When you are a young college grad who is just out of school, Australia can suddenly seem like a fairly unwelcoming place. It always feels like there are fewer jobs than there are applicants, and if you have mostly worked for your family or in part-time jobs, the prospect of an interview can be a little terrifying. If you want to make sure that you are prepared, however, make sure that you consider how you are dressed!
First, scope out the place where you have applied. Look at the people who are walking in and out. If the dress code says business casual but you see everyone in rather more formal attire, mimic what you see, not what their website tells you. Remember that the key to dressing for an interview is to signal that you belong there.
Choose a suit with good lines. This does not mean that you need to go get a bespoke suit; after all, not everyone has tons of money to throw around! Instead, get a good suit off the rack. Choose one that you know fits you across your broadest point, whether that is through your shoulders or your stomach. Then take the suit to a place to have it altered to fit you well. This alone can win you a second glance.
While the suit does not have to be custom made, why not kick your outfit up a notch by throwing in some custom made accessories? A custom made tie is an easy way to give your outfit a focal point and to make sure that you get some attention. A great custom made time is created using the most luxurious materials around, giving you a chance to shine.
Remember not to neglect your shoes. The old saying goes that you can learn a lot about a many by his shoes, and if you are someone who is invested in making sure that you make a good impression, choose shoes that are not worn and that have been recently shined. If you do not have access to a shoe shine place, it is very easy to pick up some shoe polish and to take care of it yourself.
Are you ready for your big post-college interview? Whether you are in Sydney or Canberra, you need to look like you are ready for everything, and this starts with your wardrobe. Don’t forget that how you look matters, so dress your best and aim to please!
Author Bio Hayley is a freelance blogger and part time fashion consultant. She recommends custom made ties as a cornerstone of any business wardrobe.
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Cover letter writing may seem like a necessary evil when you are looking for work, but it is no less important than preparing your resume. Taking the time to craft your cover letter well will increase your chances of getting that all-important interview – and a job offer. Here are some short, sweet, and to the point cover letter writing tips to chew on to help you reach your goal.
1. Use a business letter format.
A basic block style format is easy to follow and always looks professional. You don’t need to be concerned about missing an indent on a paragraph like you would if you used one of the other letter-writing styles.
2. Address it to a specific person.
If you don’t have the person’s name, use “Dear Hiring Manager” or “Dear Human Resources Manager” over “Dear Sir or Madam.” It’s worthwhile to make a phone call to the company to find out the name of the person you should be addressing your correspondence to and the correct spelling of his or her name if you are not sure.
3. Writing about how you can benefit the company.
The hiring manager is looking for someone who can increase earnings or save the company money. You can hook his or her interest by demonstrating that you can benefit the company in this manner.
4. Be honest.
Don’t put anything in your cover letter that is not true and that you can’t back up. If the employer find out that you lied, you’re finished even before you have a chance to be interviewed. You can even be fired if the company finds out that you lied on your application after you land the job, so be very careful when you are presenting yourself to an employer.
5. Keep it brief.
Don’t go over one page. Even if you have had a lengthy career. Your goal is to encourage the hiring manager to invite you for a personal interview, not eliminate the necessity for one.
6. Include the title of the position you are applying for.
Hiring managers see hundreds, if not thousands, of resumes and cover letters. Don’t make the person guess which job you would like to be considered for when you apply. If you are responding to an ad, use the exact title so the hiring manager can match your cover letter to the position. In many cases, resumes and cover letters are sorted by computer software and if yours doesn’t use the same keywords, it will be overlooked.
7. Summarize your qualifications.
Tell the reader why you would be a stellar candidate for the position, without rehashing the contents of your resume. The cover letter is meant to encourage hiring manager to invite you to a meeting. Take this opportunity to convince him or her why getting face to face with you would be a good idea.
8. Close with a specific call to action.
Ask for an interview. You could also tell the reader that you will be calling to follow up on your letter. If you decide to add this sentence, make a note in your calendar, and be sure to follow up. To end your letter on a positive note, be sure to thank the reader for his or her consideration.
