BCBE Answers For Previous Yr Papers
BCBE Answers For Previous Yr Papers
BCBE Answers For Previous Yr Papers
Employee Trust
Relationships
Clarity
In an organization, confusion and ambiguity can create negative feelings and a tense
atmosphere. By making roles and responsibilities clear to everyone on staff, you can
give your employees the information they need to get their jobs done; this is
particularly important when your employees are dispersed or come from different
backgrounds. Communication reduces misunderstandings and cuts the costs associated
with mistakes.
Collaboration
Communication can help your employees collaborate effectively, which will make for a
more-productive team overall. When you have multiple departments who are working
on different facets of the same project, communication can streamline the process and
improve the end result. When your staff talks openly to each other, they can
communicate potential issues, requirements and feedback that can make the result
stronger. Communication can ensure that everyone is on the same page and prevent
problems down the road
Clear Expectations
Effective communications help to establish clear expectations for employees and, perhaps
surprisingly, for customers as well. For employees, clear expectations will convey how their
performance will impact the company and give them an indication of what they need to do to achieve
positive feedback. For customers, clear communication can help manage their expectations about
service issues or even about how best to interact with the organization.
Open channels of communication can lead to new ideas and innovation in a number of areas.
Employees that understand what's important to their companies can focus on making improvements
and spotting opportunities for innovation that can help further success. When employees know their
ideas will be sought after, that company leaders will have open minds and be responsive to their
feedback, they're more likely to contribute their ideas. Customers also can be a source of great ideas
to help improve products and services.
Visual aids include overhead transparencies, flipcharts, slides, handouts, white boards, and
blackboards.
Audio aids include cassette tapes and compact discs.
Audiovisual aids include videotapes, films, and computer multimedia.
Q3. What is the difference between a CV, resume and bio-
data? What needs to be focused on while writing a resume?
RESUME
Structure: A good resume would start with a Brief Profile of the candidate,
Summary of Qualifications, followed by Industry Expertise and then Professional
Experience in reverse chronological order. Focus is on the most recent
experiences (with responsibilities and accomplishments), and previous
experiences are only presented as a summary. This would be followed by
Education details and/or Professional Affiliations and/or Voluntary Initiatives.
BIO-DATA
Bio Data is the short form for Biographical Data and is an archaic terminology
for Resume or C.V. In a bio data, the focus is on personal particulars like date of
birth, gender, religion, race, nationality, residence, marital status, and the like. A
chronological listing of education and experience comes after that.
To summarize
– A resume would be ideally suited when experience people apply for specific
positions where certain specific skills are more important than education.
– A C.V., on the other hand should be the preferred option for fresh graduates or
people looking for a career change. It could also be used by people applying for
academic positions.
– The term bio-data is mostly used in India when people apply for government
jobs, or for research grants where one has to submit descriptive essays. Bio
Datas are not common in the international markets where personal information
like age, gender, religion are not required to be submitted by candidates.
Resume means "SUMMARY" in which one document background and skillset details for an employment.
A simple resume may not longer than two or three pages of size A4. A good Resume may contain
academic and professional qualifications, professional and voluntary
experiences,achievements,acomplishments etc. Most applicants just highlight the experiences and the
skillsets with project works in the resume. There are generally two types of resume
(i) Reverse chronological resume, the work experience is sorted chronologically on basis of number of
years served in an organization. And
(ii) Functional resume, the main focus is given on the require skill sets for an organization.
Resume is more applicable for middle and senior level job where experiences and skill sets get more
preference than acedemic qualifications.
CV (CURRICULUM VITAE)
CV means "course of life" i.e; the course of one's life. A curriculum vitae is more specifically focused on
academic achievements than resume. CV's are longer than resume as it more emphasis on
completeness of one details. A CV documents career objective,educational and academic
details,technical skilsets,strengths and weaknesses,academic honours and awards etc. A curriculum
vitae should always be accompanied by a cover letter. A CV is preferred option for fresh graduates,
people looking for a career change, and those applying for academic positions.
