Resume writing and interviewing skills

By:

Loay Qabajeh

Fuad Tamimi

A M I D E A S T

إدارة أعمال/ علي محمد

What a resume is and its purposes

Types and formats of resumes

Effective Writing of a resume.

Guidelines for preparing cover letters

Be ready for a successful job interview

Techniques of Searching for a suitable job

Use ICT in the resume writing, job interview and searching

for jobs.

Your Goal

Writing

Resume

Search for a job

Interviewing Skills

Follow up

» What is the purpose of the resume?

» Main sections.

» CV vs. Resume.

» Cover letter

A brief summary of your qualifications, skills, and background which represent your educational and work experiences in terms relevant to potential employers.

A self-promotional and marketing tool.

The first impression a prospective employer has of you.

Watch and Discuss

You only get one chance to make a first impression!

Your first contact with a prospective employer will

be when he or she reads your resume.

First impressions are lasting – so think of your

resume as an extension of you!

Never forget that the goal of a resume is to obtain a

job interview.

Remember

There is no such thing as the “right” or “wrong” resume.

The best indicator of whether your resume is doing its job is by answering this question,

“Are employers contacting you?

What is the Purpose of a Resume?

To describe your accomplishments, qualifications, professional and educational experiences

Serve as a record to leave with an employer

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

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

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

CV

Flexible

Live

KISS

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

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

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

1. Understanding the Purpose

2. Understanding the Audience

3. Look at other Resumes.

4. Start writing your first draft.

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

6. Get feedback from a reader.

7. Revise, Proofread and Edit.

Contact Information

Objective

Profile/Summary

Education

Experience

Skills

Honors and accomplishments

References

Address

Phone and Mobile numbers

E-mail address

Personal Website (if available )

LinkedIn /Skype

Keep it Simple

Be professional

Use a permanent address

Avoid nicknames

Reason for sending the résumé

Your objective must be specific, clear, short

and concise.

Focus on your interest as well as your

employers interest.

Tells potential employers the sort of work

you're hoping to do.

• To obtain an entry-level position within a financial institution requiring strong analytical and organizational skills.

• To obtain a position which allows me to utilize my managerial, administrative, and organizational skills to promote growth and foster professional development.

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

• You can targeted specific job title.

• Stay focused on one title or two similar .

Don't explain what you want from an organization

but rather address the skills you are bringing to

that organization.

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

• “10-second sound bite”

• A short phrase describing your profession.

• One or more professional or appropriate personal characteristics

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

Dynamic entrepreneur who utilizes creativity, leadership

and teamwork to design and execute solutions that create

customer value. Effective communicator with ability to

create marketing materials that convey value for both

clients and end users.

Experienced professional with planning and organizational

skills that balance work, team support and ad-hoc

responsibilities in a timely and professional manner.

Business development executive with years of experience

in technical sales, sales management, team leadership, and

business growth and expansion. Proven ability to generate

sales and revenue.

• Think about what you want to say about yourself.

• Create a well-rounded view of yourself.

• Be honest.

• Be confident.

• Avoid trying to answer every question about yourself.

• Use specifics over generalities

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

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

• Your most recent educational information

is listed first.

• Include your degree (B.A., M.A., etc.), major,

institution attended, minor/concentration.

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

• Mention academic honors

2002-2005 Graduate Diploma in Law BBP Law School London

2000-2003 BA in Economics University of Manchester

1995-1998 , B.S. in Business Management , Yeshiva University New York, NY

Certified Public Accountant, CPA, New York State

Briefly give the employer an overview of work that has taught you skills.

Use action words to describe your job duties. Include your work experience in reverse

chronological Include:

• Title of position, • Name of organization • Location of work (town, state) • Dates of employment • Describe your work responsibilities with

emphasis on specific skills and achievements

Include: paid work, unpaid internships, extensive job

opportunities

Use keywords and jargon from your field : You want

to appear to be an insider.

Include skills, experiences and interests that relate

to the target position.

Begin statements with action verbs. Use short

phrases and concrete examples, numbers and

quantities to describe your experiences (i.e., “Supervised

camp activities for 30 girls, ages 6-12”).

Three Types of Skills

Job-related.

Transferable.

Adaptive.

It includes your abilities that are related to the

jobs you are applying for. Include skills that are

relevant to the position / career field that you

are interested in i.e. computer skills, software

skills, and/or language skills.

Mastery of Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel,

PowerPoint, Access)

Experience with BISAN enterprise AIS and with

maintaining office budget

Ability to work with several operating systems,

including Windows and Linux.

Project Management.

