Resume writing and interviewing skills

‫‪AM I D E A S T‬‬

‫علي محمد / إدارة أعمال‬

 What a resume is and its purposes

 Types and formats of resumes

 Effective Writing of a resume.

 Guidelines for preparing cover letters

 Be ready for a successful job interview

 Techniques of Searching for a suitable job

 Use ICT in the resume writing, job interview and searching
for jobs.

Your Goal

Follow up Writing
Resume

Interviewing Search for a
Skills job

» What is the purpose of the resume?

» Main sections.

» CV vs. Resume.

» Cover letter

A brief summary of your qualifications,
skills, and background which represent
your educational and work experiences in
terms relevant to potential employers.
A self-promotional and marketing tool.
The first impression a prospective employer
has of you.

Remember
 You only get one chance to make a first impression!

 Your first contact with a prospective employer will
be when he or she reads your resume.

 First impressions are lasting – so think of your
resume as an extension of you!

 Never forget that the goal of a resume is to obtain a
job interview.

 There is no such thing as the “right” or
“wrong” resume.
 The best indicator of whether your resume
is doing its job is by answering this
question,
“Are employers contacting you?

What is the Purpose of a Resume?

 To describe your accomplishments, qualifications,
professional and educational experiences

 Serve as a record to leave with an employer

 Share information with the people who are assisting you
with your job search

 Attach to a job application- Some forms don’t allow us to
express our skills and abilities very well

 To answer “the” question : Why should I be selected for
an interview?

» A single job offer attracts between 100 and
1,000 resumes.

» Your resume will get between 10 and 20
seconds of the recruiters time.

» Only 1 interview is granted for every 200
resumes received by the average employer.

1. Understanding the Purpose

2. Understanding the Audience

3. Look at other Resumes.

4. Start writing your first draft.

5. Revise, carefully review and re-organize your draft

6. Get feedback from a reader.

7. Revise, Proofread and Edit.

Contact Information Experience

Objective Skills

Honors and
Profile/Summary accomplishments

Education References

 Address
 Phone and Mobile numbers
 E-mail address
 Personal Website (if available )
 LinkedIn /Skype

Keep it Simple

Be professional

Use a permanent
address

Avoid nicknames

 Reason for sending the résumé
 Your objective must be specific, clear, short
and concise.
 Focus on your interest as well as your
employers interest.
 Tells potential employers the sort of work
you're hoping to do.

• To obtain an entry-level position within a
financial institution requiring strong analytical
and organizational skills.
• To obtain a position which allows me to utilize
my managerial, administrative, and
organizational skills to promote growth and
foster professional development.

• To seek a position where I can use my skills
and hardworking ability to benefit my
employer and be of service to others with XXX
Company

Don't explain what you want from an organization
but rather address the skills you are bringing to
that organization.

• You can targeted specific job title.

• Stay focused on one title or two similar .

• Several concise statements that focus the reader’s
attention on the most important qualities,
achievements, and abilities you have to offer.

• “10-second sound bite”

• A short phrase describing your profession.

• One or more professional or appropriate personal
characteristics

• Bullet : 3 to 4 one-liners about who you are.

 Dynamic entrepreneur who utilizes creativity, leadership
and teamwork to design and execute solutions that create
customer value. Effective communicator with ability to
create marketing materials that convey value for both
clients and end users.

 Experienced professional with planning and organizational
skills that balance work, team support and ad-hoc
responsibilities in a timely and professional manner.

 Business development executive with years of experience
in technical sales, sales management, team leadership, and
business growth and expansion. Proven ability to generate
sales and revenue.

• Think about what you want to say about yourself.

• Create a well-rounded view of yourself.

• Be honest.

• Be confident.

• Avoid trying to answer every question about yourself.

• Use specifics over generalities

Objective: Desire technical editing position
with supervisory responsibilities in an
engineering firm.

Profile:Highly skilled technical writer with
three years publishing experience.
Knowledgeable in current web design
technology. Experienced communicator and
team player.

• Your most recent educational information
is listed first.

• Include your degree (B.A., M.A., etc.), major,
institution attended, minor/concentration.

• Add your (GPA) if it is higher than 3.0.