BIODATA
Biodata means "Biographical data" is defined as one's life and work experiences. The main focus on
personal attributes like date of birth, religion, sex, race, nationality, PAN, passport, permanent and
temporary residence, martial status, hobbies, height, weight, hair/skin/eye color, and a photo etc. One
can not expect to predict all future behaviours from Biographical information, but it helps in individual
selection in that it can give an image of most likely future behaviours based on an individual’s prior
learning history. Biodata is generally used in south asia like India,Pakisatan,Bangladesh etc. In India
biodata is used for defence jobs,government jobs, or when applying for research grants etc.
Your resume is a mirror of what your career has been like and what you can
offer in terms of professionalism to your prospective employer. But a CV full of
typos, errors and cluttered information doesn't create a good impression. Here
are some useful tips to keep in mind while writing your resume:
Avoid typos
No one is going to give your resume a second glance if you write sentences
like 'I'm a carrier-oriented person' and 'I'm a graduate form ...'. "Typos on a job
application can kill your prospective of landing a job," says Meera Nair, a
senior HR manager. "A sloppy resume means the applicant will do a sloppy
job. Typos and spelling errors are not justifiable on a resume. A CV gives a
first-hand account of a job seeker's capabilities and experience. If he can't pay
attention to something as important as his resume, why should I believe he
would treat my business with care?" she asks.
Avoid exaggerating
You might be tempted to exaggerate, or even lie, about your past. But
remember that employers have tools to verify what's written on the resume.
"We always do background checks, track a person on social media and call
for references before employing someone," states Vishwajit.
Forget fancy, colourful and multiple fonts and jarring text sizes. Also forget
centre alignment for texts and random bolding and italising of copy. "The idea
is to keep the format simple, readable and visually appealing. Trying to
beautify the resume will only give the readers a headache," warns Akanksha
Shah, a HR professional.
TOP COMMENT
never forget to hint that you are ready to sleep around for promotions🤣Dr Bang
The easy way out for most youngsters these days is to model their resume on
their friend's or their peers'. "A resume is personal; it's about what you've
achieved. Why would you copy another person's and replace few words and
basic details?" asks Meera. She adds, "Even if you can only come up with a
one-pager, let it be original."
Q4 What are the skill sets that employers are looking for in a
candidate? How would you write them in your resume?
. Analytical
Employees need to be able to figure things out, so you will need to have some analytic
skills to succeed in the workplace.
The skills you need and the level of skills required will vary depending on the job and the
industry. In conjunction with being able to analyze, employees are expected to be able to
organize, plan and prioritize effectively.
3. Interpersonal
Interpersonal skills, also known as people skills, are the skills you use to interact and
engage with people. I just heard about someone who was hired because of his ability to
connect with people. That trumped the other skills the employer was seeking, so be sure
yours are up to par. Your interpersonal skills will be evaluated during your job
interviews, so it's important to prepare for the interview so you are as comfortable and
confident as possible when interviewing.
4. Leadership
When companies hire for leadership roles they seek employees who can successfully
interact with employees, colleagues, clients and others. Even if you're not applying for
management jobs, leadership is a valuable skill to bring to the employer.
5. Positive Attitude
6. Teamwork
Regardless of the job, employers want to hire people who are team players who are
cooperative and work well with others. They don’t want employees who are difficult to
work with. When you are interviewing be sure to share examples of how you worked
well on a team.
7. Technical
The technical skills you need will vary, of course, depending on the job. However, most
positions require at least some technical skills.
But this does not mean you can just sit back after an interview and wait for the organization to reach out
to you. Sometimes a friendly reminder actually prove beneficial. Sending an email would suffice. But, you
should know when to send an email and what to write in it. A badly written or timed email can botch your
chances of getting your hands on that much-coveted job.