9. Proofread your writing.
Go over your letter in detail. Ask a trusted friend or colleague to take a look at it for you as well. You don’t want to leave anything to chance when you are introducing yourself to a potential employer. This is your chance to make a good impression, and writing with spelling and grammar errors will immediately relegate your application to the bottom of the pile. It won’t matter whether you have excellent skills or the right educational background for the job at that point.
10. Don’t forget to sign your letter.
This is another detail that you may overlook if you are trying too hard to make a good impression. If you are mailing the letter, put pen to paper and sign it. In a case where you are e-mailing it, make sure you put your name at the bottom of your correspondence. The hiring manager will appreciate your eye for detail when deciding whether to invite you for an interview.
About the author Leslie Anglesey is an academic paper writing specialist and a contributor to EssayTigers. She is an active member of writing and blogging events.
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Community college is a great starting point for many high school graduates who don’t have a clear idea about what their next step should be. Community college can serve as a segue for high school grads who need an environment that offers smaller classes and academic intimacy. While studying at a community college, design students experience flexibility for growing into academic and career goals. Creative students enrolled in courses such as fabrics for interiors or color design may find themselves as emerging interior design professionals and innovators. Are you a community college student who envisions a future as an interior designer? Then transferring to a specialized design educational institution may be your next step.
What is Interior Design, Really?
If you’re an imaginative and artistic individual, then you most likely have the talent to enter the interior design field. Keep mind that the industry requires professionals who also have disciplined and keen business skills. Interior designers are professional creatives, yes, but they must marry business knowledge with aesthetic visions in order to create residential and commercial interior spaces that meet the needs and reflect the styles of various clients. CareersInInteriorDesign.com emphasizes that aspiring interior designers will need to specialize in a wide range of “artistic and technical requirements,” including:
Space, visual and business planning
The interaction of materials, texture, color and lighting
Interpersonal communications and leadership skills
Project management (e.g. proposals and presentations)
Research Top Schools & Programs
To become a licensed interior designer, you’ll need years of work experience and, preferably, an education from an FIDER-accredited school, according to MyInteriorDecorator.com. As you research the best interior design schools for your career path, look for a school that is FIDER (Foundation for Interior Design Education Research) or CIDA (Council for Interior Design Accreditation) accredited. Schools that offer a bachelor’s degree, which is the minimum degree required for commercial work, are best.
Check out state requirements and ensure that a program provides you with those credentials. Depending on education and experience, students can earn the title of certified, registered or licensed interior designer. To be eligible to take the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam, aspiring designers need a bachelor’s degree with two years of full-time experience or an associate’s degree with four years of full-time experience. Participate in internships or the Interior Design Experience Program (IDEP) to gain experience and strengthen skills.
Is Your Future in Interior Design?
According to The Wall Street Journal, interior designers start with a salary on average of $36,000 and can earn upward of $107,000. Median salary is $53,000. As of July 2012, the Bureau of Labor Statistics stated that jobs for interior designers are “expected to increase by 19 percent from 2010 to 2020,” which is average. Still interested? Designers can specialize in residential and commercial settings, including office buildings, shopping centers and malls, and airport terminals. Various concentrations include hospitality, corporate and institutional, industrial and retail.
Designers can earn a living as a:
Self-employed freelancer; 30 percent of interior designers were self-employed in 2010
Contractor for a design agency
In-house designer for a firm
Innate passion and ambition for networking and building a portfolio will drive your success. Although the idea of achieving your dream of becoming an interior designer may feel overwhelming, take one small step at a time and keep your eye on the prize.
Byline: Vivian believes that window shopping is an extracurricular activity and that shoe shopping is a sport. She loves Target for its fashion and cheap chic style.
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Are you looking for job right now? Perhaps, you are already employed but want to find new opportunities? But whichever of these statements is true for you, the thing is, finding breaks could be difficult these days.
But you need not worry because there are ways to increase your chances of getting a new job. One of the easiest methods is by signing up with anemployment agency. To ensure that you will get job offers in the field of your choice, go for recruitment agencies that only accept candidates for specific job positions.
Now, if you are seriously considering registering with a job recruitment company, there are important things to know before actually signing up with them. By knowing about these things, you will be able to find out if you have found the right employment agency.
