CV & Interview Preparation 4 th March 2011

1. CV & Interview Preparation 4th March 2011 Breda Whelan Giudance Counsellor 2014

2. CV & Interview Preparation Breda Whelan 2014 The purpose of this workshop is to; Gain an understanding into job hunting in this competitive environment. Gain useful and practical advice on how job seekers can market themselves successfully as the ideal candidate to potential employers. Upon completion of the workshop; Know how to make an immediate impact with your CV Know key format and content for your CV and Cover Letter Know how to prepare for interview Uncover essential interview tips and techniques Breda Whelan Giudance Counsellor 2014

3. CV & Interview Preparation Todays Job Market Competitive Added Value Unique Selling Point Job Searching Methods Transferable Skills Adaptable Strong References Breda Whelan Giudance Counsellor 2014

4. CV & Interview Preparation Jobsearch & Job Seekers Know Job Seeking Process; Job Application to Job Offer Stage Add, CV & Letter, Application Form, Online, Telephone Interview, Aptitude or Dexterity Test, 1st Interview, 2nd Interview, Medical, Garda Clearance, Job Offer. (Can take minimum 2 – 10 weeks) Job Function & Tasks; Transferable Skills. Demonstrate Skills/Abilities S.T.A.R. Situation Task Action Result Use Networking Opportunities Breda Whelan Giudance Counsellor 2014

5. CV & Interview Preparation How People Find Jobs… (From HSE WNO 2010) Breda Whelan Giudance Counsellor 2014

6. Job Hunters (In order of preference in job seeking) CV Advertisement Agencies Colleagues Referrals Contacts Drop Ins Inside the Company Employers (In order of preference in recruitment) Look inside Company Colleagues Referrals Drop Ins Contacts Agencies Adds CV CV & InterviewPreparation Breda Whelan Giudance Counsellor 2014

7. CV & Interview Preparation IGC Conference 2011 Job Seeking Process Curriculum Vitae Generate interest in you and your skills, which will lead to interview, allowing opportunity to sell yourself. Passport to a Job. Record of all Education, Work History, Skills. Most Important Document a Job Seeker can produce. Breda Whelan Giudance Counsellor 2014

8. CV & Interview Preparation IGC Conference 2011 CV Should be; Personal; Marketing Tool, Sells your skills/abilities to future employers. Comprehensive; Present Full Potential, have solid examples to back up each item listed. Concise; Have a good balance of information, may need a few drafts. Opportunity to expand further at interview. Attractive; Must appeal to the reader, identify unique selling points and include them in profile Breda Whelan Giudance Counsellor 2014

9. CV & Interview Preparation IGC Conference 2011 CV Content Personal Details; Essential; Name, Contact Phone Numbers, Email Contact. Optional: Address, DOB. Profile Highlight History e.g. Over 3 year experience in Retail Sales. Transferable Skills e.g. Good Organisational, Numeracy and I.T. Skills. Personal Qualities e.g. Reliable, Hardworking, Friendly Individual. Education/Training Dates, College Name, Course Title/Qualification (Level) List Subjects from Course. Work History/Employment History Dates, Employer Name, Job Title; Function/Tasks of Job. (Work Placement) Breda Whelan Giudance Counsellor 2014

10. CV & Interview Preparation IGC Conference 2011 CV Content contd./ Additional Information e.g. Holder of Driving License/Safe Pass Card. Voluntary Work e.g. Volunteer Youth Assistant Assisted with Summer Camp Activities for kids aged 10-14yrs. Hobbies/Interests Show a balance of group and individual activities. References Name, Title, Company Name, Phone, Email Contact. Signed & Date Shows ownership of CV & CV is up to date. Breda Whelan Giudance Counsellor 2014

11. CV & Interview Preparation Types of CV Functional CV; Focuses on Skills Combination CV; Skills and Jobs Chronological CV; Job History in reverse order Breda Whelan Giudance Counsellor 2014