Take a look at the different follow-up emails that you can send after a job interview.
With a lot of applicants submitting their resume for a job, many organizations tend to conduct phone
interviews to zoom in on the best of the bunch. However, you can't just wait for the recruiter to give you a
call for the follow-up interview. You should send him an email that would be a reminder that you’re
interested in the position. In this email, you can mention the various projects that you may have worked
on in the past.
For example:
Thank you so much for talking with me today and telling me about your experience of working with the
company. Getting a chance to work with such a great team would surely be a major learning experience
and I would really appreciate the chance. I am attaching my resume and a cover letter with this email.
You can also find attached a project that I developed while working for my previous firm.
You got a chance to attend the interview and gave it your best shot. Now is the time to send a follow up
email after the interview, which is not only an appreciation for the chance but also a subtle reminder that
you are a great candidate for the position.
For example:
Thank you so for taking the time to interview me today. My time getting to know the team was great and it
gave me an insight into the kind of people I would be working with. I truly believe my skills and insights
could add a lot to your team and together we could help the company surpass its goals.
Sometimes at the end of the interview, recruiters are presented with a tough choice from a couple of
promising candidates. In such cases, they often invite them for a second interview. In case this happens
to you, there is all the more reason to send a follow-up email.
For example:
Thank you for inviting me for a second round of interview. After the first round, I was extremely
enthusiastic about joining your firm. The second interview has reinstated the idea even more. The whole
package of working in such a great organization, under the leadership of experienced personnel and on a
highly responsible position, has enhanced my excitement. I look forward to being a part of your large
team and to work towards meeting the company goals.
The wait after the interview can sometimes seem never-ending. What if you don't hear anything from the
company for a long time? Well, just send an email reminding the recruiter that you are still interested in
the job.
For example:
It has been a few weeks since the interview and I look forward to hearing you from you regarding the
position. During the interview, you had mentioned that you are looking for a hardworking and enterprising
person who can improve your company's functions. I am sure that I have what it takes and am still
interested in the job. In case the job has been filled, please let me know. However, I just wanted to
reiterate my interest in the job. Please let me know if you have any additional questions.
So, you have aced the interview, impressed the interview panel and finally got a job offer. Need some
time to think about it? Well, just send an email and ask for some time.
For example:
Thank you so much for the opportunity to work with your organization. It is exactly what I have been
aiming for. I would really appreciate if you gave me some time to think over your offer. I would like to
reiterate that I am honored for having been selected by your esteemed organization. I understand that
you too have time constraints. Is it okay if I get back to you next week?
The coveted job has finally landed in your lap and you are totally impressed with the offer. All that you
need to do now is to accept it.
For example:
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to work with your organization. I am excited about your offer and
would like to accept the position. I look forward to working with such an outstanding team and contribute
to its success.
In case you get a better offer than the one you already have at hand, take some time out and write an
email to decline the offer.
For example:
Thank you so much for the offer and an opportunity to work with your firm. However, I have decided to
accept another competitive offer. This was not an easy decision since talking with you and your team
members was a great experience. But I had to take this decision because [reason]. Thank you once again
for offering me this job.
The follow-up emails that you write after an interview should be extremely professional and precise. This
is what will make a positive impression on the recruiters and have them remember you for all the right
reasons.
What’re the key factors of a killer presentation? Well-structured text, quality images
and public speaking skills, to name a few. However, there are more tricks and detailes
in the presentation making process. Below is our ultimate cheat sheet of 10 dos and
don’ts for making your presentations persuasive and attention-grabbing.
1. Do think about your key message first, outline its supporting points and examples,
rehearse it loudly and time it. Only after these “procedures” should you start working
on your slides. Remember that presentation needs to stand by itself while the slides
are for spicing it up to provide some visual experience.
2. Do a 15-word summary. Can you sum up your idea in only 15 words? If not,
reformulate it and try again until you manage to encapsulate the whole presentation in
15 words. This is a helpful technique used by outstanding public speakers.
