GMIT CAREERS SERVICE BRIDIE KILLORAN bridie.killorangmit.ie

1. GMIT CAREERS SERVICEBRIDIE KILLORANbridie.killoran@gmit.ie

2. Effective Applications Finding out about jobs Preparing CVs Application Forms Cover Letters Online Applications Postgraduate/ Transferring FS Useful sources of information

3. Finding out about Jobs GMIT Careers Service GMIT Careers Website: ELECTRONIC newsletterJobs section Noticeboard Gradireland website and directory Employer Directories Careers Fair and Presentations Newspapers and periodicals Business reports w.w.w. Own contacts

4. GMIT Careers serviceEffective CVs and applicationsBefore Applying Research Yourself Review experience and career interests Use online self assessment packages www.prospects.ac.uk www.gradireland.com Research the Company Company literature, website Employer directories Attend presentation Research Careers Analyse job descriptions Prospects Planner/website

5. An effective CV�. � can get you an interview but never a job

6. An ineffective CV� � has the potential to ensure you never get a job

7. The average time a recruiter will spend reviewing a CV before making a decision to short list for interview

8. Therefore�. Employers need to see a clear match between the skills required for the role and the skills that you have if you are to be short listed for interview.

9. What is the purpose of your CV? An outline of your educational and professional history Your employment sales brochure Demonstrate a match between your skills and the skills required for the job you are applying for

10. The Killer CV The Golden Rule��No more than 2 pages Present information in Brief statements Layout is crucial Document must be perfect

11. Standard CV Personal Details Name, Address, Tel No, Email address Education Start with most recent Dates, Name of college, Course Title,Thesis title, Core subjects Provide details of research projects Work Experience Start with most recent or relevant Highlight responsibilities Include unpaid work Interests Provide evidence Focus on achievements

12. Standard CVs (cont) Other Skills/Skills Profile Computing � be specific, name packages Languages � what level Driving Licence Referees Normally 2 referees required One academic, one work Seek permission in advance Provide them with details of yourself and job Many references by telephone

13. Page One of CV Personal Information Schools /College attended Qualifications Subjects----Results Research work/Project work Other Qualifications

14. Page two of CV Work experience/Employment Record Computer Skills Skills set e.g. Communication skills Organisational skills etc Interests and Activities Achievements Other Information e.g. Drivers Licence Referees

15. Sample Personal Information CURRICULUM VITAE of Annmarie Birkett. annmariebirkett@eircom.net Mobile No.: (087) 6391797 D.O.B: 01.03.79 12 Pinewood Grove, Renmore, Galway, Ireland.

16. Sample Qualification layout 1997-2001 Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology Bachelor of Business Studies (Marketing) Degree Result: Honours 2.2 Subjects: Economics, International Marketing, Business Policy, Marketing Policy, Market Research, Enterprise Development and French. Dissertation: Title � The Emergence and Evolution of E-Commerce and E-Business. Focus was placed on providing a more comprehensive understanding of E-Commerce and the progression towards E-Business.

17. Sample Employment Record Sept �01-Jan �02 Churchill Insurance Group Customer Sales Advisor (Part-Time) Responsibilities include but not limited to: Telesales � selling insurance Documentation administration � compiling, gathering and disseminating information Customer support � dealing with customer queries Meeting management deadlines and targets Customer complaint front-line administration

18. Sample Skills Set SKILLS Communication Good communication skills gained from giving presentations throughout my degree year. Also, as a result of lecturing I am able to communicate a message to a large number of people. Organisational When undertaking a new project, each team member has to determine their own priorities/targets as well as contributing to the project objectives. My organisational and action planning skills have been enhanced as a result of my experience in the academic and business environment. This has paid dividends with time management. Project Development I can take a project through the planning stage to full implementation, including monitoring and cost control.

21. Skills furniture designer Good Communication skills Strong visual awareness Commercial focus Understanding of materials Teamworking ability Persistence Knowledge of industrial processes Understanding of CAD ETC.