Using office machinery .

Customize the skills section of your resume to

match, as much as you can, the requirements

listed in the job posting.

The closer a match your skills are to the job

requirements, the better your chances of being

selected for an interview.

Employers quickly scan resumes, so long lists are

not likely to get read.

» Here you will go into more details than you did

in the objective and summary

» Great opportunity to really sell yourself!

» List any activities that would show special skills,

community involvement, leadership ability, etc.

» List any special honors you have received

No need to say “References available upon request” .

You’ll need three to five people to write or speak on your behalf.

Ask permission before you use someone’s name.

write contact information for them.

Give them your resume.

WHO ARE THEY ?

1) Chronological

2) Functional

3) Combination

4) Targeted

5) Mini

» A business letter that accompanies a resume.

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

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

» May take the form of an email message or a brief

note that accompanies an electronic application

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

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

Third paragraph: Thank the employer and request an interview.

Introduces You; Your Resume

Summarizes Appropriate Aspects of your Education or Experience

States briefly how your Qualifications relate to the Job

Indicates if you have included a Resume, Writing Samples, Transcript, or other documents

Is Brief and to the Point.

Requests an Interview.

An Effective Cover Letter

Your Name

Your Address

Your Phone Number

Your Email

Date

Name

Job Title

Company

Adress

Dear Mr./Ms. LastName,

Please accept my application for the teaching assistant position advertised on Craig's List. I would like to

continue to develop my teaching skills while creating a challenging and fun learning environment for students.

The middle school age group is particularly appealing to me, because students are very impressionable,

interested in learning, and open to new concepts.

I am very well qualified and would be an asset to the school because of my experience working as a teaching

assistant for XYZ School. I have worked with both elementary and middle school teachers, as well as camp

directors to develop curricula that meet the needs of students. I enjoy tutoring students and helping them build

confidence in their ability to achieve, both academically and socially. In addition, I have artistic and computer

skills that will be an asset when developing class projects.

I have attached my resume for your review. Thank you for considering my application. I would appreciate the

opportunity to interview and look forward to hearing from you in the near future.

Sincerely,

Your Signature

Your Typed Name

Templates at your service

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

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Word 2003

Resume Templates

Available

On my Computer

On Line

Wizard Customizations

» From the File menu select New... - the New Document task pane appears

» Under Templates select On my computer... then click on the Other Documents tab

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

˃ Elegant

˃ Contemporary

˃ Professional

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

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

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

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

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» Carry out the same procedure as described before starting with File and New...

» Under the Other Documents tab, select Resume Wizard then press <Enter> for [OK].

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» The various steps in the wizard are shown down the left - click on [Next>] to move on

» Choose the Style you would like for your Resume then click on [Next>]

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

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

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

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» Select the standard headings you would like included - click on [Next>]

» Select any optional headings required - click on [Next>]

» [Add] any additional personal headings you would like to include then set the order for your Resume headings - select each in turn and use the [Move Up] or [Move Down] button

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

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

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

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» A structured meeting

between you and an

employer.

» Interviewing is a skill that can

be enhanced by training.

» PRACTICE makes PERFECT

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» Employers are attempting to determine if you are an appropriate fit for the job and their culture.

» You decide if the work environment is right for you.

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Screening One

2 One

Panel

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Group Series Tele

Conferencing

What Makes a Successful Interview

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Be on time Bring your

résumé

Dress appropriately

Be clean

Look and sound friendly

Ensure you have a high level of hygiene

Answer all the questions the best way you can.

Speak clearly

and show that

you have

prepared

yourself for

the interview

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Do Your Home Work

Know Your Self Prepare

Necessary Material

» Research position, company and industry.

» Know who you will be interviewing with.

» Be ready for a variety of interviewer styles.

» Be ready to discuss your strengths and weaknesses

» Know How to reach the location.

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

» Familiarize yourself with your resume

» Make a list of five accomplishments that you enjoyed.

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

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

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» Copies of your resume.

» Copies of letters of recommendation, and a typed reference sheet to be given to the interviewer;

» Other material relevant to the interview;

» Pen and paper, so that you can note the name of the interviewer, time for future interviews and other pertinent information.