4. Do put yourself in the listeners' shoes. When crafting your speech for the
presentation, try to listen to it as if you are the audience. What piece of information is
important to them? What may be boring for listeners? Apply WIIFM (What’s In It For
Me) technique before finalizing your speech.
5. Do choose photos wisely. Use quality images that communicate the concept of your
presentation and aren’t compositionally complex. Ideally, photos should help convey
your message to the audience without diverting their focus from your speech.
6. Don’t stuff the slides with text. Otherwise, your audience’s attention will be split
between what you’re speaking and what they are reading. As a result, effectiveness of
both your speech and slide text will only be weakened.
8. Don’t plan body language. Be natural and relaxed with gestures. Their main
function is to extend your message and reveal the emotions behind the topic of your
presentation. The audience intuitively feels deliberate gestures as they don’t match
your other bodily signals.
10. Don't overuse effects and transitions. No matter how enticing effects the most
presentation platforms offer, resist the temptation to use them for every other slide of
your presentation. The practice shows that effects and transitions don't really enhance
the listeners' experience. However, if you're inclined to use them, choose the
most unobtrusive ones and keep it consistent.
Express your enthusiasm. Emphasize your enthusiasm for the job. This is your final
chance to tell the employer that you believe you are a good fit for the job.
Include anything you forgot. If you forgot to share an important related experience, or
some other valuable piece of information, this is a good place to do so. You might also
clarify anything from the interview if you feel you did not make a strong first impression
in the interview.
Edit, edit, edit. Whether you send the note by mail or by email, be sure to read through
the message carefully before sending it. You are still trying to make a strong impression,
so a professional, well written letter is key.
Your Name
Your Address
Your City, State, Zip Code
Your Phone Number
Your Email
Date
Name
Title
Organization
Address
City, State, Zip Code
Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to talk to me about the Senior
Programmer Analyst position with XXX Company.
I appreciate your time and consideration in interviewing me for this position.
After speaking with you and the group, I believe that I would be a perfect candidate for
this position, offering the quick learning and adaptability that is needed for a diversified
position.
In addition to my enthusiasm for performing well, I would bring the technical and
analytical skills necessary to get the job done.
I am very interested in working for you and look forward to hearing from you once the
final decisions are made regarding this position. Please feel free to contact me at any time
if further information is needed. My cell phone number is (555) 111-1111.
Sincerely,
It was a pleasure meeting you the other day and discussing the teaching assistant position
at ABC Middle School. I really appreciate the time you took interviewing me for the
position.
I enjoyed meeting everyone on the sixth grade team, and getting to ask them questions
about the teaching assistant position. The more I spoke with you and the team, the more I
was convinced that my teaching experience and my passion for small-classroom learning
make me a strong candidate for this position.
I look forward to hearing from you next week regarding your final decision. Feel free to
reach out to me beforehand with any questions or concerns. Again, my phone number is
555-555-5555.
Best,
John Smith
John Cornell
12345 Ghost St, Somewhere City, AR 77777
c: 554-112-3330 e: jcrn@georgemail.com
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.
Accomplishments
Created an Internet Marketing Company that designs and manages websites for
independent contractors utilizing new search engine techniques to increase
customers
Sold interests in start-up for 600% ROI in 1 year
Developed and handled marketing campaigns and budgets for a variety of
businesses in different industries and markets
Extensive experience handling a variety of different clientele through various
levels of communication, from independent agents, to college deans, to
independent contractors
MBA graduate with emphasis in Marketing, Finance and Entrepreneurship
CEO of Gotebo 20XX Business Plan Competition, Honorable Mention at the Big 42
Competition, business plan became company later that year
EXPERIENCE
Handle all marketing and advertising budgets for internet media start-up
Design all marketing and advertising material for Sagax and various spin-offs
(cityelectrician.com)
Coordinate efforts with Sack’s 2 other operating partners on all projects and
planning
Design websites for usage and feel, limited programming duties
Responsible for all aspects of in-store employment (hiring, training, coaching, and
termination)
Provided customer/store support, involving problem solving, procedural changes,
and corrections
Analyzed and rewrote procedures/training manuals to improve efficiency and
customer service
Designed flexible training program for in-store employees for technical and non-
technical users
EDUCATION
MBA, Gotebo University
BBA, University of Massachusetts
ACTIVITIES/INTERESTS
B SECTION
Q1. Give 5 ways in which we can create first positive
impressions. Why is body language important in creating
positive impressions?