Do they offer lots of job opportunities? Keep in mind that you are better off with job placement companies with stacks of jobs to offer. The reason for this is simple, if they hold plenty of job posts; it is a sign that the agency is popular and trusted by many companies that are looking for additional employees. Likewise, being popular with businesses also points out that the agency is likely to be the right one for you.
Find out if they have your target job positions. What kind of occupation are you looking for? If they rarely offer a job in your field, approach them as directly ask how often they post jobs that fit you.
What is their reputation in the business? You will know the answer to this if you will talk to people who are familiar with the agency. Also, look into the years that the agency has been in the business. Of course, the longer that they have been in operation, the better. This also implies that they are successful at what they do.
It is always awkward to ask anyone about how they are doing or how good they are in their line of work. But you must not be afraid to ask about this since it will help you determine whether you can work with them or not. To put it simply, inquire about the number of job placements that they usually make each month.
Knowing about these things will give you a good picture of what the agency is really like. With the information that you will gather, you will be able to make a wise decision when contemplating whether to sign up or not. Regardless of what job you are searching for, make sure to get a hold of the recruitment agency service that will work for you.
Further, job recruitment involves the action of providing work, recruiting or signing an agreement with workers, and matching jobs for employers and job hunters. Posting of job advertisements can also be part of their work. It is normal for employers to pass on the task of screening and interviewing qualified applicants to the job agency that they trust and working with.
Facts about online employment agencies
Because the internet is also being widely used by recruitment companies, it is crucial to learn about them as well. Firstly, everything could be done via online these days so it is not surprising to find online-based employment agencies. Job applicants also find this as the more convenient option when it comes to finding their dream job.
Job seekers simply leaf through the job openings posted on the agency’s website and upload their resume, along with other documents, once they found a job that they would like to apply to. It is really easy and you get to save time and money too!
Then again, you must be careful with online applications as scamming is rampant in the internet world. Identity theft and human trafficking are two of the worst fraud cases that you must watch out for when using the internet. As a job hunter, you must apply measures in order to safeguard yourself from fake agencies. The best that you can do is to check out their profile and reputation first before making any move of signing up.
This step will allow you to confirm if the agency is operating legally. If they have nothing to hide, they would be more than willing to let you check their complete profile.
As a final point, it is not right to immediately register with London’s job agencies that you first heard of or come across with. All the things mentioned above are important. Be acquainted with them and there’s no doubt that you will end up with the best recruitment agency in London.
Author Bio: The author of this post is Will Smith, a professional blogger who has written many articles on education, career, recruitment agency service and much more.
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‘You never get a second chance to make a first impression’, so the saying goes, the same applies to your CV. This is your first point of contact with your potential employer, you want the interview, and ultimately the job, and so what is on you CV and how it is laid out is probably THE most important factor, otherwise you’re never going to get the job!
Fusion People are global recruitment specialist, and therefore see thousands of CV’s every month. Pull out your CV and follow our breakdown of what not to include on your CV to ensure you get the interview.
#1 Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar
It doesn’t matter what position you are applying for, your future employer will want to know that you have a good grasp of the English language. If you can’t be bothered to spell check your CV, it’s highly unlikely you’re going to be the model employee. If you don’t have the best spelling skills or grammar isn’t you thing then ask a friend or professional to take a look over your CV.
#2 Language
You can spell everything correctly; put all the full stops in the right places but if you’re talking in codes your CV is likely to go straight in to the bin. Obviously it’s excellent to be well read and have a broad vocabulary, however this is no novel you’re writing, your CV needs to be clear, concise and to the point. Imagine you’re the employer sifting through hundreds of CV’s trying to find the perfect employee, who are you likely to choose? The candidate who takes two pages to tell you their life story or the candidate who can articulate in one page his/her experience, skills and ambitions.
#3 Design
Employers aren’t looking for fancy paper or an exuberant design when reviewing your CV. They’re looking for the quality written copy and nothing more. Unless you work in the design industry, which can sometimes require an artistic portfolio, your CV should be laid on plain A4 white paper only.
