sexta-feira, 4 de dezembro de 2015

Personal and professional CV :

 A critical aspect of creating an effective CV is writing a personal statement, sometimes called a profile or career summary, that enables the recruiter to quickly identify the strategic value you can add to their organisation. Your CV should be a self-marketing document aimed at persuading the recruiter to interview you – and your personal statement is a critical part of making this happen.
Many candidates struggle with writing the statement but it doesn't have to be a difficult as you may think. A well written statement can be between 50 and 200 words, although it is important not to ramble. Remember you always have your cover letter for interesting and engaging information.
It's important to read the job specification carefully and ensure not only that your skills and experience match but you reflect this in your statement. I am often asked whether a statement should be written in the first or third person and, while there are no definitive rules about this, my preference is always to write in the first person because the CV is all about you and your skillset. This doesn't mean that you have to add "I" at the beginning of each sentence, however. The reader knows it's about you so avoid this type of repetition and keep them engaged in your value and transferable skills.
For example an opening statement without the opening "I" could read:
As a highly-motivated and results orientated manager within the luxury hotel sector, I have a proven track record of providing exemplary levels of service to a broad range of guests, including VIPs and high-profile individuals.
This example reads naturally and flows for the reader, whereas if an "I" was inserted at the start, while not hugely different, it would read more like a list. As you move forward with additional information it then becomes difficult to break out of the format you have started.
As a general rule, it's best to break the statement into three sections:

Who you are

As recent graduate from Durham University, with a 2:1 honours degree in media communications, I have undertaken several internships within leading organisations such as Bertelsmann and Times Warner. These placements have enabled me to develop not only specific media industry experience, but also a valuable and transferable skill set in this fast-paced sector.
The above opening allowes the recruiter to quickly identify where you are coming from, that you have had industry experience (something that may be in the selection criteria) and core transferable skills. This in itself could be enough for your opening statement, but it can be expanded upon by adding some additional information.

What you can bring to the table

During placement with Bertelsmann, I worked in the media division contributing to projects – such as the award-winning China Max Documentary – and managed my own research, liaised with various divisions, formulated media reports and participated in group project meetings. Utilising excellent communication skills, I developed and maintained successful working relationships with both internal and external staff.

Your career aim

Looking to secure a position in a media organisation, where I can bring immediate and strategic value and develop current skillset further.

An example of a poorly written personal statement

Tim is a recent graduate from Durham University with a 2:1 honours degree in media communications. I have undertaken several internships within leading organisations. Tim is now looking to secure a position in a media organisation where I can develop my current skill set.
The mismatch of first and third person is not only confusing to the reader, but it almost sounds like a profile about different people. It also lacks specific detail and proof of what value the candidate could bring to the company.
Key points on writing a dynamic and interesting personal statement:
  •   Get straight to the point: avoid lengthy descriptions and make your testimonies punchy and informative.
  •  Keep it between 50 to 200 words maximum.
  •  If you have enough space, use 1.5 line spacing to make you statement easier to read.
  •  Match person and job specifications with well written copy.
  •  Read your profile out loud to ensure it reads naturally.
  •   Don't mix first and third person sentences.
  •  

  • Sources : 
  • http://www.theguardian.com/careers/careers-blog/how-to-write-a-personal-statement-for-your-cv

quinta-feira, 12 de novembro de 2015

Job Interview and Curriculum (CV) :

   Curriculum refers to the means and materials with which students will interact for the purpose of achieving identified educational outcomes. Arising in medieval Europe was the trivium, an educational curriculum based upon the study of grammar, rhetoric, and logic. The later quadrivium (referring to four subjects rather than three as represented by the trivium) emphasized the study of arithmetic, geometry, music, and astronomy. These seven liberal arts should sound a lot like what you experienced during your formal education.


What are the most important aspects of CV that you look for?


45%Previous related work experience
35%Qualifications & skills
25%Easy to read
16%Accomplishments
14%Spelling & grammar
9%Education (these were not just graduate recruiters or this score would be much higher!)
9%Intangibles: individuality/desire to succeed
3%Clear objective
2%Keywords added
1%Contact information
1%Personal experiences
1%Computer skills

How to prepare for a Job Interview : 