It takes only three to five seconds for someone to form a first impression about you? And while you might wish that
opinion was based on your intelligence or experience, most studies show that first impressions are shaped by what
can be seen or heard in those initial few seconds.
One way to ensure a positive first impression is by managing your image. According to the Image Consulting
Business institute, image management is “a science and art that provides a framework, addressing all the elements –
clothing, grooming practices, body language, etiquette, and vocal communication.” Image management is important
for creating positive first impressions because it helps you:
What does your current image say about you? Take a few minutes to think about how you come across to others and
jot down a few notes, then utilize the following five tips to determine ways you could change/improve your image to
inspire a more positive first impression.
Tip #1: Be mindful of how you appear to others. From head to toe, you want to be sure that you are portraying the
image that presents you in the best possible light. If you want people to view you as professional, ask yourself, “do
my clothing, jewelry, and makeup choice reflect my individual professionalism?” If not, consult with a personal stylist
for an updated style or sit down with a make-up artist to create a different look.
Tip #2: Be on time. Nothing shoots you down faster than being late for an initial appointment or meeting – even just
a minute or two. Always give yourself more than enough time, allowing for traffic delays or parking hassles. Always
be on time.
Tip #3: Role-play your verbal and nonverbal communication. Speak clearly, professionally, and at an appropriate
pace and volume level when meeting someone for the first time. Ask a friend to role-play and look for ways you can
modify your verbal communication to create an improved first impression.
Tip #4: Evaluate your non-verbal communication. Practice non-verbal communication, such as shaking hands
firmly and establishing good eye contact, to ensure you aren’t doing anything that could damage a good first
impression.
Tip #5: Examine your attitude. Your attitude shows through in everything you do. Project a positive attitude, even in
the face of criticism or if you’re feeling nervous. Strive to learn from your meeting and to contribute appropriately,
maintaining an upbeat manner and a smile.
In our everyday lives, the majority of our time is spent dealing with people, meaning we are
constantly communicating, whether we are aware of it or not. We send out unspoken signals
that other people interpret, and this can either help or hinder our success. This is why it is
important to always monitor body language.
1. EYE CONTACT
Maintaining eye contact when you communicate with people is extremely important.
It tells the other person that you are interested and engaged in what they are saying.
It also conveys confidence and helps you to build trust.
2. FACIAL EXPRESSION
Your facial expressions support what you are you are saying, and they also express
how you feel about what you are hearing. Ensure that you present a friendly facial
expression with a smile when meeting new people. This will make the other person
and yourself feel more comfortable and at ease. A friendly expression also makes you
more approachable.
3. HANDSHAKE
The great thing about handshakes is that they are appropriate in many situations and
are considered a polite gesture. Ensure that your handshake is not too limp and also
not too firm. Handshakes also go hand-in-hand with appropriate physical contact.
Shaking hands brings two strangers closer together and is a great way to establish a
connection and create a welcoming first impression.
4. POSTURE
Before people meet you, they may see you walk into a room or find you sitting down.
What your posture is like in that situation already gives them an indication of what
type of person you are. Slumping and slouching may create the impression that you
are uninterested or lazy. So, sit or stand up straight, and keep your head up. This will
help you look confident.