#4 Photographs
Unless you are applying for a modelling or acting position, a photograph on your CV is a big no no. Your appearance doesn’t affect your performance, therefore adding a photo to your CV can look unprofessional.
#5 Your Salary
Including your salary on your CV can compromise your bargaining power should you get offered the position. It’s best to have an idea in mind of the salary you are aiming for, should your interviewer ask then divulge. Be prepared to justify why you feel you deserve the salary you are asking for, and remember, if you don’t ask you don’t get!
Good luck!
Author Bio: Leah Jarratt is a regular guest writer for Fusion People, global recruitment specialists.
Good luck in your search.
Children face many obstacles on the road to success in school. Problems at home, bullying at school, mental and behavioral challenges, and simple economic barriers can make even feeling safe difficult for some kids, not to mention getting good grades. Counselors and social workers are two of the most important resources that kids and their families have available.
When they’re deciding on a career path, many college graduates with a strong passion for helping children often wonder what the difference between a school social worker and a school counselor is, either in elementary schools or at the middle school and high school level. It can be a tough question to answer because there is a lot of overlap, and when it comes to the licenses and requirements for either job, much of it depends on the state you live in. But in understanding what the careers themselves are like, there are a few clear distinctions.
1. Where They Work
Virtually every public school employs counselors. They’re an important part of the staff no matter what the education level. But not every school employs social workers. Usually, states don’t require them to use social workers, but in urban settings, especially at low-income schools, many administrators and school boards find that social work is integral to their students’ success. Also, while counselors are employed at a particular school, social workers are usually district employees. It’ not uncommon for a school social worker to have two or three schools on their roster.
2. What They Do
The areas that social workers and counselors deal with can definitely be similar and even combine, because the academic and social worlds are usually closely connected for students. But in general, a counselor is much more concerned with what happens at school and how to get a student to succeed in their schoolwork. They can delve into issues of bullying, behavioral problems, learning disabilities, and other things that prevent a student from getting good grades, but they are mostly concerned with academics.
Social workers are concerned with issues that go on at home. This can mean anything from making sure a student has their food and housing needs met to identifying and pursuing cases of possible child abuse. Social workers are also much more likely to meet with parents and school administrators to discuss what can be done about a student’s situation.
3. What it’s Like
In many ways, school counseling is a much easier job than school social work. There are more jobs, you get to spend the day in a comfortable office, and you get to focus on issues of academic progress. But if you’re really passionate about making a difference in the lives of children, many people find social work more rewarding. Social workers can be faced with incredibly hard decisions, such as whether to place a child in foster care. They deal with harrowing and depressing cases, but they can also be the champions for kids whose suffering might otherwise have gone undetected. Choosing between counseling and social work all depends on what you want out of your career.
Children can potentially have many resources and many advocates on their road to adulthood, and counselors and social workers are two very important ones. Depending on the school they work in and the region they live in, they can end up handling very similar situations and helping students in similar ways. In choosing between them, you have to decide how willing you are to handle the toughest cases. Helping a child learn and helping them know they are valued can often go hand in hand.
Brent Davis is an avid blogger on primary and secondary education the issues facing today’s schools. For those with a passion for helping children cope with balancing life and school, UNE’s online masters degree in social work can help make your passion a career.
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Despite your many talents you might be wondering why you’re failing to land your dream job. There are a few key underpinnings to getting the most from an interview. It’s not just the important details (although we’ll go into those), but also the ability to empathize and see things from the employer’s perspective. Here’s a step-by-step approach to what you can do:
Step 1: Do your research
As a prospective employee, you need to show an avid interest in the company that you hope to one day be gainfully employed in. This means that you really need to do your research and find out everything you can about the company. Careful study of the position you’re applying for and its requirements is certainly a good first step.
Step 2: Prepare your questions beforehand
When you arrive at the interview you want to be armed with that research which should have led you to compiling your interview questions. A careful line of reasoning will allow you to compile a set of questions that will show not only your careful thinking about your position in the organization, but that you’ve also put some thinking into what they stand for and your future with them.