• Mention academic honors

2002-2005 Graduate Diploma in Law BBP Law School London
2000-2003 BA in Economics University of Manchester

1995-1998 , B.S. in Business Management , Yeshiva University New York, NY
Certified Public Accountant, CPA, New York State

 Briefly give the employer an overview of work
that has taught you skills.
 Use action words to describe your job duties.
 Include your work experience in reverse
chronological

Include:
• Title of position,
• Name of organization
• Location of work (town, state)
• Dates of employment
• Describe your work responsibilities with
emphasis on specific skills and achievements

 Include: paid work, unpaid internships, extensive job
opportunities
 Use keywords and jargon from your field : You want
to appear to be an insider.
 Include skills, experiences and interests that relate
to the target position.
 Begin statements with action verbs. Use short
phrases and concrete examples, numbers and
quantities to describe your experiences (i.e., “Supervised
camp activities for 30 girls, ages 6-12”).

It includes your abilities that are related to the
jobs you are applying for. Include skills that are
relevant to the position / career field that you
are interested in i.e. computer skills, software
skills, and/or language skills.

Three Types of Skills
Job-related.
Transferable.
Adaptive.

Mastery of Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel,
PowerPoint, Access)
Experience with BISAN enterprise AIS and with
maintaining office budget
Ability to work with several operating systems,
including Windows and Linux.
 Project Management.
 Using office machinery .

 Customize the skills section of your resume to
match, as much as you can, the requirements
listed in the job posting.

 The closer a match your skills are to the job
requirements, the better your chances of being
selected for an interview.

 Employers quickly scan resumes, so long lists are
not likely to get read.

» Here you will go into more details than you did
in the objective and summary

» Great opportunity to really sell yourself!

» List any activities that would show special skills,
community involvement, leadership ability, etc.

» List any special honors you have received

No need to say “References available upon
request” .
You’ll need three to five people to write or
speak on your behalf.
 Ask permission before you use someone’s
name.
 write contact information for them.
 Give them your resume.
 WHO ARE THEY ?

1) Chronological
2) Functional
3) Combination
4) Targeted
5) Mini

» A business letter that accompanies a resume.

» Informs reader of your purpose and requests as in-
person meeting.

» Highlights and directs attention to the important
information in the resume.

» May take the form of an email message or a brief
note that accompanies an electronic application

 First paragraph: State the name of the job for
which you are applying and how you learned
about the job opening.

 Second paragraph: Emphasize skills and abilities
that relate to the open position. However, do not
repeat what is said on your resume.

 Third paragraph: Thank the employer and request
an interview.

An Effective Cover Letter
Introduces You; Your Resume
Summarizes Appropriate Aspects of your
Education or Experience
States briefly how your Qualifications relate to
the Job
Indicates if you have included a Resume, Writing
Samples, Transcript, or other documents
Is Brief and to the Point.
Requests an Interview.

Your Name
Your Address
Your Phone Number
Your Email

Date

Name
Job Title
Company
Adress

Dear Mr./Ms. LastName,

Please accept my application for the teaching assistant position advertised on Craig's List. I would like to
continue to develop my teaching skills while creating a challenging and fun learning environment for students.
The middle school age group is particularly appealing to me, because students are very impressionable,
interested in learning, and open to new concepts.

I am very well qualified and would be an asset to the school because of my experience working as a teaching
assistant for XYZ School. I have worked with both elementary and middle school teachers, as well as camp
directors to develop curricula that meet the needs of students. I enjoy tutoring students and helping them build
confidence in their ability to achieve, both academically and socially. In addition, I have artistic and computer
skills that will be an asset when developing class projects.

I have attached my resume for your review. Thank you for considering my application. I would appreciate the
opportunity to interview and look forward to hearing from you in the near future.

Sincerely,

Your Signature

Your Typed Name

Templates at your service

48

» A template is : Pre-defined layout of a document.

On my Computer

Available

Word 2003 On Line
Resume
Templates

Wizard Customizations

49

» From the File menu select New... - the New Document task
pane appears
» Under Templates select On my computer... then click on the
Other Documents tab

50

» Click on each of the three Resume templates provided and note the
differences in Preview

˃ Elegant

˃ Contemporary

˃ Professional

» Select one of the templates then press <Enter> or click on [OK].