5. GESTURES
The gestures you make while talking or listening can say a lot more about you than
you think. Sometimes your gestures can reveal the truth about how you truly feel
about something you are either saying or hearing. While using some gestures when
communicating is important and helps you look less rigid and more confident, beware
of gestures like fidgeting and tapping your feet, as these make you look nervous.
Other gestures to be aware of are crossing your arms and turning your body away from
the other person, which make you look closed off.
Body language is a powerful tool that can change how people see you and that can
affect your success in either a positive or negative way. Using good body language like
making eye contact, having good posture, and using your gestures the correct way can
help you in a variety of situations, such as job interviews, presentations, and making
friends. Good body language can be practised and mastered and can help you enjoy
great success in both your personal and professional life.
Chronological Resume
A chronological resume starts by listing your work history, with the most recent position
listed first. Below your most recent job, you list your other jobs in reverse chronological
order.
Employers typically prefer this type of resume because it's easy to see what jobs you have
held and when you have worked at them. This is the most common resume type.
This type of resume works well for job seekers with a strong, solid work history. If you
are just starting your career, or if you are changing career fields, you might consider a
different resume type.
Functional Resume
A functional resume might not include one’s employment history at all, or might have a
concise list of work history at the bottom of the resume.
Functional resumes are used most often by people who are changing careers or who have
gaps in their employment history.
It is also useful for people who are new to the workforce, have limited work experience,
or who have a gap in their employment. By highlighting skills rather than work history,
one can emphasize that he or she is qualified for the job.
Q3. What are the various types of interviews? What are the
things you will keep in mind a) preparing yourself for an
interview b) conducting yourself during an interview c) after
the job interview ?
The Telephone Interview
Often companies request an initial telephone interview before inviting you in for
a face to face meeting in order to get a better understanding of the type of
candidate you are. The one benefit of this is that you can have your notes out in
front of you. You should do just as much preparation as you would for a face to
face interview, and remember that your first impression is vital. Some people are
better meeting in person than on the phone, so make sure that you speak
confidently, with good pace and try to answer all the questions that are asked.
This can be a meeting between you and one member of staff or even two
members.
The Panel Interview
Several candidates are present at this type of interview. You will be asked to
interact with each other by usually a group discussion. You might even be given
a task to do as a team, so make sure you speak up and give your opinion.
These are several interviews in turn with a different interviewer each time.
Usually, each interviewer asks questions to test different sets of competencies.
However, if you are asked the same questions, just make sure you answer each
one as fully as the previous time.
All these types of interviews can take on different question formats, so once
you’ve checked with your potential employer which type of interview you’ll be
attending, get preparing!
Here’s a list of interview formats that you should prepare your answers for;
These are structured to reflect the competencies the employer is seeking for the
particular job. These will usually be detailed in the job spec so make sure you
read it through, and have your answers ready for questions such as “Give me an
example of a time you worked as a team to achieve a common goal.” For more
examples of competency based questions click here.
Some interviews may be very formal, others may be very informal and seem like
just a chat about your interests. However, it is important to remember that you
are still being assessed, and topics should be friendly and clean!
a)
General Interview Preparation
Here’s a list of questions that you should consider your answers for when
preparing…
3. Prepare responses.
Most interviews involve a combination of resume-based, behavioral and case questions.
We encourage you to meet with us to practice telling your story in the best possible
way.
7. Follow up.
Many interviews end with “Do you have any questions?”
Bring a list. You may say, “In preparing for today's meeting, I took some time
to jot down a few questions. Please allow me to review my notes.”
Be strategic. Cover information not discussed or clarify a previous topic — do
not ask for information that can be found on the organization’s website.
o In your opinion, what makes this organization a great place to work?
o What do you consider the most important criteria for success in this job?
o Tell me about the organization’s culture.
o How will my performance be evaluated?
o What are the opportunities for advancement?
o What are the next steps in the hiring process?
b) During Interview
Arrive on time
It is paramount you arrive for a job interview on time. You should estimate how long the journey is going
to take and add on at least half an hour (maybe even an hour). If you arrive early you can grab a coffee
or go for a walk, but don’t arrive late.
