3. PREPARING FOR WORK
• For many people their first engagement on a professional level with
Business Communication is when they apply for a job after school or
University.
• It is important to make a good impression and to be ready for the
experience.
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UNIVERSITY
• University is an important step towards independence and the world of
work.
• It is more than just obtaining an academic qualification
• It is a place to learn about responsibility and how to transition into a
business environment.
• The world of work can be a shock after school / University. It is
important to be prepared.
• It is critical to have the right skill set or at least be aware of the
challenges that are ahead.
5. PREPARATION FOR THE WORLD OF BUSINESS
Strengthen your soft skills,
time management,
communication, teamwork,
creativity and adaptability
Seek work experience
whenever possible
Ask for advice and feedback,
identify mentors, family,
friends, professional groups
Be open to unexpected
opportunities – do not
restrict yourself
Dress appropriately and
show confidence
Do not be despondent by
rejection – turn it into a
positive
Have a good business like
CV and check it for any
errors. Have others proof
read it
You will have worked hard
to graduate. Life includes
many transitions so learn
from your experience. You
have a lot to offer but also
a lot to learn
6. WRITING A CURRICULUM VITAE (CV)
There are five basic elements to
a CV.
1. Name and contact details
2. A Personal Profile Statement
3. Work Experience
4. Education and Qualifications
5. Key Skills
7. CV - CONTACT DETAILS
CONTACT DETAILS INCLUDE:
1. Full name,
2. Home address,
3. Mobile number
4. Email address.
8. CV-PROFILE
THE PROFILE INCLUDES:
1. A concise statement that highlights your
key attributes
2. Relevant achievements and skills
3. Career Aims
4. Job Specific
5. Maximum 150 words long.
9. CV - WORK EXPERIENCE
WORK EXPERIENCE INCLUDES:
1. A list of all work experience in reverse
order and relevant to the job.
2. Job title, name of company, duration of
the work
3. Key responsibility
4. Main achievements
10. CV - EDUCATION DETAILS
EDUCATION DETAILS INCLUDE:
1. All previous education and qualifications
2. Most recent first
3. Type and grades
4. Dates
11. CV - SKILLS DETAILS
SKILLS:
1. Foreign languages
2. IT Packages
3. Ensure relevant to the job
4. DO NOT EXAGERATE.
12. CV - FORMAT
FORMAT:
1. Use active verbs eg. Created, analysed,
devised – showing initiative
2. Two pages maximum
3. Check for spelling/grammar mistakes
4. Tailor your CV
5. Professional sounding Email address
6. DO NOT lie or exaggerate
7. Include a cover letter
13. WORK INTERVIEWS – BEFORE AN INTERVIEW
• Research: learn as much as you can about the
job and company
• Practice the interview with friends and/or
family
• Be prompt and prepared. Arrive early NOT
late. Bring extra copies of your CV. Have a pen
and paper and questions for the interviewer
• Be prepared to discuss your strengths and
weaknesses. How you addressed your
weaknesses
• Have a couple of examples of where you have
used your skills successfully
• Make contact if for any reason you are
unavoidable delayed
14. WORK INTERVIEWS – DURING AN INTERVIEW
• Be courteous
• Firm Handshake
• Dress appropriately – first impressions count!
• Keep your answers brief and to the point
• Maintain conversation flow
• Be positive and enthusiastic
• Smile, nod and hold eye contact
• Feel free to ask questions
• Ask about the next step of the process
• THANK the interviewer/s
15. WORK INTERVIEWS – AFTER AN INTERVIEW
• Ask the interviewer for a business card and
send a thank you note.
• The note can be brief but confirm continued
interest in the post
• Self review the interview process and your
performance
• Evaluate your interview
16. WORK INTERVIEWS – DRESS
• Dress conservatively
• Clean and polished shoes
• Combed hair
• Trimmed and clean fingernails
• Limited jewelry
• Minimal cologne/deodorant
17. WORK INTERVIEWS – EXAMPLE EMPLOYER QUESTIONS
Employer Questions:
• Tell me about yourself
• What college subjects did you enjoy most?
• Why did you apply for this post?
• How would you describe yourself?
• Why did you chose this career?
• What motivates you?
• Give me an example of a mistake you have
overcome and how?
• How do you work under pressure?
• Where do you want to be if 5/10 years time?
• Which accomplishment are you most proud of?
18. WORK INTERVIEWS – EXAMPLE INTERVIEWEE QUESTIONS
Interviewee Questions:
• Why is this position open – is it a new post or
replacement position?
• What are the major responsibilities of the
post?
• What support or supervision is provided?
• When is the starting date for the job?
• Why did the person who held this position
leave?
• What opportunities are there for personal
growth?
• How is someone evaluated and promoted?
• What is the most challenging aspect of the
job?
19. INTERVIEW CLASS EXERCISE
• In pairs, one person being the interviewer and one person the
Interviewee practice an interview using these three questions. The
interviewer should make a note of the answers including any
good/strong points made. Then swap roles and repeat.
• Tell me about yourself?
• What college subjects did you enjoy most and why?
• Give me an example of a mistake you have overcome and how?