Step 3: Prepare the ground
Now that you’ve bombarded the interviewer with your keen intellect and shown them that you want to be a future CEO you need to show them why they really can’t afford not to employ you. Come at them from two angles:
A quick and professional speech if you’ve only got a limited time such as a minute. A Personal Value Proposition saying exactly why you’re a perfect candidate.
If you’ve got longer you can flesh this out with details of other successes and situations that you’ve been in that have made the most of your skills.
Imagination and forward thinking is what’s going to drive the interview, especially in the later stages or in subsequent interviews. You might be introduced to situations or simulations that they will undoubtedly know more about than you. Show flair,creativity and dynamism tempered with the stable foundation of excellent subject knowledge and these later stages will be as valuable as the initial stages. This type of forward thinking will start to make the interview panel start to see you in the light of being not only an employer but also a potential team member. Especially in Senior Roles this could be extremely invaluable.
Step 4: Know what your interviewer wants
The psychology behind your interview that we’ve already discussed is very important, but there are still fundamental errors that need to be avoided if you’re going to be a winner.
Always dress appropriately. As much thought need to be put into your wardrobe as the other aspects. Remember that first impressions last. Your clothing needs to be regarded not just as the clothes on your back but also the mannerisms and etiquette that you bring to the table.
Timeliness: If you are going to be late to the interview than employers are obviously going to draw the natural conclusion that your career at the company will be marred by these issues.
Don’t just look as if you’re in it for the money. By advancing questions about salary too early you might appear too opportunistic.
Communication is also important: Be a good listener and take on board the thoughts and opinions of the interview panel
Author-bio Johanna Bergstrom is a motivated woman who takes self-development pretty seriously. She is currently associated with Freedownloadb.com and mostly finds herself amongst a wide variety of reading material and business tools.
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Avoiding a job search disaster is a lot easier than you may think. Some people may find it easier to land a job than others even if two people share the exact same credentials. The job hunt experience usually goes one of two ways. It is very pleasant, which usually means you land the job. The job hunt experience can also be an awful experience. Trying to land a new job or internship can be as about as much fun as getting your teeth pulled. There are a few things that you can do to help make the job hunt process a little easier. The following hints, tips, and advice can help you avoid the job search disaster.
Don’t Try Too Hard to Impress – Trying too hard to impress a potential boss can backfire on you big time. Nobody like an overachiever. Patience is one virtue that any job hunter needs to have. Do not be over persistent or pushy. Of course you should highlight your best skills and qualities, but do not be pushy. You should try to showcase your strengths, but do not become overbearing. It is good to show initiative, but it is something completely different to hound potential employers. Make a follow up call on your application or interview. If your call is not returned, take the hint.
Networking – Networking is very important when landing a job. Bad networking can greatly affect the time it takes for you get a job or internship. There is an easy way to fix this issue. Put yourself out there and talk to people in the professional world that you are interested in getting into. Making connections can greatly increase the job opportunities that are presented to you. It is time to meet and greet people in your industry or niche. You may be surprised by how greatly connections can affect your career. Try making connections online through professional social networking websites like Linked In.
Know Yourself – You cannot expect to achieve at much if you do not fully know yourself. You should be aware of your limitations and strengths. Knowing your capabilities can help you during the frustrating job search process. Do not be afraid to take some time for some much needed self reflection so that you will be able to guide yourself down the right paths.
Don’t Let Your Resume Get Sucked into a Black Hole – Sending you resume into a company and never calling in to check on it a second time is a big mistake. Your resume will go to the bottom of the pile while those who show initiative will be given top priority. Part of landing a job is putting yourself out there. Sure, you are going to face some rejection along the way. In the long run, you are going to eventually make an impression on someone. Do not become too pushy. Accept when you have been turned down for a position or internship.
Don’t be Nervous – Being too nervous during a job interview can make employers think that you are anxious in the workplace as well. Be confident. You were called in for an interview because they are interested in your skills. Do not get too cocky. Be assertive, but not overbearing. Don’t let your nerves get the best of you. Be cool as a cucumber. Chat up other professionals that are in your industry. This can also be a great way to make connections.
Do not be discouraged as you make you search for employment. It is not easy landing a job in today’s job market. One thing that is for certain is that you should set yourself apart from your sea of competition.