Dress appropriately
The way you dress for an interview is very important; it says a lot about your status and your
expectations. You do not have to attend all job interviews in a suit or a shirt and tie, although some
businesses do expect this, but you do have to present yourself well. Peopleplus (Pty) Limited | Career
Guidance Information 2 If you are not sure about the dress code you could telephone the person
performing the interview to ask, or you could pay a visit to the premises (stand outside at lunch time) to
see what type of clothes the current employees are wearing.
Your entry into the interview room is also very important as this is the time when a first impression is
made. You may be brought to the interview room by somebody who is not involved with the interview
process or you may be collected by the person doing the interview and then lead to the interview room.
Generally, the person performing the interview will introduce themselves by name and offer their hand
for a hand shake. You should reciprocate by firmly shaking hands, making eye contact and offering an
appropriate salutation. If you are collected by a member of staff and lead to an interview room you
should consider this part of the interview and display appropriate respect. Interviewers will often talk to
other people the candidate has met whilst on the premises, this helps to give an overall assessment of
their suitability.
During the interview you should always speak clearly and confidently, but don’t waffle (unless the job
requires it!). Try to realise when you have said enough to answer the question and then say no more. If
you talk too much you could put off your interviewer, but at the same time, if you say too little, you may
not endear yourself to the interviewer enough.
Always try to keep eye contact with the person you are talking to. If there are a few people holding the
interview you should make eye contact with each one, even if it is only for a few seconds at a time.
Looking around the room at doors, windows or other furniture will not create a good impression. Eye
contact instills confidence, trust and develops a relationship.
Ask questions
Usually, at the end of a job interview you are asked if you have any questions. It is always advisable to
ask a few questions at this time as it displays your interest in the position. The best type of questions
focus on the business and the position you have applied for, not the salary being offered, benefits and
holiday entitlement. Ask about the software the company uses, the scope for promotion, the managerial
structure, the initial and subsequent training, the plans for the future, how the company will grow etc.
c) after interview
The Thank-You Note
On this point, everyone agreed: A thank-you note is a must. Most of the pros
recommended you send one via email within 24 hours of the interview. Several
suggested a handwritten card as a supplement when a personal or creative touch
might be especially valued.
But if you really want to stand out, you need to do more than just say “thanks for
your time.” The experts suggested these techniques to make your thank-you note
shine:
“It helps show you are the real deal,” says Tyson J. Spring, head of New Business
& Strategy for EleverProfessional, an Austin, Texas recruiting firm.
Joe Weinlick, vice president of marketing for the online job board
network, Beyond.com, recommends that you “dig deep to find interesting pieces
of information that most people can’t find on the company’s website. It could be
about an award-winning project, a milestone in the company’s history or a recent
initiative. If you take this information and casually work it into the conversation
in a follow-up interview, it will leave a positive lasting impression and increase
your chances of getting the job.”
Should you lose out for a position you interviewed for, accept
rejection in a professional manner. Sure it hurts to hear “No.” But if you
handle the rejection professionally, you might be considered for a future job at
the same employer.
Social media and networking sites can be used for careers research, job
seeking and to market yourself to future employers as well as sorting out
your social life – something that many students and graduates are
surprisingly unaware of. In a recent survey by SHL, less than 40% of
graduates said they would consider marketing themselves to
recruiters online. This means that the other 60% are missing the
opportunity to present themselves in a positive light and use social media to
help them get a job
Also try Googling your name both on the web and for images to make sure
that nothing inappropriate shows up.
