Resume Writing and Interviewing Skills for Palestinian Entrepreneurship Development Program participants in PPU

1. ‫‪Resume Writing and‬‬
‫‪Interviewing Skills‬‬
‫مهارات كتابة السيرة الذاتية‬
‫ومقابالت العمل‬

2. DO YOU HAVE YOU RESUME

3. THE TRAINER / FACILITATOR

4. GROUND RULES .. DON’T FORGET

5. TRAINING AGENDA

What a resume is and its purposes

Types and formats of resumes

Effective Writing of a resume.

Guidelines for preparing cover letters

Be ready for a successful job interview.

Being Online, search for a job.

6. Your Goal
Follow up
Writing
The Resume
Interviewing
Skills
Search for a
job

7. WHAT IS A RESUME ?
 What
is the purpose of the
resume?

Main sections.
 CV

vs. Resume.
Cover letter

8. RESUME … IS
A brief summary of your qualifications,
skills, and background which represent
your educational and work experiences in
terms relevant to potential employers.
A self-promotional and marketing tool.
The first impression a prospective
employer has of you.

9. Watch
and Discuss

10. Remember
Your first contact with a prospective
employer will be when he reads your
resume.

You only get one chance to make a first
impression!

First impressions are lasting – so think
of your resume as an extension of you!

Never forget that the goal of a resume is
to obtain a job interview.


11. A NOTE TO THE WISE!
There is no such thing as the “right”
or “wrong” resume.
 The best indicator of whether your
resume is doing its job is by
answering this question,
“Are employers contacting you?


12. What is the Purpose of a Resume?

To describe your accomplishments, qualifications,
professional and educational experiences

Serve as a record to leave with an employer

Share information with the people who are
assisting you with your job search

Attach to a job application- Some forms don’t
allow us to express our skills and abilities very
well

To answer “the” question : Why should I be
selected for an interview?

13. CV

14. SOME STATISTICS



A single job offer attracts between 100
and 1,000 resumes.
Your resume will get between 10 and
20 seconds of the recruiters time.
Only 1 interview is granted for every
200 resumes received by the average
employer.

15. Live
Flexible
Content VS
Presentation
KISS
Career Path

16. LET US GET A CLOSER LOOK

17. WRITE A RESUME STEP BY STEP
1)
Understanding the Purpose
2)
Understanding the Audience
3)
Look at other Resumes.
4)
Start writing your first draft.
5)
Revise, carefully review and re-organize
your draft
6)
Get feedback from a reader.
7)
Revise, Proofread and Edit.

18. RESUME SECTIONS:
Contact
Information
Experience
Objective
Skills
Profile/Summary
Honors and
accomplishments
Education
References

19. START THE WRITING
http://goo.gl/C1wO1

20. TIME TO BREAK.

21. CONTACT INFORMATION
 Address
 Phone and Mobile numbers
 E-mail address
 Personal Website (if any)
 LinkedIn /Skype

22. CONTACT INFORMATION

23. CONTACT INFORMATION
Keep it Simple
Be professional
Use a permanent
address
Avoid nicknames

24. OBJECTIVE
 Reason for sending the résumé
 A brief paragraph that states your
career plan in relation to what an
employer is looking for.
 Focus on your interest as well as
your employers interest.
 Tells potential employers the sort
of work you're hoping to do.

25. OBJECTIVE
 To obtain a position as a Software Engineer with a
company offering opportunities for professional
growth.
 Seeking a position in the field of Mechanical
Engineering which will both utilize and enhance my
current skills.
 Seeking a position as a Civil Engineer in a well
established company that will fully utilize my
experience and expertise in hydrological modeling,
design, construction, construction management,
planning and cost analysis.

26. OBJECTIVE
 Your objective must be specific, clear,
short and concise.
 You can targeted specific job title.
 Stay focused on one title or two similar
 Use general objective when needed.
 …..

27. PROFILE / SUMMARY
•
Several concise statements that focus the
reader’s attention on the most important
qualities, achievements, and abilities you
have to offer.
•
“10-second sound bite”
•
A short phrase describing your profession.
•
One or more professional or appropriate
personal characteristics
•
Bullet : 3 to 4 one-liners about who you
are.

