BY:NURUL HANIZA MOHTAR

NICHOLAS JEREMY FRANCISPRISCILLA CHIN

Topic 5:Do’s and Don'ts in Job Application

Do:Use a confident tone and positive language Make your most relevant experience and skills

prominent to encourage the employer to read on Keep it to the point and concentrate on the quality of

your achievements, not the quantity List other skills that could raise you above the

competition such as languages, driving licence, IT skills Check thoroughly for correct spelling and grammar -

spotting errors is a quick and easy way of weeding out weaker candidates when faced with a mountain of CV's to read

Get a second opinion from someone you trust Include examples of your work, if appropriate

Writing a CV

Writing a CV

Don'ts:Leave any gaps in your work record - employers may

assume the worst, for example that you were sacked Lie - many employers use information service

companies or sophisticated new software to check CV details for accuracy, including educational qualifications, places of study and the veracity of job references

List all the one day training courses you have ever been on

Include a photo unless you know the employer wants one

Fax it without sending a copy in the post as well Use elaborate fonts, or colours - keep it simple Forget it's just a tool for getting you an interview. The

CV will not land you the job alone, the rest is up to you

What employers don’t want ..

“I am not interested in people who do not know anything about this company or the position they are applying for.”

“They give weak examples or they do not answer the questions or do not seem to understand what we are really looking for so they just waffle.”

What employers look for in CVs

Style and content – is it appropriate?Arms length test – neat, good use of spaceAppropriate language, easy to followLogical/chronological orderRelevant – targeted or mass mailingConcise - no more than 2 sidesSpelling & grammar checkedGood quality paper and envelopeMakes you want to interview the applicant

Watch out for these in Cover Letter!!!

• Generalisations• Waffle• Lie• Excessive hype• Underselling• Flowery Language

Watch out for – Generalisations!

“ I am applying for the post of IT person with your dynamic company as it offers the challenging career that I am seeking and would utilise my transferable skills.”

Why is it dynamic?

What makes it challenging?

What transferable skills?

Watch out for – Waffle!

“I am secretary of the university chess club, a role which involves organising tournaments against teams from other universities. In order to do this I have to be highly organised and efficient and communicate with a wide range of people from caretakers (to organise for rooms to be cleared and open at the right time), to secretaries in other clubs (to agree dates and other arrangements), to club members (to let them know what is happening) to catering staff (to provide sandwiches and drinks for visiting teams).”

Watch out for – Lying!

“ I am a keen skier.”

“ I have travelled extensively throughout Australia and the Far East.”

“ I did my degree in the UK ”

Watch out for – Excessive hype!

“I was given the award for best student in both years of my Diploma course. This means I had the highest marks overall in all my modules (with full marks in 5 of the 12 modules, something not achieved before by any student) and 100% attendance during both years.”

Watch out for – Underselling!

“I built a small robot which won a competition in London.”

“ I produced a website for my uncle’s company.”

Watch out for – Over wordy, Flowery language!

“I believe that if one is to encourage effective learning in adolescents one needs to combine a sound pedagogical approach with interactive exercises designed to allow for differentiation.”

Job interviews

Do’s: Do express yourself clearly with a

strong voice and good diction and grammar.

Do pay close attention to your personal appearance; dress to your advantage.

Do make concrete goals in planning for your career.

Do offer a firm handshake. Do look the interviewer in the eye

(but don't stare him or her down). Do fill out applications neatly and

completely. Do have as much knowledge about

the industry, employer, and position as possible.

Do take criticism gracefully. Do equip yourself with a strong

knowledge of the company.

Do have prepared questions about the employer and position.

Do display a sense of humor. Do display self-confidence. Do bring a pen and small notebook

with you to the interview. Do remember the interviewer's

name and use it during the interview.

Do take time to think before answering difficult or unexpected questions.

Do take an extra copy of your resume and a list of references with you to the interview.

Do follow-up with a thank-you note restating your interest in the position.

Do contact the employer by phone if the interviewer does not contact you one week after the time from which he or she indicated you would be notified.

(acetheinterview.com, 2006)

Job interviews

Don’ts: Don't be overbearing,

overaggressive or conceited. Don't show a lack of interest or

enthusiasm. Don't emphasize money as your

main interest in the job. Don't expect too much too soon - be

open to the idea of starting at the bottom and working your way up.

Don't make excuses for unfavorable factors on your record.

Don't condemn past employers or institutions of education; keep comments positive.

Don't display a marked dislike for schoolwork.

Don't be indecisive. Don't display intolerance or

prejudice.

Don't interview unless you are interested in the job...don't just "shop around.“

Don't be late to the interview. Don't state specific geographic

restrictions. Don't contradict yourself in

responses. Don't take notes during the

interview - jot down your notes immediately after the interview.

Don't forget: YOU control the content of the interview.

Don't glorify your past experiences - getting into a job for which you are under qualified is not recommended.

Don't assume that all employers will be delighted to hear of your plans for graduate school.

Don't smoke, chew gum, etc. even if offered or if the interviewer does so.

(acetheinterview.com, 2006)

A few pointers on Application forms

Do’s:Follow all the instructionsDownload a copy or take a photocopy Read it all first (get an overview of the form)Produce a rough draft/practice copyPut in the facts first – no detailPut in the detail but THINK TARGET! Get help with difficult sectionsSpell and grammar checkProduce the Proper copyKeep a copy

A few pointers on Application forms

Don’ts:Overuse examplesAttach things unless you are asked toWrite yourself if your handwriting is illegibleAssume on line forms have built in spell checkersUse the wrong coloured inkMake corrections and changes

All applications paperwork …

Takes timeTakes effortBenefits from helpGets easierIf it is ‘good’ it increases job hunters’ confidenceDoesn’t guarantee interviews or jobs

Thank You