Creating a résumé that says I AM the Right Person for the Job (Part 2)

2.    Résumé Content              

iv.          Eliminate unnecessary information from your résumé. For example, a student enrolled in an undergraduate degree programme need not detail his/her CXC passes. The employer would be more interested in core modules covered in the degree programme which would bare great relevance to the job. 

v.                  Do not clutter your résumé with excess words. Résumés are not generally written in sentence form but rather in concise phrases. Please consider these examples that would fall under “Work Experience”:

Instead of writing:

·         I was hired to develop the company’s website and database

It is completely acceptable to write:

·         Developed the company’s website and database

vi.       Avoid acronyms and jargons.

      v.       Use résumé power verbs to emphasize your achievements. These words 

                include managed, collaborated, implemented, advanced, engineered, 

                formulated conceptualized and strengthened etc.

      vi.      Whatever you place on your résumé should represent you greatly. Write with confidence and ensure that your résumé is error free. Where possible, seek professional help to review your résumé. Let the employer know that you are a confident prospective employee!

Creating a résumé that says I AM the Right Person for the Job (Part 1)

Here are some very important points for consideration:

1.    Visual appeal

i.                    Be creative by creating a background design for your résumé. Besides creativity, this shows that some thought have gone into your résumé presentation. Keep the design simple, professional and representative of you. While the design should enhance your presentation it is the information contained in the résumé that is more important.   

ii.                  You can get a more appealing look, by printing your résumé on a lightly-coloured paper. Ensure that the colour does not affect the readability of your résumé.  Ideally, the paper should be a little heavier than the normal printing paper.

iii.                You can also use colours to separate the various headings and sections; however you should use a limited range of colours. Dark blue is usually a good choice. If you are using dark blue for one heading, ensure that this is the colour used throughout the document.

iv.                Should you include a photograph on your résumé? Generally (with relatively few exceptions) the inclusion of photographs on résumés is discouraged by recruiters unless the position that is being applied for requires a particular look.  If and when the need for a photograph arises, you will be informed by the recruiter/employer.     

2.    Resume Content

i.                    Be sure to create an email address that portrays a professional image, for example, shellyann.brown@gmail.com or natalia_black@yahoo.com. Email addresses that are offensive, sexual or flirtatious must only be utilized for personal use, for example, sexybody@yahoo.com, danityme@live.com or bossyme@gmail.com, just to name a few.

ii.                  Be sure to include a well thought out career objective statement. A well-written statement tells the prospective employer that you are goal-oriented (you know what you want to do and you know how to get there). Normally your career objective supports the position that you are applying for.

Example:

As an aspiring marketing consultant, I am currently seeking a significant marketing role in a dynamic and growing marketing company that will permit me to hone my analytical skills while and developing media plans and marketing strategies with cross-functional teams

iii.                Make sure you have an adaptable résumé. Do not send the same résumé to every organization. It must be adjusted to suit the job requirement for the particular position for which you are applying. Where possible, your résumé must demonstrate your utilization of boasted skill-sets in other settings. For example, if the position being applied for requires management skills, under the section titled “Relevant Work Experience” or “Positions held”, be sure to include/highlight tasks or projects that will demonstrate that you have acquired such a skill. This will is one sure way to verify to your potential employer that you can advance organization with your skills and experience.

10 Rules for Self-Management

Management is not just for managers, just as leadership is not just for leaders.

We all manage, and we all lead; these are not actions reserved for only those people who happen to hold “positions” in a company.

A business where everyone lives and works by the principles of self management is a business destined for greatness. Here are Ten Rules for Self-Management.

1.    Maintain your values. Do not be easily influenced or swayed.

2.    Speak up! No one can “hear” what you are thinking.

3.    Trust is an outcome of fulfilled expectations. Honour your own good word, and keep the promises you make. Don’t expect people to trust you if you are unreliable.

4.    Whatever your responsibility, expect to be held fully accountable.

5.    Have a good work ethic. Values like dependability, timeliness, professionalism and diligence are prized more than ever before. Be action-oriented. Seek to make things work. Be willing to do what it takes.

6.    Read voraciously, and listen to learn, then teach and share everything you know.

7.    Be courteous, respectful and considerate. Manners still count for an awful lot in life.

8.    Be self-disciplined.

9.    Don’t be a victim or a martyr. You always have a choice, so don’t shy from it: Choose and choose without regret. Look forward and be enthusiastic.

10.  Keep healthy and take care of yourself. Exercise your mind, body and spirit so you can be someone people count on, and so you can live expansively and with abundance

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Managers will tell you that they don’t really need to manage people who live by these rules; instead, they can devote their attentions to managing the businesses!

Adapted from http://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/12-rules-for-self-management.html

Planning & Organising Skills

Planning & Organising Skills

This is the ability to manage self others and resources available resources, including time, to reach a specific

goal.

Do I Have These Skills?

You'll need to be able to prove to employers that you actually have these skills/competencies. In interviews they will ask 'competency questions' that begin with phrases such as 'tell me a time when ............. ' or 'give me an example of .............. ' Your answers are the evidence that you have what it takes.