1- An important part of interview preparation is to take the time to analyze the job posting, or job description, if you have it. As you review the job post, consider what the company is seeking in a candidate.Make a list of the skills, knowledge, and professional and personal qualities that are required by the employer and are critical for success in the job.
2- When you have created a list of the qualifications for the job, make a list of your assets and match them to the job requirements.Create a list of up to 10 assets, including skills, certifications, experiences, professional qualifications and abilities, computer skills, and knowledge bases and have it at the ready to share with the interviewer. Be sure your assets correlate directly with the skills and abilities required by the company.Review your list, and the job requirements, prior to the interview so you're prepared to share them during the interview.
3- Before you go on a job interview, it's important to find out as much as you can about the company. Company research is a critical part of interview preparation. It will help you prepare to both answer interview questions and to ask the interviewer questions. You will also be able to find out whether the company and the company culture are a good fit for you.Take some time, in advance, to discover as much information as you can about the company.Spend time, as well, tapping into your network to see if you know someone who can help give you an interview edge over the other candidates.
4- Taking the time to practice answering the interview questions you will probably be asked during a job interview will help give you a framework for your responses and will also help calm your nerves, because you won't be scrambling for an answer while you're in the interview hot seat.Practice interviewing with a friend or family member ahead of time and it will be much easier when you're actually in a job interview.Review common job interview question and answers and think about how you will respond so you are prepared to answer.
5- Don't wait until the last minute to make sure your interview clothes are ready. Have an interview outfit ready to wear at all times, so you don't have to think about what you're going to wear while you're scrambling to get ready for a job interview.Regardless of the type of job you're interviewing for, that first impression should be a great one. When dressing for an interview for a professional position, dress accordingly in business attire.If you're applying for a job in a more casual environment, a store or restaurant, for example, it's still important to be neat, tidy, and well-groomed, and to present a positive image to the employer.
6- How you style your hair for a job interview is almost as important as the interview clothes you wear. After all, the interviewer is going to notice everything about you - including your interview attire, hairstyle and makeup - and you only have seconds to make a great impression.
7- It's important to know what to bring to a job interview - a portfolio with extra copies of your resume, a list of references, and a list of questions ask the interviewer.It's also important what not to bring - your cellphone, a cup of coffee, gum, or anything else other than yourself and your credentials.
8- Proper interview etiquette is important. Remember to greet the receptionist, your interviewer, and everyone else you meet politely, pleasantly, and enthusiastically.During the interview watch your body language - shake hands firmly and make eye contact as you articulate your points.Relax and lean forward a little towards the interviewer so you appear interested and engaged. Don't lean back or slump in your chair.You will look too casual and relaxed. Keep your feet on the floor and your back against the lower back of the chair. Pay attention, be attentive, and look interested.The more positive an impression you make, the better you'll do during the job interview. 
9- It's important to know where you need to go for your job interview - ahead of time. That way, you'll avoid running late to the interview. Use Google Maps or Mapquest to get directions if you're not sure where you are going.Program your GPS, if you have one, so you can find the best route to the company. Check on parking, if it's an issue.If you have the time, it's a good idea to do a practice run a day or two before the interview.That way, you'll be sure about where you going and how long it will take to get there. Give yourself a few extra minutes and arrive a little early at the interview.
10- During a job interview, listening is just as important as answering questions. If you're not paying attention, you're not going to be able to give a good response.It's important to listen to the interviewer, to pay attention, and to take time, if you need it, to compose an appropriate answer.Also, be ready to engage the interviewer. You want there to be a give and take type of conversation, so you're building a relationship with the interviewer rather than just providing rote responses to questions.Have questions of your own ready to ask the interviewer.Towards the end of the interview let the recruiter know that you believe the job is an excellent fit and that you are highly interested.
11- Follow up a job interview with a thank you note reiterating your interest in the job.Consider your thank you letter a follow-up "sales" letters. Restate why you want the job, what your qualifications are, how you might make significant contributions, and so on.This thank you letter is also the perfect opportunity to discuss anything of importance that your interviewer neglected to ask or that you neglected to answer as thoroughly, or as well, as you would have liked.

In my opinion : 

Top 10 attitudes to show during a Job Interview :
1- Education
2- Respect
3- Charisma
4- Good sense
5- Posture
6- Humility
7- Good interaction
8- Leadership
9- Union 
10- Patience 
*11- Be you

Top 10 attitudes to avoid during a Job Interview : 
1- Bad vocabulary
2- Being rude
3- Superiority
4- Speaking while someone is speaking 
5- Avoid repetition
6- Demonstrating disinterest
7- Does not maintain eye contact
8- Bad dress
9- Speaking unnecessary
10- Does not pretend to be someone you are not

Sources :

http://jobsearch.about.com/od/interviewsnetworking/ss/10-ways-to-make-the-worst-impression-at-an-interview.htm
http://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/cv.htm
http://www.education.com/reference/article/curriculum-definition/



domingo, 27 de setembro de 2015

Vocation, Career, Professions and Job Market :

A job is something short-term that we do for money. We often hear the phrase “dead end job” when people talk about their work. There’s no long-lasting fulfillment or happiness from a job. For those of us who have had jobs, or have one now, we know that we outgrow one job quickly then search for the next job. All the while, we wonder why we aren’t satisfied with our professional lives.

 A career is something with long-term goals for which we make money. The funny thing about careers is that they are often discussed in a negative way. People try to separate their career from their personal life. Yet when people ask us about ourselves, our careers are usually a big part of how we explain who we are. This seems silly if you think about it because the vast majority of us don’t like our careers. Careers may provide the monetary means to obtain material possessions, but our careers aren’t fulfilling. We aren’t happy for those eight to twelve hours a day we spend in the office.

A vocation, or calling, is something to which we all should strive. A vocation is similar to a career but we also get deep satisfaction and fulfillment from our vocation. So not only do we earn money to obtain material possessions, but those of us who have found our vocations enjoy those eight to twelve hours we spend in the office Monday through Friday. When people ask, “Who are you?” you can answer that what you do to earn a living truly is part of who you are. A vocation gives us deep satisfaction, fulfillment and happiness. A vocation will have you jumping with excitement

A profession is something a little more than a job, it is a career for someone that wants to be part of society, who becomes competent in their chosen sector through training; maintains their skills through continuing professional development (CPD); and commits to behaving ethically, to protect the interests of the public.

The job market is directly related to the unemployment rate. The higher the unemployment rate, the greater the supply of labor in the overall job market. When employers have a larger pool of applicants to choose from, they can be pickier or force down wages. As the unemployment rate drops employers are forced to compete more heavily for available workers, which has the effect of increasing wages.


The career and profession I want to follow is medicine. I really want to become a doctor and I'm already thinking about my future in this area. I know it will be so much dificult, that I'll need to study a lot and really need love people. But I don't have any doubts about it, I want and a feel that this is for me, I born for it.  

And unfortunatelly I didn't found a person who I know that is a doctor. 


Sources : 
http://www.youthdirections.com/the-differences-between-a-job-career-and-vocation-2/
http://www.totalprofessions.com/more-about-professions/what-is-a-profession
http://www.investopedia.com/terms/j/job-market.asp