Author Bio: The article is bang out by Davis Miller. He is the chief editor at a tech site, which keeps publishing latest articles on technology and software. Recently he got very much appreciation for his article on school administrative software.
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Almost every tech company these days will hold phone interviews before any onsite is scheduled. While this means you can keep you comfy slippers on, it doesn’t mean you should get too cozy. To perform well on a telephone interview, first you must prepare in much the same way as for an in-person interview (slippers aside). Next, you must put on your phone etiquette and your listening ears.
Basic Prep for Any Interview
First of all, do your homework! There is no way you will be of interest to a hiring manager, if you do not show that you are interested in the job and the company. Obviously you should check out the company’s webpage, but don’t stop there. Do some research, find out what analysts think. Network to see who you know who works or used to work at the company and get their perspective. Check out LinkedIn and see how the company’s employees and clients interact with it online (are there recommendations, a lot of turnover?).
Keep your resume in front of you in case you need to refer to it. Your resume and your dialogue should communicate your knowledge and expertise and demonstrate the results you achieved in various roles. Your objective is to impart the value equation you represent. Have references available in case you are asked. Your preparation should include being aware of any connections you might have with the interviewer directly or through you references or other connections.
Specific to Telephone Interviewing
Practice good phone etiquette. Be courteous and articulate your words so that your message is transmitted clearly. While you do not want to sounds stuffy or overly formal, it is best to use proper grammar and avoid vernacular.
When you are in front of someone, you can pick up on a lot of visual, non-verbal cues such as facial expressions, body language and eye contact. According to UCLA Professor Emeritus Albert Mehrabian, 55% of messages received and processed by your brain are based on your body language. So on the telephone, you are at a disadvantage in terms of understanding and making yourself understood. On the telephone you need to listen very attentively and try to pick up on any cues you can. Listen for repetition, tone of voice, pauses, quick or interrupting responses, laughs or sighs.
Watch the speed of your speech, especially if either you or the interviewer is speaking in a language that is not their mother tongue. Set a pace that is similar to that of the interviewer so that there is a flow and handing off turns speaking is natural. Be mindful that you need enough speed to keep the conversation lively and interactive, but you don’t want to dominate; and steer clear of taking such a slow speed that there are confusing silences or that you convey a lack of interest.
If your interviewer repeats information, this is like a yellow highlighter – make sure you pay attention and integrate the information. If a question is repeated, you should make sure you address it; if you feel that you have already answered the question, then articulate your answer a different way or ask for clarification as to what information the interviewer is seeking.
Are there background noises that may pertain to your conversation? If the interviewer is shuffling paper, tapping a pencil, or carrying on another conversation, you have lost their interest and better figure out how to get back on track. Quickly evaluate whether this strayed focus has to do with your communication style or content, or whether there is an extrinsic event occurring. If the fault lies with you, try to salvage the call proactively – if you’ve been long-winded, then shorten your answers and stay on point. If you hear that the interviewer is trying to respond to a crisis in the office, offer to re-schedule the call.
Be aware of the noises that may be coming from your side of the telephone. Turn your radio, television, other telephones and electronics off during the time of the interview so as not to be distracted, or cause any diversion or loss of communication. If you feel compelled to be up and walking around, be mindful of any collateral noises you are creating or approaching in your pacing.
Are you hearing ooohs, aaahs, or uh-huhs? This is generally a positive indicator that you are on the right track. If the noises are ugs or neighs, well try to evaluate whether this is spurred by your content or delivery and make adjustments.
Don’t forget to make some noise yourself. In a face-to-face interview you can lean forward, you can nod your head, you can smile to affirm your interest and agreement. You need to make sure your enthusiasm and interest come across over the phone. Do not interrupt, but do acknowledge the speaker so that he/she knows you are still there, and that you are interested.
Listen to tone and inflection, the interviewer’s and your own. Professor Mehrabian’s research shows that 38% of messages are processed based on your tone of voice. So how you say something is as important as what you are actually saying. Be expressive, use a tone of voice that communicates the interest and emotion that you are trying to convey. If you smile when you are talking, it will be infused in your voice – a phenomenon that is both psychological and physiological.
