DT Linkedin Detoun Ogwo
04 04 Basic Skills Critical Technical Skills
‘Tunde Samuel-Ipaye is an Associate Partner and leads the Human Capital Management and Recruitment practices of Phillips Consulting. His extensive experience spans directing, managing and executing business transformation, strategy, organisational design, talent management, and business growth/expansion projects in Nigeria and some key markets across Africa. He has led projects for clients in various industries including Oil & Gas, Telecommunications, Financial Services, Power, Infrastructure, Agriculture, and Government institutions. ‘Tunde’s passion is to drive organisational transformation towards achieving corporate renewal and market dominance. At the core of this is his drive for building high-performing teams through fast-paced professional development and project execution. With over 18 years Olatunde Samuel-Ipaye industry and consulting experience, Tunde is poised to delivering Partner, Phillips Consulting business and enterprise-level impact geared towards creating stakeholders value. Topic: He is a graduate of Computer Science with a post graduate degree in Management from the University of Calabar, and is currently concluding Critical Technical Skills his MBA at the Warwick Business School. He is a Certified Knowledge that Employers require Management practitioner, a certified Thomas International (a renowned Psychometric Analysis institution) practitioner and an Organisational Development (OD) specialist. He has also attended several leadership development programs at prestigious institutions such as Aston Business School, London Business School, Wharton Business School and Warwick Business School. He currently seats on the board of two companies in Nigeria.
Essential Basic Skills That Employees Require Wor Workp kplac lace READINESS SERIES
A recent study by Payscale showed the perception gap between Millenials and their Managers on their preparedness for the workforce 20% Extremely Prepared 9% 68% Mostly Prepared 46% 10% Minimally Prepared 33% 2% Unprepared 13% Managers Millenials
It also showed the top 6 skills Managers feel Millenials lack the most 60% 44% of managers think millennials of managers think millennials lack critical thinking skills lack writing proficiency skills. 56% 39% of managers think millennials of managers think millennials lack attention to detail lack public speaking skills. 46% 36% of managers think millennials of managers think millennials lack communication skills lack data analysis skills
If this is the situation in an environment in which students are given better education and have more opportunities, what do you think the case is here?
A survey for this very program was done and had responses from Managers, Business Owners and Recruiters. The top 10 skills which Employers say they need include: 1 Analytical & Critical Thinking 2 Communication 3 Problem Solving 4 Team Work 5 Ethics & Integrity 6 Positive Attitude 7 IT/Computer 8 Trainability 9 Innovation & Creativity 10 Interpersonal 10 Customer Orientation
Hold that thought for a second… …Lets build a little Background
What kinds of Tasks are Entry Level persons often required to do? Research and Analyse information Shadow work of Track and Prepare superiors reports Monitor quality of own Receive requests from work internal and external customers Follow Procedures Solve basic problems Accept and use constructive criticism Work with a team Data Entry, Filing and Learn new skills related to Record keeping your job Scan, mail, print Assist senior Comply with organisation colleagues policies, consistently
These Tasks are the same irrespective of the fields or industry in which an entry level staff is working So what specific Skills do you need to have to be able to perform these tasks?
