Effective CVs and Applications Education students March 07
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Transcript of Effective CVs and Applications Education students March 07
Effective CVs and
Applications
Education studentsMarch 07
Applications & Interviews: Overview Employment record of Education graduates Applying for jobs
Applications CVs Cover letters
Preparing for Interviews Types of Interviews Structure of interview Typical Questions Advice
Resources
Class of 2006:Where are they now? Permanent Teaching - Irl: 22% Temp/Sub/ P/T - Irl: 62% Teaching abroad: 1% Other work (Irl): 6% Other work (abroad) 1% Further Study 5% Not available 1% Seeking employment 2%
Typical Further Study Options MSc Research PhD MA Sports & Exercise Quantity Surveying Physiotherapy
Starting point Purpose of a CV is to get an inteview Use the following checklist every time you
complete an application form1:Identify employer needs
Put yourself in the employer shoes What are they looking for?
2:Match yourself to these needs What particular skills do you have that are relevant
to the position?
Qualities Employers Seek Good all-round intelligence Enthusiasm, commitment and motivation Good communication skills Team work ability Ability to solve problems Capacity to work hard Initiative and self-reliance Balanced personality
Before Applying Research yourself
Review experience and career interests Use Careers website & Prospects Planner
Research school/organisation Own contacts Websites Reports or features
Research careers Be familiar with curriculum Use Careers resources on the Internet
Questions to ask yourself What sort of person is the
organisation looking for? What knowledge, experience, skills
are required to fill this role? What past experience do I have that
demonstrate these competencies? Provide evidence to match the key
competencies
Matching Skills to RequirementsEmployer needsCommunication Team workLeadershipInitiativeDisciplineIT Education interests
Your evidencePresentation to classPlay on football teamClass rep, CommitteeFundraising for charityWorking in pubDesigned websiteFamiliar with research
Standard CV Personal Details
Name, Address, Tel No, Email address Education
Start with current course Dates, Name of college, Course Title,Thesis title, Core
subjects, expected level of degree Provide details of research projects
Teaching Experience Start with most recent or relevant Mention class levels, subjects taught, projects Include extracurricular activities
Other Experience Highlight responsibilities
Standard CVs (cont) Interests
Provide evidence – membership of clubs etc. Focus on achievements
Other Skills/Skills Profile Computing – be specific, name packages Languages – what level of fluency Driving Licence
Referees Normally 2 referees required Seek permission in advance Provide them with details of yourself and job Many references by telephone
CV Tips Customise CV for every job
Every CV should be different Use space effectively
Most relevant information gets most space Avoid clutter Standardise font size and type
Organise information well Use headings and bullet points Start with most recent details Highlight most relevant information Provide specific evidence of skills
Spell check Restrict to 2 pages
Helpful hints Use action verbs: achieved, created,
managed, produced, demonstrated, supervised, trained, investigated, co-ordinated, monitored, reported, etc
Adjectives- to describe yourself: adaptable, committed, determined, motivated, resourceful, precise, supportive, etc
Reasons for Rejection of CV Too much/too little information Irrelevant Information Poor presentation Spelling mistakes Not targeted to position No personality or enthusiasm
Helpful Hints - Application Forms Photocopy form - experiment with copy Read complete form before writing Follow instructions: black ink, capitals Answer all questions Use space sensibly Draft answers to open questions Use simple words, short sentences Check appearance - first impressions count Check spellings and grammar Copy completed form
Cover Letters Letter supports CV
1 page, typed, on plain white paper Send to the right person Highlight skills and experience Structure it well
Explain qualification, specify vacancy Why are you interested in the company/job? Why should they consider you? (relevant skills) What next? – ask for interview
Online Applications Increasingly popular with large employers Fast and efficient – scan for key words Preselection - can incorporate personality tests Self-assessment - match to different jobs
Helpful hints Download form and practice Prepare answers, cut and paste Use buzz words, e.g. name specific packages Spell check, proofread Print preview, save regularly print completed copy and send Very time-consuming – allow plenty of time Practice with ‘Select Simulator’ on careers website
Interviews Business meeting with an agenda
Employer: reviews candidate’s experience and abilities Can you do the job? Will you do the job? How will you fit into the organisation?