(30 minutes max)
20. INTERN PROGRAMME
• An internship is a introduction to an industry or a
role.
• They are often arranged via an educational
establishment
• They are for a defined period of time and paid/unpaid
• The aim is to gain experience.
• They can be full or part-time
• Provide useful work experience
• Allow you to explore and form your personal career
goals
INTERNSHIPS
21. INTERN PROGRAMME - Benefits
• Job Experience – If you are entering work for the first
time they provide the opportunity to gain required
experience
• Access to tasks and Departments – they give
exposure to various departments and jobs including
assisting senior management, sitting in on meetings.
• Mentorship – you can reveal your personality whilst
getting guidance and input
• Gives you job experience without having to make a
firm commitment to that specific career track
• It can be the start of creating a contacts network
• It helps to build your CV
• Opportunity to get career references
• Possible transition to a permanent role
• Helps you to build your confidence in a practical
INTERNSHIPS
22. INTERN PROGRAMME - Disbenefits
• You are treated as an assistant
• Low income potential
• Restrains you from entering mainstream workforce
• It can be competitive to join
• You will encounter menial tasks
• Possibility or having to relocate
• Work hours may vary
• It may not seem fulfilling
• There maybe expenses –travel, food, clothing
• It will not guarantee a job
INTERNSHIPS
23. JOB SEARCHING
• There are many ways to search for a job but to look professional all
require a business like communication.
• Demonstrating confidence and the ability to communicate clearly are
critical factors to being offered a job in the business world
• Employers will be looking for someone who can clearly be a team
player and would be comfortable in the business world
24. TYPES OF JOBS SEARCHES
• NETWORKING
• REFERRALS
• JOB BOARDS AND CAREER WEBSITES
• JOB FAIRS
• COMPANY WEBSITES
• COLD CALLING
• HEADHUNTERS AND RECRUITERS
• TEMPING OR INTERNSHIPS
• CREATIVE TACTICS
25. NETWORKING
• Many job vacancies are not advertised.
• Jobs are filled by word of mouth, former colleagues and ex-bosses
• Networking can be done on-line and in person
• Good way of finding what jobs are available and where
• Networkiing = socializing
• Chambers of Commerce often hold networking events
• Take every opportunity to meet up or on line with others in your field
26. REFERRALS
• Companies often offer incentives to their employees referring a
successful candidate for a job
• Ask friends if they know of any openings in the right field
27. JOB BOARDS/CAREER WEBSITES
• Nowadays Job Boards tend to be in virtual format.
• The have a wider reach.
• Includes Government job boards
• Some job boards are specialized into lparticulare fields eg Tech, Arts
28. JOB FAIRS
• Job fairs are often targeted towards specific fields and industries
• Others are more generalized.
• Research is best done prior to attending
• Possible on-site interviews
• Take copies of CV and business cards
29. COMPANY WEBSITES
• Go to career section of company website
• Especially useful for larger international companies
• Likely to be a tracking facility for new jobs being advertised
• Create a list of likely employers and visit their sites frequently
30. COLD CALLING
• Find the contact on a company website and just call or email to find
out if they have any suitable vacancies
• Ask if any upcoming vacancies and have CV ready to send
• Unlikely to be successful but worth a try. Be ready to be unsuccessful
though there is always a chance
31. HEADHUNTERS AND RECRUITERS
• Recruitment agencies can help in the search for job. They will expect
business like contact themselves
• Many organisations drecruit via drecruitment organisations to
streamline their hiring process.
• Many universities have job placement services to help with job
searches
32. TEMPING OR INTERNSHIPS
• Temping or internships can lead to permanent positions
• Good way to get a ’foot in the door’ with a company
• Recruitment agencies can help find temporary, casual or contract
work
• Universities often can help students with opportunities
• Consider voluntary work.
33. CREATIVE TACTICS
• Try something out of the normal
• Chain letters
• Billboards
• Newspaper adverts
• Anything showing your are intuitive and interactive to catch attention
• Use of hobby knowledge/contacts/free service
34. CLASS EXERCISE – CREATIVE TATICS
• Divide into groups of 5 people. Find and discuss a creative way of
obtaining a job. It can be in any area of work or business. The more
unusual the better. Summarize for class sharing.
35. PERSONAL ASSIGNMENT
• Prepare a professional introduction of yourself in written and slide deck formats.
• Written document to be max 150 words in the form of an introduction to a business pitch letter or a CV
profile statement
• The slide deck will be no more than 10 slides including the introduction, contents and conclusion
36. PETER RIMMER PROFILE EXAMPLE
I am a specialised manager/director with strategic and operational experience
in large and small organisations. A professional in corporate responsibility,
philanthropy, social and economic development. I have significant
experience within the charitable, governmental and private sector over a 40-
year period putting together strategies, projects and funding programmes.
As both a Director and Manager I have led multi-disciplined teams to plan
and deliver projects and strategies to tight deadlines and budgets. I have
considerable experience of working independently whilst also being a team
player and leader, I am a champion of causes with ability to communicate and
motivate at all levels. I have specific experience of problem solving and
trouble shooting across various disciplines and situations. (118 words)