There are clusters of skills expected from any Entry Level Staff regardless of the job type, whether blue collar, white collar or pink collar. Leadership Managerial and strategic thinking skills required for higher job levels Job Specific Skills that apply to your specific job type e.g accounting, electrical engineering, marketing Foundational or Basic Skills, knowledge and capabilities to perform specific tasks. They apply to any type of job Behavioural Attributes or Skills used to successfully interact with others in the workplace. Involves how you conduct yourself
When we say Basic Skills, what do we mean? This refers to abilities acquired through learning and practice. They are often job or task specific; in other words, a particular skill set or proficiency required to perform a specific job or task. Foundational Job Specific Skills Skills For the purpose of this presentation, we shall be focusing on the Foundational Skills Source: investopedia
Remembering our surveys, lets pull them all in. These Technical Foundational Skills include: Critical Thinking IT Skills Problem Solving Planning & Researching Organisation Public Speaking Data Analysis Time Management Effective Writing Proficiency Goal Setting Presentation Skills Communication
Today we will focus on the following Knowledge and Use of Technology Critical Thinking Business Time Communication Management Planning & Organisation Problem Solving Researching
Knowledge and Use of Technology
Knowledge and Use of Technology A. Use of MS Suite The Basics: Others: Access Visio Project Word Excel Outlook Powerpoint B. Use of professional internet tools and many others
Assess yourself: How many tasks can you do? For every task, give your self 1 point, if you can only perform part of the task listed then rate your self 0.5 1. Save, print, protect a document 1. Save, print, protect a document 2. Change fonts, colours, size of words 2. Change fonts, colours, size of 3. Insert comments, track changes words 4. Use smartArt, insert and edit chart 3. Create templates, 5. Edit margin, orientation, columns 4. Create and modify shapes 6. Separate pages with page break 5. Insert pictures, smartArt, charts 7. Publish to pdf 6. Animate objects 8. Mail merge 7. Edit SlideMaster 8. Hyperlink 1. Save, print, protect a document 1. Send and receive mails 2. Change number formats (general, 2. Set appointment text, date, custom) 3. Set meeting request 3. Simple functions: SUM, LINK CELLS 4. Mail merge 4. Manage data: FILTER, SORT, REMOVE 5. Group mails DUPLICATES 5. PIVOT TABLE
Assess yourself: How many tasks can you do? For every task, give your self 1 point, if you can only perform part of the task listed then rate your self 0.5 Total Points 8 points 0 – 5 Very Poor 8 points 6 – 10 Poor 11 – 15 Average 5 points 16 – 20 Good 21 – 26 Excellent! 5 points
How to learn / improve on these skills • Go through Microsoft Office Training online (microsoft.com) • Go through the ‘Help?’ Tool in any of the MS programs • Watch free tutorials on youtube.com • Compete with your friends • Practice, practice, practice!
Critical Thinking
Critical Thinking If a plane crashes on the border of Germany In what sport are the shoes made of metal? and Poland, where do you bury the survivors. A. Soccer A. Germany B. Basketball B. Poland C. Athletics C. You dont D. Horse racing D. There is no German poland border E. Tabletennis E. Switzerland Answer Answer C. You don’t bury survivors D. Horse racing Source: investopedia
Critical Thinking Let us take it up a notch Josh has twenty years of typing experience behind him; therefore, if you are looking for an efficient typist to enter your data into the new system, you need look no further. The speaker assumes that A. Twenty years of practice ensures typing efficiency B. The type of typing required for the new system is identical to what Josh has been doing C. Josh’s job profile is the best that the new employer is going to get D. Josh is an outstandingly fast and accurate typist E. Josh will fit well into the new office Answer A. Twenty years of practice ensures typing efficiency An assumption is an unstated premise. So we are looking for something that is implied in the argument, and if wrong, will undermine the argument. All that the speaker implies is that Josh is efficient because he has twenty years of practice, and so answer A is correct. Eliminate B because the word ‘identical’ is not implied. Eliminate C because we are talking about typing not the whole ‘job profile’. The argument claims that Josh is efficient but without defining efficiency we cannot assume that it involves both speed and accuracy, and certainly ‘outstandingly’ is not warranted. Nothing is implied about fitting into the office. Source: investopedia
Critical Thinking Why is Critical Thinking important How to Think Critically Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dItUGF8GdTw Play Source: investopedia
Business Communication
Business Communication This is the sharing of information between people within and outside the organization that is performed for the commercial benefit of the organization 5 Ways to Improve your Business Communication Skills 1. Increase your vocabulary : focus on terminologies that are used in your field of interest 2. Read Business-Related Material : harvard business review, forbes.com 3. Play Games : a fun way to improve your business communication is with crosswords and puzzles 4. Watch Business oriented programs : focus on programs by experts in your field of interest. Even when you don’t fully understand what they are saying keep watching, you will catch on 5. Practice! Use what you have learnt as often as possible and it will stick Source: wikipedia; skillsyouneed.com
Planning & Organisation
Planning & Organisation Answer C D B A
Planning & Organisation Planning simply is the organisational process of creating and maintaining a plan; and the psychological process of thinking about the activities required to create a desired future on some scale & Organising is making optimum use of the resources required to enable the successful carrying out of plans Source: Phillips Consulting
