Do's and Don'ts in Job Application

1. By: Nurul Haniza Mohtar Nicholas Jeremy Francis Priscilla CHIN Topic 5:Do’s and Don'ts in Job Application

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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.”

5. What employers look for in CVs Style and content – is it appropriate? Arms length test – neat, good use of space Appropriate language, easy to follow Logical/chronological order Relevant – targeted or mass mailing Concise - no more than 2 sides Spelling & grammar checked Good quality paper and envelope Makes you want to interview the applicant

7. Waffle

8. Lie

9. Excessive hype

10. Underselling

12. 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).”

13. 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 ”

14. 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.”

15. Watch out for – Underselling! “I built a small robot which won a competition in London.” “ I produced a website for my uncle’s company.”

16. 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.”

17. Job interviews 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) 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.

18. 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)

19. A few pointers on Application forms Do’s: Follow all the instructions Download a copy or take a photocopy Read it all first (get an overview of the form) Produce a rough draft/practice copy Put in the facts first – no detail Put in the detail but THINK TARGET! Get help with difficult sections Spell and grammar check Produce the Proper copy Keep a copy

20. A few pointers on Application forms Don’ts: Overuse examples Attach things unless you are asked to Write yourself if your handwriting is illegible Assume on line forms have built in spell checkers Use the wrong coloured ink Make corrections and changes

21. All applications paperwork … Takes time Takes effort Benefits from help Gets easier If it is ‘good’ it increases job hunters’ confidence Doesn’t guarantee interviews or jobs

22. Thank You