FAQ'S

In today’s world, jobs attract many applications. That means you have about 30 seconds to impress a prospective employer before they move onto the next application. 

These tips will help you be seen in the best light, so your hard earned skills can be noticed and matched.

So how do you create a job-winning resume that gives you every chance of success?

Before you start actually writing your resume, think about what you want to do, what image you want to project to your potential employer and how your past experiences relate to your current aspirations.

Remember, an employer is always thinking “why should I speak with this person? How is she/he different from all the other applicants?”

Let’s address some common misperceptions about results, and avoid these to win that job:-

Misperceptions:

1.    One resume will do for everyone

This is a common trap. Resumes need to be tailored for the specific position and company and address the key criteria they specify in the advertisement. Don’t be tempted to dust off an old resume no matter how fantastic it looks. Put the time and effort into it, follow the keywords and criteria in the ad and make sure everything is addressed.

2.    Getting All Fancy

Making your resume bright with multiple fonts, bright colours, pictures, lots of words etc won’t get you noticed. Always remember that the ability to quickly scan your resume is key. All of the above may get you noticed...but for the wrong reasons. Remember, you only have about 30 seconds, so don’t make the viewer spend 20 of them figuring out how to read your resume. A clear concise resume with headings that lead the eye easily is best.

3.    A Shotgun Approach Will Get the Job

Of course, if you send enough resumes and wait long enough – eventually you may get the job offer. But this can be an exhausting approach and is in our view one of the least productive methods to find a job.

Getting Started on your Resume

Try writing some of your experiences onto a piece of paper.

Don’t think you have much experience? Then think again! Brainstorm and think carefully about the below areas and against each one, think about what you did or achieved and write it down:

• Education
• Qualifications
• Work experience
• Awards and recognition
• Skills and abilities
• Activities or Interests
• Volunteer placements

From this list, write a short and concise sentence for each heading. Structure it so it is both interesting and compelling, Write with an active voice (action verbs) at the beginning of each of the sentences. Use words like ‘created’, ‘implemented’, ‘established’, ‘streamlined’ etc.

Refine your Resume

Remember keep it concise, and match to the employers criteria. They want to know quickly exactly what you can do for their company. The purpose is demonstrate that you fit well with a particular job and not to share your life story. 30 seconds to impress is the rule.

Tailor each resume to the job you are applying for (this should only need tweaking in a few sentences). Review your content and remove any irrelevant information.

Structure your Resume well

Ensure your resume is logical and easy to read. Be consistent with everything, such as the spacing, margins, and borders. Use clear headings that lead the eye easily and for the body text, emphasise important points with basic text enhancements such as boldness, italics or underlining.

Ensure you include your Qualifications

This is perhaps the most important section in your resume as it outlines your top selling points. Many people will neglect this, missing the opportunity to be noticed. Don’t make this mistake.

Promote But Avoid Self-Promotion

The job of the resume is to show the prospective employer you match their criteria. This means you do need to promote yourself, but don’t get wrapped up in too much self-promotion. Ensure it is concise and your wording is results / action oriented. You can’t be shy here and need to demonstrate your successes, skills and abilities and how you benefited your past employers from your productivity. This reassures the employer that you can do the job.

Things not to do:

1. Don’t abbreviate, or use SMS English in place of proper English. It is simply unprofessional and mostly not universally accepted. With resumes, get help to make it professional if needed;
2. Don’t include personal information such as height, weight or marital status – this is not needed;
3. Ensure proper spelling and grammar. Mistakes will almost guarantee your resume will end up in a rejection pile. Spelling mistakes, bad grammar and typos may be suggestive of your standard of work and eye for detail and that may be seen as poor quality. Read every word and have someone you know and trust to proofread for you.

Taking time to prepare and practice for your interview will help to settle your nerves before a job interview. The following guide will help you get job-ready and smash out that interview with a prospective employer.

Prepare:

• Make sure you know where you are going and who you will be meeting;
• Allow enough time to arrive early at the location factoring in traffic and delays, and be able to turn up 5-10 minutes for the interview before the schedule time
• Review the job description and review the prospective employer – check out their website and see what language, tone they use, what they do and offer and if they have published values;
• Review your own resume and ensure you have the facts top of mind ready to share;

Personal Presentation:

• Smile and be enthusiastic.
• Dress to match the position. This varies depending on the role – an office based role will require appropriate business attire, whereas a landscaper would be different.
• Without fail: attend to grooming.
• Without fail: be clean and tidy.
• Without fail: no wrinkles in clothing.
• Without fail: where used, ensure makeup and perfumes are appropriate for the interview.
• Ask at the interview, what is the dress code required if necessary.
• Lean on the side of caution – dress conservatively until you observe or ask what is needed.

Interview Questions:

Based on your research into who the company is from their website, tailor your answers to match not only the role, but what you discover also about the people, culture and company.

Be prepared for their questions and be ready to answer concisely, thoughtfully, honestly and with maturity. Try not to memorise answers, but stay relaxed so they are delivered authentically and enthusiastically:-

• Tell me about yourself
• What are you immediate objectives?
• What are your future career goals?
• What are your strengths and weaknesses?
• What have you enjoyed most/least about your previous job(s)?
• What are your greatest achievements?
• What are your hobbies or interests?
• What do you do in your spare time?
• Why did you apply for this position?
• Have you applied for other positions? If so, what type?
• Have you been successful? If not, why not? What do you know about our company?
• What interests you in the position and/or our company?
• What kinds of management style and team structure do you prefer, and why?
• How would your friends or people you’ve worked with describe you?
• What do you know about our company?
• Why should we hire you?
• What salary are you seeking? (don’t bring up salary, working hours or conditions; wait for the interviewer to mention the subject)

Wrapping Up the Interview:

You will usually have an opportunity to ask questions that you have on the role. Again, based on your research into who the company is from their website, prepare well thought-out and clear questions to ask demonstrating your interest in not only the role, but also the people, culture and company., and ask those questions only that have not already been discussed. Some examples may be:-

• Why has this position become available?
• Can you tell me about the type of person that is successful at this company?
• How would you describe the culture of the company?
• What are the company’s growth plans for the future?
• How does the position fit into the organisation structure?
• What orientation or induction programs are available?
• What is the company’s approach towards external training and development?
• What type of internal social/sporting activities are organised?
• What will be the next step?