Planning & Organisation Steps to Planning & Organisation: 1 4 Create timelines Establish your goals 5 2 Determine how to measure Identify your sources yourself 3 6 Make a list of tasks and Make adjustments prioritize
Researching
Researching To research means to conduct investigation systematically to establish facts and reach conclusions. There are many ways to conduct a research, this will depend on your objective and field you are working in, for instance An engineer researching on the causes of gas leakages is different from a marketer researching on the preferred products for customers Source: Research Paradigms: Introduction to basic Concepts
Researching You would most times either be doing: Desk Research Relying on existing data and information published on the internet, printed magazines or valid sources Field Research Collecting new data through primary research techniques Source: Research Paradigms: Introduction to basic Concepts
Researching To be a good researcher you must: • Know the techniques- surveys, online search, interviews • Approach the task analytically; ask questions-when should I do it, how best do I communicate, what are synonyms of the words • Check your sources • Be systematic, check and check again • Be very curious, keenly interested in finding answers • Use your network • Be patient Source: mustardresearch.com
Problem Solving
Problem Solving Problems solving involves setting out to achieve some objectives or desired state of affair and can include avoiding a situations or events. Problem solving involves overcoming the barriers or obstacles that prevent the immediate and long term achievement of goals. Stages to Problem Solving: 4 1 Identify the problem Make a decision 2 5 Structure the problem Implement 3 6 Look for possible solutions Monitor and seek feedback Source: skillsyouneed.com
Problem Solving Problems solving Exercise: How do I catch the rat that has been eating my books 1 4 Identify the problem Make a decision My books are being eaten by rats Use Sniper 2 Structure the problem Books Rats 5 How large Implement How often How many Buy Sniper from the market and spray it How strategically How large Important 3 Look for possible solutions 6 • Move the books? Monitor and seek feedback • Spring clean and rearrange books Check your books after a week • Trap the rat with gum ekute • Kill with otapiapia or sniper Source: skillsyouneed.com
Time Management
Time Management Which of these apply to you? o I feel as though I am constantly trying to catch up at work o I feel as though I am constantly trying to catch up with responsibilities o I am regularly late to appointments and scheduled activities o There is rarely a break in my schedule o My shoulders are not relaxed right now o A vacation? I’ve never had one of those o Keeping up with household chores is a struggle because of time constraints o I don’t have time to exercise o My e- mail is piled up and I haven’t had time to open it o My to-do list rarely gets completely checked off for the day o I have not gotten together with friends for fun in over a month You see where this is going? Source: Time Management, The 3 P’s
Time Management “Gosh, I’ve been so busy lately, I didn’t even notice that I gave birth Tuesday!”
Time Management “Tips to Managing Time” Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=go5XyuI7DkA Play Source: entrepreneur.com
Time Management There are several time management tips but my best and one of the most essential is “Taking Notes” It is very essential to always have a note pad and pen anywhere you go. You go to a meeting, you take notes • You are in the car on your way out and you get a bright idea, you • take notes Your boss is giving you instructions, you take notes • You are in a Workplace Readiness Seminar,….. • Source: entrepreneur.com
One more thing…
In addition to picking up, building and improving on all these skills, it is absolutely necessary to, Build Build your Build your personal Build your personal brand
What do you want to be known for? Eloquent and poised Making extremely good presentations An early bird Selling ice to an The go-to for finding eskimo information online A Ms Excel Guru Being a “ Harvey Effective Management Specter (from suits)” in any project Specialist in any kind to any problem of analytic tools Making it happen, no The most Reliable staff matter what
QUESTIONS
CV Writing 05 05 “Positioning” for Success
David Ashiru is a business strategist, management consultant, executive coach, certified trainer and passionate people developer with proven record of success in business development, leadership development, personal development, organisational transformation, entrepreneurship development & general management. He has over fifteen years leadership and management experience garnered in corporate establishments (United Kingdom & Nigeria) and government (Nigeria). He is an Alumni of the Harvard University and Lagos Business School. A Myers-Briggs Certified Practitioner; John Maxwell trained & certified Coach, Speaker & Trainer and a certified Micro-MBA Entrepreneurship Trainer & Mentor. As a people developer, David has been and is involved in several skill David Ashiru enhancement and development programs on behalf of several CEO, Value Endowment Co. organisations in the areas of Talent Sourcing and Management, Leadership and Management Competencies development, Organisational Change Management, etc. David’s style is impactful and candid; he uses daily and familiar anecdotes to ensure understanding and assimilation. He specialises in other areas including customer service mastery, team Topic: building & career counselling. CV Writing & Early in life, he imbibed a personal mantra that “one is not successful until Interviewing Skills you make success happen for others/of others around you” ; as such, he keeps developing himself and has attended several training programmes in human competence and performance related fields both within and outside the country with the aim of further expanding his capacity & capability to help individuals and companies reposition for greater success.