12. CV & Interview Preparation CV Layout Presentation KISS (Keep it Short & Simple) 2 Pages. Use Action Words Use Phrases not sentences Make it easy for interviewer to Find you. Minimise Personal data Keep it Clear and Clean Design C.V so that it is easy on the eye. Check Spelling and Typing. Writing from Present to Past. Avoid Gaps. Tell the Truth. Keep your C.V Up to Date. Put your name on Every Page. Breda Whelan Giudance Counsellor 2014

13. CV & Interview Preparation Sample CV…. Breda Whelan Giudance Counsellor 2014

14. CV & Interview Preparation Sample CV…. Breda Whelan Giudance Counsellor 2014

15. CV & Interview Preparation Cover Letters Why? Provides opportunity to highlight how your specific skills match job requirements. The Letter…. Good Appearance Make it Perfect Use a Business Correspondence Format Write to a specific person Breda Whelan Giudance Counsellor 2014

16. CV & Interview Preparation Writing Cover Letters Use a grabber first sentence. Why you are attracted to position. Highlight experience, skills relevant to job. Include information about training, personal traits. State your next step. Thank person for time/consideration. Breda Whelan Giudance Counsellor 2014

17. CV & Interview Preparation A great lover of languages, I speak intermediate German, high-level Russian, and fluent Spinach. My duties included greeting laundrette customers, removing their clothes, and washing them.  I have never been backwards when it comes to coming forwards. This document outlines my experience, skills, and qualifications, which I trust you will carefully overlook. CV Mistakes.….. “Career break in 1999 to renovate my horse” "Education: Curses in liberal arts, curses in computer science, curses in accounting." "Instrumental in ruining entire operation for a Midwest chain store." “I am anxious to use my exiting skills.” Breda Whelan Giudance Counsellor 2014

18. CV & Interview Preparation Interview Purpose Business meeting with both parties having an agenda. Two-way conversation when both parties are evaluating each other. Breda Whelan Giudance Counsellor 2014

19. CV & Interview Preparation Interview Purpose….. Suitability for JobPersonality TrustworthyConfident Information from CV Character Opinion Responsible ReliableAppearance Breda Whelan Giudance Counsellor 2014

20. CV & Interview Preparation Interview Preparation Believe in yourself & shine Do your homework Make a good first impression Body Language Sounding Positive The Interview is a 2 way process Breda Whelan Giudance Counsellor 2014

21. CV & Interview Preparation Types of Interview One to One Interview Panel Interview Telephone Interview Group Interview Video Interview Breda Whelan Giudance Counsellor 2014

22. CV & Interview Preparation Interview Stages Welcome Stage The Acquiring Information Stage Supplying of Information Stage Parting/Closure Stage Breda Whelan Giudance Counsellor 2014

23. CV & Interview Preparation Types of Interview Format Competency Based Interview (Probing for information to understand candidate) Chronological Interview (Takes lead from CV/Application Form) Case Study Interview (Present case study, what action to take,/work out solution) Technical Interview (Questions about technical work; final year projects/research etc) Breda Whelan Giudance Counsellor 2014

24. CV & Interview Preparation What types of questions are asked at interviews? Introductory Questions Tell me about yourself ? Why do you want this job? Why you left your last job? What is your understanding…? Qualifications Situation – Scenario Previous Experience Why should we hire you? Skills / Strengths Weaknesses Hobbies / Interests Future plans References Do you have any questions? Breda Whelan Giudance Counsellor 2014

25. CV & Interview Preparation Interview Questions Categories Self Education/Training Work The Job All emphasis your Skills (Personal, Practical) Knowledge, Experience & Personal Traits Breda Whelan Giudance Counsellor 2014

26. CV & Interview Preparation Breda Whelan Giudance Counsellor 2014 Group Exercise Think Like an Employer What Skills are Required? What interview Questions to Ask?

27. CV & Interview Preparation Useful Websites www.irishjobs.iewww.recruitireland.ie www.monster.iewww.worky.ie www.bestjobs.iewww.loadzajobs.ie www.employireland.iewww.gumtree.ie www.jobs.iewww.munsterjobs.ie www.computerjobs.iewww.fas.ie Networking websites; www.linkedin.com www.facebook.com www.myspace.com Breda Whelan Giudance Counsellor 2014