writing c.v.s, cover letters and interview skills
TRANSCRIPT
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HKiCPA Career Forum 2010
Review on written CV, cover letters &interviewing skills
Matthew HillManaging Director, Hong Kong
Ambition
10 October 2010
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About Ambition
• Australian listed recruitment group
• Coverage across Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia and the UK
• Accounting & Finance recruitment specialists
• Permanent & Contract accounting positions
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Cover letter
• Resume “Packaging”
• Yourself and your ambitions
• Be specific and concise
• Some employers do request a cover letter -> a chance to show off your written communication skills and your suitability to the role
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Cover letter - Sample
Full NameJob TitleCompany NameAddress
Date (day/month/year)
Re: Job Position
Dear X (full name if possible, avoid "Dear Sir/Madam")
Introduction Paragraph Brief overview: why you are applying for the position or why you are interested in this company.
Body Paragraph What can you offer to this position/company. Address the key requirements in the advertisement with a description of your relevant skills, achievements, qualifications. This paragraph should summarise your strengths and highlight why you are applying for this position.
Concluding Paragraph Reiterate your interest and provide information about your availability. Finish by thanking the reader for the opportunity and their attention.
Your Sincerely,
Your Signature Print your full name Quick-reference contact number
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Resume: Why is it important to make it stand out?
• Most important aspect of your job search : first contact point
• Its objective is to win a meeting/an interview : so aim to provide a perfect match
• First impressions are vital
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Key things to include in your resume:Content
• Make it easy for the reader to establish quickly who you are. Don’t give them an excuse to dismiss you because it is hard work to read your CV.
• Although it is important to give a full overview of yourself, don’t overdo it!
• If you can get everything on 1-2 pages then this is ideal. Try to avoid having pages of information.
• If you have had relevant previous experience to the role you are applying, then clearly display the relevant points for that job on your CV. Make your resume specific and tailor-made if you can!
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• The order of the information is important and that there is a natural flow to its presentation
1. Personal info and contact details2. Education and qualifications3. Professional qualifications4. Language skills5. Software and system skills6. Employment history7. Additional information about who you are
• Reason for leaving – yes or no?
• Salary expectation – yes or no?
• Photograph – yes or no?
Key things to include in your resume:Content
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Key things to include in your resumeStyle:
• Create the right impression
• Avoid too much info - Get the reader interested in meeting you but not know everything including your inside leg measurement!
• Typeface and font size
• Use bullet points and lots of white space
• Use bolds and underlines for effect
• Experiment with your resume
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What is a job interview?
“An investment of time
between employer and candidate
to identify suitability and fit
for the role and the business”
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First impressions & body language
• Be on time - not too early and never late!
• Concentrate
• Listen, Listen, Listen.
• Posture
• Hands & arms
• Eyes
• Smile
• Affirmative noise/actions
• Pitch & tone
• Attire – Fashionable vs Professional
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Dress for success
“It matters, you can affect it…”
• Grooming
• Shoes
• Be conservative
• Jewellery, hair & make-up
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5 common mistakes candidates make
Men
• Dirty & wrinkled clothes that do not fit properly
• Shirts that are too tight at the collar or around the waist
• Dirty hands, nails or hair
• Shoes wrong colour for clothes or dirty and scuffed
• Overpowering aftershave
Women
• Too much or inappropriate jewellery
• Too much or too little makeup
• Overpowering perfume
• Scuffed or inappropriate shoes
• Overly sexy or ill-fitting clothing
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Important things to also remember
NO NO’s for the interview:
• Chewing gum
• Listening to your i-Pod
• Showing tattoos or body piercing
• Bringing your parents or friends to the interview
• Leaving your mobile phone on – and taking a call
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Preparing for the interview
• Review yourself and your CV - your strengths and capabilities
• Research the company thoroughly
• Be able to talk through practical examples of where you have added value, completed on projects, taken initiative etc. What made you stand out from your colleagues?
• Prepare a list of questions that you want to ask and think about the answers you would give to things you think you will be asked
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How to answer interview questions?
• Nerves are normal so take your time and think about what is being asked of you rather than worrying about what is coming next…
• Listen to what you have been asked…
• Check understanding if you are not sure what you are being asked…
• Think about your answer and don’t panic into giving an answer quickly…
• Give practical examples and anecdotes…
• Make sure you actually answer the question being asked…
• Don’t waffle and talk too much…
• Be prepared to explain gaps and reasons for leaving
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How to ask questions in an interview?
• Prepare with your recruiter – they know the client
• What are the key challenges that I will face in the first 6 months?
• What will I have achieved in one year?
• Can you elaborate on your performance and appraisal process/training investment?
• What are the challenges facing your sector/company – what is the impact on you?
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3 important things to consider in an interview
1. Can you do the job?
2. Do you want the job?
3. Will you fit into the team?
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“Before anything else, preparation is the key to
success”
- Alexander Graham Bell
Lastly….
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Thank you
www.ambition.com.hk
Hong Kong • Singapore • London Sydney • Melbourne • Brisbane