EFFE EFFECTIVE CTIVE CVS CVS & CO & COVER VER LET LETTER TER
Learning Objectiv ives By the end of this session, you should • know the importance of writing a good CV • identify different types of CVs and the rationale for choosing one or another • identify your skills and personal qualities to include in your CV • understand how to write an effective CV and cover letter • know how to proof-read your CV for spelling, punctuation, grammar and meaning.
The Curriculum Vitae What it is What it does Types and How to write it
Why have or writ ite a CV? • A CV will get you an interview, not a job! • A well written CV informs an employer about your education, work experience, interests and persuades an employer to invite you for interview • It is primarily a self marketing tool that presents you in the best possible light by painting a factual and positive picture of YOU • A well written CV should sell your best qualities by drawing the attention of an employer to your relevant skills, achievements and potential. • It is not an application and should not substitute one.
A well ll-designed CV should • show an employer why you are the ideal candidate for a role or job • set a positive tone for the interview • guide the interviewer when drafting questions for you • influence decision maker(s) in your favour
Types of CV • Chronological : the most traditional and standard format. Summarises work experience and education by time periods listing most recent experiences first. • Skills-based / Functional : allows you to demonstrate how your skills, knowledge and abilities can be applied to different job roles. • Blended / Combination : allows you to frame your skills to be relevant and complementary to the job you are seeking as well as maintain an employer preferred chronological work history.
Chronological Advantage : EMPLOYMENT April – December 2011: Venture – Editing • Most widely accepted and more Assistant familiar to interviewers Working with Photoshop, I have learnt • Easiest to write various editing styles. I have gained customer service experience and • Useful if you have work experience understand the importance of listening to directly related to the job you are what customers want in order to achieve applying for high sales. • Highlight / reference relevant skills in February 2009 – March 2010: Zara – various sections of the CV Retail Assistant My interest in fashion enabled me to help Disadvantage : customers and to suggest styles that might • Boring to read suit them. I helped to design the layout of the stock in the store, with an aim to • Difficult to show themes in work increase our revenue by positioning various experience items in ‘eye - catching’ places.
Skills-Based/Functional SKILLS Advantage : • Attention to detail – as an Editing Assistant at Venture, I needed to prove • Well defined skills section that focus that I could spot any mistakes or flaws in on the skills and attributes you have the photographs, as well as being that are relevant to the job attentive to the requests of the customers • Useful if you have limited or unrelated work experience • Computer skills – I regularly used • Often more interesting to read Photoshop during my time at Venture. I am also a competent user of Microsoft Disadvantage : Office, which I proved throughout my time as a Retail Assistant at Zara, where • May result in minimal details in other I was often required to produce reports sections, therefore creating an on our sales imbalanced structure • Customer service – in all of my roles, customer service has been of key importance. I have experience of dealing with difficult customers, and try to ensure that every customer is satisfied with the service they have received.