» Try using the template, putting in your own details - for a (bracketed)
field, click on it and type your information; otherwise, select the existing
words and replace them with your own.

» Add extra headings and modify any styles (font, font size etc) if you want.

» You can [Save] to keep it and modify later on.

51

» Carry out the same procedure as described before starting with
File and New...
» Under the Other Documents tab, select Resume Wizard then press
<Enter> for [OK].

52

» The various steps in the wizard are shown down the left - click on [Next>]
to move on
» Choose the Style you would like for your Resume then click on [Next>]

 Choose the type of Resume required - click on [Next>]
53

» Type in your personal details - click on [Next>]

» Select which personal details you want included -
click on [Next>]

54

» Select the standard headings you would like included - click on [Next>]
» Select any optional headings required - click on [Next>]
» [Add] any additional personal headings you would like to include then set the order
for your Resume headings - select each in turn and use the [Move Up] or [Move
Down] button

55

» Note: You can [Remove] a heading if you decide you don't
want it or would like to call it something different. You can
also, at any time, go [<Back] to a previous step.

» Click on [Next>] to move on then press <Enter> or click on
[Finish]

» The Resume layout appears, ready for you to enter your
own data or manually modify the layout, as before. The
Office Assistant is displayed and you are now offered some
more options such as Add a cover letter, Change the visual
style of the Resume or Shrink to fit (if you want it on a
single page).

56

» A structured meeting
between you and an
employer.

» Interviewing is a skill that can
be enhanced by training.

» PRACTICE makes PERFECT 64

» Employers are attempting
to determine if you are an
appropriate fit for the job
and their culture.
» You decide if the work
environment is right for
you.
65

One
Screening 2 Panel
One

66

Tele
Group Series
Conferencing

67

What Makes a Successful Interview

68

Speak clearly
Bring your
and show that Be on time
résumé
you have
prepared Look and
yourself for sound friendly
the interview
Dress
Be clean
appropriately

 Ensure you have a high level of hygiene

 Answer all the questions the best way you can.
69

Do Your
Home
Work
Know
Your Self Prepare
Necessary
Material

70

» Research position, company and industry.

» Know who you will be interviewing with.

» Be ready for a variety of interviewer styles.

» Be ready to discuss your strengths and weaknesses
» Know How to reach the location.

71

» Be able to articulate skills, strengths, accomplishments,
and career goals

» Familiarize yourself with your resume

» Make a list of five accomplishments that you enjoyed.

» Make a list of five things you have done with proud.

» Make a list of how your colleagues, staff, and supervisors
describe you. Include the positive and negative
feedback.

72

» Copies of your resume.
» Copies of letters of recommendation, and a
typed reference sheet to be given to the
interviewer;
» Other material relevant to the interview;
» Pen and paper, so that you can note the
name of the interviewer, time for future
interviews and other pertinent
information.
73

» Smile

» Maintain eye contact

» Firm handshake

» Remain poised and confident
74

Component Time
 Introduction/Greeting 2 minutes

 Employer questioning 15-20 minutes

 Applicant questions 5 minutes

 Closing 3 minutes

75

10%

Attitude
40%
25% Image & Appearance

Communication

Job Qualifications

25%

76

• Concentrate on being likable and friendly

• Positive language and non-verbal cues
• Demonstrate enthusiasm

• Demonstrate interest

• Excellent Listener

• Be Professional

77

Time Communicating Working Well in
Management Effectively a Team

Problem Using Initiative Being Well
Solving Creativity Organized

Being Customer/
Leadership
Adaptable Client Relations
78

Experience

Behavioral/Competency

Opinion questions

Credential questions
79

» Tough Questions
Questions can vary and may be categorized under
Personal Assessment, Education and Experience,
Career ambition and Plans, Company or Organization.

» Expect the unexpected

» Turning a Negative into a Positive

80

 Do not be afraid to ask clarifying questions about the
interviewer’s questions.
 Listen well so that you can identify opportunities to
link your skills and qualifications to what the
interviewer is looking for.
 It is acceptable to take notes.
 Do not interrupt the interviewer.
 Take time to formulate your thoughts before
answering a tough question and balance talking with
listening.
81

 Be as clear and concise as you can in your answers.