22. Manufacturing skills strong technical ability Practical and logical approach to problem solving Team working skills Enjoy challenges-determination to overcome problems Calm �patient manner Like systems-job through all stages

23. Reasons for Rejection of CV Too much/too little information Irrelevant Information Poor presentation Spelling mistakes Not targeted to position No personality or enthusiasm

24. Tips for Emailing CVs Check with company first in case of viruses Use common software, Microsoft Word. To retain format of CV, send as attached file Also include CV in body of email If cutting and pasting, check font size Check impact by sending copy to yourself To be doubly sure, also forward hard copy

25. Online Applications Increasingly popular with large employers Fast and efficient � scan for key words Preselection - can incorporate personality tests Self-assessment - match to different jobs Helpful hints Download form and practice Prepare answers, cut and paste Use buzz words, e.g. name specific packages Spell check, proofread Print preview, save regularly print completed copy and send Very time-consuming � allow plenty of time Practice with �Select Simulator�

26. Cover Letters Generally typed Length is important - 1 page Send to the right person Letter supports CV Highlight skills and experience Structure it well Introduce yourself, specify vacancy Why are you interested in the company/job? Why should they consider you? (relevant skills) What next? � availability for interview

28. Helpful Hints - Application Forms Photocopy form - experiment with copy Read complete form before writing Follow instructions: black ink, capitals Answer all questions Use space sensibly Draft answers to open questions Use simple words, short sentences Check appearance - first impressions count Check spellings and grammar Copy completed form

29. Open-ended Questions Questions about yourself Describe yourself Strengths and weakness Describe key events in your life Questions about job/career What skills, experiences do you bring? Why are you suited to a career in � What other careers are you considering? Questions about the future Where do you see yourself in 5/10 years time?

30. Postgraduate Study A post-grad can be useful in the following ways: Gives a specialism to an otherwise broad degree e.g. BA, B.BS, B.Comm, .B.Sc Obtain a greater amount of expertise in a specific area e.g. Strategic Mgmt, Biotechnology Convert a degree into another area e.g. H.Dip in Ed. converts any of the above degrees into a teaching qualification. In general a post-grad qualification makes the graduate more marketable. There are three types of post-grads: Mode A Masters by Research and Thesis Mode B Taught Masters Mode C Graduate Diploma or Higher Diploma

31. Postgraduate Study Mode A: Research & Thesis Generally this takes a minimum of two years and can extend up to five. The student needs to choose a topic, select the most suitable institute to pursue it in, obtain a place, and meet with appointed tutors who are there to assist and monitor the candidate. It takes a great deal of discipline to complete the masters within the two years. Mode B: Taught Masters This usually takes one year full-time or its part-time equivalent (usually two years). It consists of course work and a dissertation. Graduate Diploma: The normal duration of a Graduate or Higher Diploma is one year full-time or its part-time equivalent (usually two years). Closing Dates: If you are considering a post-grad then contact the relevant college immediately or look up the courses available on the college website. Be very careful re. closing dates. Some are as early as March while others are not until June.

32. Postgraduate Options Conversions:- Grad Dips/Higher Dips Journalism/communications Teaching Computing/IT Legal Studies Psychology Business HR / PR etc

35. Further studies ireland

36. Useful Websites www.craftscouncil-of-ireland.ie www.artscouncil.org.uk www.artscouncil-ni.org www.csd.org.uk www.design-council.org.uk www.businesslink.gov.uk www.creativexport.co.uk/home/ www.designdirectory.org/

37. Useful Resources www.gmit.ie/information/careers_advisory www.gradireland.com www.careers4graduates.org www.prospects.ac.uk www.doctorjob.com www.jobweb.com www.monster.com/virtualinterview www.selectsimulator.com - online applications www.shlgroup.com - aptitude tests www.careersworld.com www.careerdirections.ie www.geocities.com/lifexplore