prepare for professional employment advice for it students seeking vacation employment delivered by...
Post on 05-Jan-2016
217 Views
Preview:
TRANSCRIPT
PREPARE FOR PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYMENT
Advice for IT Students SeekingVacation Employment
Delivered by Monash University Careers and Employment
Lynda Rohanwww.careers.monash.edu.au
October 13th, 2005
What Makes an IT Professional?
Job Specifics Technical competencies Qualifications and education Relevant employment experience
General Work Skills Communication Team work Problem solving skills Learning agility Planning and organising Good self management
The Right Fit Comfortable in the work environment Good match with career aspirations Genuine interest in the work role and organisation
Understand Recruitment and Staff Selection Processes
Employers find staff through: Own networks Professional associations Recruitment agencies Employer websites Job databanks Newspapers Direct canvas from jobseekers
Your Application Submit a written application Provide a resume and cover letter Complete on-line testing Participate in assessment centre activities Present at interview Supply supporting referees Undertake probationary period of
employment
How Can Your Application Stand Out?
Answer the question! Use relevant, up to date and
various examples Accurate spelling and grammar Meet word limits Use credible language and make
clear statements Follow employer instructions
Relate to the Selection Criteria
Provide evidence to back up claims and keep in mind what you are being assessed against. For example: Solved problems and faced challenges
head on? Set goals that stretched you and
achieved them Appreciate what’s involved in working
successfully with other people
A Cover LetterYes or No?
Always, unless specifically requested not to by the employer
If application on-line can put in the body of the e-mail
Remember it is business communication Tailor the letter for each application The most common errors are poor
spelling and grammar and obvious/bad cut and paste
Resume Provides a summary of qualifications,
experience and relevant skills – no life stories please!
Select a format that bests markets you Information should relevant and current Be specific about dates, training organisations Don’t list the academic subjects – provide an
attachment Be clear about roles of responsibilities,
achievements Statement of skills need to be supported with
evidence of how you developed the skills or how they were applied
Information to Include Name/contact details Education and Training
Include accredited training only Professional development should be under separate
heading Employment History
Course related General
Summary of Professional Skills and Knowledge Any achievements Membership of associations Extra-curricular activities
Other Information
Details of Referees if requested Career Objective Interests (optional) Personal information – d.o.b.,
marital status, citizenship (optional) Additional Skills – value added
information e.g. languages
Achievement Statements Can be personal, academic, work
Job promotion, good course results Can include formal
acknowledgements E.g. awards, scholarships, community
recognition Can be quantifiable or qualitative
Perform above targets, improve service, engage more people in activities
Extra-Curricular Activities Not to be confused with hobbies/interests Need to clarify level of
commitment/participation Can include activities in community,
sporting or university life Can include “one off” campaigns Additional responsibilities should be
detailed E.g. committee member
A Bit About Referees Ensure you gain consent Inform them of your application
details Be sure to have their support Give current contact details on your
resume Explain the relationship to you Understand how employers use
referee details
Writing Up Technical Skills Environments and application of skills
What was the service component? What was the environment? What was the operating system? What was the language? What was the database?
Course related projects Final year preferable Describe your involvement Any significant outcomes?
Sometime a table helps Tabulate languages, months of experience and level of
proficiency
Now for the InterviewKnow what to Expect
Understand the recruitment process How many interviews?
Know status of panel members Name/role Where they fit in the hierarchy
Know details of the interview format Venue, time and date Format/structure Do you need to take anything with you?
Get the Basics Right Good preparation
Review application and resume Be informed – look at employer website
Anticipate Questions Built around selection criteria Practice responses/have main points ready
Present as a Professional Appropriate dress and grooming Professional manner to everyone Punctuality is appreciated
……….and……. Communicate effectively
Exchange information/be natural Use good listening skills Speak clearly, structure your response Don’t assume anything on behalf of the
panel Ask questions to help clarify if you want
the job Be sure of what happens next
What Will They Ask? Clarifying questions about level of
technical skills, qualifications and previous work experience
Find out your career aspirations Questions about problem solving,
initiative, decision making abilities Behavioural questions to find out how
you handle people and situations e.g. communication, customer service and team work skills are really important
Examples of Questions Why do you want to work here? How has your education prepared you for the workforce? Why did you decide to study IT? What is an example of your ability to use your initiative? Tell me about a team project you worked on. What was
your role and the outcome of the project? What style of management do you work for best? Tell me about a time you provided excellent customer
service. What are your strengths and weaknesses? Can you provide examples of presentations you have
done to groups of people? Tell me about one of the biggest challenges you faced
and how you dealt with it.
Responding Well Answer the question! Responses to general/icebreaker
questions can impact in a positive way Give sufficient information for the
interviewer to assess Structure your answer so the listener
can follow what you are saying Behavioural questions are common –
become familiar with the STAR format
Further Tips Don’t try to second guess what the employer
is looking for; tell them what you think Prepare some key points for each selection
criterion but avoid sounding too rehearsed Use examples that are specific and choose
from a variety of settings One specific example can be a stronger
statement of ability than lots of general comments
Don’t overstate involvement in project teams – be honest
How Do Employers Evaluate?
General demeanour and self confidence
Content of the response and the clarity of expression
Potential to develop Expression of interest in the
organisation and job role Meet organisation’s profile
Use Your Careers Service Career Counselling Resume Checking Interview Skills Practice Jobs On-Line Jobseeker Workshops Employability Programs Career Information Library
www.careers.monash.edu.au
Other Useful Resources www.itskillshub.com.au www.apesma.com.au www.acs.com.au www.graduatecareers.com.au www.rcsa.com.au Video – Your Jobs On-Line
Available for viewing at Careers & Employment office
top related