28. PROFILE / SUMMARY
 A team player with excellent communication skills and
academic qualifications, who has recently graduated with a
degree in Civil Engineering.
 A highly talented, professional and dedicated Civil
Engineer with over ten years experience in planning,
designing and directing the construction and maintenance
of roads, bridges and pipelines.
 Accounting manager with five years of accounting
experience in real estate and marketing industries. Fully
knowledgeable in general accounting, payroll, budgeting,
and journal entry preparation.

29. SEVERAL STATEMENTS

A highly efficient, hardworking and talented design
engineer with a comprehensive understanding of design
processes and also manufacturing and construction
methods.

Experienced in all the design stages of a product, including
research, development and manufacture right through to
installation and final commissioning.

Possessing a good team spirit, deadline orientated and
having the ability to produce detailed technical
specifications from client requirements.

Keen to find a challenging & suitable engineering position
with a ambitious company that offers opportunities for
career development and advancement

30. PROFILE/ SUMMARY
• Think about what you want to say about yourself.
• Create a well-rounded view of yourself.
• Be honest.
• Be confident.
• Avoid trying to answer every question about yourself.
• Use specifics over generalities

31. Objective Vs. Profile by an example

Objective:
Desire technical editing position with supervisory
responsibilities in an engineering firm.

Profile:
Highly skilled technical writer with three years
publishing experience. Knowledgeable in current web
design technology.

32. EDUCATION
• Your most recent educational information
is listed first.
• Include your degree (B.A., M.A., etc.), major,
institution attended, minor/concentration.
• Add your (GPA) if it is higher than 3.0.
• Mention academic honors

33. EDUCATION
2002-2005
2000-2003
Graduate Diploma in Law
BA in Economics
BBP Law School London
University of Manchester
1995-1998 , B.S. in Business Management , Yeshiva University New York, NY
Certified Public Accountant, CPA, New York State

34. WORK EXPERIENCE
 Briefly give the employer an overview of work
that has taught you skills.
 Use action words to describe your job duties.
 Include your work experience in reverse
chronological
Include:
• Title of position,
• Name of organization, Location
• Dates of employment
• Describe your work responsibilities with
emphasis on specific skills and
achievements.

35. WORK EXPERIENCE

36. WORK EXPERIENCE
 Include: paid work, unpaid internships, extensive job
opportunities
 Use keywords and jargon from your field : You want
to appear to be an insider.
 Include skills, experiences and interests that relate
to the target position.
 Begin statements with action verbs. Use short
phrases and concrete examples, numbers and
quantities to describe your experiences (i.e., “Supervised
camp activities for 30 girls, ages 6-12”).

37. WHAT COMES FIRST
EDUCATION OR EXPERIENCE?

38. SKILLS
It includes your abilities that are
related to the jobs you are
applying for.
Include skills that are relevant
to the position / career field that
you are interested in i.e.
computer skills, software skills,
and/or language skills.

39. SKILLS
Skilled in Solid Works, Math CAD, Matlab, MS Office,
PLC programming and machining
 Estimating material, construction, and labor costs, and
project timescales.
 Supervising Projects: including in house, external
contractors and sub-contractors.
 ….

40. SKILLS
 Customize the skills section of your resume to
match, as much as you can, the requirements
listed in the job posting.
 The closer a match your skills are to the job
requirements, the better your chances of being
selected for an interview.
 Employers quickly scan resumes, so long lists are
not likely to get read.

41.  Here
you will go into more details than you
did in the objective and summary
 Great
 List
opportunity to really sell yourself!
any activities that would show special
skills, community involvement, leadership
ability, etc.
 List
any special honors you have received

42. No
need to say “References available
upon request” .
You’ll need three to five people to write
or speak on your behalf.
 Ask permission before you use someone’s
name.
 write contact information for them.
 Give them your resume.
 WHO ARE THEY ?

43. TIME TO BREAK.

44. RESUME FORMATS:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
Chronological
Functional
Combination
Targeted
Mini

45. COVER LETTER

46. 
A business letter that accompanies a resume.

Informs reader of your purpose and requests as
in-person meeting.

Highlights and directs attention to the
important information in the resume.

May take the form of an email message or a brief
note that accompanies an electronic application

47. 
First paragraph: State the name of the job
for which you are applying and how you
learned about the job opening.

Second paragraph: Emphasize skills and
abilities that relate to the open position.
However, do not repeat what is said on your
resume.

