BYADRIAN HAMILTON (CMATH, F IMA)
CAREER PLANNING WORKSHOP
From his speech Our response
So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself
Nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror
Which paralyzes need efforts to convert retreat
Into advance
Fear following being made redundant or too many refusals of jobs applied for
Can lead to e.g. panic attacks, despair
Look at where we are and have come from (CV)
Market campaign from job search methods through to job interview
President Roosevelt’s Speech
Outline of a CV
Profile (Pen Picture of Facts)
Achievements
Career Progression
Other Relevant Facts
Profile
Management level
Business areas
Functions carried out
Areas of particular expertise
Abilities, strengths
Achievements
Some selected achievements
Excerpts from experience
Leading to abilities and strengths in the first section
Career Progression
Start from most recent
Dates, name of organisation, what it does
Explain any gaps, especially if recent
Key tasks and responsibilities
Other Relevant Facts
Education, qualifications, training
Outside work experience, interests, personal
Only include languages if fluent Only include interests if prepared to discuss with an enthusiastic
interviewer
Example Key Achievement with Action Words
To ease the workload…..I wrote a FORTRAN simulation program…..I designed the program to be efficient in terms of core
storage and run time. As a result I was able to carry out a large number of parametric runs of the model. Based on analysis of the results from the model, I made a number of firm recommendations on management, pre-planning and ‘live’ control decisions related to outpatient return journeys
Finally, I wrote a complete account of the work done…..The customer was very interested….
Example Unique Abilities
A rational step-by-step approach to solving difficult
problems
Gets the most out of those she supervises enabling them to
produce quality work
A unique ability may be base on more than one key achievement
In choosing key achievements they should not be too repetitive
Pros Cons
Cold approach Simple (one letter) Useful if growing company
Response to adverts There is (usually) a job Adverts provide info on what is
happening in the market place
� There may be no job available� Low success rate (<10%)
� Effort required to respond to each advert
� Competition, especially internal recruits
Job Search Methods (1)
Pros Cons
Recruitment agencies A friend between you and the
recruiting company Can offer advice e.g. on the
market
� Someone has to pay the agent’s fees
� Cannot prepare for or take part in job interviews
Job Search Methods (2)
Pros Cons
Contact Networks (Referral) Get to know what it is like to
work in a given field People like to give advice and
receive recognition Build up a network of experts
who know you
� Takes time to build up� Occasionally some may not
wish to talk with you or pass on further contacts
Job Search Methods (3)
Referral Interview Steps
Begin referral meetings with people you already know (lecturers, department heads, institutions/members)
Plan the meeting – aims, objectives, agenda (plan for a short meeting, typically 20 min)
Send a letterMake a telephone call simply to set up an appointment
(day, time, place) Hold the meetingSend a thank you letter promptly (same day)
Letter to Contact
Opening to establish your connectionThe reason for writingDisclaimer not asking for a job or knowing of oneYou are asking for help and advice in your job campaignAcknowledge his time is valuable (no more than 20 min)Commitment to phone soon to set up a meetingExamples in hand out of:
Letter to a primary contact Letter to a referred contact
Referral Interview Agenda
Establish rapport (thank, disclaimer, interest in contact)Tell the contact about yourself Get advice and information, e.g.
Options for you in his field Options in other fields Would your CV (or better résumé) get through his door? Sources of information on jobs in his area
Ask for referrals (full details, permissions)Could you help your contact in turn?
Any further information from him or her would be appreciated
Referral Telephone Call
Prepare for call Have time available Have your diary ready Hand draft script of what you want to say Anticipate objections, e.g. “I don’t see how I can help you”
During the call Do not hurry, be deliberate and composed It may be useful to stand up during the call - focuses mind and body
Finishing the call Thank him or her, confirming the date, time and place Do not hold the meeting over the phone!
Advert Text Your Response
Be an effective communicator
Have an ability to influence decision makers
My enthusiasm for the subject is infectious when passing on knowledge and love of a subject to colleagues, people I supervise and those I teach
My considerable skill in presenting written information….. influencing decision makers. Also I have made a considerable number of successful presentations to senior management and customers
Responding to Job Advert
Presentation of Excellence (1½ - 2 min)
Response to the question “Tell us about yourself”Start with your career objective
Should match the job but not parrot the job advertYour current or last job or course
Details include responsibilities, business areas, functions carried outWhat I can bring to you are:
Start with key unique ability and as appropriate include back up experience
In summary I can deliver…Is there anything you would like me to elaborate on?
Dos Don’ts
Research companyRehearse answers to
difficult questionsAdopt a friendly,
professional approach to all those you meet
Listen, empathise, watch for body language
Unprepared and not knowing what you want
Arriving lateDripping nose and no
handkerchiefLeaving mobile onPoor appearance“Fencing” interviewer
Some Job Interview Dos and Don’ts (1)
Some Job Interview Dos and Don’ts (2)
Do ask questions when prompted, e.g. You said you wanted
someone with a commerce background – what else does the ideal candidate need to succeed in this position?
Don’t bring a dog!
Objectives
List the four parts into which a CV is dividedWrite up an achievement from your own career or other
experiencesDefine one key unique ability based on your
achievementsList four methods of job searchingList three advantages of referral interviewsDraft a response to a job advertField four difficult job interview questions
Top Related