A survey by Right
Management found 94% of job
candidates reported LinkedIn
was their top social media site
for job hunting, while two thirds
LinkedIn of hiring managers chose
LinkedIn www.linkedin.com is LinkedIn as their top social
a business-oriented social media site for sourcing
networking site with over 90 million candidates.
members worldwide. It provides
opportunities to network online with In addition to LinkedIn, job
professionals from all kinds of different searchers were more likely to
employment sectors: there are also use Google+ than Twitter,
groups for different regions and although Generation X
institutions such as universities (including candidates ranked Facebook,
one for Kent alumni). Google links Google+ and Twitter about
quickly to LinkedIn and tends to list them evenly.
towards the top of search results, making
a LinkedIn page a valuable tool. Make “The increased use of
sure that your LinkedIn page sells you technology, especially advances
effectively - it should be a bit like an on- in social media related
line CV, and also allows you to mention technologies, has been
your career goals. It's a good idea to put relentless,” said Monika Morrow
your photo in your profile as apparently, at Right Management. “Social
people are more likely to connect to you media, for one thing, helps
if you have one. individuals reach out and build
their job search network. They
LinkedIn Job Search can find people in targeted
Tips http://bit.ly/1ke9EZ6 companies and connect with
Build your LinkedIn profile and those who can help.”
boost your career chances
Viadeo
Viadeo www.viadeo.com is a French-based site similar to LinkedIn.
Although it has fewer users overall it claims to be the number one site in
Europe for business networking and is expanding worldwide.
YouTube
YouTube www.youtube.com is not just about funny animals and music
videos – it is the second-largest search engine and a great way to find
advice from graduate recruiters on interviews or get insights into what it is
like working at different companies.
If you feel that you come over better in person than on an application form,
here is your chance to prove it: tell people about yourself and what you
can offer on a “video CV” like this one www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-
12194581
We want Google to be
the third half of your brain.
Instagram
In the creative industries Instagram feeds are to some extent now replacing
CVs and portfolios. Successful Instagram portfolios may also include
information on your activities outside work as well as traditional material.
Creative directors now often use Instagram to vet candidates as they can
get a taste of your personality as well as your artistic skills.
Other Links
To find useful blogs just Google the name of the company or career area you
are interested in, e.g. IBM+blog or barrister+blog.
Avoid Buzzwords!
Buzzwords make you sound like just another faceless candidate, a plastic
applicant with no real personality who just cuts and pstes from other
people's CVs. According to a survey by LinkedIn here are the top 10
overused buzzwords used in LinkedIn Profiles in the USA in 2010
1. Extensive experience
6. Proven track record
2. Innovative
7. Team player
3. Motivated
4. Results-oriented 8. Fast-paced
5. Dynamic 9. Problem solver
10. Entrepreneurial
In other countries extensive experience was most used in the USA,
Canada, Australia, dynamic was most common in Brazil, India,
Spain, motivated was the most common one in the UK whereas in
France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, innovativeruled the roost.
Personal Branding
A well developed online presence through blogging, social media and
networking can demonstrate that you have the desired skills and knowledge
without necessarily the hands on experience.
Social networking is also important from the employers’ point of view. As per
research, greater than 90% of employers are using social media for hiring.
They are using the social media profiles of candidates as selection factors in
their recruitment efforts. Therefore, it becomes more important for the
candidates themselves to brush up their social media and network.
The reality is that most job openings in real is found through word-of-mouth.
In these social media times, it is now being complemented by social
networking. If you have a strong network and you have friends who have
confidence in you and your abilities, you can easily get them to recommend
you for a post. They can also share information about openings in their
organization. A good and growing social network would allow you to get to
know about new and existing opportunities. There are groups related to
fields of interest, where you search through ads posted by other people.
Experts also say that it is not just important to be seen on social media, it is
important to develop a social media strategy which will help you leverage
the power of the medium effectively. Because recruiters may use the social
media profiles to get an idea of your character and your personality, it is
better to use strategies which will help you project a positive yet convincing
image of yourself.