Third paragraph: Thank the employer
and request an interview.

48. An Effective Cover Letter
Introduces You; Your Resume
Summarizes Appropriate Aspects of your
Education or Experience
States briefly how your Qualifications relate to
the Job
Indicates if you have included a Resume,
Writing Samples, Transcript, or other
documents
Is Brief and to the Point.
Requests an Interview.

49. Your Name
Your Address
Your Phone Number
Your Email
COVER LETTER
SAMPLE
Date
Name
Job Title
Company
Adress
Dear Mr./Ms. LastName,
Please accept my application for the teaching assistant position advertised on Craig's List. I would like to
continue to develop my teaching skills while creating a challenging and fun learning environment for students.
The middle school age group is particularly appealing to me, because students are very impressionable,
interested in learning, and open to new concepts.
I am very well qualified and would be an asset to the school because of my experience working as a teaching
assistant for XYZ School. I have worked with both elementary and middle school teachers, as well as camp
directors to develop curricula that meet the needs of students. I enjoy tutoring students and helping them build
confidence in their ability to achieve, both academically and socially. In addition, I have artistic and computer
skills that will be an asset when developing class projects.
I have attached my resume for your review. Thank you for considering my application. I would appreciate the
opportunity to interview and look forward to hearing from you in the near future.
Sincerely,
Your Signature
Your Typed Name

50. ‫على مين الحق‬

51. LUNCH BREAK.

52. INTERVIEWING SKILLS
52

53. IT IS NOT ALWAYS MY DAY :
53

54. INTERVIEWING - WHAT IS IT?
A
structured meeting
between you and an
employer.
Interviewing is a skill
that can be enhanced by
training.
PRACTICE makes
PERFECT
54

55. INTERVIEWING IS A TWO-WAY STREET
 Employers
are attempting
to determine if you are an
appropriate fit for the job
and their culture.

You decide if the work
environment is right for
you.
55

56. TYPES OF INTERVIEWS
Screening
One
2
One
Panel
56

57. TYPES OF INTERVIEWS
Group
Series
Tele
Conferencing
57

58. WHAT MAKES A SUCCESSFUL INTERVIEW
58

59. Speak clearly
and show that
Be on time
Bring your
résumé
you have
prepared
yourself for
the interview
Look and
sound
friendly
Dress
appropriately
Be clean
 Ensure you have a high level of hygiene
59
 Answer all the questions the best way you can.

60. BEFORE THE INTERVIEW…
Do Your
Home
Work
Know
Your Self
Prepare
Necessary
Material
60

61. DO YOUR HOME WORK
 Research
 Know
position, company and industry.
who you will be interviewing with.
 Be
ready for a variety of interviewer styles.
 Be
ready to discuss your strengths and
weaknesses
 Know
How to reach the location.
61

62. KNOW YOUR SELF





Be able to articulate skills, strengths,
accomplishments, and career goals
Familiarize yourself with your resume
Make a list of five accomplishments that you
enjoyed.
Make a list of five things you have done with proud.
Make a list of how your colleagues, staff, and
supervisors describe you. Include the positive and
negative feedback.
62

63. WHAT TO TAKE TO THE INTERVIEW




Copies of your resume.
Copies of letters of recommendation,
and a typed reference sheet to be given
to the interviewer;
Other material relevant to the
interview;
Pen and paper, so that you can note the
name of the interviewer, time for future
interviews and other pertinent
63
information.

64. GREETING & INTRODUCTION
 Smile
 Maintain
 Firm
eye contact
handshake
 Remain
poised and
confident
64

65. TYPICAL INTERVIEW TIMING
Component
Time

Introduction/Greeting
2 minutes

Employer questioning
15-20 minutes

Applicant questions
5 minutes

Closing
3 minutes
65

66. THE INTERVIEWER EVALUATES
Attitude
10%
40%
25%
Image &
Appearance
Communication
Job
Qualifications
25%
66

67. WAYS YOU CAN EXHIBIT A GOOD ATTITUDE
• Concentrate on being likable and friendly
• Positive language and non-verbal cues
• Demonstrate enthusiasm
• Demonstrate interest
• Excellent Listener
• Be Professional
67

