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We advise you throughout the process, starting with the preparation of your resume, cover letter and interview.
A good resume represent 50% of the recruiting, so it is very important to have a short but effective document as the recruiters only dedicate about 2 to 3 minutes to read it.

1/ PREPARING A GREAT RESUMÉ:
Putting together a great resumé isn’t difficult. Just tell the employer what you have to offer in as few words as possible, using clear and simple language.
Today, employers often receive hundreds of applications for a single job, but only a few will be shortlisted. A good resumé will help you stand out in the crowd

Basic structure of your resume 

Contact details

Make sure to use the phone number and email address that you use most often. You don’t want to miss an opportunity by failing to respond to their invitation to an interview in a timely fashion.

Personal summary

Ensure the first area at the top of your resume is a "summary of experience" and includes specific applicable experience in relation to the job ad as opposed to generalities.

Skills summary

Your recruiter / employer may not have more than a few seconds to read your resume, so including a skills section can capture their attention by making it clear what you can offer. Use a brief bulleted list of the skills and experience that you possess that are relevant to the role, such as software packages you have worked with. Wherever possible, use the same adjectives as those used in the advertisement.

Work Experience

Talk about business or project successes, therefore selling yourself by showcasing your skills and experience.  This is your work history and includes paid work and any relevant volunteer or work experience placements. Work backwards from your most recent job and don’t leave any gaps; if you took a year out, carried out an interim assignment or travelled for six months, say so.
If you are a graduate, you may not have a great deal of work experience. In this case, highlight the relevant skills that you gained in your course or on work experience. Again, list each position in reverse order, so that the most recent appears first.

Education and training

Make sure to include any training courses that you have done that are relevant to the job that you are applying for.

Hobbies

These are optional, but we always recommend to include a section on hobbies and interests, keep it very brief.

References

Actual references are rarely included on CVs. It is usually fine to simply say 'References are available on request'.

Final checks 

Don't forget to spell check! Remember, it is the first impression your potential employer will have of you, so take the time to get it right. Ask a friend to proof read to check for any spelling, layout or typing errors.

Some recommendations

  • Be truthful and honest. If you lie you will be very quickly found out.
  • List all things with the most recent qualification/job/experience first and work your way back in time.
  • Research the company you are applying for, tailoring your resume to this company. Matching your skills and experiences with their brand values.
  • Read the job description. Make sure you know what you are applying for and refer back to the job description in your Resume / Cover Letter / Interview.
  • Use similar adjectives to the job description. DO NOT just copy them from the job description as this is too obvious.
  • If the opportunity easily presents itself, it may help to pepper your resume with some technical terminology – but not too much – so that the employer knows that you understand the industry.
  • If you aren’t applying for a specific role, review similar job descriptions online and tailor your resume to these. This is always a good way to see what further skills/experience you may need.
  • Use an email account that has a more professional tone to it

 DO’S...
• Be accurate and precise.
• Give details without overwhelming the reader.
• Be concise.
• Eliminate unnecessary words.
• Be honest.
• Stick to the facts.
• Explain gaps in the timeline of your resumé.
• Tailor your resumé to the job you’re applying for.
• Include a personalized cover letter outlining your qualifications for that specific job.
• Use action words to describe your experience –  conducted, designed, established, expanded, managed, planned, streamlined
• Include quantitative achievements – successfully led project x to completion on time and 14% under budget
• Use paper and print quality that projects a polished and professional image.

 

DONT’S...
• Let your resumé exceed two or three pages.
• Include unnecessary information such as company addresses and phone numbers or details of your health and appearance.
• Include a photograph.
• Include references.
• Include your salary – past, present or expected.
• Mention political, religious or fraternal organization

 

2/PREPARING A GREAT COVER LETTER:

  • The cover letter is the introduction to your resume and is a chance to capture the attention of the reader and demonstrate the qualities that set you apart from other applicants.
  • That’s why it is very important not to rush this.

Tips for writing a great cover letter

Make sure it has a clear subject link:

  • You must send to a person; NEVER use 'Dear Sir or Madam'
    • Quote: The job title, The reference number, Your name

Keep it on one page
Be clear, focused on the point of the cover letter or email, list skills and experience with examples of why you are the right person for the company. 

Tailor it!
Never send a standard cover letter.  You must show that you can add to the role that another person can't.

Cover letter checklist

  • You’ve tailored it to every specific application
  • It’s on one page
  • Its addressed to a specific individual
  • It genuinely enhances your resume
  • It creates an action plan for specific future contact
  • Give it to a friend or someone in your network to review 

3/ PREPARING A GREAT INTERVIEW
Interviews are an important part of the recruitment process. Ample preparation is paramount and there are a large number of books and websites offering advice on how this should be undertaken. To save you time and effort, we have put together some hints and tips on how to approach the interview process.
Things to Remember

  • Arrive on time
  • Be prepared on all aspects of the business and role
  • Look professional
  • Sit forward, do not slouch
  • Maintain eye contact
  • Shake hands firmly
  • Never talk negatively
  • Show enthusiasm
  • Keep a positive attitude
  • Be confident
  • Ask questions

In Advance
Research the company. Try to find out as much as possible about the company you are interviewing for. An employer will be impressed when you have taken enough interest to investigate their business. Knowing a few things about an employer will help you decide if the company is right for you, and will make you more of an asset to the employer, should you be hired.
Go over your resume. Know your resume like the back of your hand. If you answer a question based on your resume incorrectly you can lose all credibility with the employer. Make sure you know the dates of employment for your previous employers. Your resume should be as close to perfect as possible. You should read over your resume before the interview so you will be confident answering any questions based on it.
Practice answering interview questions. Here are a few typical interview questions you may be asked: 

  • Tell me about yourself.
  • What do you know about our company?
  • Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
  • Why are you searching for a new job?
  • Tell me about your background and accomplishments.
  • How does your background relate to this position?
  • What are your strengths and weaknesses?
  • How would you describe your most recent job performance?
  • How have you progressed in your current role?
  • What are some of your hobbies?
  • Why do you want this position?
  • What other jobs are you considering?
  • Why should we hire you?

On The Day
Be ready to ask questions. This will impress the employer. It lets them know you are interested in the job and want to learn more about the company. Remember that you’re also interviewing the employer. Create a short list of questions based on your earlier research and any concerns you have.
Here are a few questions you may want to ask:

  • What are some of the things that will be expected of the person in this position?
  • Are there goals or monthly quotas?
  • What are some of the responsibilities included with this position?
  • Why is this position open?
  • Will this lead to progression opportunities?

Dress for the occasion. The first impression you make on the employer will always be your appearance. Always wear proper business attire to the interview and check your appearance before you meet the interviewer. You only have a few seconds to make a first impression, so make it count.

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