MARY ANN JONES 2069 Cherry Lane Plateau, AL 12345 Phone: (256) 555-1212 majones@calhoun.edu Ble lended Professional Educated and skilled in classroom management, instruction and training. Profile Excellent problem-solver. Team-player able to establish positive rapport with others. Creative, energetic self-starter motivated to succeed. • Combines the best and Education University of Alabama B.A., Elementary Education, May 2006 anticipated GPA: 3.95 most relevant aspects of Calhoun Community College A.S., Elementary Teacher Education, May 2004 chronological and skills- Graduated: Phi Theta Kappa Achievements based CVs Brochure Design . Designed brochure for Sandman Daycare Rising Toddler Program. Classroom Practicum. Received “Assistant of the Year” Award for Sasquatch District. Presentation. Co-pres ented “Phonics I -O- U” at NACCE Regional Teacher’s Conference. • Includes a separate but shorter skills section than in Work Experience Teacher’s A id , SEESAW ELEMENTARY, Seesaw, AL 2003-2005 pure “skills” CV Assisted teacher with reading and basic math instruction Supervised playground activities and Story Days Tutored students in after school program • Includes commentary Day Care Assistant , HAMNER DAYCARE, Relevance, AL 2001-2003 Organized recreational activities for toddler group within the work experience Coordinated after school arts program for pre-teens Maintained bulletin boards and updated newsletter section Activities President, Gamma Beta Phi Education Service Fraternity 2005-2006 Member, Student Government Association, Philanthropy Chair 2004 Summer Softball Coach for Sasquatch Little League, 1999-2002 Computer and Technical Skills Can operate Windows XP, 2000, and 98 operating systems 85 Proficient with Quark Express and Adobe Photoshop Utilize email, Explorer, and Netscape efficiently
CV Facts • It must be concise; no more • Information in it must be than two sides of A4 true • It should market you and • Information in it must be your suitability for the role relevant • There is no such thing as a • Highlight relevant skills general CV. It should be targeted to the sector, the • Use positive language, employer, the job avoid jargons • Clear layout and ordered • Spell check structure • Grammar check • Avoid ready-made • Proof read! templates
MY CV
What do I Creatin ing My CV What includ structure do I e? use? How do I package and improve my chances?
Creatin ing My CV What do I include in my CV? How do I structure my CV? • Personal details Start with your personal details ……… • Personal profile or career objective • Accomplishments ……………… decide what you • Education and qualifications want to include and how • Work experience to structure • Skills profile • Interests/extra curricular …………………………… and end activities with your references • References
Creatin ing My CV - Personal Details • Name • Address – use only one correspondence address if possible • Telephone number • Email – use an appropriate one • Date of birth – not needed • Gender – not needed • Photographs – situational
Creatin ing My CV - Personal profile or Career Objective • Not compulsory but good to have • Use it to play up key points that you want an employer to know and those that will make you look attractive and qualified for the new job • Use action verbs and strong, positive language • Avoid excessive superlatives • Less is more. Keep each statement to one line and have 1 – 3 statements with maximum of 4 lines “ During my studies, I successfully combined my studies with work and other commitments showing myself to be self-motivated, organised and capable of working under pressure. I have a clear, logical mind with a practical approach to problem solving and a drive to see things through to completion. I enjoy working on my own initiative or in a team ”. “Objective : An entry-level position in mechanical engineering where strong leadership ability and good communication skills are needed”.
Creatin ing My CV - Education Education and Qualifications • Should be listed in reverse 2011 – Present University of Lagos chronological order B.Sc. (Hons) Business • post graduate Administration • first degree Modules include: Book • secondary school. keeping and Finance, • Only include subjects or modules Management Human Resources that have a clear link to the job / Project: Mergers & role being applied for Acquisition in Nigeria • Only state good grades! 2005 – 2011 Lekki Grammar School • For degrees obtained overseas, SSCE: 8 SSCEs including English and Maths show the name of the Subjects: Economics (A), qualification and indicate a Information Nigerian equivalent. Technology (A), Fine Art (B)
Creatin ing My CV - Work Experience / History • Include full time, part time, voluntary work and industrial attachments, especially those that show experience related to the job • Include ALL jobs IF you have very little work experience • Use reverse chronological order or group into “relevant” and “other” work experience • Show the employer/company name, location and nature of business • Show dates of employment, job title and responsibilities • Focus on the skills used and your accomplishments • Avoid repetition of duties – use job groupings • Avoid lengthy paragraphs or statements; use bulleted lists. • If you are CURRENTLY unemployed, find an immediate short-term opportunity to get some unpaid volunteer work experience, preferably in your area of qualification • If you have gaps in your work experience, explain what you were doing.
Creatin ing My CV - Work Experience FEB. 1999 TO 2001 DIGICOM SOLUTIONS LIMITED LONDON, ENGLAND ABUJA, NIGERIA BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Recruited high achievers as company staff; Managed daily business operations; Prepared management and in-control accounts; Conducted monthly reconciliation and internal audit; Prepared budget forecasts using historical and current data; Responsible for budget management ensuring that agreed expenditure levels are adhered to; Liaised with company retained solicitors; Developed proposals for identified viable opportunities; Set-up of regional office in Abuja.