68. WHAT DO EMPLOYERS SEEK FOR :
Time
Management
Problem
Solving
Being
Adaptable
Communicat
ing
Effectively
Using
Initiative
Creativity
Working
Well in a
Team
Being Well
Organized
Customer/
Leadership
Client
Relations
68

69. TYPES OF QUESTIONS
Experience
Behavioral/Competency
Opinion questions
Credential questions
69

70. INTERVIEW QUESTIONS : USEFUL TIPS

Tough Questions
Questions can vary and may be categorized
under Personal Assessment, Education and
Experience, Career ambition and Plans,
Company or Organization.
Expect
the unexpected
Turning
a Negative into a
Positive
70

71. THE BALANCE OF LISTENING AND TALKING
 Do not be afraid to ask clarifying questions about the
interviewer’s questions.
 Listen well so that you can identify opportunities to
link your skills and qualifications to what the
interviewer is looking for.
 It is acceptable to take notes.
 Do not interrupt the interviewer.
 Take time to formulate your thoughts before
answering a tough question and balance talking with
listening.
71
 Be as clear and concise as you can in your answers.

72. YOUR ANSWERS : SHOULD BE
REAL
:
Relevant information, Experience,
Action taken, and Leadership
demonstrated.
STAR
:
Situations , Task , Action , Results.
72

73. BODY LANGUAGE :
WHAT SIGNALS ARE YOU SENDING?
Positive Signals
Negative Signals

Leaning forward = interest


Smiling = friendly


Nodding = attentive and
alert


Crossed arms = defensive
Fidgeting hands or
tapping feet = nervous or
bored
Lack of eye contact =
untrustworthy
Eye contact = curious and
focused

Leaning back= discomfort
73

74. INTERVIEW QUESTIONS … HOW TO ANSWER
74

75. QUESTIONS YOU CAN ASK





What are the responsibilities of this position?
What are the reputations, academic training and
tenures of the employees in this department?
Do you support professional development? How?
What do you see as the biggest challenge that
someone would face during the first month on the
job?
………….
75

76. TELL ME ABOUT YOUR SELF
76

78. GENERAL INTERVIEW STRATEGIES
Be
prepared to talk about yourself
and your experiences
Master the art of storytelling
Provide specific and concrete
examples of your
results/accomplishments
Remain positive, enthusiastic, poised,
and confident throughout the
interview process
78

79. GENERAL INTERVIEW STRATEGIES





Remember an interview is a formal
conversation--avoid filler words like “Um”,
“Ah”, & “You know”
Avoid indecisive phrases like: “I think,” “I
guess,” “probably,” or “pretty good”
Think before speaking
Avoid long verbose answers--limit your
response to 1-2 minutes
If you do not hear or understand a
79
question, ask them to repeat or clarify it for
you

80. GENERAL INTERVIEW STRATEGIES
 Remain
calm, relaxed,
and be yourself
 Try
to focus on the
message you are trying
to convey--NOT how
well you are doing!
80

81. REASONS WHY CANDIDATES RECEIVE REJECTION
REPLIES

Lack of proper career planning – purposes and goals

Lack of knowledge in field of specialization

Inability to express thoughts clearly and concisely.

Insufficient evidence of achievement.

Not prepared for the interview.

No real interest in the organization
81

82. FOLLOW-UP
 Ask
good questions
 Thank
the interviewer
 Request
 Inquire
a business card
about next steps in the process
82

83. FOLLOW-UP … CONT
 Send
a thank you note within
24 hours
 Letter may be handwritten or
typed; e-mail is also acceptable
 Tailor each one to the
individual.
83

84. FINAL THOUGHTS
 Remember
that only 15% of the success of
an interview is out of your control
 Take
some time to reflect
- Overall, how well did I do?
- What went well?
- What steps can I take next time to improve?
84

85. SUGGESTIONS


Conduct a test run the day before the
interview
Practice! Practice! Practice!




Obtain a list of practice interview questions and jot down
short answers
Stand in front of a mirror and rehearse your answers
Get a good night’s sleep-be well rested
and alert for the interview
Be relaxed and be yourself!
85

86. THANK YOU
Q&A

87. YOU CAN FIND ME HERE
loayq
loayq
loayq
Loay.qabajeh