» REAL :
Relevant information, Experience, Action
taken, and Leadership demonstrated.

» STAR :
Situations , Task , Action , Results.

82

Positive Signals Negative Signals
» Leaning forward = interest » Crossed arms = defensive
» Smiling = friendly » Fidgeting hands or tapping
feet = nervous or bored
» Nodding = attentive and » Lack of eye contact =
alert untrustworthy

» Eye contact = curious and » Leaning back= discomfort
focused
83

» What are the responsibilities of this position?

» What are the reputations, academic training and
tenures of the employees in this department?

» Do you support professional development? How?

» What do you see as the biggest challenge that
someone would face during the first month on the
job?

» ………….

85

» Be prepared to talk about yourself and
your experiences
» Master the art of storytelling
» Provide specific and concrete examples of
your results/accomplishments
» Remain positive, enthusiastic, poised, and
confident throughout the interview
process
88

 Remember an interview is a formal conversation-
-avoid filler words like “Um”, “Ah”, & “You know”
 Avoid indecisive phrases like: “I think,” “I guess,”
“probably,” or “pretty good”
 Think before speaking
 Avoid long verbose answers--limit your response
to 1-2 minutes
 If you do not hear or understand a question, ask
them to repeat or clarify it for you

89

» Remain calm, relaxed, and
be yourself

» Try to focus on the
message you are trying to
convey--NOT how well you
are doing!
90

» Lack of proper career planning – purposes and goals

» Lack of knowledge in field of specialization

» Inability to express thoughts clearly and concisely.

» Insufficient evidence of achievement.

» Not prepared for the interview.

» No real interest in the organization

91

» Ask good questions

» Thank the interviewer

» Request a business card

» Inquire about next steps in the process

92

» Send a thank you note within 24
hours
» Letter may be handwritten or
typed; e-mail is also acceptable
» Tailor each one to the individual.

93

» Remember that only 15% of the success of
an interview is out of your control
» Take some time to reflect
- Overall, how well did I do?
- What went well?
- What steps can I take next time to improve?

94

 Conduct a test run the day before the interview
 Practice! Practice! Practice!
 Obtain a list of practice interview questions and jot down short
answers

 Stand in front of a mirror and rehearse your answers

 Get a good night’s sleep-be well rested and
alert for the interview
 Be relaxed and be yourself!
95

Searching Tools
Recruitment

Offers +
Employment
Application Resume Writing
Online Application

HR Interview First Screening

Technical
Shortlist Interview Interview Skills
/ Test

98

 Personal Contact (Friends / Family /neighbors )
 Alumni / College’s PR office
 Career / Employment Fairs
 Advertisement in local media (Newspaper/Radio/TV )
 Internet Resources , Social Media
 Governmental recruitment bureaus
 Business recruitment bureaus
 Employer’s HR department
 Professional associations and Labor unions
 Others ( suggest )

99

» http://jobs.ppu.edu/
» https://ritaj.birzeit.edu/ecareers
» http://career.najah.edu
» http://jobs.unrwa.ps
» http://jobs.undp.ps
» http://e-career.wataniya.ps
» httP://ecareer.paltel.ps
» http://masader.ps/p/en/view/jobs

101

» www.jobs.ps
» www.jobber.ps
» www.ejob.ps
» www.shobiddak.com
» http://paljobs.blogspot.com
» http://www.gpc.pna.ps
» httP://www.diwan.ps
» http://www.sptechs.com
» www.englishpal.ps
105

Jobs.ps Linkedin.com Visualcv.com

107

Self Development

Follow up Preparing Searching
with your for a job
Employers Resume

109

Search by Category

Top 5

110

(1) •Create An Account

(2) •Update Your Profile

115

Selective Friends Business Groups

Professional
Profile

Edit preferences Business Events
11
7

Branschout.com

Beknown.com

Telent.me

118

• LinkedIn is the world’s largest
professional network
• Over 120 million members
• Growing rapidly

11
9

• www.Linkedin.com

• http://www.youtube.com/user/LinkedIn

• http://learn.linkedin.com/
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