Creatin ing My CV - Id Identify fying relevant skills • It is important to know the skills you have and / have use(d) • It is important to know what skills are required for a job. Get these from • The job description • The person specification • The job advert • The company’s website • Informational interview: this is one of the most resourceful ways to find out exactly what skills a job requires • Research – industry and occupational • It is important to make links between your skills and the job to show how you are a good match with the job requirements • Involves two elements - giving an example (broad or specific) of when you have used the skill - defining the skill in a way that is relevant to the job or employer concerned • Only include skills which are relevant to the job/role and for which you can provide evidence – DO NOT LIST SKILLS
Creating My CV - Skills profile Skills-based and Blended CVs often have Chronological CVs include references to separate skills sections skills throughout the CV SKILLS AND ACHIEVEMENTS 2008 (Jan – Aug) DASH Financial Services Ltd (Ikoyi, Lagos) Effective communication • Improved client communication by showing interest, Financial Assistant carefully listening to their needs and relaying their • concerns to management for immediate resolution and/or Client statement reconciliation: Worked in a follow-up team of four matching invoices to payments made on account • Developed good oratory skill and confidence through • delivery of bi-weekly sales presentations to groups of five Matched income to expenses over the to fifty. financial period. Customer service Computed and recorded inventory • Assisted customers in products selection valuation on a monthly basis; • Built rapport with and gained the trust of customers by Verified the amount outstanding clients calmly dealing with any problems in the high pressure environment of Shoprite weekly in the Accounts Payable account. • Maintained professional relationships through email and Your skills profile provides another other written correspondence such as monthly newsletters. This led to longstanding business opportunity to use ACTION VERBS / relationships with customers that is needed for repeat 96 STATEMENTS – take advantage of it! business.
Creatin ing My CV - Action Verbs created instructed analyzed produced negotiated designed calculated maintained administered controlled reviewed consolidated delivered founded increased studied invented supplied detected programmed recommended distributed developed solved prepared installed selected arranged formulated solved started
Creatin ing My CV – In Interests and Achievements • This is optional so if you are low on space, leave it out • If you have the space, think about what the information adds to your CV • Use it to highlight relevant personal development, training or education in the line of work • Share a special achievement or recognition or interests that you are comfortable being questioned about in an interview • Talents, special knowledge, your attitude or work ethics • Choose interests and activities which can demonstrate skills relevant to the job e.g. • Teamwork • Organising • Commitment • Intellectual artistry.
Creatin ing My CV - References • Provide the contact details of two referees (name, address, job title, telephone no. and email address) • For recent graduates, it is okay to provide one academic and a character referee • For 1-3 years experience, one academic referee and your line manager • Out of courtesy, ask permission from your referees and let them know what position(s) you have applied for • If you prefer not to include details on your CV, you can state “References available on request”
Creatin ing My CV – DOs and DON’Ts Do Don’t • Use a standard font size in black ink • Include recent and relevant work experience (paid • Write your CV in a hurry or voluntary) • Leave gaps in employment • Be consistent in your layout • Lie or Fabricate • List your skills and achievements and back up with • Include irrelevant personal details evidence • Simply write a list of duties under work • Keep it short (maximum 2 pages) experience (remember you are selling • Use positive action verbs yourself!). • Include a statement about your career aspirations • Use flashy or large font and what you have to offer the employer • Be honest but positive (negatives can always be turned into positives). • Proof-read for spelling, punctuation, grammar and meaning • Ask someone to review for you.
Creatin ing My CV – Reminders • The reality is that there is no single way to write a CV; but it must be structured and presented within acceptable framework. • It is your marketing communication tool so make the first impression count as it may be the only opportunity you get • Every job and employer is unique even in the same industry; as such, find out what each is looking for and emphasise the relevant parts of your CV. What may seem or is time consuming now will eventually stand you out • Please ensure your CV is • Easy to read – logical, clear, organised • Focused – targeted at the opportunity • Prioritised – it gives the most important and relevant information towards the beginning • Positive – it includes pro-active language.
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