Pay attention to the interviewer’s tone. Are they even-sounding or are they progressively sounding more or less interested? If your interviewer’s voice becomes monotone, you’ve probably lost them. If his/her voice becomes somewhat high-pitched or emphatic, they are probably enthusiastic. An overly high-pitched tone may indicate disbelief or indignation.
Don’t just answer the question and await the next, this isn’t a batting cage, it is a dialogue. Lob the ball back once in a while, to clarify the role or dig deeper into the position’s priorities, ask about the interviewer’s history at the company, or what they value most about the company culture. An interview is between two humans and its purpose is for both of you to evaluate a potential partnership.
About the Author: Anna Mathieu, Marketing Communications Manager, brings together in-the-trenches recruiting experience as well as years of marketing and sales success in a variety of industries from software to real estate development. She thrives on evangelizing the Redfish brand and communicating Redfish’s expert recruiting services, to drive bottom line results. About Redfish Technology – Nationwide IT Recruiting for the High Tech Industries Founded in Silicon Valley in 1996, Redfish Technology has been a leading provider of high tech and clean tech professional and executive talent. Partnering with growth mode companies, small and large, Redfish staffs executive functions and builds out the teams below. The company provides services nationwide and has offices in Silicon Valley, the East Coast, and Sun Valley.
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Writing a great CV (curriculum vitae) isn’t always easy, especially in today’s tough economic climate. When jobs are plentiful, you can get away with having one that just is good enough and adequately illustrates your experience. However, with increased competition for jobs, employers now have a large pool of talent to choose from. So what does that mean for you? That means you are going to have to step up your game and really create a CV that will grab the attention of the employers. How do you go about creating a CV that will really impress potential employers? Here are three good ways:
Put your most impressive work first
For English speaking countries, the human eye is trained to read from top to bottom, left to right. So it is natural for anyone looking at your resume to look at the top of your CV first. So by putting your most impressive work and accomplishments on the top, you will ensure that your CV gets noticed. If a recruiter has a lot of resumes to go through, they will not spend more than a couple of minutes on a resume. So it is important that you show them a reason why they should spend more time on your resume.
But remember, what’s impressive to you may not be impressive to potential employers. So think like a recruiter; what would a recruiter want to see first? If it is a computer programming job you are applying for, then you might want to put all the programming languages you know first and foremost. Be sure to start with the most complicated or sought after languages first. So what does that mean? That means you should put HTML, JavaScript, and PHP last in favor of Python and Ruby on Rails.
Leave out anything unnecessary
Leave out anything that doesn’t have to do with the job you are applying for. If you are applying for a position as a budget analyst, you do not need to talk about your prior career in retail sales. However, that is not say that you should leave out everything that doesn’t deal directly with the job you are applying. Putting in experience in tertiary or related fields will definitely help your resume as it shows that you have a wide knowledge base. So going along the lines of the budget analyst example, you should definitely put in your experience as a tax accountant or a project manager if you have such experience.
Approach your CV with a minimalist attitude
Too many people make the mistake of cluttering up their CV, trying to fit as much as possible on that one page. That’s a big mistake. Clutter makes it hard on the eye. Rather, you should adopt a minimalist approach when trying to write your CV. If you have a plethora of prior experience, then you should just pick a few of your most impressive projects and talk extensively about them—rather than giving a brief synopsis of all ten of your prior projects.
So the next time you are applying for a job and sending in your CV, remind yourself that your CV should convey the most important information first, should leave out anything unnecessary, and should not be cluttered. If you do these three things, you can be sure that your CV will get a more extensive look.
About the author: Felix Tarcomnicu is the CEO and founder of ResumeOK.com. There he writes tips and CV templates for job seekers.
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When you are a young college grad who is just out of school, Australia can suddenly seem like a fairly unwelcoming place. It always feels like there are fewer jobs than there are applicants, and if you have mostly worked for your family or in part-time jobs, the prospect of an interview can be a little terrifying. If you want to make sure that you are prepared, however, make sure that you consider how you are dressed!