To find out how well developed your skills are already you could try this simple exercise:

Rate yourself on each of the skill/competency stated below by using the following Rubric:

1 = I do this very well. I am consistent and successful in it

2 = I am good at this. With some practice I can make it perfect!

3 = I am getting better, but still need to work on this a bit more.

4 = I am not particularly good at this - yet!

Skills: 

• Accurately estimates time and effort required to complete a task.

• Identifies and organises systems and required resources.

• Organises personal time to carry out responsibilities.

• Maintains adequate preparation time for scheduled meetings/deadlines.

• Develops schedules and timetables with clear, specific milestones and deadlines.

• Establishes how to measure results and milestones for self.

  

Your ultimate aim is to score 1 is all areas!!

When planning and organizing be sure to prioritise!

Five simple ways to prioritise:

1.       Identify critical tasks.

2.       Arrange tasks in a logical order.

3.       Establish priorities systematically, differentiating between urgent, important, and unimportant tasks.

4.       Use a "to do" list, task plan, or similar planning devices to note action plans, deadlines, etc.

5.       Monitor & adjust priorities and/or eliminate tasks on an on-going basis.

Adopted from: http://navyadvancement.tpub.com/12045/css/12045_31.htm

Top 10 Things to Avoid In an Interview

        1. Arriving Late

Arrive at least 15 minutes early. Take the time to freshen up in the rest-room.

2. Saying too much-or too little

Speak when it is appropriate.  Do not try to take control of the conversation, but DO ask enough questions to demonstrate your interest in the company and its values.

3. Inquiring about vacation time

It’s really not appropriate to ask these types of questions on a first interview.  Wait until a time that you feel certain you are a top candidate for the position before getting down to the nuts and bolts.

4. Not being clear that you want the job.

Your attitude throughout the interview should signal to the interviewer that you are enthusiastic and   interested in the job.

5. Not being thorough in your answers regarding skills and qualifications

Give clear examples of your experiences and skills in a way that directly relates to the job you are applying for. Where and when possible use the opportunity to demonstrate your skills through a portfolio presentation.

6. Using these phrases “Umm”, “you know” and other street slangs

This is a BIG turn-off for employers.  Take a few seconds to thinking through your answer before you respond to questions. Practice before the interview, either in front of a mirror or with a friend.

7. Wearing Street clothes to an interview.  

Never wear jeans, or other casual wear to an interview.  Dress conservatively, and do not over-do it with the jewellery, make-up and perfume /cologne. Tattoos, where possible, should be hidden Portray a professional image.

8. Weak Handshake

Your handshake must be firm but not too vigorous.  You want to show that you are confident.

9. Not being prepared ahead of time

Potential employers are impressed when you demonstrate that you have done some research on the company, and that you are aware of its challenges and how you as an employee can positively impact these challenges. 

10. Don’t try to change the tone of the interview.

If the interviewer is all business or very direct, respond in the same manner.  Never try to lead the conversation in a different or more casual direction. Keep in mind that your resumé most likely landed you the interview, but acing the interview will be what will most likely land you the job!

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Adapted from http://tbassociates.wordpress.com/2011/01/26/top-10-things-to-avoid-in-an-interview/

Tips on being an Effective Problem-Solver

In the workplace when faced with a problem many seek to mask the problem, pass it on, blame it on someone else or perhaps procrastinate in dealing with the problem.

It is a fact that problems will always occur in the workplace however they must be viewed as opportunities to improve systems and the relationships.

The goal of a good problem-solving process in the professional work environment is to make the organization more "conflict-friendly" and "conflict-competent".

Here are seven (7) steps for an effective problem-solving process:

1. Identify the issues. Be clear about what the problem is. Try talking to others, as this may help to bring clarity to the identified problem.                                                                                   
2. Explore/Understand everyone's interests. Interests are the needs that you want satisfied by any given solution. In understanding everyone’s interest ask questions such as: How is this problem affecting me? How is it affecting others? Who else experiences this problem? What do they do about it?
3.  Set goals / List the possible solutions (options). This is the time to do some brainstorming. There may be lots of room for creativity. 
4. Evaluate the options. What are the pluses and minuses? Honestly! 
5. Select an option or options. What's the best option, in the balance? Is there a way to "bundle" a number of options together for a more satisfactory solution? .
6. Document the agreement(s). Don't rely on memory. Writing it down will help you think through all the details and implications.
7. Agree on contingencies, monitoring, and evaluation. Make contingency agreements about foreseeable future circumstances (If-then!). Determine how you will monitor compliance and follow-through. Assign a time period for the trial of option(s) selected and honestly evaluate periodically.

Effective problem solving does take some time and attention but less time and attention than is required by a problem not well solved. What it really takes is a willingness to slow down. A problem is like a curve in the road. Take it right and you'll find yourself in good shape for the straightaway that follows. Take it too fast and you may not be in as good shape.

Adapted from http://www.mediate.com/articles/thicks.cfm