Employer’s objective is to fill the position You: impress employer and assess position on offer
What does this position offer me? How does it fit with my career plans?
You have passed the first hurdle You must prove that you are the most suitable
candidate for this position
Preparation Review own skills, experiences and qualities
Check CV/application form Identify relevant skills and experiences Consider motivation and interest in job/course
Research organisation Reports, websites, newspapers Personal visit, contacts
Prepare questions and practice Be confident and positive
You’ve succeeded so far They want to fill the position
Dress Code Remember simple things can turn
someone off….. Men without ties Strong perfume/aftershave Brown shoes Skirt too short/too long Coloured socks Crazy humorous ties Cigarette smoke
BE GENERIC
Body Language Body Language (55%) Tone of voice (38%) Words (7%)
Body language – Remember: Good handshake Adopt the “business gaze”. Maintain a good posture Try to use interviewers name. Remain calm, relax – breathe! Listen to the questions Don’t interrupt
Watch what you say Do not waffle Do not ramble Do not get sidetracked Don’t be monosyllabic Don’t talk forever
However friendly the interviewer may bethey are not your friend and this is not a chat!
The Big Day – Common Questions
Tell me about yourself Why did you apply for this job What are your main
strengths/weaknesses Why should we employ you How would your friends describe you Where do you see yourself in 5 years
Competency Based Interviews MOST COMMON NOW
Give me an example of when you demonstrated ………. (skill – problem solving; teamwork; presentation)
These are the competencies this organisation is looking for
Be Specific
Do not talk about I would, I could I might!!
Have very specific “on one occasion I did……” examples prepared in advance
S.T.A.R approachSituation or Task
Describe the situation that you were in or the task that you had to accomplishDescribe, in detail, a specific event or situation Examples can be from a previous job, from voluntary/unpaid experience, or any relevant event
Action you took
Describe the action you took and be sure to keep the focus on you If you are discussing a group project or effort, describe what you did -- not what the team did Don't tell the interviewer what you would do; tell them what you actually did
Results you achieved
What was the outcome? What did you accomplish? What did you learn?
Questions about Teaching What strengths can you bring to the school? How will you manage your classroom? What teaching methods do you favour? How will you cater for different abilities? How will you deal with special needs? How important are parents in education? How will you assess your progress? What are your expectations of the school? How do you want to develop as a teacher? What is your priority for your first year?
Things to remember Compose yourself – drink water, breathe
slowly Emphasise the positive – sell yourself Be enthusiastic – willing to learn Elaborate appropriately – don’t bore them Be honest Show you can get on with people Seek clarification when necessary Prepare questions to ask
What creates a bad impression Poor personal appearance Negative attitude – evasive, using excuses Lack of interest and enthusiasm Lack of preparation Poor knowledge of role Failure to give concrete examples of skills Over emphasis on money/rewards Lack of career plan
Other Types Of Interviews Group
6-8 candidates Group observed while discussing topic Be aware of group interaction
Panel 2-5 interviewers Try to identify different roles Respond to interviewer Include others through eye contact
Learning from the experience
What could you have done better? What did you do well? Are there skills you need to develop? Look for feedback
Action Plan/What next? Skills Assessment Research Specific
Careers/Organisations Set short/long term goals Update your CV Prepare answers to typical
interview questions
Sources of Teaching Vacancies National and local newspapers Teaching websites Contact TP school Apply on spec to local schools www.ateci.ie Association of Teachers’
Education Centres in Ireland Teaching section in UL Careers website
www.ul.ie/careers Jobs section
Education websitesIrish www.education.ie www.teachingcouncil.ie www.educationposts.ie www.ateci.ie www.asti.ie www.into.ie www.tui.ie www.teachingjobs.ie www.era-
educationrecruitment.ie www.nistr.org.uk www.noredco.com
Other www.teach.gov.uk www.tda.gov.uk www.t-e-n.co.uk www.jobs.ac.uk/sector/
school www.mps-education.com www.atozteacherstuff.com www.supplyteacheragency.com www.selecteducation.com www.jobsineducation.co.uk www.ttmteach.co.uk www.sabis.net www.medway.gov.uk/
teachingcareers