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» Smile

» Maintain eye contact

» Firm handshake

» Remain poised and confident 74

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Component Time Introduction/Greeting 2 minutes

Employer questioning 15-20 minutes

Applicant questions 5 minutes

Closing 3 minutes

40%

25%

25%

10%

Attitude

Image & Appearance

Communication

Job Qualifications

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• Concentrate on being likable and friendly

• Positive language and non-verbal cues

• Demonstrate enthusiasm

• Demonstrate interest

• Excellent Listener

• Be Professional

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Time Management

Communicating Effectively

Working Well in a Team

Problem Solving

Using Initiative

Creativity

Being Well Organized

Being Adaptable

Leadership Customer/

Client Relations

Experience

Behavioral/Competency

Opinion questions

Credential questions

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

»Expect the unexpected

» Turning a Negative into a Positive

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Do not be afraid to ask clarifying questions about the

interviewer’s questions.

Listen well so that you can identify opportunities to

link your skills and qualifications to what the

interviewer is looking for.

It is acceptable to take notes.

Do not interrupt the interviewer.

Take time to formulate your thoughts before

answering a tough question and balance talking with

listening.

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

» REAL :

Relevant information, Experience, Action taken, and Leadership demonstrated.

» STAR :

Situations , Task , Action , Results.

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Positive Signals

» Leaning forward = interest

» Smiling = friendly

» Nodding = attentive and

alert

» Eye contact = curious and

focused

Negative Signals

» Crossed arms = defensive

» Fidgeting hands or tapping feet = nervous or bored

» Lack of eye contact = untrustworthy

» Leaning back= discomfort

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» What are the responsibilities of this position?

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

» Do you support professional development? How?

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

» ………….

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» Be prepared to talk about yourself and your experiences

» Master the art of storytelling

» Provide specific and concrete examples of your results/accomplishments

» Remain positive, enthusiastic, poised, and confident throughout the interview process

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Remember an interview is a formal conversation--avoid filler words like “Um”, “Ah”, & “You know”

Avoid indecisive phrases like: “I think,” “I guess,” “probably,” or “pretty good”

Think before speaking

Avoid long verbose answers--limit your response to 1-2 minutes

If you do not hear or understand a question, ask them to repeat or clarify it for you

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» Remain calm, relaxed, and be yourself

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

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» Lack of proper career planning – purposes and goals

» Lack of knowledge in field of specialization

» Inability to express thoughts clearly and concisely.

» Insufficient evidence of achievement.

» Not prepared for the interview.

» No real interest in the organization

» Ask good questions

» Thank the interviewer

» Request a business card

» Inquire about next steps in the process

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» Send a thank you note within 24 hours

» Letter may be handwritten or typed; e-mail is also acceptable

» Tailor each one to the individual.

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» Remember that only 15% of the success of an interview is out of your control

» Take some time to reflect

- Overall, how well did I do?

- What went well?

- What steps can I take next time to improve?

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Conduct a test run the day before the interview

Practice! Practice! Practice!

Obtain a list of practice interview questions and jot down short answers

Stand in front of a mirror and rehearse your answers

Get a good night’s sleep-be well rested and alert for the interview

Be relaxed and be yourself!

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Using ICT in Resume writing

Recruitment

Application

First Screening

Technical Interview

/ Test

Shortlist

HR Interview

Offers +

Employment

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Searching Tools

Interview Skills

Resume Writing Online Application

Personal Contact (Friends / Family /neighbors )

Alumni / College’s PR office

Career / Employment Fairs

Advertisement in local media (Newspaper/Radio/TV )

Internet Resources , Social Media

Governmental recruitment bureaus

Business recruitment bureaus

Employer’s HR department

Professional associations and Labor unions

Others ( suggest )

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» http://jobs.ppu.edu/

» https://ritaj.birzeit.edu/ecareers

» http://career.najah.edu

» http://jobs.unrwa.ps

» http://jobs.undp.ps

» http://e-career.wataniya.ps

» httP://ecareer.paltel.ps

» http://masader.ps/p/en/view/jobs

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» www.jobs.ps

» www.jobber.ps

» www.ejob.ps

» www.shobiddak.com

» http://paljobs.blogspot.com

» http://www.gpc.pna.ps

» httP://www.diwan.ps

» http://www.sptechs.com

» www.englishpal.ps

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10

6

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Jobs.ps Linkedin.com Visualcv.com

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Follow up with

Employers

Preparing your

Resume

Searching for a job

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Self Development

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Search by Category

Top 5

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4

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(1) •Create An Account

(2) •Update Your Profile

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Selective Friends Business Groups

Edit preferences Business Events

Professional Profile

Branschout.com

Beknown.com

Telent.me

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• LinkedIn is the world’s largest

professional network

• Over 120 million members

• Growing rapidly

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• www.Linkedin.com

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

• http://learn.linkedin.com/

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Sign IN

Sign Up

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Sign Up

Update Profile

Create Profile

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